LONDON
What began as a pilgrimage of faith became a powerful celebration of Goan unity, friendship and community spirit as Goans from across Ireland converged on Knock for the special pilgrimage and Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni, organised by the Goan Association Ireland (GAI).
People travelled from different counties, with the Association’s County Ambassadors coordinating transport, ticketing, food and refreshments in their respective areas. Special buses were organised, while many others travelled independently by car, train and other public transport facilities.
“Such was the response that the original church venue had to be reallocated to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel to accommodate the congregation. Even the new venue struggled to contain the numbers. The chapel was filled to capacity, with some devotees having to remain standing as they participated in the Holy Eucharistic celebration,” said Aldrin Coutinho, attorney of GAI.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr Valerian Castellino C.S.C., who led the congregation in a deeply spiritual and faith-filled Eucharistic celebration.
The Mass was further enriched by the contribution of the choir and musicians from Killarney, complemented by voices from Dublin.
“The Association also expressed its gratitude to Fr Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest and Rector of Knock Shrine, for welcoming the Goan community and supporting the pilgrimage and confirmed that the entire offertory collection from the Mass was donated to Holy Knock Shrine Church as a contribution from the association,” Aldrin added.
Following the Mass, the solemnity of the pilgrimage gave way to the warmth of Goan fellowship. Goan entertainment added colour and joy to the afternoon. Over meals and conversations, old friendships were renewed and new memories were created. For many, it was not simply a pilgrimage to Knock. It was a day to meet fellow Goans, reconnect with friends and celebrate the community that they have built together in Ireland.
In his reflections, GAI President Milton Vaz said the pilgrimage to Knock was never meant to be just another event on the association’s calendar.
“It was an opportunity for Goans from every corner of Ireland to come together in faith, friendship and fellowship. The overwhelming response has shown us the strength of our community and the love people have for our Goan heritage,” said Milton.
“Our journey does not end at Knock. We want to build a stronger, more united and vibrant Goan community in Ireland. We hope to return to Knock next year with an even better experience, God willing. Until then, let us continue to stand together as one Goan family.”
The Association appreciated GAI Honorary President Ajoy Fernandes and Attorney Aldrin Coutinho, together with Rollyson Luis, Cajie D’Costa, Aldrin Rego and Saluzinho Rodrigues, for working on the logistics, coordination and arrangements required to make the pilgrimage a success.
The Association also placed on record its appreciation for Clint Estiberio, who extended his helping hand whenever the Association has faced financial needs. Special appreciation was also extended to Orane Goa, who supported arrangements for the priest and the offertory.
The County Ambassadors played a crucial role in bringing pilgrims together from different parts of Ireland and coordinating transportation and participation.
The Association expressed its special thanks to Peter Charlit (Cork), Doris Fernandes (Wexford), Gracian Rodrigues (Killarney), Leejoy Pereira (Mayo), Ashley Fernandes (Carlow), Sherley Colaco (Sligo), Diego Fernandes (Leitrim), Ajoy Fernandes (Dublin) and Aldrin Coutinho (Galway).
The Association also extended its appreciation to choir members and musicians from Killarney and Dublin for enhancing the Eucharistic celebration. Thanks were also extended to the readers, altar boys and girls, and offertory servers and collection servers who gave their time and service during the Mass.
The Association also placed on record its gratitude to the Executive Committee whose dedication and hard work contributed to the organisation of the pilgrimage: Ajoy Fernandes (Honorary President), Milton Vaz (President), Noel D’Souza (Vice President), Richie D’Silva (Senior Advisor) and Aldrin Coutinho (Attorney).
Together with the wider committee, ambassadors, volunteers and supporters, the team continues to work towards strengthening the Goan community in Ireland.
Ajoy Fernandes said he has plans to celebrate the Feast Mass of Our Lady of Vailankanni on September 8, 2027 and hopes to celebrate in the Knock Shrine Basilica.
