Bishop calls for amenities at Belagavi pilgrim site
THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
Devotees from Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, consider the Miraculous Cross atop a hill near Nandgad village as one of the most popular religious sites in Belagavi district. And with the numbers swelling with every passing year, Bishop of Belagavi, Peter Machado has sought an improvement in infrastructure and provision of basic amenities atop the hill.
Located about 36 kms from Belagavi, the Miraculous Cross was erected in 1888 during the bubonic plague and legend has it that many were cured of the disease.
With every passing year thereafter, the place turned into a pilgrimage site and the Miraculous Cross become a place of hope for pilgrims across Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa. During the Lenten season, a multitude of pilgrims visit the Cross.
“It is the spot that is remembered for the miraculous cures that people have experienced from the frightful disease, namely plague, two centuries ago,” Bishop Machado said.
“True to its nature, the hill continues to attract and fascinate pilgrims, who go up the hill, carrying heavy burdens of heart, mind and body. What a relief for these people to leave everything in God's hands and repose complete trust in God.”
“Dotted all along the hill are images of Jesus' passion, suffering and death, which give solace to the sick and suffering that God shares the condition of their anxiety and concern,” said the Bishop, adding, “the mystery of the Cross is the mystery of our life.”
Stating that it was heartening to note that the Nandgad Hill Cross has become a pilgrimage centre not only for Catholics but also to people of other religions too, Bishop Machado has appealed to local authorities to improve facilities at the site.
“The state government should extend more facilities to the pilgrims by constructing proper approach road and by providing drinking water, etc,” said Bishop Machado.
Meanwhile, special prayers are being conducted at the Miraculous Cross every Friday and other weekdays. As part of an annual celebration, the Diocesan Day of Pilgrimmage is being observed on March 18, when large numbers of pilgrims are expected to arrive.
The Nandgad Parish Priest Fr Vijay Mendith has been making elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims.
