Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 16: The foot pilgrimage undertaken with devotion and reverence reflected the sanctity of faith. The disciplined and orderly manner in which the walk was conducted was an act of respect for all. With Mudipu being a renowned pilgrimage center, the event created an atmosphere that attracted devotees from other towns.

Speaker U T Khader stated that the Mudipu Church will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and the government will extend all possible support to the church’s religious programs, recognizing its significance as a symbol of holiness in the region.

As part of the silver jubilee celebrations of St Joseph Vaz Shrine, Mudipu, a Grand Marathon Foot Pilgrimage – “Namma Nadige Mudipu Punya Kshetrada Kadege” was organized under the leadership of Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh South Zone. The event was welcomed at Derlakatte, where U T Khader addressed the gathering.

Alwyn D’Souza, speaking on the occasion, emphasized that the pilgrimage walk was undertaken with faith and unity, believing that visiting the Holy Land where Jesus Christ was born in the sacred year 2025 would bring divine blessings. He noted that priests and devotees from 10 churches, including those from distant places like Mulki, participated in the event.

Retired Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of the Mangaluru Diocese imparted his blessings, while Fr Victor D’Mello of Panir Church inaugurated the program.

Several dignitaries were present at the event, including MCC Bank president Anil Lobo, former president Rally D’Costa, former secretary of Mangaluru Catholic Diocese M P Noronha, Clifford Lobo, and clergy members Fr Assisi Rebello and Fr Santosh Menezes. Others present included Mudipu Church parish council vice president Naveen D’Souza, secretary Santosh D’Souza, coordinators Leo D’Souza, silver jubilee coordinators Roshan D’Souza and Arun D’Souza, Panir Church parish council vice president Sarita D’Souza, Catholic Sabha central president and state president Alwyn D’Souza, South Zone president Dolly D’Souza, and secretary Tressy Rodrigues.

The 15-km-long pilgrimage walk from Panir Church to Mudipu Church witnessed participation from thousands of devotees, including elderly individuals who have been part of the event for the past four years. The pilgrimage also saw warm gestures of communal harmony, as Hindu and Muslim brethren welcomed the devotees with sweets and refreshments.