Jubilee Pilgrimage to Bandel Draws Over 1,000 Women from Bengal-Sikkim Region

Bandel, 2 March 2025 – Over 1,000 women from the Bengal-Sikkim region gathered at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Bandel, on 1

March for a Jubilee Pilgrimage organised by the Bengal Regional Women's Commission.

The pilgrimage included the celebration of Holy Mass at the historic basilica, one of the four places of worship designated as Jubilee 2025 pilgrimage centres by Metropolitan Archbishop Thomas D'Souza. Among these centres is Kolkata’s Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary, which shares a similar name.

Bishop Emeritus of Baruipur, Rt. Revd. Salvador Lobo, presided over the Mass as the main celebrant, joined by the Basilica’s Prior, Fr. John Chalil SDB, and other priests. Also in attendance was Ms. Sandhya Vincent, Secretary for Women of the Bengal Regional Bishops’ Council (BRBC).

The pilgrimage formed part of the ongoing spiritual preparations for the Jubilee Year 2025, offering participants an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and renewal of faith.

By Fr. Farell Shah