In November 2023 the cathedral parish of Balasore celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its founding. From this occasion the desire was born within the community to establish a Marian shrine within the cathedral grounds. For until then there w no place of devotion where the faithful could gather to express their love and reverence for the Mother of God, pray together and light candles before her image.
The cathedral grounds are in fact ideally suited for this purpose, since on many special occasions the faithful already gather there from all over the diocese. And in the Holy Year in particular there are numerous initiatives here for deepening their faith.
The idea was embraced enthusiastically by the faithful and many of them made real financial sacrifices in order to see this dream fulfilled. But sadly it was still not enough, partly because inflation has resulted in a sharp increase in prices. Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, however, we were able to contribute 10,700 Euros, so that this shrine in honour of Our Lady could finally be completed.
And so, thanks to your help, the shrine was completed and solemnly consecrated on 24 November 2024, the feast of Christ the King. Now this shrine is visited every day by around a hundred Catholic faithful, thereby underlining just how important it is as a centre of devotion and communal love.
The shrine is built on three levels, with Christ the King, as the principal patron of the diocese at the summit. Then, on the middle level, Saint Joseph, Protector of families, blesses all the families of the city of Balasore. On ground level stands Our Lady, Mother of God, with outstretched hands, blessing all who turn to her. The shrine is also strategically placed close to a busy street, so that all who pass by, even in haste or simply by chance, can nevertheless spend a moment in prayer with her.
We have received a thank-you letter from the parish which we would like to share with all of you who have helped us. Among other things they tell us that „our Saturday Marian devotions and the Marian youth movement have both been given a real boost as a result of this shrine … We entrust every one of our benefactors beneath the blue mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Balasore.“
