BELAGAVI
With the beginning of the 40 days Lenten Season, where Christians observe fasting, penance and abstinence as the mark of reparation, thousands of pilgrims from Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala are expected to flock to the historic Cross atop Nandgad Hill, about 37 kms towards Khanapur.
The Diocese of Belgaum is geared up to conduct the special day-long Lenten prayers and Eucharistic services will be held every Friday commencing today. The prayer services will be held from 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Since it was established in 1888 by priests and Catholics from Nandgad seeking solace from the bubonic plague, the Miraculous Cross has been the place of hope and repose for thousands of pilgrims across the region and abroad.
While scores of pilgrims visit the Cross around the year, the number increases during the Lenten season.
Expressing happiness over the rising number of pilgrims after the Covid marred years, Fr Shantappa Borker, priest incharge of Nandgad parish, said that apart from Belgaum and north Karnataka, the number of pilgrims from Goa, Maharashtra and Kerala visiting the Cross is likely to rise this year.
Briefing about the prayer services to be held, Fr Borker said special prayer services would be held from February 24 till March 17. The preachers who would be leading the prayer services include Fr Urban Fernandes (Karwar diocese), Fr Franklin D’souza (Shivamogga diocese), Br Prakash D’Souza and team (Mumbai), Fr Roman Pinto (Shivamogga), Fr Roger Godinho (Goa). On Friday, March 31, the Diocese of Belgaum will observe the ‘Diocesan Day of Reparation’ for the entire day, Fr Borker said.
Pilgrims from across the region are invited to visit the historic Miraculous Cross during the Lenten season.
The Diocese of Belgaum is geared up to conduct the special day-long Lenten prayers and Eucharistic services will be held every Friday commencing today. The prayer services will be held from 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Since it was established in 1888 by priests and Catholics from Nandgad seeking solace from the bubonic plague, the Miraculous Cross has been the place of hope and repose for thousands of pilgrims across the region and abroad.
While scores of pilgrims visit the Cross around the year, the number increases during the Lenten season.
Expressing happiness over the rising number of pilgrims after the Covid marred years, Fr Shantappa Borker, priest incharge of Nandgad parish, said that apart from Belgaum and north Karnataka, the number of pilgrims from Goa, Maharashtra and Kerala visiting the Cross is likely to rise this year.
Briefing about the prayer services to be held, Fr Borker said special prayer services would be held from February 24 till March 17. The preachers who would be leading the prayer services include Fr Urban Fernandes (Karwar diocese), Fr Franklin D’souza (Shivamogga diocese), Br Prakash D’Souza and team (Mumbai), Fr Roman Pinto (Shivamogga), Fr Roger Godinho (Goa). On Friday, March 31, the Diocese of Belgaum will observe the ‘Diocesan Day of Reparation’ for the entire day, Fr Borker said.
Pilgrims from across the region are invited to visit the historic Miraculous Cross during the Lenten season.
