The contextualisation of Mary in the Catholics of Pakistan

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Contextual mariology
• inculturation
• indigenisation
• Mary
• Pakistan
• Marian devotion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Farman Ali

Farman Ali, an Assistant Professor at Riphah International University in Islamabad, Pakistan, comes from a Muslim background and has a particular interest in studying Christianity as a practical theology within the Pakistani context. While there have been numerous studies on Christian-Muslim relations, often focusing on apologetical and polemical writings, missionary activities, interfaith dialogues, and co-existence in colonial and postcolonial Pakistan, there exists a noticeable gap in research on the practical theology of Christianity in Pakistan. Hence, Mr. Ali has chosen “Christianity as a practical theology” as the focus of his forthcoming research to address this scholarly deficiency.