Why pilgrims come
Discover what makes National Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu a place of pilgrimage
Sri Lanka’s great Marian pilgrimage shrine became a refuge and symbol of suffering during the civil war. Pope Francis prayed here in 2015 with Tamil and Sinhalese pilgrims and called it a house of prayer and haven of peace. Its deep devotional history is distinct from a formally approved apparition claim.
Catholic contextShrineMadhu, Sri Lanka
Research trail1 catalog sourceLast checked Sep 5, 2026
Pilgrim planningConfirm before travelingWorship times and access can change
TraditionCatholic
Feasts, anniversaries & celebrations
Madhu Assumption pilgrimageVerify the current program, transport, accommodation, and local conditions.
How to read this page
Sources, tradition, and what is verified
Source trail1 cited catalog source
The destination record was last checked on 9/5/2026.
Editorial standard
This page records the site’s tradition as “Catholic.” That wording describes the nature of the claim and keeps devotional tradition distinct from independently verified history.