Month-long Marian Devotion at the Fatima Mata Grotto in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Concludes

Jabalpur, 2 June 2025: The annual month-long Marian devotion at the Fatima Mata Grotto in Jabalpur concluded on May 31 with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Most Rev. Bishop Valan Arasu, Bishop of Jabalpur Diocese. Thousands of devotees participated in the closing ceremony of the event, during which the ceremonial flag was lowered, marking the official end of the May celebrations honouring Mother Mary.

During the Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Valan, several faithful offered prayers and thanksgiving. Many also came forward to share personal testimonies of the blessings and graces they received through the intercession of Mother Mary at the grotto.

The devotional month had commenced on May 1 with the ceremonial hoisting of the flag by Rev. Fr. Davis George, Vicar General of the Diocese. Over the next thirteen days, various parishes took turns to lead the novena prayers, recitation of the rosary, and evening Masses, fostering unity and spiritual renewal among the faithful. Thousands of Catholic faithful from the diocese gathered throughout May for these daily religious services.

The grotto gained widespread recognition following a miraculous event in 1997, when tears were reportedly seen streaming from the eyes of the statue of Mother Mary just before a powerful earthquake struck Jabalpur. Since then, it has become a place of deep reverence and pilgrimage. This year’s observance once again drew large crowds, many of whom came with deep faith and gratitude.

By Fr. Thomas Antony O. Praem,

Media and Communication, 

Diocese of Jabalpur