Pakistan: Muslims pay homage to Our Lady of Mariamabad

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Many thousands of Muslim faith leaders and believers paid a visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mariamabad, in the diocese of Lahore on Monday, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary.

Dominican priest Fr James Channan, who is head of the Peace Centre in Lahore, which promotes interfaith dialogue, said: "A message of love, tolerance and harmony comes from Mary."

The Archbishop of the city, Mgr Sebastian Shaw, today on a visit to the shrine, welcomed Muslim pilgrims, and a large crowd of Pakistani Christians who were spending a day dedicated to Mary.

Organisations as well as individual Christian and Muslim benefactors are taking care of the food and refreshments for the pilgrims, many of whom travelled a long way to get to the shrine. Many arrived on foot or by bicycle, on a journey that lasted several days.

Near the shrine small medical points have been set up for those suffering from dehydration, high blood pressure or injuries to the feet.

About 400 thousand pilgrims are expected to reach the Sanctuary.

"The message written at the entrance of the shrine says that all religions teach peace and love" said Fr Channan, "that is the meaning and significance of this interreligious pilgrimage.

The sanctuary in Mariamabad, called 'Mary's village', was built by the Belgian Capuchins in 1898 and is the most popular Marian sanctuary in Pakistan.

Source: Fides

See a short film about the pilgrimage here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFFsR4ZQmNs