the goan I network
OLD GOA
Around 35,000 people expected to participate in the annual walking pilgrimage from five different locations to Sancoale, organised by the Church during the Lent season, which will be held this year on March 1.
Speaking to The Goan, Convenor of the Walking Pilgrimage Committee Fr Alfred Vaz informed that last year over 25000 people participated and this figure is expected to cross 35,000 this year.
“Over 35000 people are expected for this year’s walking pilgrimage on March 1, which will start from 3 am. Last year, over 25,000 people had participated in the walking pilgrimage,” Fr Vaz said.
Fr Vaz stated that the theme chosen is ‘Jesus walked to the desert’ because the Gospel that day also focuses on Jesus walking to the desert after receiving the baptism.
“We also go walking to get that kind of desert experience of being with the Lord. We start the Lent in this kind of spirit,” he said.
Promising that this year the pilgrimage would be better organised, Fr Vaz, however, said the centres have been reduced to five instead of six.
“Last year, there were six centres, but this year there will be only five centres as the Quelossim centre is dropped due to the narrow road which led to congestion. The five centres are Mormugao, Cansaulim, Verna, Goa Velha and Mandur,” Fr Vaz informed.
“The Ponda deanery, which was in the Quelossim centre, has been now allotted to the Verna centre. At Goa Velha, the starting point will be opposite the petrol pump and at Cansaulim, the starting point will be at the Matanhy Saldanha junction,” Fr Vaz said.
On the changes made this year, Fr Vaz stated that last year, the pilgrims were briefed as they entered inside the church.
“This year, they will not be briefed in the church. We have sent the material to the parish priests who will brief the pilgrims before they start,” he added.
