Bangladeshi pilgrims seek Mary s blessings in Covid-19 crisis
Thousands of faithful flock to a shrine dedicated to the maternal saint despite pandemic restrictions
Catholics place candles in front of the statue of Mother Mary at a popular shrine during the annual pilgrimage in Nobai Bot Tola on Jan. 15. (Photo: Stephan Uttom/UCA News)
Thousands of Catholics defied Covid-19 risks and flocked to a shrine dedicated to Mother Mary in northern Bangladesh to seek special blessings.
About 10,000 people, mostly Catholics, attended the annual pilgrimage to Mother Mary, the Protectress, in the Nobai Bot Tola area of Rajshahi district, 300 kilometers north of capital Dhaka, on Jan. 16.