Parishioners of St. Peter Church, Bhatgaon, Make a Spiritual Jubilee Pilgrimage to Uttar Pradesh

Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, April 12, 2025: In a meaningful observance of Lent and the Jubilee Year, 75 parishioners from St. Peter Church, Bhatgaon—under the Diocese of Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh—embarked on a Jubilee Pilgrimage to key Catholic sites in Uttar Pradesh on March 30 and 31, 2025. The two-day spiritual journey aimed to deepen the participants’ spiritual lives and renew their faith.

The pilgrimage was organised by Fr. T. Joseph Dhanaswamy, Synodal Church contact person for the diocese and Principal of A.D Jubilee Memorial School. He was assisted by Mr. Pandit Lal Tirkey, President of the Bhatgaon Parish Catholic Sabha, and Mrs. Jyoti Toppo, President of the Mahila Sangh. Two religious sisters from the Congregation of St. Charles Borromeo—Sr. Geeta and Sr. Sanila—also accompanied the pilgrims during their journey.

The pilgrims travelled by two school buses, equipped with proper travel permits to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Upon arrival in Uttar Pradesh, they were graciously hosted at St. John’s School in Sarnath, a town 8 km from Varanasi. Fr. Victor Henry, Fr. Vijay Shanthiraj, and Fr. Arvind from the Diocese of Varanasi warmly welcomed the pilgrims and extended hospitality and support throughout their stay.

During the pilgrimage, participants attended a Creation and Bible Story Show at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Varanasi. They also participated in the Way of the Cross and Holy Mass at the Infant Jesus Shrine in Mughalsarai.

Throughout the journey to and from Uttar Pradesh, the pilgrims engaged in communal prayers, including recitation of the Holy Rosary and hymn singing. These spiritual exercises greatly enriched their Lenten experience and helped promote deep spiritual reflection.

The pilgrimage concluded peacefully, with parishioners offering heartfelt thanks to the Almighty for a grace-filled and trouble-free experience.

St. Peter's Church, Bhatgaon, remains committed to nurturing the faith of its community through regular spiritual initiatives. Preparations are already underway for another pilgrimage from May 14, 2025, during which 245 faithful from the diocese of Ambikapur and neighbouring dioceses will travel to Chennai, Vailankanni, the Divine Retreat Centre in Kerala, and Goa.

By Steve Antao