Marian devotion
Our Lady of Balkanabat
Balkanabat, Turkmenistán
The Virgin Mary in the city of Balkanabat, where the nomadic pastors venerate her as a protector of the herds.
La parroquia de Balkanabat
The Catholic parish of Balkanabat is one of the most important communities of faith in Turkmenistan. Founded in the 19th century, the parish has served the Catholics of the region for generations.
Our Lady of the Nomads
The image of the Virgin of the Nomads is a wooden size that represents the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, surrounded by camels and yurts. Tradition says that the Virgin appeared to a shepherd of Balkanabat during a terrible drought in the Karakum desert.
«La Virgen de los Nómadas protege a los pastores en sus viajes por el desierto.»
Nomadic tradition
The shepherds of Balkanabat said that before each journey, they went to the parish to pray the Rosary before the image of the Virgin of the Nomads. Tradition says that the pastors who prayed the Rosary never lost their flocks.
Prayer of Travellers
Oh, Mother of God, that you protect the shepherds on their travels. You who inspired the nomads of Balkanabat to trust you, intercede for us before your Son Jesus. May your protection accompany us in all our ways. Amen.
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