Thousands of Settlers from Upper Ghats Plan Pilgrimage to Old Goa

While excitement prevails in the Diocese of Belgaum to visit Goa for the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier which will take place from November 21 to January 5, 2025, priests, nuns and lay people are making plans for their pilgrimage to Old Goa.

The Diocese of Belgaum comprises the districts of Belagavi, Bagalkol, Gadag, Dharwad, Haveri and Chandgad taluka of neighbouring Kolhapur district in Maharashtra.

PLANS FOR EXPOSITION

While over 1,500 are expected to take part in a walking pilgrimage from this region, preparations are afoot to organise special transport services to Old Goa during the Exposition.

According to Church authorities and information from sources, several thousands of lay faithful from diverse origins, including non-Christians, are expected to visit Old Goa this year.

Apart from private family visits, various churches in the region are organising religious excursions to Old Goa.

Along with the laity, many priests will either join the walking pilgrimage or will accompany their parishioners to Old Goa, while many faithful have volunteered to assist the Bom Jesus Basilica authorities in Old Goa during the Exposition.

Preparations are in full swing for a visit to old Goa, as Catholics residing in villages in and around Belgaum and Kolhapur regions are busy planning their visit to Old Goa.

Guru Santaji Lobo, an evangelist from Pangire village in Ajara taluka who is engaged in spiritual awakening, said: "A delegation from the Belagavi and Sindhudurg dioceses met authorities at the Bom Jesus Basilica and discussed the arrangements for food, water, accommodation, etc. “This year, instead of a musical show, a two-hour bhajan will be recited at the venue where walking pilgrims will be residing.”

Despite being forced to leave Goa for various reasons, we have strongly preserved our faith culture and our mother tongue Konkani. We (walking pilgrims) certainly deserve better amenities, said Santaji, who heads a walking pilgrimage of non-Christians from Ajara and Bhudargad talukas.

Wilson Carvalho, a social and religious activist, said a tempo service is planned to Old Goa and back every day at an affordable price so that everyone gets an opportunity to visit Old Goa. Similar excursions have been planned from Khanapur, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur and other places.

Goan settlers from Pune and Mumbai have also planned a pilgrimage to Old Goa. “We are looking out for means and ways of reaching Goa together with our families if possible in groups." said Alphie Monteiro, author of the book 'Bardeskars - The Mystery of Migration'. Bishop of Belgaum asks faithful to visit exposition.

By Louis Rodrigues

Courtesy: The Goan