Pakistan’s Largest Marian Pilgrimage Marks 76 Years of Faith and Devotion in Mariamabad
Mariamabad, Sheikhupura – September 4–7, 2025
The 76th Annual Marian Pilgrimage at the National Marian Shrine, Mariamabad, once again became a beacon of faith, hope, and devotion as thousands upon thousands of pilgrims from across Pakistan journeyed to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. Under the guidance of His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore, the three-day celebration was filled with Holy Masses, the Coronation of Mary, prayer services, hymns, and powerful moments of faith. Each year, this pilgrimage draws countless priests, nuns, religious, seminarians, and faithful, making it one of the largest annual Catholic gatherings in Pakistan.
Preparation – September 4, 2025
On the eve of the pilgrimage, Archbishop Benny Mario Travas visited the shrine to review the arrangements. He met with pilgrims, prayed with them, and entrusted the coming days to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His presence encouraged the volunteers and the Ziarat Committee, who worked tirelessly to ensure safety, hospitality, and liturgical order for the event.
Opening Day – September 5, 2025
The pilgrimage formally began on September 5 with the Opening Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, with Fr. Benjamin Shahzad (Archdiocese of Karachi) and Fr. Akram Javed (Archdiocese of Lahore) as concelebrants. The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Akram Javed, who reflected on the pilgrimage theme “Holy Mary and the Pilgrimage of Hope,” reminding the faithful that Mary always guides believers to Christ, the true source of hope.
Following the Mass, the faithful witnessed the solemn Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, organized by the Sisters of Charity of St. Jeanne Antide (SOC). With hymns, prayers, and processions, the people of God proclaimed Mary as Queen and Mother, entrusting Pakistan to her maternal care.
At 10:00 p.m. a second Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Ejaz Bashir, OFM Cap, with concelebrants Fr. Shahzad Khokhar, Fr. Morris Jalal, Fr. Henry Paul, and Fr. Francis Sabir. The liturgy, filled with devotion and simplicity, brought pilgrims together late into the night in praise of God and veneration of Mary.
Second Day – September 6, 2025
The second day of the pilgrimage was graced with two major Episcopal celebrations and one evening Mass for the youth and faithful.
- Morning Mass: Presided over by His Grace Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad (Bishop of Islamabad–Rawalpindi). In his homily, Archbishop Arshad reflected on Mary’s faith journey, presenting her as a model for discipleship, perseverance, and missionary zeal.
- Evening Mass: Celebrated by His Excellency Bishop Samson Shukardin, OFM (Bishop of Hyderabad). In his homily, Bishop Shukardin emphasized Mary’s role as a unifier of peoples and a source of reconciliation, urging the faithful to live in peace, tolerance, and harmony as children of God.
- Late Night Mass (10:00 p.m.): Presided over by Rev. Fr. Noble Lal, SDB, with the homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Benjamin Shahzad. This Mass gathered a great number of young people and families, filling the night with joyful hymns and strong expressions of faith.
Final Day – September 7, 2025
On the last day of the pilgrimage, the shrine overflowed with pilgrims united in prayer and thanksgiving.
- Morning Mass: Presided over by Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, with the homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Pascal Paulus, OP. Fr. Pascal reflected on Mary as the Mother of Hope, inviting all to imitate her obedience and perseverance in faith.
Concluding Mass (Afternoon): Presided over by Rev. Fr. Tariq George, Rector of the National Marian Shrine. Surrounded by thousands of pilgrims, Fr. Tariq led the faithful in offering thanksgiving for the grace of this year’s pilgrimage.
Gratitude and Thanksgiving
At the conclusion of the pilgrimage, Archbishop Benny Mario Travas expressed his heartfelt thanks to Almighty God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her maternal protection, and to the Ziarat Committee for their tireless efforts in organizing the event with devotion and efficiency. He also thanked the priests, religious, volunteers, and all the faithful whose presence and prayers made the pilgrimage such a vibrant testimony of faith.
A Pilgrimage of Faith and Hope
The 76th Annual Marian Pilgrimage at Mariamabad was a true celebration of faith, unity, and hope. It showed once again that Mary, the Mother of Hope, walks with her children, strengthening them in their trials and guiding them ever closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
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