Thousands of faithful from across the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in southwest India took part in the 8th Annual Walking Pilgrimage (Bhavarthachi Yatra) on February 22, the First Sunday of Lent, at the Old Sancoale Church in Goa.
The pilgrimage began at 2:00 a.m. from five designated centres—Goa Velha, Neura, Cansaulim, Verna, and Vasco. Pilgrims walked nearly 10 kilometres, converging at the historic Old Sancoale Church in a public expression of faith and penance at the start of the Lenten season.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão and Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes joined the faithful in the walk.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Cardinal Ferrão. Fr Lucio Dias, Episcopal Vicar for Confrarias and Administrative Bodies of Churches and Chapels, delivered the homily. Concelebrants included Bishop Simião Fernandes; Fr Agnelo Pinheiro, Bishop-elect of Sindhudurg; Fr George Ratos, convenor of the Diocesan Walking Pilgrimage Committee; Fr Kenneth Teles, Parish Priest of Sancoale; Fr Gabriel Fernandes, President of the Conference of Religious India (Goa Unit); and several other priests.
Preaching on the theme “Followers of Christ, Pilgrims of Hope,” Fr Dias said that life itself is a pilgrimage from birth to death, sustained by hope in Christ’s presence. Referring to Lent, he urged the faithful to overcome temptation through prayer, fasting, and reflection on the Word of God. He also recalled the missionary zeal and perseverance of St Joseph Vaz as a model of hope.
In his message, Cardinal Ferrão described the pilgrimage as a grace-filled opportunity for the Church in Goa to journey with Christ. Citing the Pope’s Lenten message, he encouraged the faithful to listen to God, fast from words and actions that wound others, and strengthen relationships by walking together in unity. He also appealed to pilgrims to support the Good Samaritan Fund in their respective parishes.
Statues depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, provided by Assolna Parish, were displayed at the Old Sancoale Church. The sacred images invited pilgrims to reflect on Christ’s suffering and redemptive love. After Mass, as participants departed in deanery groups, many remained behind for silent prayer and personal reflection.
Eucharistic Adoration was held at 5:00 a.m., led by Fr Henry Falcão, Director of the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre and Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone. This was followed by the Eucharistic celebration.
Fr Clifford Fernandes served as the liturgical commentator, while Fr Afonso Mendonça, Director of the Diocesan Liturgical Centre, animated the liturgy. Liturgical singing was led by Fr Olavo Caiado. Fr George Ratos proposed the vote of thanks.
The Diocesan Youth Centre, along with parish youth and parishioners from Benaulim, Loutolim, and Paroda, volunteered their services. The St Luke Guild and Nurses Guild provided support.
Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, Bishop Simião Fernandes said he looks forward each year to this “moment of grace.” He described the pilgrimage as a lived experience of synodality, where bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful walk together as one People of God. The prayerful atmosphere, marked by the Rosary and Marian hymns, made it a deeply spiritual experience, he added.
The bishop said he was particularly moved to see a young person with a disability walking ahead of him, persevering despite difficulty. He called the event “a journey in synodality” that offered moments of grace, prayer, and meaningful penance.
Muriel Fernandes, a novice of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Goa, said the pilgrimage helped her realise that it was not only about walking together, but about walking closely with God at every step. She said the prayers, hymns, and silent moments sustained her and deepened her patience, humility, and trust in God.
Valerie Cardozo, a parishioner of Dramapur, said she participates each year in faith, trusting God to guide her path. Though the long walk tires her physically, she said prayer and the Rosary renew her spirit and grant her peace.
Thomas Fernandes of Mandrem described the pilgrimage as a deeply spiritual experience, with participants chanting prayers and singing hymns along the way. He said he felt calm and assured of God’s presence throughout the journey.
Fr Jose Fernandes MSFS, Parish Priest of Cotto-do-Fatorpa, said the pilgrimage was both physically demanding and spiritually strengthening. He offered the walk for the intentions of his parishioners and others who had requested his prayers, saying the experience filled him with gratitude and renewed purpose.
Maria D’Costa of Macasana thanked God for the grace to participate despite leg pain. She described the pilgrimage as a profound journey of faith and trust.
Sr Shyja Joseph UMI said walking through the quiet night in prayer with fellow pilgrims fostered a sense of unity and awareness of God’s presence. She described the experience as spiritually enriching and transformative.
