The reverence for the Virgin Mary continues to grow stronger across the world, as more and more faithful turn to her for intercession and guidance. From miracle-filled legends to divine apparitions, countless shrines dedicated to the Mother of Jesus have been built across continents, many becoming epicenters of pilgrimage and faith. In a recent feature for Catholic Herald, Fr. Matthew Pittam offers a heartfelt account of his visits to four globally cherished Marian shrines — including one from India, a source of immense national pride.

Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu often dubbed the Lourdes of the East. Established in the 16th century by Portuguese sailors who credited the Virgin Mary for their survival at sea, the original structure was a humble thatched chapel. Over centuries, devotion and miraculous occurrences transformed it into a grand basilica. Though the apparitions of the Virgin Mary reportedly seen three times at this location haven’t received formal Vatican approval, generations of believers vouch for her divine presence here. In 1962, Pope John XXIII recognized its significance by granting it the status of a Minor Basilica.

One of the earliest and most cherished local stories tells of a young Hindu milk boy who was approached by a luminous woman carrying a child. She requested some milk for her son. When the boy returned to his employer with less milk, he explained the reason. Miraculously, the container was found to be full. The same woman later appeared again at a nearby pond, which today is known as Matakulam. A chapel was eventually built near this sacred site. The basilica now draws more than two million pilgrims annually.

Next, the priest recounts his visit to Our Lady of Mercy Shrine in Pentos Park, Australia, where a statue of the Virgin known as Our Lady of Jasna Gora, or the Black Madonna, has been venerated since 1382. Installed by Pauline monks, this shrine is deeply associated with Polish Catholic heritage. Devotions here intensify on the 13th of each month, marked by special prayers in honor of Our Lady of Fatima. Despite its secluded location, the shrine attracts approximately 3.5 million visitors annually — a testament to the depth of faith and devotion it inspires.

The third stop on Fr. Pittam's pilgrimage is Our Lady of the Forsaken Basilica in Valencia, Spain — a church less known outside Spain, yet overflowing with spiritual energy. Built in Gothic style on the remnants of an ancient Roman temple, the basilica houses a distinctive Marian image with two children sitting beneath the Virgin. The statue is uniquely mounted on a mechanized platform, allowing it to move during special liturgies. The church remains constantly busy with devotees, especially during March (feast of St. Joseph) and May (Marian celebrations), showcasing the deep Marian culture embedded in Spanish Catholic tradition.

Completing his journey, Fr. Pittam visits Our Lady of Good Help in Wisconsin, USA — the only Marian apparition site in the United States recognized by the Church. In 1859, a young Belgian immigrant, Adele Brise, encountered the Virgin Mary between two trees while en route to a distant church to receive Holy Communion. The mysterious woman identified herself as the “Queen of Heaven” and entrusted Adele with a mission: to pray for sinners and lead them to Christ. This powerful message continues to resonate with American pilgrims today, drawing thousands annually to the site where heaven once touched earth.

What unites all these shrines — from the coasts of India to the quiet fields of Wisconsin — is the consistent belief in Mary as a mother who watches over her children, intervenes in their suffering, and leads them closer to her Son. The shrines may differ in architectural style, history, or location, but the stories they house carry one universal theme: hope through divine maternal care.

The growing global devotion to Mary signals more than just religious tradition — it reflects a deep spiritual hunger in an increasingly turbulent world. These sacred sites serve not only as sanctuaries of miracles and testimonies but as reminders that heaven remains near, and grace is always within reach.

As Marian shrines continue to flourish worldwide, they bring with them a message of unity, intercession, and healing — transcending language, culture, and geography. In this age of uncertainty, the Virgin Mother remains a beacon of unwavering light for millions.