Looking back at the Pilgrimage From 1984 the Tamil Catholics living in Central Netherland were used to gather in St.Willibrord church on the first Saturday of every month to pray to our Blessed Mother Mary. On one such occasion a Dutch lady told us for the first time about the importance of the Shrine of Banneux, in Belgium.
In the month of October 1984 along with another Tamil family I made a pilgrimage to Banneux for the first time. In 1986, during the month of February (the month in which our Lady appeared) along with two families we made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. When we shared our experience and importance of Banneux and the miracles of the Virgin of the poor with others many showed interest and expressed their desire to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine.
Therefore in the same year 1986 for the first time we made a pilgrimage to the Shrine with 20 pilgrims in an organized way. The name and fame of the Shrine began to spread among the Tamil Catholics in Europe. Hence the number of pilgrims increased year by year
In the beginning we could not have liturgy and prayer services in Tamil since the Tamil priests were not available. In 1989 - 1990 for the first time we had liturgy in Tamil with the help of Fr. Thevarajan. By the help of our Lady and our effort we could contact Fr. Peteraj who was studying in Holy Spirit College Belgium in 1991. He helped us, guided us and renewed our pilgrimage from 1991 to continue three years. In 1995, Fr.Stanislaus and Fr.Ladislaus helped us followed by Fr. Cosmon and Fr. Kaspar of Kumbakonam Diocese. We started with four people in the early stage of pilgrimage in the year 1986. During the last year the amount was increased to 800 pilgrims
This year we have our 17th annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Virgin of the poor at Banneux. To mark this occasion we bring out this Souvenir. When we approached our Rt. Rev. Cardinal Simonis he encouraged us and he has given us his special message for this pilgrimage. The former and present directors of the Shrine have also given their message and extended all their support to us. We gratefully remembered them in all our prayers and especially during our pilgrimage. Of course we cannot forget the people of Central Nederland, their love and concern to make this pilgrimage meaningful. When we were making arrangements to organize this 10th annual pilgrimage we got the help and support of Fr.L. Yesumarian who has been working among the oppressed Dalits in Tamil Nadu and now studying in the Institute of Social studies in Nederland.
Last but not the least I like to thank all the pilgrims who participate irrespective of the creed in this pilgrimage and all those who rendered their help to make this pilgrimage quite meaningful and successful. May guidance and help of our Mother Mary the Virgin of the poor be with Rt. Rev. Cardinal Simonis he encouraged us and he has given us his special message for this pilgrimage. The former and present directors of the Shrine have also given their message and extended all their support to us. us always.
God Bless you all
With prayers and wishes.
Francis A.X.Pathmarajah.
Amersfoort, Nederland.
In the month of October 1984 along with another Tamil family I made a pilgrimage to Banneux for the first time. In 1986, during the month of February (the month in which our Lady appeared) along with two families we made a pilgrimage to the Shrine. When we shared our experience and importance of Banneux and the miracles of the Virgin of the poor with others many showed interest and expressed their desire to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine.
Therefore in the same year 1986 for the first time we made a pilgrimage to the Shrine with 20 pilgrims in an organized way. The name and fame of the Shrine began to spread among the Tamil Catholics in Europe. Hence the number of pilgrims increased year by year
In the beginning we could not have liturgy and prayer services in Tamil since the Tamil priests were not available. In 1989 - 1990 for the first time we had liturgy in Tamil with the help of Fr. Thevarajan. By the help of our Lady and our effort we could contact Fr. Peteraj who was studying in Holy Spirit College Belgium in 1991. He helped us, guided us and renewed our pilgrimage from 1991 to continue three years. In 1995, Fr.Stanislaus and Fr.Ladislaus helped us followed by Fr. Cosmon and Fr. Kaspar of Kumbakonam Diocese. We started with four people in the early stage of pilgrimage in the year 1986. During the last year the amount was increased to 800 pilgrims
This year we have our 17th annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Virgin of the poor at Banneux. To mark this occasion we bring out this Souvenir. When we approached our Rt. Rev. Cardinal Simonis he encouraged us and he has given us his special message for this pilgrimage. The former and present directors of the Shrine have also given their message and extended all their support to us. We gratefully remembered them in all our prayers and especially during our pilgrimage. Of course we cannot forget the people of Central Nederland, their love and concern to make this pilgrimage meaningful. When we were making arrangements to organize this 10th annual pilgrimage we got the help and support of Fr.L. Yesumarian who has been working among the oppressed Dalits in Tamil Nadu and now studying in the Institute of Social studies in Nederland.
Last but not the least I like to thank all the pilgrims who participate irrespective of the creed in this pilgrimage and all those who rendered their help to make this pilgrimage quite meaningful and successful. May guidance and help of our Mother Mary the Virgin of the poor be with Rt. Rev. Cardinal Simonis he encouraged us and he has given us his special message for this pilgrimage. The former and present directors of the Shrine have also given their message and extended all their support to us. us always.
God Bless you all
With prayers and wishes.
Francis A.X.Pathmarajah.
Amersfoort, Nederland.