Syncretic Marian Cult in Bangladesh Masquerades as Catholic Piety
EWTN News portal (January 21, 2026) reports thousands gathered at a purported Marian shrine in Nabai Battala, Bangladesh, commemorating an incident during the 1971 war when Pakistani soldiers allegedly spared villagers after their prayers to Mary. The annual pilgrimage, presided over by “Bishop” Sebastian Tudu of Dinajpur, claims divine protection through Mary’s intercession, with accounts of Hindu conversions to Christianity following the event.