St. Albert’s College, Ranchi Makes Annual Pilgrimage to Minor Basilica in Ulhatu

Ranchi, March 24, 2025— St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, organized its annual pilgrimage to Our Lady of Divine Motherhood Minor Basilica in Ulhatu on Sunday, March 23, marking a day of spiritual renewal during the Jubilee year 2025. The event saw active participation from the college staff, seminarians, domestic staff, and their families.

The pilgrimage commenced with a rosary procession from the village grotto to the Basilica. The rosary during the procession was led by first-year theology students of the college. Following the procession, Rev. Fr. Amrit Kujur, assistant parish priest of the basilica, provided a historical overview of the structure and its significance.

A solemn Holy Mass was then celebrated by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Maria Benziger, along with 15 resident staff priests from St. Albert’s College. In his homily, Fr. Benziger emphasized the importance of repentance and God’s abundant mercy, encouraging the faithful to embrace these virtues wholeheartedly. The liturgical celebration was enriched by the first-year philosophy students, who led the choir with melodious hymns.

Following the Mass, Rev. Fr. Ajay Kumar Xaxlo, Rector of St. Albert’s College, expressed his gratitude to all participants, with special appreciation for the domestic staff. “You are with us always as Pilgrims of Hope, accompanying and supporting the formation of our seminarians in your own unique ways,” he acknowledged.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Bro. Roshan Lepcha from the Diocese of Darjeeling, followed by refreshments. Participants returned with cherished memories, gathering for a fellowship meal at the International Basketball Court on the college campus.

The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Divine Motherhood in Ulhatu, part of the Ranchi Archdiocese, holds historical significance dating back to 1903. The shrine, featuring the statue of Our Lady of Halle feeding the Child Jesus, has been a place of pilgrimage since 1953, drawing the faithful from various village chapels, including Banpur, Barhibera, Jaratoli, Kawali, Kudagarha, Plandu, Serengtoli, and Sogod.

The annual pilgrimage of St. Albert’s College, Ranchi, served as a time of spiritual enrichment and community bonding, leaving participants renewed in faith and gratitude.

By Fr. Alok Toppo,

St. Albert’s College, Ranchi