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Our Lady of Divine Grace, Mokama

The Legend and Legacy of Mokama Our Lady of Divine Grace Shrine in Mokama, Patna, Bihar, is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site recently elevated to the status of a Minor Basilica by Pope Francis in April 2024. Known locally as 'Mokama ki Maharani,' it holds deep spiritual significance for the Archdiocese of Patna’s clergy, religious, and faithful. The formal declaration was celebrated on January 24, 2025, marking a milestone in the region’s religious heritage. The basilica stands as a symbol of devotion and community faith, attracting pilgrims from across India. The name Mokama is believed to derive from the ancient legend of Mukum (Home) and Amah (Mother), meaning “Home of the mother” “Ma ka Ghar” The story centers around a princess destined to marry a prince. Tragically, the prince died during a hunting expedition. In her grief, the princess renounced royal life and embraced the path of an ascetic, dedicating herself to serving the sick and needy. Over time, she became revered as a mother figure, and her ashram came to be known as the “Home of the Mother.” Thus, the place itself came to be called Mokama. Rev. Father Marion Batson, S.J., was deeply moved by the name and its spiritual resonance. He envisioned a shrine in Mokama and shared this dream with Mr. Thomas Leslie Martin, Chairman and Managing Director of Martin Burn Co. Ltd., Calcutta (now Kolkata). Though initially hesitant, Mr. Martin was later inspired—especially after a dream in which he saw Our Lady seated on a lotus flower in a rose garden surrounded by a picturesque square. With renewed conviction, he devoted himself to realizing Father Batson’s vision. Together, these two visionaries transformed legend into living reality: the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Grace, Mokama. In recognition of his contributions, the Holy See honored Mr. Martin in February 1947 with the title Knight Commander of the Eminent Order of St. Gregory the Great—a distinguished papal accolade. The shrine’s architecture is a harmonious blend of Hindu-Arabesque and Indo-Romanesque styles, merging Eastern and Western artistic traditions. Its exquisite beauty and intricate design make it a true ornament of faith and culture. Father Batson and Mr. Martin wished the statue of Our Lady of Divine Grace to be unlike any other. They envisioned a figure that was not only beautiful and exclusive but also deeply rooted in the Mokama legend. Renowned American-Russian artist Mr. Derujinski sculpted the statue from a single block of wood. It portrays Indian motherhood with grace—Our Lady in traditional attire, holding her Divine Son and offering Him to all humanity. The shrine was solemnly dedicated on November 4, 1947, by His Grace, Dr. Ferdinand Perrier of the Calcutta Mission. During the Holy Year of 1950, Archbishop Constantini, Secretary of the Congregation for the Propagation of Faith, showcased images of the Mokama Shrine in an exhibition of mission art. He praised its bold and wise approach in crafting a style that was both Indian and Christian, and sent a letter of congratulations to Father Batson for this remarkable achievement. In 1965, Father De Geneva, S.J., requested a special privilege to celebrate Holy Mass in honor of Our Lady of Divine Grace for pilgrims visiting the shrine. The request was granted by Propaganda Fide, establishing October 22 as the annual day of commemoration. However, due to frequent monsoon floods, the feast was later moved to the first Sunday of February.