By Fr Ajay D’Monte for BISMumbai

The 48th annual ‘Matmauli Yatra’ Marian feast was celebrated at St. Anne’s Church in Ahmednagar on October 26, 2024. Over 5000 faithful from the city and surrounding villages gathered for the festive Eucharistic celebration led by Bishop Barthol Barretto, Bishop of the Nashik Diocese.

Preparation for the feast began with a novena on October 17, centered around the theme "Walking with Mary Towards the 2025 Jubilee Year." Over the nine days, priests were invited to guide the faithful through the study of encyclical letters, illuminating the virtues Mary embodied and encouraging participants to walk in her footsteps. Each day of the novena included the hoisting of the Marian flag, communal recitation of the rosary, and a celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

The Yatra is a significant event, uniting the three Salesian parishes of Ahmednagar and their surrounding villages. Planning for the novena and feast began a month in advance, with a dedicated committee organizing the event to foster stronger bonds between parishioners and the church.

On the morning of the Yatra, the faithful gathered around the statue of Mother Mary with Fr Briston Britto, the parish priest, who led prayers through Mary for the day’s success. A procession followed, with the statue of Mother Mary paraded through the streets of Ahmednagar.

The evening festivities began at 5:00 pm with the rosary, animated by the parish choir. The festal Mass, celebrated with solemnity, was organized by the St Anne’s Parish Council. Several priests from the surrounding areas of Ahmednagar joined in the Eucharistic celebration, enhancing the joyous occasion. During his homily, Bishop Barretto reflected on Mary’s readiness to serve others throughout the Gospels, expressing joy at the large gathering of Marian devotees.

Following the Mass, the "Stuti Sandhya" program featured performances by catechism students and choir groups, who honored the Blessed Mother through songs and dances. Concluding the Yatra, Fr Britto expressed gratitude to Bishop Barreto, the faithful, and especially the villagers who had traveled from afar.

After the mass the youth from St Anne’s parish went around taking video interviews of people, asking them questions about the yatra and how they are connected to this place and to Mary. They also gave a rosary to those who answered.

The day ended with attendees enjoying food and games at the stalls set up on the church campus, making it a truly blessed and joyful day for all.