Mariamabad Day was celebrated with great devotion in Mariamabad village on January 14, 2026, marking 133 years since its founding in 1893. The event commemorated the arrival of Capuchin missionaries and the first Christian families in the area, who braved numerous challenges to establish the first Catholic Christian colony in Punjab.
The celebrations began with a procession reenacting the journey of the missionaries and families, who traveled from village Dhauk in Sialkot district, through Wazirabad to Gujranwala, Hafizabad , and finally reached Mariamabad. The convoy was presented in a dramatic manner by the youth of Mariamabad in the streets of the village, highlighting the sacrifices and perseverance of the early missionaries and believers.
The procession was followed by a Holy Eucharist led by Rev. Fr. Tariq George, Rector of National Marian Shrine Mariamabad. In his sermon, Fr. Tariq George paid tribute to the Capuchin missionaries, including Fr. Engelbert, Fr. Lyons, Fr. Felix, and Brother Paul, who played a crucial role in establishing the Christian community in Mariamabad. As Fr. Tariq George said in his sermon, “The seeds sown by the Capuchin missionaries have blossomed into a beautiful garden, and it is our duty to nurture and protect it for future generations. ” He also acknowledged the sacrifices of the first believers, including the families of Dattu, Sidhu, and Raldo, who welcomed the missionaries and helped establish the Church in the area.
The celebrations concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony and distribution of sweets among the believers. The event was attended by Christians from three centers of the parish, who came together to celebrate Maryamabad Day and renew their commitment to their faith.
