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.

A TRIBUTE: Bishop Joseph Suren Gomes - A Simple Life of Gentle Service

                               

Bishop Joseph Suren Gomes, S.D.B, Bishop Emeritus of Krishnagar, West Bengal, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 5:55 am in Manorama Hospital, Ranaghat, due to cardiac failure. He was 80 years old. Born on February 14, 1944, in Ashnabad, India (now in Bangladesh), Bishop Gomes dedicated his life to the service of God and the community.

Early Life and Priestly Ordination: Joseph Suren Gomes joined the Salesian Congregation, embarking on his religious journey at the apostolic seminary in Bandel in 1958. He completed his higher education at Salesian College in Sonada, where he also studied philosophy. For theological studies, he attended Kristo Jyoti College in Bangalore. On December 21, 1974, he was ordained a priest at Ranaghat Church for the Salesian Province of Kolkata.

Dedicated Service: Throughout his life, Bishop Gomes served in various capacities. He spent five years as Vice Rector at Bandel Seminary and later served as Rector at Savio Bhavan, Azimganj, from 1987 to 1993. He was the Rector of Don Bosco  Krishnagar from 1995 to 2001. He served in a few Parishes as Assistant Priest. His commitment to the boys under his care was whole-hearted, and he was known for his creative and effective educative methods. As Vice Rector in the initial formation houses, he exemplified gentleness, loving kindness, and encouragement, challenging those around him to deeper growth.

A Humble and Pious Man: Bishop Gomes was unassuming and never sought credit or popularity. His simple living and piety endeared him to many. In hidden ways, he reached out to the last and the least entrusted to his care, embodying the spirit of service and compassion. Before his appointment as Bishop, he  asked many confreres: “"Am I worthy ? Will I manage?" Definitely he was worthy knowing the Scriptural qualities he possessed, especially being “a man without guile”. And he managed in his humble ways, knowing and experiencing well that “every bishop's life is a crucifixion”, following the Master, as commented by one Priest.

Episcopal Ministry: At the age of 58, Pope St. John Paul II appointed him the 7th Bishop of Krishnagar on April 17, 2002. His episcopal ordination took place on May 31, 2002. Bishop Gomes faithfully and in his simple and humble way, led the Diocese of Krishnagar for 17 years until his retirement in May 2019. During his tenure, he actively participated in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI) and served as vice president of the Family Commission.

Legacy of Faith and Hidden Sacrificing Love:  Bishop Joseph Suren Gomes leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith and service. His dedication to the Salesian mission and his unwavering commitment to the people of Krishnagar will be remembered by all who knew him. His life of service and dedication to the community through a simple life and pastoral ministry, will be remembered with gratitude. 

In his homily at the funeral Mass, Bishop Nirmol Gomes said: “Do not be sad, instead believe and trust in me…. There are many mansions in my Father’s house…. I am the Way, Truth and Life. He was a Shepherd after my heart.” Someone wrote: “His death is a huge loss for the diocese, for the Church and for the congregation.” The Bishop continued, “He had many human qualities: humble, ever smiling, a hidden life of sacrifice, gentle, compassionate, truthful and a childlike soul. He was an amazing person with a quality of the heart. He is an example for all.” Citing John Paul II, he said, “His life was “deeply spiritual”, a prayerful person, exemplary life of a pious, holy and poor man.  He lived a holy priestly life, an inspiring life. He is in heaven and praying for us. Through his hidden ways, little ways, with concern for the poor and the least, his was a life of a pastor for his flock. In short, his was an ‘eucharistic life’. Just before his death he indicated to the Doctor through looks and sign: ‘Jesus is by me’.” As we bid farewell to this good man, we trust that he will now intercede for us and continue to guide us in our Salesian journey. 

The funeral Mass for Bishop Gomes was held on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 10:30 am in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Redeemer, Krishnagar, in the presence of 5 Bishops, numerous Priests, Nuns and the faithful, and was buried, according to his wish, in the public cemetery of the  Guadalupe Church Parish, Ranaghat, Nadia. The burial service ended at 4.40 pm – an indication of the presence of a huge flock who came to bid him adieu.  May his soul rest in peace.  email: sorojmullick@gmail.com