Media Release

Tampa, Apr 6: The Mangalorean, Goan and East Indian Catholic community known as ‘Tampa Friends’ in Tampa, Florida, came together during the Lenten season to observe the Stations of the Cross, fostering faith, family unity, and cultural connection.

Throughout Lent, families hosted weekly gatherings in their homes, inviting fellow community members to pray the Stations of the Cross together.

About 25 to 30 Tampa Friends participated every week. Each evening concluded with a simple fellowship meal, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness and reflection. While the gatherings featured fun-filled games and activities, the primary focus remained on Lent, faith formation, and educating both children and adults about the journey of Jesus’ suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Walter Lobo, a native of Pezar, Mangaluru, and a Tampa resident, shared reflections from his childhood. “This gives me immense joy and hope,” he said. “Our faith has put prayer and family first here in the USA, and we have been blessed with an abundance of gifts for ourselves and our children.” He shared his childhood experience at home praying stations of the cross that began some 246 years ago from St Joseph Church to the Holly Cross Hill, Pezar.

The season culminated with a joyful Easter Sunday potluck celebration, commemorating the Resurrection of Christ and the unity of the community.

Merlin Mendonca was specially thanked who organized the prayers, coordinated the gatherings, and documented the events through photographs. The Tampa Friends community continues to expand through the dedicated efforts of Joseph Colaso and Merlin Mendonca, along with the growing participation of many families joining the community.