Over 100 pilgrims joined the Goan Chaplaincy UK-led Pilgrimage to the Holy Land from November 21-29.
UK-based pilgrims were under the banner of Goan Chaplaincy. Fr Lucas Rodrigues and Fr Mark Furtado led one group, while Fr Patrick D’Souza and Fr Feroz Fernandes looked after the other group. Fr Christo Menezes, who is based in Swindon, joined the pilgrimage.
Fr Feroz Fernandes said that some pilgrims joined due to a vow, and others took it as an opportunity to renew their faith as a family.
“Whether the pilgrims were a couple or a family, accompanying friends, or just alone navigating life situations, there was a sense of awe on their faces, and a sense of peace within,” Fr Fernandes said.
“It’s a life-changing experience,” says Myla Costa, who claimed it was her life's best trip. “I joined the pilgrimage with a heavy heart, but now I feel a new sense of calm.”
Cipin Fernandes, another pilgrim, was deeply moved to reflect on what happened 2,000 years ago as Jesus stepped on those roads.
“It’s a profound feeling to be before the feet of God in the original place,” he said, while crediting Fr Rodrigues, who encouraged him to join the pilgrimage.
“I felt we were in the live location of Jesus,” says Vilbern Fernandes, a first-time pilgrim to the Holy Land. “I had heard about biblical places, read it in the Bible. Now the places mean much more “ they come alive.”
Jennifer Da Silva, who was on a second trip to Israel with her husband Cyril, says, “experiencing Holy Land’s journey with my husband bonded us spiritually. We experienced a different kind of belonging to each other but with Jesus’ presence.”
The couples got to renew their wedding vows at Cana in Galilee Church. Pilgrims made a profession of faith at River Jordon, the site of Jesus’ baptism, as the priest symbolically sprinkled the waters of Jordon over the gathering.
Another participant, Sucorrina Crasto, says that the Word of God came alive visiting the holy places mentioned in the Bible.
Socorrina’s husband, Marcal, stated, "the descriptions of the sites provided by the Israeli guides stimulated a spiritual experience, although there was too much information.”
On the last day, Fr Rodrigues encouraged pilgrims to spread the word and invite family and friends to undertake a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Fr D’Souza expressed gratitude for those who volunteered during the pilgrimage. Damien from Ireland coordinated the pilgrimage on behalf of the Goan Chaplaincy UK agent from Anam Cara Travel.
A group of pilgrims led by Fr Lucas Rodrigues and Fr Mark Furtado during their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
