The miniature basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Grace in Mokama is a heritage site for the Catholics of Bihar.
Yeah. Florina José SCN
India, Thursday, November 7, 2024 (REI): Mokama, located on the southern bank of the Ganges, is a city in Patna district of Bihar, connecting the northern and southern regions of the state.
Many believe that the name “Mokama” means “mother’s house,” and derives from a legend about a princess who, after losing her prince on a hunting expedition, took on the task of caring for the sick and needy. He had adopted the ashram lifestyle. Over time, she came to be seen as a mother figure and her ashram became known as “The House of the Mother.”
That’s why the place became known as Mokama or “Mother’s House.”
History of the Minor Basilica
Mokama became fertile ground for Catholicism in the mid-20th century, when American Jesuit missionary Father Marian Batson envisioned a pilgrimage site there. His dream was supported by Thomas Leslie Martin, Chairman and Managing Director of Martin Burn Company Limited of Calcutta (now Calcutta).
After some initial hesitation, Martin finally dedicated himself to making Father Batson’s dream a reality. Martin is said to have had a dream in which Our Lady was standing on a lotus flower in a rose garden, which inspired both men to build a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Grace at Mokamah.
In 1943, Bishop Sullivan laid the cornerstone of the temple and Martin became a donor. The Vatican honored Mr. Martin as a “Knight Commander of the Distinguished Order of Saint Gregory the Great” in 1947, an important recognition from the Pope.
architecture
The architectural style of the temple combines Hindu-Arabic and Indo-Romanesque elements, creating an exquisite harmony between Eastern and Western art. Father Batson and Mr. Martin searched for a unique statue of Our Lady that was different from the others. Mr. Deruzinsky, a Russian-American artist, carved the statue from a single piece of wood, depicting Our Lady, in traditional Indian attire, holding her divine Son as an offering to humanity.
Dedication and influence
On November 4, 1947, Archbishop Ferdinand Periyar of Calcutta inaugurated this pilgrimage site. That same year, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth arrived in Mokama from the US state of Kentucky and have a deep connection to this pilgrimage site.
During the Holy Year of 1950, Archbishop Constantini, Secretary of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, presented photographs of the Mokama shrine in an exhibition of missionary art in a successful fusion of Indian and Christian styles.
Annual Festival and Pilgrimage
According to sources, initially the annual dedication festival was held on October 22. However, due to monsoon-related flooding, it was subsequently moved to the first Sunday in February, with a nine-day novena before the celebration.
Pilgrims of different religions, including Christians, Hindus and Muslims, visit the temple every year.
Recently, the interiors of the temple have been beautified with a new altar, lectern and colored lights, including an automatic color-changing chandelier.
Identified as a miniature basilica
The work to obtain Mini Basilica status is being done by Father Renee Prakash of Mokama, who was supported by Sister Ann George Mukalel SCN and Sister SCN to prepare the documents for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.
In April 2024, Pope Francis elevated the shrine, known locally as Maharani of Mokama (Queen of Mokama), to Minor Basilica status.
A place of hope for childless couples
Devotees believe this temple has special significance for childless couples, many of whom pray for Mother Mary’s blessings to fulfill their hopes of having a child.
As a result, many couples join the annual pilgrimage and dedicate their wishes to Mary, Our Lady of Divine Grace.
