By Ajinkya Parkhe for BIS Mumbai

AHILYANAGAR, October 25, 2025: The faithful of St Anne’s Parish, Ahilyanagar gathered in large numbers to celebrate the 49th Annual Matmauli Yatra, the traditional pilgrimage in honour of Our Lady, under the theme “मरियासारखे येशूचे निष्ठावान अनुयायी” (“Loyal Followers of Jesus, like Mary”). The celebration was marked by devotion, active participation, and a renewed spirit of Marian faith.

The nine-day novena in preparation for the Yatra began with the hoisting of the Marian flag. Each day focused on a particular Marian theme, with priests from neighbouring parishes and religious communities preaching and celebrating the Eucharist. The faithful participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, preparing spiritually for the feast.

As part of the spiritual preparation, a three-day Inner Healing Prayer Service was held from October 21 to 23, led by Fr Benny Joseph MST from Amala Ashram, Kolhapur. The sessions invited participants to experience healing and renewal through prayer and reflection. Many devotees from Pune, Ahilyanagar, Nashik, Haregaon, and surrounding villages took part with great fervour.

The feast day celebrations began in the morning with a procession of the statue of Our Lady from the church to the grotto. In the evening, a grand Marian procession commenced from Clara Bruce School Ground, accompanied by hymns and the Rosary led by the parish youth. The Yatra Council Members, Youth Group, and numerous parish volunteers coordinated the event with devotion and discipline.

The solemn Holy Eucharist was presided over by Bishop Barthol Barretto of the Diocese of Nashik, together with Fr McEnroe Lopes SDB (Parish Priest), Fr Nathaneal George SDB (Assistant Parish Priest), and fifteen concelebrating priests.

In his homily, Bishop Barretto reflected on Mary’s faith and obedience, which crushed the serpent through her trust in God’s Word. Drawing from the Visitation, he reminded the faithful that all generations will call her blessed, urging everyone to deepen their devotion through the rosary and prayer.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the Bishop blessed the statues used in the procession and extended his blessings for the upcoming Golden Jubilee Matmauli Yatra in 2026. The Catechism children presented a musical on Our Lady of Fatima, adding joy to the celebration.

In his vote of thanks, Fr McEnroe Lopes SDB expressed gratitude to the Bishop, priests, deacon, religious, catechists, youth, and all parishioners for their wholehearted participation. The parish grounds came alive with stalls offering food, religious articles, and games, fostering a sense of fellowship and community.

The 49th Matmauli Yatra concluded as a testimony of faith, unity, and Marian devotion, preparing the faithful to journey towards next year’s Golden Jubilee celebrations with renewed enthusiasm.