LONDON
About 350 pilgrims from different parts of London and beyond attended the annual pilgrimage organised by The Goan Association UK to The Friars at Aylesford, Kent, on September 14.
Coaches arrived at the venue from various locations, and pilgrims were greeted with teas, coffees and biscuits.
The Rosary procession started along the Rosary Way, led by Fr Renato Andrade of the Goan Chaplaincy UK, and several volunteers who carried the bier, beautifully adorned with flowers, around the Statue of Our Lady.
The pilgrims followed the Rosary Way in prayer, reciting the Rosary in English and Konkani, accompanied by the singing of hymns.
This was followed by Adoration and High Mass in the Chapel led by Fr Renato and the choir, who collaborated from various churches.
Later, group photographs were taken of all the pilgrims, the musicians and the choir in front of the church.
Lunch was then served by volunteers to the pilgrims, who were able to mingle and relax.
Music was provided, but by then the pilgrims experienced inclement weather. However, that did not prevent pilgrims from singing and dancing in the rain. Singing and entertainment were provided by several performers, diverting attention from the wet weather, which later subsided.
Tea, coffee, cake and biscuits continued to be served, which was followed by a raffle draw.
The rain subsided, and coaches were ready to leave for their respective areas.
“A thank you to Fr Renato, to the team at The Friars, our musicians and choir group, coach coordinators, the caterer, sound technician, photographer, to all our pilgrims and their families, and to all the volunteers. Their kind, generous and continuous support was appreciated,” said GOA UK Social and Cultural Director Chloé De-Mendonça.
“To those people who were unable to join us on this pilgrimage to Aylesford, we remembered them in our prayers.”
