Vatican Approves “Lourdes of the East” for Marian Devotion

The Vatican has granted official approval for devotion at the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni, India, a site often referred to as the “Lourdes of the East.”

The announcement was made in a letter from Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), addressed to Bishop-elect Sagayaraj Thamburaj of Tanjore.

The shrine, which dates back to the 16th century, attracts millions of pilgrims annually, including many non-Christians. Cardinal Fernández noted that “the many spiritual fruits that are produced at this Shrine make us recognize the constant action of the Holy Spirit in this place.”

Bishop-elect Thamburaj expressed his joy at the Vatican’s recognition, saying, “Mary’s shrine of Vailankanni, it is almost considered something like Lourdes of the East,” reported Katholisch.

The Vatican’s letter also addressed the interreligious significance of the shrine, emphasizing that the presence of non-Christian pilgrims “should not be considered as a form of syncretism or mixing of religions.” Instead, it said that Mary’s love and care are accessible to all who seek her intercession.

Pope Francis has a “great appreciation” for the shrine, and a special blessing has been offered to all pilgrims attending the upcoming Sept. 8 Feast Day of Our Lady of Good Health.

In closing, the DDF’s letter says “contemplating the image of Mary we can all recognize the love of Jesus Christ that can heal our sadness, our anguish, and our fears.”

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