A new Marian shrine in Balasore
In November 2023, the cathedral parish of Balasore in eastern India celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its founding. At that time, the desire was born within the community to establish a Marian shrine within the cathedral grounds. There was previously no place where the faithful could gather to express their special devotion to the Mother of God, to pray together, and to light candles before her image.
The cathedral grounds are in fact ideally suited for this purpose, since on many special occasions, the faithful would gather here from all over the diocese. And in the Holy Year in particular, there are numerous initiatives here for deepening their faith.
The idea was embraced enthusiastically by the faithful and many of them made real financial sacrifices in order to see this dream fulfilled. Sadly, it was still not enough, partly because inflation resulted in a sharp increase in prices. Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, however, we were able to contribute $16,050, so that this shrine in honour of Our Lady could finally be completed.
The shrine was completed and solemnly consecrated on November 24, 2024, the Feast of Christ the King. It is now visited every day by around a hundred Catholic faithful, thereby underlining just how important it is as a centre of devotion and communal love.
The shrine is built on three levels, with Christ the King as the principal patron of the diocese at the summit. Then, on the middle level, Saint Joseph, protector of families, blesses all the families of the city of Balasore. On the ground level stands Our Lady, Mother of God, with outstretched hands, blessing all who turn to her. The shrine is also strategically placed close to a busy street, so that all who pass by, even in haste or simply by chance, can nevertheless spend a moment in prayer with her.
We have received a thank you letter from the parish and would like to share an excerpt with all of you who have helped: “Our Saturday Marian devotions and the Marian youth movement have both been given a real boost as a result of this shrine … We entrust every one of our benefactors beneath the blue mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Balasore.”
