More than 200,000 pilgrims visit the Mariamabad Shrine, tougher than extremist attacks
The local Church celebrated the 75th anniversary of the first pilgrimage to the Marian place of worship and the inauguration of the grotto of the Virgin. At least six worshippers died in road accidents, while police foiled an attack by a group of Islamic extremists. Some observers call for greater road safety and better facilities for pilgrims, including sanitary facilities.
Mariamabad (AsiaNews) – A series of incidents marred the three-day pilgrimage to the national Marian shrine in Mariamabad, Sheikhupura district (Punjab), from 6 to 8 September.
The incidents include a group of Muslims attacking a caravan of Christians on the road to Sheikhupura, and a truck striking some pilgrims on their way to the holy site, casting more than a shadow on an event that was supposed to be a celebration for the whole country.
This year was especially important since it marked the 75th anniversary of the first pilgrimage to one of the most iconic Christian locations in Pakistan.
On 24 August, the shrine saw the inauguration ceremony at the grotto of the Virgin led by Archbishop Benny Mario Travas of Karachi, who is also apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore.
The first incident that overshadowed celebrations involved Islamic extremists. The prompt intervention of the police nipped in the bud the attack after they engaged in a scuffle with the assailants, who fled the scene. This ensured the safety of pilgrims.
A loaded truck hit a group of pilgrims on Sangla Road, in Faisalabad, causing serious head injuries to four young people who later died. Two more deaths were also reported. Four of the victims came from Samundari village and one from Dawood Nagar Faisalabad, all travelling on motorbikes.
“The main reason behind these accidents is that the road is very small; it is a single road but we see two-way traffic," said human rights activist Aksa Kanwal, speaking to AsiaNews. Despite the heavy traffic during the pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine, “truckers drive their vehicles at high speed,” she lamented.
“The Local government should work on these roads” and ensure that there are more police patrols to check speed and act as a deterrent. “I also warn our people to remain serious when they go to the Marian Shrine; this is a very blessed event, not a fun festival.”
For the same reason, “I also want to draw attention of the organisers at the Marian Shrine to some important issues in Mariamabad,” Aksa Kanwal said. “Almost 200,000 people visit the shrine, but there are no proper sanitary facilities. People, especially women, have to put up with many problems; they have to go in the fields to relieve themselves and sometimes ask locals to use their washrooms.
“There are no proper rooms and dormitories for families who cannot stay and have to spend nights in graveyards or open spaces. Our diocese and the government should invest more on the Marian shrine to facilitate pilgrimages.”
However, these incidents and other critical issues did not prevent more than 200,000 pilgrims from participating in the shrine’s diamond jubilee with flowers, songs, meditations, and prayers, accompanied by all the country’s bishops, who wanted to take part in the event in person.
Each prelate lit a candle to commemorate a milestone in the life of the local Church. People from various cities travelled in caravans and cars; others came by train, vans, motorcycles, bicycles, and other means of transport available. Some made the journey on foot, as a show of respect and dedication to Our Lady.
In his homily, Archbishop Arshad said that, “Both Joseph and Mary were a holy family and stood firm in their faith.” Thus, “Today, I have a message to all families, please give your best in education and bringing up your children in the Catholic faith.
“Without faith we cannot grow and uplift our lives. Our faith is our strength and power and we have to follow the footsteps of Mother Mary to remain tied to God through thick and thin. She always stood with Jesus even in His hardships.
“Today, I am praying for those missionaries who have spent their lives in spreading the Gospel of God in this land and local bishops, priests, nuns, catechists and faithful who are doing their best to promote the Catholic faith and values among others through teachings and practices.”
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08/04/2021 14:37
