Mount Mary Basilica Restoration Completed

September 8 marks the birth centenary of Mother Mary. Post that, Catholics will throng to the Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra for the Bandra Fair This year, though, there is a special surprise awaiting the devotees. After renovations, the Basilica will finally be in its full glory, but replace an iconic aspect.

The Mount Mary Basilica has unveiled a refreshed look after its recent restoration. The earlier blue-and-cream palette has given way to the rich warmth of restored Burma teak adorning the ceiling, columns, doors, and windows. Adding to its renewed splendour is the restored canvas painting of Mary, Queen of Heaven, now gracefully displayed above the sanctuary, according to this Mid-Day article.  The church premises were shit for almost a year for renovations. Church proceedings happened in a shamiana within the church premises.

Mount Mary Basilica has a history of waterlogging, which was a concern. When the renovation work began, the authorities discovered the ceiling, doors and other areas were made of Burma wood, not stone, as previously thought. Seeing this, the renovators decided to restore the original colour of the Church. Instead of painting over the teak,  the renovators have polished the material. The blue has now disappeared, with even the main sanctum sanctorum having pale shades of grey and gold niches.

Mount Mary Basilica in 2024

 

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The teak wasn’t the only surprising aspect that the Catholic community experienced during renovation. They also came across a rare image of Mother Mary as the Queen of Heaven.  The painting depicts the Mother Mary holding baby Jesus and surrounded by angels. The image of the painting is not public. It will be a delight for devotees when they visit the church. The restoration of the church began in 2023 and paused in 2024 for the 2024 Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The original oratory dates to the late 1500s.