Maria Divina – 111 Shades of Grace
By Agnel Maria and Anna Rose Vallayil – Bengarluru
Mar 20 2024
A Catholic parish in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru hosts a live display of Marian apparitions entitled “Maria Divina – 111 Shades of Grace,” to foster unity and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, setting a new record in Best of India Records.
On Mar 17, “Maria Divina – 111 Shades of Grace” went on display at St Thomas Forane Church and Diocesan Pilgrim Centre, Dharmaram, Bengaluru, India.
Archbishop Peter Machado, of Bangalore, and Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrathm, of Mandya. Inaugurated the first-ever living display, which featured Marian apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary from across the world.
The display garnered recognition from the prestigious Best of India Records as the largest live parade of Marian forms ever witnessed.
The event was organised at the parish hall of St Thomas Forane Church, as 111 women were “transformed” into various Marian apparitions, captivating the audience for two hours.
Throughout the parish’s Ruby Jubilee year, the church has organized numerous cultural events with the assistance of its youth committee.
These celebrations aimed at reviving the community spirit among parishioners, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic had caused a disconnect between the faithful and the Church due to social distancing measures, according to the vicar parish priest, Fr Anto Kanjirathinkal, CMI.
After a meticulous selection process, 111 women; housewives, working professionals, college students, and children; were chosen to portray the Virgin Mother.
Group photo of Maria Divina participants and organizers
