By Sr Molly Fernandes SFN
Sancoale. Mar 9: Begun in 2019, the Walking Pilgrimage in Goa, initiated by the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman as a spiritual journey to deepen faith and foster unity among the faithful, marked its 10th anniversary, on March 9, the first Sunday of Lent and aligning with the jubilee year 2025.
Themed ‘As pilgrims of hope, let us proclaim the good news,’ the event drew around more than 28,000 thousand participants from across the archdiocese.
The journey of the pilgrimage commenced at 2 am from five designated centers Neura, Cansaulim, Bambolim, Verna, and Vasco—culminating at the Façade of Old Sancoale Church. Pilgrims undertook this spiritual journey as an act of penance and unity within the Church. The event featured depictions of the Passion of Christ along the route, enhancing the Lenten spirit of reflection and penance.
The pilgrims were led in prayer through adoration and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament led by Fr Xavier Braganza, reflecting on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and their spiritual journey.
The Holy Eucharist was presided by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, together with his auxiliary bishop Simião Purificao Fernandes and concelebrated by Frs Henry Falcao, Georgew Ratos, Kenneth Teles and many priests, in the presence of the religious and the august gathering.
Before the beginning of the Holy Eucharist, there was a burning of petition at the urn, by the Cardinal symbolizing the surrender of personal intentions and burdens to God. This act of faith and trust in divine providence resonated deeply with participants, enhancing the spiritual depth of the pilgrimage.
Bishop Simião Fernandes delivered the homily emphasizing the call to become "apostles of hope." He urged the faithful to proclaim the Gospel in every aspect of their lives within families, society, and even in their relationship with nature. Drawing inspiration from St Joseph Vaz, the bishop highlighted the importance of gratitude, humility, and respect in fostering love and unity. He shared a touching example of humility and hope through the story of lame and blind beggars. Despite their physical limitations, the beggars worked together in a spirit of mutual support one guiding the other demonstrating how cooperation and faith can overcome adversity and lead to hope and renewal.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão concluded the event with a heartfelt message, calling on the faithful to embrace the jubilee year as a time for personal conversion and spiritual renewal. He encouraged participants to deepen their faith through prayer and reflection, renew their hope in God's mercy, and strengthen their love through acts of compassion and service.
The Cardinal also spoke about the significance of fasting during Lent, describing it as a powerful spiritual discipline that helps believers detach from material distractions and focus on their relationship with God. He urged the faithful in reference to what His Holiness Pope Francis says about fasting, to fast not only from food but also from negative habits, such as anger, hatred, jealousy, backbiting and selfishness, etc, to grow in holiness.
The Walking Pilgrimage served as a profound act of faith, uniting the archdiocese in prayer and reflection. It was a witness to the enduring spirit of hope and love that defines the Church, especially during this jubilee year.
A book titled, ‘Kuttumbamni Utsovik Khursachi Bhett ani Somudayamni Khursachi Vatt’was published by the diocesan pastoral secretariat at the hands of the archbishop.
A lot of preparation went into organising this event, and it was really a success, organised very meticulously with all the required arrangements from the starting point of the pilgrimage centers to the venue. The coordinator proposed a vote of thanks, along with South Goa episcopal vicar Fr Kenneth Teles and His Excellency Cardinal Ferrao.