Team Herald
SANCOALE: Around 23,000 faithful from across Goa participated in the ‘Walking Pilgrimage’ planned by the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
The walk of faith took off from Goa Velha and Mandur for the people of North Goa and from Vasco, Cansaulim, Verna and Quelossim for the people of South Goa. People, young and old, were seen walking in the wee hours, either reciting the Rosary or singing hymns.
Volunteers from different villages were seen along the main road to assist anyone in need of help, be it physical or medical. The police also provided a helping hand in controlling the flow of traffic.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao joined his flock in the walking pilgrimage at Goa Velha as the centre came under the north Goa jurisdiction. The parish priests, including the assistants, were also seen treading the path with their parishioners in prayer.
After the parishioners from all the parishes culminated at the Sancoale church, the Eucharistic celebration had the participation of over 150 priests at 7 am. Although there was a restricted of number of people at the time of registration, the toll surpassed as awareness about the pilgrimage was created through the media.
During the Eucharistic celebration, the bishop explained the discipleship of Christ. He also insisted on the Lenten spirit, which involved restructuring of sinful lives and assistance to the poor.
Archbishop Ferrao also laid stress on the Samaritan fund which needs to be introduced in all parishes across Goa. He informed that the Goa diocese has been promoting the said fund for the needy.
The Samaritan fund for the needy came into existence two years back, but last year in the pastoral letter a special mention was made about it by the bishop. He desired it to be introduced in all the parishes so that the needy benefits from it.
The convenor of the ‘Walking Pilgrimage’, Fr Alfred Vaz stated that everything passed off peacefully and as per the plans with the support and co-operation of the people at large. “Except for some inconvenience to some people with regards to transport after service due to parking of buses at a distance to avoid congestion at the main venue, rest everything moved with ease,” he said.
