Berhampur: The coastal city of Berhampur witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of faith as more than 15,000 devotees converged on the Queen of the Mission Cathedral Parish on Thursday to celebrate the 97th Feast of the Queen of the Mission. One of Odisha’s most cherished Marian festivals, the event drew pilgrims not only from across the state but also from neighbouring regions, creating a vibrant atmosphere of prayer, music, and spiritual unity.
From the early hours of the morning, long before the sun had fully risen, crowds began filling the cathedral compound. Despite the chill in the air, the faithful gathered in large numbers families, youth groups, religious communities, and elderly devotees all united in their devotion to Mother Mary. By mid-morning, the cathedral premises had transformed into a bustling centre of worship, with nearly 50 priests and 50 religious sisters participating in the liturgy and pastoral services.
Presiding over the solemn Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Sarat Chandra Nayak highlighted the enduring importance of Mary in Christian life. Calling her the “Mother of the Church” and the “Queen of the Mission in Heaven,” he said the feast’s growing popularity reflects the deep spiritual bond the people of Odisha share with Mother Mary. “It is her compassion, healing presence, and maternal care that continue to draw thousands here each year,” the bishop told the congregation.
The homily was delivered by Bishop Niranjan Sualsingh of Sambalpur, who offered a profound reflection on the Immaculate Conception. He revisited the historic 1854 declaration by Pope Pius IX, which proclaimed that Mary was conceived without original sin, setting her apart with a grace unique among all creation. Speaking to the thousands assembled, Bishop Sualsingh said Mary’s role as the Mother of God places her above angels and saints, giving her a central and exalted place in Christian devotion and theology.
This year’s feast also renewed interest in the origins of the Queen of the Mission devotion. The tradition is closely linked to the 1830 apparitions to Saint Catherine Labouré in Paris, during which the Miraculous Medal was revealed. The medal, now worn worldwide as a sign of protection and intercession, has remained a beloved expression of Marian faith among Catholics, including the people of Odisha.
As evening descended, the celebration reached its emotional peak with a spectacular candlelight procession. Thousands carrying glowing candles wound through the streets of the Silk City, praying the Rosary and singing hymns in honour of Mother Mary. The gentle light of the candles illuminating the night sky turned the avenues of Berhampur into a radiant “river of light,” a moment many described as both peaceful and profoundly moving.
The grand turnout and deep devotion witnessed once again affirmed Berhampur’s place as a major centre of Marian spirituality in the region. For the Catholic community, the Feast of the Queen of the Mission remains not just a tradition but a living testimony to faith, unity, and the enduring message of hope that Mother Mary offers to the world.