Dolcy D’Cruz
The Walking Pilgrimage (Bhavarthachi Yatra), organised on the First Sunday of Lent, is a spiritual initiative aimed at fostering faith, prayer, penance, and community fellowship among the faithful. This year, the pilgrimage will be held on February 22, beginning at 3 am from designated stations. The theme for the pilgrimage is ‘Kristachim Pattlavdaram, Bhorvanxeachim Yatrekaram’ — ‘Followers of Christ, Pilgrims of Hope.’
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Five main stations have been arranged from Goa Velha Petrol Pump, Neura Panchayat, Verna Church, Cansaulim Church, and Vasco Church. Sub-stations offering medical aid facilities will be available at Agacaim Church, Cortalim (Sontrant near the Chapel), Jubilate at Velsao, and Sheela Bar near São Jacinto Island.
The programme will include moments of Eucharistic sharing, common prayers, Scripture reflections through posters, adoration with praise and worship, silent prayer, and devotional practices such as the Rosary and reflections on the Passion, enabling participants to grow spiritually while journeying together.
Fr Barry Cardozo, Director of the Goa Diocesan Centre for Social Communication Media (DCSCM), says, “Scenes depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ will be displayed at the venue to help the faithful reflect on God’s love and sacrifice.”
Nicole Godinho, a parishioner of Our Lady of Piety Church, Collem will be participating in the upcoming walking pilgrimage for the second time after a meaningful experience last year. She recalls that her parish priest had arranged a bus departing Collem at 1 am, taking pilgrims to Sancoale, from where they began the journey on foot. Though the group started together, everyone gradually walked at their own pace. Encouraged by her mother to trust in God and walk independently, Nicole continued on her own while her mother followed behind. Despite the long distance, she did not feel tired and described the experience as spiritually uplifting. “Last year, I was in Class 12 and had offered prayers for success in her board examinations. This year, having taken a break to prepare for her entrance exams, I am looking forward to undertaking the pilgrimage again, with my mother accompanying her once more,” says Nicole.
Selmer Leander Afonso, a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Caranzalem, is currently pursuing his MBBS at KLE JGMM Medical College, Hubballi but will be travelling to Goa to take part in the annual walking pilgrimage. This year marks his fifth consecutive participation, a streak he was determined not to break. He recalls that in the first year, his father attended to understand the experience, after which Selmer began participating regularly with his family and parish group. “What draws me back each year is the shared devotion across generations. I find it inspiring that people of all ages, even the elderly, walk together, some barefoot, united in prayer. The continuous singing of hymns and the rosary keeps the pilgrims energised, creating a joyful yet reflective atmosphere. Beginning around 2 am from Bambolim Cross, the group reaches in time for the 6 am Mass celebrated by the Cardinal, concluding the pilgrimage by late morning,” says Selmer, who often meets his friends and classmates at the pilgrimage.
Agnela D’Souza, a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Caranzalem, has been faithfully participating in the annual walking pilgrimage since its inception in 2018. For her, the experience is deeply refreshing and spiritually enriching. She describes it as a rare opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and focus entirely on prayer, especially the rosary, while walking alongside a large group of fellow devotees. Her parish usually arranges two to three buses, reflecting the growing number of participants each year. My mother-in-law, Rita Estrocio, joins her own circle of friends, and we reunite for Mass at the end. I am originally from Our Lady of Succour Church, Socorro, so I also meet friends from other parishes along the way. I believe the pilgrimage brings peace, especially during Lent,” says Agnela.
Ronisha Fernandes, who is currently working at a clinic, has been participating in the walking pilgrimage for the past four years, beginning after the Covid period. “It is an experience that is deeply energizing and spiritually fulfilling, even though it takes place in the middle of the night. What makes the pilgrimage special is seeing people everywhere immersed in prayer, walking together in faith and unity. During my first year, nearly 20 to 30 youths travelled together by bus, accompanied by priests, creating a vibrant and prayerful atmosphere,” explains Ronisha. On her first pilgrimage, she had written down a personal intention and offered it during the offertory. Today, she says that prayer has almost been answered, strengthening her faith even more. Inspired by her experience, she encouraged her friends to join despite their busy work schedules. They were hesitant at first, but later admitted she was right, as the pilgrimage left them feeling renewed and full of energy.
Agnelo Sequeira, a resident of Bicholim and a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Church, Bicholim, mentions, “I have been attending this Walking pilgrimage along with my wife right from its inception. In the very first year, we had gone just to experience this walking pilgrimage. I remember the enthusiasm and inner happiness we both experienced the moment we reached Sancoale and realized that we have done all this in a small way to partake in the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ who guides and protects us every single day. We prepare for this weeks in advance through prayers. As most of us are also busy with our desk jobs, we also see to it that we walk small steps every single day, weeks in advance so that we are physically able to make it to the destination without much discomfort.”
