BAVINA SOOKDEO

A centuries-old figure draws thousands of varying faiths each year in Siparia – Catholics, Hindus, the simply curious and more. On April 18, thousands more will flock to Siparia for the annual pilgrimage.

Housed in the La Divina Pastora RC Church, the statue of La Divina Pastora, Siparee Mai or Siparee Ke Mai (the mother of Siparia) as many Hindus call her, has become a spiritual magnet, revered by many, yet interpreted through unique religious lenses. Some visit her with heartfelt prayers and personal requests, believing in her power to grant miracles. Those whose prayers have been answered often return in gratitude, bringing offerings as tokens of thanks.

At first glance, she is Mary, the Blessed Virgin – La Divina Pastora, the Holy Shepherdess of Roman Catholic tradition. But she is also seen as Kali or Durga, a powerful Hindu goddess. As such, the figure quietly but powerfully defies religious, racial and social boundaries.

A Catholic queen welcoming all

Theresa Noel, church historian at La Divina Pastora, explained the figure’s significance in Catholic devotion.

“Catholics have a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and La Divina Pastora is just one of the many titles bestowed on her by the Catholic Church,” Noel said.

“Parishioners are quite happy to be members of this parish. Devotion to La Divina Pastora is strong here, and parishioners take their many concerns to her, seeking her intercession with her son, our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Noel said parishioners also have special devotional activities dedicated to La Divina Pastora, for example, the series of monthly devotions leading up to the annual Feast Day, as well as an all-night prayer vigil seeking her intercession for the success of the Feast Day. This is held about one week before the Feast Day itself.

However, Noel emphasised that devotion isn’t limited to Catholics alone.

“To pilgrims who may or may not be Catholic, their devotion to Our Lady under this title is great. Some who come, do so to make studies of the phenomenon of Our Lady being honoured by people of various faiths, in such a peaceful manner. Among the non-Christians, those of the Islamic faith also have a great devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ.

[caption id="attachment_1150286" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Hindu devotees seek blessing from Siparee Mai at the La Divina Pastora RC Church, Siparia, on March 29, 2023. -[/caption]

"Hindu pilgrims may or may not see La Divina Pastora as the Mother of Jesus Christ, but they do acknowledge that her prayers are most powerful.”

In an old article, Fr John Thomas Harricharan described La Divina Pastora as “breaking down racial, religious, and traditional barriers.”

Asked how she sees La Divina Pastora continuing to do this in today’s world, Noel said, “Yes, this is so, and continues to be so. People of all faiths, all races, and even of various nationalities continue to come to this church, and even more so in this year of Jubilee (a period of special spiritual grace and renewal, typically cele