Organizers of last week’s annual Marian pilgrimage, the largest Christian event in the country,say they doubt they will get their share of proposed renovation funds budgeted by the government. Father Ashraf Gill, head of security for this year’s celebration, said the announcement by provincial Minister Kamran Michael of more than US$200,000 for refurbishing the national shrine in Mariamabad may be an empty promise. “We hope the amount comes but our past experience has not been good. We are still waiting for 10 million rupees (about US$212,000) announced for a Punjab parish by a Christian minister three years ago,” said the priest Kamran Michael, the minister for finance, minority affairs and human rights, announced the funding on September 10 to more than a million people in Mariamabad. “I know it is tough to sit and pray on a brick floor. You will see big changes next year," he said. Additionally, Akram Masih Gill, minister for interfaith and harmony, announced plans to renovate a road to the shrine after the September 9 opening procession and celebration of the Eucharist. Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Edgar Pena Perra in his first Urdu language message extended “special blessings” from Pope Benedict XVI on the opening of the pilgrimage, and the shrine’s compound echoed with prayers for Mary and calls for peace over the three-day event. However long queues for the grotto posed challenges for organizers as participants complained about inadequate facilities. “My 15-year-old son … fainted after standing for five hours to reach the Marian statue. I hope they arrange for more … fans [because] a few of them were not working, and at least rugs to sit on,” said Gulzar Anjum, a Catholic pilgrim. Father Akram Javed, the shrine’s rector, cited the need for genuine support from the government. "One hundred washrooms are simply inadequate for millions [of people]. The grotto compound is not roofed, while the Church campus and nearby graveyard have no boundary wall. Also, there are no arrangements for parking vehicles,” he said. Related reports: Dead pilgrim not murdered, says priestSecurity top priority for annual pilgrimage
