Feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni, revered as the Lourdes of the East, drew pilgrims in their thousands to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Tamil Nadu on September 8. The celebrations, centred on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, included novenas, solemn Masses, and processions that filled the coastal shrine town with prayer and devotion. Goans were present in large numbers among the vast gathering, many travelling to Vailankanni by train and bus as part of a long-standing tradition of thanksgiving and devotion to Saibinn Vailankanni.
For these families, the pilgrimage is more than a journey; it is a renewal of faith and a testimony to the Blessed Mother’s intercession in their lives.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The Basilica grounds resonated with prayers in multiple languages, reflecting the universal appeal of the shrine as one of Asia’s most significant Marian pilgrimage centres. With candles, flowers, and petitions, Goans joined fellow devotees from across India and abroad, uniting in a celebration that reaffirmed their deep spiritual bond with Our Lady of Vailankanni.
