BELAGAVI
After a gap of two years, a large number of pilgrims from across Goa, North Karnataka, Maharashtra and other States took part in prayer services on Friday organised by the Diocese of Belgaum at the Miraculous Cross in Nandgad.
Putting behind the Covid lockdown and restrictions since the last two years, the pilgrims put forth their petitions, expressed their gratitude to God and sought the blessings of the Miraculous Cross at Nandgad. Like every year, the day was observed as the ‘Day of Reparation’.
The day commenced with the special Lenten prayer services that commenced from the Immaculate Conception Church, Nandgad. Priests coming from various parts of the region offered the Holy Mass services. Bishop of Belgaum Dr Derek Fernandes presided over the Holy Eucharist in the afternoon.
Parish Priest Fr Shantappa Borkar in his introductory prayers expressed his gratitude to God for allowing pilgrims to take part in the Lenten prayers after a long gap of over two years.
In his homily, Bishop Fernandes exhorted people to repent for their sins,
“Go to God and seek His pardon and He will always pardon us. Repent like St Peter and St Jude and your sins will be forgiven,” said Bishop Fernandes and sought blessings on those who have suffered especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pilgrims were blessed with the Holy Cross made of olive wood from the Garden of Gethsemane along with a small piece of a rock from Calvary, where Jesus was crucified.
Members of the local village committee had made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims who were pouring in throughout the day.
Putting behind the Covid lockdown and restrictions since the last two years, the pilgrims put forth their petitions, expressed their gratitude to God and sought the blessings of the Miraculous Cross at Nandgad. Like every year, the day was observed as the ‘Day of Reparation’.
The day commenced with the special Lenten prayer services that commenced from the Immaculate Conception Church, Nandgad. Priests coming from various parts of the region offered the Holy Mass services. Bishop of Belgaum Dr Derek Fernandes presided over the Holy Eucharist in the afternoon.
Parish Priest Fr Shantappa Borkar in his introductory prayers expressed his gratitude to God for allowing pilgrims to take part in the Lenten prayers after a long gap of over two years.
In his homily, Bishop Fernandes exhorted people to repent for their sins,
“Go to God and seek His pardon and He will always pardon us. Repent like St Peter and St Jude and your sins will be forgiven,” said Bishop Fernandes and sought blessings on those who have suffered especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pilgrims were blessed with the Holy Cross made of olive wood from the Garden of Gethsemane along with a small piece of a rock from Calvary, where Jesus was crucified.
Members of the local village committee had made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims who were pouring in throughout the day.
