CRI Shillong Marks All Saints’ Day with Pilgrims of Hope Pilgrimage

Shillong, November 2, 2025 —

The Conference of Religious India (CRI), Shillong Unit, commemorated the Feast of All Saints with its annual Pilgrims of Hope pilgrimage — a six-kilometre spiritual journey from the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Shillong, to the Sacred Heart Shrine, Mawlai. Over 400 Religious and formees participated in the event, walking together in faith and reflection.

The day began with a blessing liturgy at the Cathedral, presided over by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh, who sent the pilgrims forth in prayer. The procession, marked by hymns, silence, and contemplation, culminated at the Sacred Heart Shrine, where participants entered into a time of adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The pilgrimage concluded with the solemn celebration of the Holy Mass.

In his homily, Archbishop Lyngdoh reflected on the significance of All Saints’ Day, emphasising the Church’s universal call to holiness. He reminded the faithful that sainthood is not reserved for a few but is the vocation of every Christian. The Archbishop expressed his appreciation for the invaluable contribution of Religious men and women to the pastoral life of the Archdiocese, commending their ongoing commitment to faith and service. He also expressed hope that the pilgrimage would inspire both personal and communal renewal among those who took part.

Setting the tone at the start of the journey, Br Sunil Britto, President of the CRI Shillong Unit, offered an insightful reflection on the spiritual meaning of walking. He described walking as a “sacramental act” that allows one to encounter God in simplicity and movement. Noting the tendency in modern life to rely on vehicles even for short distances, Br Britto encouraged participants to rediscover walking as a spiritual and physical discipline that nurtures mindfulness and strengthens the body.

He further highlighted the ecological dimension of the act, reminding participants that walking also serves the common good. “It reduces our carbon footprint and helps ease the traffic congestion that weighs heavily on our cities,” he observed.

As the pilgrims reached Mawlai, the Sacred Heart Shrine became a space of stillness and grace. Many took the opportunity to spend time in silent prayer and reflection before participating in the Eucharistic celebration. The atmosphere of the day — prayerful, reflective, and joy-filled — captured the spirit of communion and gratitude that marks the Feast of All Saints.

At the conclusion of the pilgrimage, participants expressed a deep sense of spiritual renewal and togetherness. Many shared that the walk had been both a physical and interior journey — a moment of silence amid life’s noise, a time for gratitude, and an invitation to live more consciously the Christian call to holiness.

“It was a simple yet profound act of faith,” one participant noted. “Walking together reminded us that holiness is not just about reaching heaven but about walking each day with God and one another.”

The event, rich in symbolism and community spirit, left many with a renewed sense of mission and belonging. Participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisers of CRI Shillong for their thoughtful coordination and hospitality, affirming their eagerness to take part in future pilgrimages.

The Pilgrims of Hope journey thus stood as both a spiritual exercise and an ecological witness — a reminder that holiness, hope, and care for creation can be walked, quite literally, one step at a time.

By CRI Shillong Reporter

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