Abstract

ABSTRACT This study attempts to explore the contextual dynamics of Marian devotion and Mariology in the context of Pakistan. The debate on contextual Mariology is linked to the inculturation of Marian devotion in the shrine culture of the subcontinent. As a result of this debate, the Catholic Church organised a mela in 1949 at Maryamabād in order to satisfy the spiritual needs of the common masses which became the symbol of folk devotion to Mary in Pakistan. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to explore the subject with people closely associated with the practices in question. This research concludes that though Marian devotion is largely rooted in the local culture of Pakistan, however, the statues and images of Mary are still western and national Catholic theologians took no steps to contextualise them because they do not want to change the traditional form of Christian art. The new insight into Mary as an earthly figure brings her closer to the lives and experiences of the common people.

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