For two days, the Maryland Pilgrimage Center became a sea of prayer and devotion as tens of thousands of Catholics from Pathein Diocese and beyond gathered to honor Our Lady of Lourdes, seeking physical healing and praying for peace in their troubled nation.

The annual feast, held February 10-11, drew pilgrims from across the diocese to the shrine established a quarter-century ago. The observance began Tuesday with a Vigil Mass presided over by Msgr. Pius Win Than, joined by Bishop Henry Eikhlein of Pathein Diocese, dozens of priests, religious, and thousands of faithful. A special Healing Mass at noon drew crowds of the sick and suffering who entrusted their needs to Mary’s intercession.

On Wednesday, the feast day itself, Bishop Henry Eikhlein presided over the main Eucharistic celebration with more than 30 concelebrating priests. In his opening remarks, he called the gathering “purely by God’s grace” and invited all to pray for peace. “Let us pray together for peace and prosperity in Myanmar and throughout the world,” he said.

The homily was delivered by Fr. Bosco Saw Hlar Htoo, who reflected on Christ’s words from the cross—”Behold your mother”—as a command given to all believers, not only the beloved disciple. He traced the history of Maryland, which was designated a Marian pilgrimage site in 2000 by then-Bishop Charles Bo, now Cardinal.

Fr. Bosco shared a moving testimony that helped cement the shrine’s reputation as a place of grace. A young girl suffering from severe facial sores, beyond medical help, spent hours praying before the statue of Our Lady brought from France. She was miraculously healed, and her restored face became a sign that inspired the construction of the Marian Grotto near the Ma Yo Kha Stream.

“For more than 25 years, the annual Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes has drawn countless pilgrims who come either to give thanks for graces received, to seek new blessings, or to strengthen their faith through prayer and sacrifice,” Fr. Bosco said.

He encouraged the faithful to continue trusting in Mary’s intercession, noting that the graces flowing in the Church today remain closely linked to devotion to the Mother of God.

The celebration at Maryland once again stood as a powerful witness of living faith—particularly meaningful in a time when Myanmar continues to long for peace, healing, and reconciliation.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service