In a testament to unwavering faith and tradition, the annual pilgrimage of around 300 to 400 devotees from the Kolhapur deanery and Bhedshi Parish has once again set foot on the sacred journey to Old Goa. Accompanied by three or four priests, the pilgrims embarked on their pilgrimage on November 27, with a significant stopover at Our Lady of Grace Church in Bicholim on December 2.
The pilgrimage route takes the devout travelers through the scenic landscapes via Ramghat (Tilarighat) and Dodamarg, culminating in a sacred halt at Our Lady of Grace Church in Bicholim on December 2. This spiritual pause allows the pilgrims to seek blessings and engage in moments of reflection before resuming their journey.
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Xavier Fernandes, one of the pilgrims originally from Aldona but now residing in Kolhapur, shared insights into the enduring tradition, stating, “From 1978, we have been coming from various places to Goa on foot, all thanks to Fr. Kustas Brago from Kolhapur.” He further explained the origins of the pilgrimage, which began with Fr. Kustas Brago, now known as Fr. Prabhudhar, who was the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church in Ajara, Kolhapur.
Fernandes recounted the vow made by Fr. Prabhudhar’s mother, who pledged to walk to Goa annually to seek the blessings of St. Francis Xavier and fulfill her vows upon being blessed with a son. The pilgrimage initially started with a small group from Kadal, Kolhapur, Belgaum, and Pondicherry, who would carry necessary materials on their heads during the journey.
This year’s pilgrimage also includes a 78-year-old priest from Pondicherry, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds and shared devotion of the participants. Prayer is an integral part of the walking pilgrimage, with the journey beginning on the morning of November 27 from Ichalkaranji, Kolhapur.
The pilgrimage is a poignant manifestation of spiritual commitment, tradition, and communal harmony, bringing together individuals from different regions to celebrate their faith in a unique and profound way. As the pilgrims make their way to Old Goa, the echoes of their prayers and the footsteps on this sacred journey resonate with the enduring spirit of devotion and tradition.
