ANNUAL FEAST OF OUR LADY OF HAPPY VOYAGE AT BANDEL BASILICA

 

The annual May Feast, a significant event for Bandel Basilica Parish and the Archdiocese of Calcutta, was celebrated on 3^rd May 2015 with the Solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Thomas D'Souza, accompanied by an entrance dance and lively hymns. Sixteen priests concelebrated. In his homily while describing the major Churches and Cathedrals of Rome, the Bishop reiterated how the late Pope Francis had deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. In fact, the Bishop stated that before each pastoral journey to various nations, he prayed for its success, and paid a return-visit with a bouquet of flowers in gratitude before the venerated image of ‘Salus Populi Romani’ (Protectress of the Roman people) in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major outside the  Vatican city, where he is now buried. He said that just as a revered image of the Virgin Mary was once carried in a solemn procession through plague-stricken Rome—bringing healing and saving thousands—so too does Our Lady of Happy Voyage of Bandel offer comfort and healing to the thousands of pilgrims who journey to her shrine in search of help and hope.  Basing on the Bible, the Bishop said that God is the maker of history and he continues making history even today in Bandel Basilica through Mary’s interventions, just as it happened at the marriage feast at Cana.

This was followed by a Marian procession in and around the campus lastly reaching the ground beside the river Hooghly, while reciting the Holy Rosary and singing hymns to Mary. Devotees followed in a procession, with the statue of Our Lady of Bandel, honored by the Mothers’ Sodality, lay parishioners, youth group, priests, aspirants from Don Bosco Seminary and other members of religious communities. In a homily preached by Fr. Mukul Mondol, a Redemptorist priest, spoke of the maternal protection of Mary on all faithful and her constant accompaniment with all who have deep devotion to her, having been inspired by Mary’s own faith, Fiat and motherly love. He said, a Mother, given to us by Jesus on the Cross, never forgets her children. She, as our heavenly Mother, comes down to walk with us on our daily journey, in our pains and sorrows, in times of need and hopelessness. She intercedes for us whenever we are in need of help. The procession culminated with the Eucharistic adoration.

This year’s celebrations carry extra significance as the Church observes the Jubilee Year 2025. On 3^rd May evening the celebration culminated with a special felicitation ceremony honoring jubilarians who are celebrating important milestones of 25, 50, or 60 years in their Marriage, Religious Profession, or priestly ordination, through words of appreciation and a short cultural programme organized by the Parish members where the youth took an active part.

The following day, 4^th May, Sunday, there was another Eucharistic Celebration at 9 a.m. presided over by  Archbishop Thomas D'Souza wherein 12 boys and girls received the Sacrament of confirmation. In his homily the Bishop said, God is love and mercy; and that Peter’s fearless preaching on Christ and his three-times re-confirmed assurance of love to Jesus’ repeated question –Do you love me?– is a witness for all of us to follow, which entails fear-free responsibility as soldiers of Christ to live the mystical life, death and resurrection of Christ, daily.  The two-day event concluded with a final hymn dedicated to Our Lady, and all the attendees left with renewed faith and a sense of community solidarity.

In anticipation of the annual May feast, besides the normal Novena with a Triduum consisting of procession, Rosary and a special prayer,  a group of passionate young devotees at this Marian shrine had launched an inspiring initiative to deepen Marian devotion within the parish community. Nine dedicated young individuals had created short meditative video reflections that blend historical insights with profound Eucharistic, Salesian and Marian themes, shared widely via the Basilica YouTube channel and other WhatsApp groups. Their heartfelt effort highlights the rich heritage of the shrine and fosters spiritual growth among fellow parishioners. Since April 25th, these reflections have been accessible on the Bandel Church website, reaching a broader audience and enriching the faith of many.

The much-anticipated two-day-long May feast of Our Lady of Happy Voyage continues to inspire devotion, with the faithful, volunteers, and young parishioners fostering a strong sense of community. Drawing hundreds of devotees, regardless of caste or creed, the shrine offers a deeply spiritual experience to all, welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and strengthening the bonds of faith in a place rich with history and devotion.

Since 1928, the Salesians of Don Bosco have been the devoted caretakers of Bandel Church, a historic Marian pilgrimage center in West Bengal that dates back to its founding by Portuguese missionaries in 1599. In recognition of its rich history and devotion, Saint Pope John Paul II elevated the church—dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosario, Our Lady of the Rosary— to the status of a Minor Basilica in 1999 during its 400th anniversary. The Basilica, commonly known as Bandel Church, stands as a powerful testament to faith and National-Christian heritage.