Marian devotion
Our Lady of Shymkent
Shymkent, Kazakhstan
The Virgin Mary in Kazakhstan's third largest city, where the Catholic faith has been reborn after the Soviet era.
The Shymkent Parish
The Catholic parish of Shymkent is one of the most important faith communities in Kazakhstan. Founded in the 19th century, the parish has served the Catholics of the region for generations.
The Virgin of the Steppe
The image of Our Lady of the Steppe is a wooden carving depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, surrounded by horses and nomadic shepherds. Tradition says that the Virgin appeared to a nomad from Shymkent during a severe drought on the steppe.
"The Virgin of the Steppe blesses the flocks of the shepherds who trust in her."
Local anecdotes
The inhabitants of Shymkent recount that during the Soviet era, parishioners secretly gathered to pray the Rosary before an image of Our Lady of the Steppe. Despite the persecution, their faith never died, and the faithful attributed this to the protection of the Virgin Mary.
Prayer
O Virgin of the Steppe, protector of shepherds. You who bless the flocks of those who trust in you, intercede for us before your Son Jesus. Protect the people of Kazakhstan and guide us toward peace. Amen.
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