Surveys among pilgrims reveal that even though they go to different shrines, all are conscious of a relation with the Mother of Christ. The pilgrims are very aware that they are not relating to a local goddess. Moreover, the people who frequent the shrines are not as ill-informed as one is led to believe. In general, it must be acknowledged that the essential content of Christian doctrine has been transmitted in a simple way by the Virgin. And this is critical for the process of inculturation.
Shrines are interesting examples of places which make it possible for the faith to reach the masses.
Mary is a model of inculturation and mediation in the relationship with God. She has been this model since the beginning. According to the Vatican news agency 'Fides,' a group of Trappist monks of various nationalities wants to return to the Monastery of Our Lady of the Atlas in Tibhirine, Algeria, where seven members of their Order were kidnapped and brutally murdered in May, 1996. The monks are awaiting a response from the Algerian authorities. The monastery is still standing and undamaged.