28,000 Pilgrims Walk in Faith at Goa’s Annual Walking Pilgrimage

GOA, March 9, 2025: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman organised its 7th Annual Walking Pilgrimage (Bhavarthachi Yatra) on March 9, 2025 (First Sunday of Lent), at the Old Sancoale Church. The pilgrimage commenced at 2 a.m. from five designated centres: Bambolim, Neura, Cansaulim, Verna, and Vasco. 28000 pilgrims reached the Old Sancoale Church covering around 10km.

Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament was conducted by Desterro Parish at 5 a.m., led by Fr. Xavier Braganza followed by the Eucharistic celebration, which was presided over by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman.

Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxilliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, Fr. Henry Falcão, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone; Fr. George Ratos, Convenor of the Committee for the Diocesan Walking Pilgrimage, Fr. Kenneth Teles, Parish Priest of Sancoale; and several priests concelebrated the Eucharistic Celebration.

Delivering a homily on the theme "As Pilgrims of Hope, Let us proclaim the Good News," Bishop Simião Fernandes urged the faithful to embrace the Word of God as a source of strength in overcoming temptations and challenges, encouraging them to journey forward with hope.

Referring to Pope Francis’ Lenten message, he emphasised that in this Jubilee Year, we are called to journey with ourselves, with others, and with hope.

“Accepting others as they are, especially those on the peripheries and those highlighted by Pope Francis in his Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year, is essential—we need to journey with them,” he stated.

“To journey within ourselves, we must first accept who we are, including our weaknesses, struggles, and what we lack,” the Prelate added.

Speaking on the occasion, the Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão urged the faithful to be generous towards those in need in this Jubilee Year and become Pilgrims of hope. In this spirit, he called upon parishes with a Good Samaritan Fund to actively support the initiative and encouraged those without one to establish it before Easter.

This Jubilee Year, special emphasis was placed on the Cross. Each Centre featured a Cross inviting the faithful to begin their walk with prayer and reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. Scenes from the Passion of Christ, presented by the Youth from various Parishes at the Old Sancoale Church, reminded participants to focus on His journey.

After Mass, as the faithful left in deanery groups, some were invited to sit in silence and reflect, spending quiet time with Jesus.

A book titled’ Kuttumbamni Utsovik Khursachi Bhett ani Somudayamni Khursachi Vatt’ published by the Diocesan Pastoral Secretariat was released at the hands of Archbishop.

Intentions brought by the faithful were raised to God through the prayer led by the Archbishop. The pilgrimage ended in prayer and reflection, inspiring pilgrims to walk in faith, hope, and Christ’s love.

By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD

Photos: Joseph Fernandes