An experience of faith - Pilgrimage to Shivajinagar

St. Mary’s Basilica at Shivajinagar, Bangalore is a famous pilgrimage center, where thousands of people throng to make their offering and fulfill their promises. It was built by Rev. Eugene Kleiner during 1875-82. His Holiness Pope Paul VI dedicated this church to Our Lady of Good Health. Many miracles are attributed to this shrine.

The shrine welcomes everyone irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. One can find peace, solace and joy in this place. Since situated in the center of the city, most college going students, office workers, house wives etc make their regular visit to seek our Lady’s intercession.

Many are the miracles and blessings received by the people. Novices made their pilgrimage to this shrine on 5^th September on foot and spent whole day in prayer and recollection.

Ms. Teresa one of the pilgrims who stood begging at the entrance who seemed well off, when enquired why she did that, she proudly narrated her story bearing witness to our Lady as tears rolled down her cheeks. She uses the money collected along with her other savings to cook food and feed the hungry. This is a sort of penance which she vowed when she seriously fell ill when she was young. She continued stating, “Mary is my mother, and I live my life single as a promise made to my heavenly mother.” There is not one Teresa, but many who can’t be numbered. Novices were enriched and astonished to witness the faith of multitude people. They returned with great spiritual experience.

-Novice Lumnesh Swarup