BELAGAVI
Thousands of pilgrims from Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra are expected to throng the Miraculous Cross atop Nandgad Hill, about 35 km from Belagavi, on Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Bishop of Belgaum Derek Fernandes will preside over the day-long ‘Diocesan Day Reparation Prayer Services’ at the site, which has been declared as a pilgrimage centre by the Diocese of Belgaum for over two decades.
Apart from Christians, people of different faiths also visit the Cross to seek blessings.
Giving details, parish priest of IC Church, Nandgad, and in charge of the pilgrimage centre Fr Shantappa Borkar said scores of pilgrims have been visiting the Cross to offer prayers and petitions as Christians from all walks of life observe the fasting and penance during the 40 days of Lent.
“While these pilgrims from Karnataka and across border states are thronging the Miraculous Cross, the number on Friday and Sundays is huge. We expect an enormous congregation on Friday, which is observed as the Diocesan Day of Reparation by the Diocese of Belgaum,” said Fr Borkar.
“Bishop Derek Fernandes will be presiding over the main celebrations while priests from different parts of the nation will also be offering special prayers.”
Fr Borkar said prayers and Masses would be offered in Kannada, English, and Konkani on Friday.
Bishop Derek Fernandes has appealed to people to observe the day as the day of fasting and penance.
“It is a day to acknowledge our sins and repair the damage caused to humanity. Do make a pilgrimage on this day,” said Bishop Fernandes, who will preside over the Konkani Mass at 12 noon.
