India: First-ever live display of 111 Marian apparitions held in Bengaluru
By Agnel Maria and Anna Rose Vallayil – Bengarluru
On March 17, "Maria Divina – 111 Shades of Grace” went on display at St. Thomas Forane Church and Diocesan Pilgrim Centre, Dharmaram, Bengaluru, India.
Archbishop Peter Machado, of Bangalore, and Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrathm, of Mandya. Inaugurated the first-ever living display, which featured Marian apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary from across the world.
The display garnered recognition from the prestigious Best of India Records as the largest live parade of Marian forms ever witnessed.
The event was organised at the parish hall of St. Thomas Forane Church, as 111 women were “transformed” into various Marian apparitions, captivating the audience for two hours.
Throughout the parish’s Ruby Jubilee year, the church has organized numerous cultural events with the assistance of its youth committee.
These celebrations aimed at reviving the community spirit among parishioners, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic had caused a disconnect between the faithful and the Church due to social distancing measures, according to the vicar parish priest, Fr. Anto Kanjirathinkal, CMI.
After a meticulous selection process, 111 women—housewives, working professionals, college students, and children—were chosen to portray the Virgin Mother.
Anlin Assisi Akkara, one of the event’s organisers, highlighted the meticulous planning and year-long preparation undertaken by the parishioners to ensure the seamless execution of the event.
A dedicated team of 300 individuals worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition, ensuring that every aspect, from makeup to costumes and accessories, were crafted with meticulous detail and presented with reverence.
As the first Syro-Malabar church outside Kerala, St. Thomas Forane Church, which was built for migrants, has continuously sought to strengthen its bond with the community and foster spiritual growth.
The Maria Divina event served as a testament to this commitment, uniting parishioners in a celebration of faith and devotion.
The active participation of the church's youth fostered fellowship and provided a shared experience of coming together to serve the church, aligning with Pope Francis’ vision for young people.
By surpassing the previous record held by Best of India Records, the Maria Divina event not only made history but also served as a visual catechism for the 5,000 people who witnessed this historic moment.
Members of the church upheld tradition while embracing innovation and creativity, using art to express their devotion to the Virgin Mother.
As the organizers noted, this special occasion for the parish of St. Thomas Forane will be remembered as a shining example of faith, unity and reverence for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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