Covering a distance ranging from 125 to 250 kms, pilgrims reached Old Goa to receive a warm welcome from the priests in Old Goa along with the members of St Francis Xavier Trust here.
Immediately after their arrival, the pilgrims paid tributes to St Francis Xavier by paying a visit to his relics at the Se Cathedral, while many pilgrims expressed joy for completing their pilgrimage.
Bishop of Belgaum Peter Machado was in Old Goa to concelebrate a special Konkani mass for the pilgrims.
In his homily, Bishop Machado lauded the walking pilgrimage and said it has helped in consolidating the faith and Konkani culture. “As you walk every year, it will be certainly rewarded in all your endeavours,” Bishop Machado said urging pilgrims to continue the tradition which is a commendable way of expressing gratitude to ‘Goencho Saib’.
Fr Joe Monteiro, Fr Augustine Fernandes, Fr Joseph Fernandes and other priests have accompanied the walking pilgrimage. Fr Menino D’Souza celebrated mass in Kannada outside the Basilica for pilgrims hailing from Gokak taluka in Belgaum district.
Later in the evening, they took part in a procession from the Spiritual Centre to the Basilica. Guru Santaji Lobo and other priests offered special prayers in Konkani, Marathi and Kannada during the procession.
Thomas Fernandes from Vagator and Neil Monteiro from Sanquelim served meals to the pilgrims in the afternoon and at night. After taking part in the feast mass, the pilgrims will leave back to their respective destinations.
