The Flower Cross, which is famously known as ‘Fulamcho Khuris’, is the centre of devotion and faith where thousands throng at the foot of the Cross to pray and seek favours for various needs. It is a Miraculous Cross where prayers of the devotees are heard and their wishes granted.
Several from different walks of life and religion come to this place with great devotion. It is called the Flower Cross ‘Fulamcho Khuris’ as it is adorned with different kinds of flowers throughout the day. Some even make vows of decorating it with beautiful and majestic flowers. The most important aspect of the Miraculous Cross is that people’s prayers are heard and their long-pending wishes are fulfilled. Even couples have testified of having their wishes granted after being childless for many years. GMC hospital being a few miles away from the Cross, many relatives of the sick frequently visit and offer prayers for the recovery of their loved ones. The Miraculous Cross is situated on the side of the NH14 and draws the attention of all those who pass by. Some will not proceed unless they pay their homage to the Cross. Many interstate buses also stop to pray and as a sign of their reverence and faith will carry a flower or so on their onward journey. The Miraculous Cross is known to be a protector of travellers. Some 60 years ago it was just a simple cross but eventually, it was upgraded at different stages by devotees for special favours granted. In 1969, when a military camp was set up in the vicinity, the military jawans and officers beautified the Cross by using the white marble tiles which are seen even today. The canopy, which was a small one, was replaced with corrugated sheets. Later, a bigger shamiana was constructed behind the Cross. In the year 1991, the late Fr Freddy Jeremias Da Costa was appointed parish priest of Bambolim. He had a vision of starting a Eucharistic Centre at the venue, where the Blessed Sacrament would be exposed during the whole day and thus people visiting the Miraculous Cross would also spend time before the Blessed Sacrament in prayer for the various needs and intentions of the world. On May 21, 1995, the foundation stone was laid for the Shrine by Bishop-Emeritus Raul Gonsalves and the work began immediately. There were many hurdles and yet within a year the Shrine was ready which in itself is a miracle. On October 13, 1996, the Shrine was formally blessed by Bishop-Emeritus Raul Gonsalves. Today the Holy Cross Shrine stands as a magnificent edifice that entices the sight of all those who pass by. This year we are celebrating 25 glorious years of its spiritual journey where millions have thronged to the Shrine and sought favours for their various needs.
Having experienced a terrible onslaught of the pandemic for the last two years, the Shrine was closed for the general public keeping in mind the guidelines of the civil as well as the ecclesiastical authority.
Since we are just recovering from the pandemic, the Parish Priest along with the PPC of Bambolim Parish decided to have a grand celebration during the Holy Cross Feast in May 2022. During this time, there will be a nine-day Novena followed by the Solemn Feast in thanking and praising God for the gift of ‘Fulamcho Khuris’ and 25 years of Holy Cross Shrine, Bambolim. From October 13, 2021, till May 15, 2022, the Parish has planned to organize various spiritual activities at the Holy Cross Shrine, Bambolim for the different categories of people (i.e. children, youth, married couples etc.).
On October 13, 2021, being the proper day, the Bambolim Parish has organized a whole day ‘Prayer With The Lord’. The programme will begin with the Mass at 8 am followed by organized adoration by different Somudais from Bambolim Parish from 9 am to 4 pm, and finally culminating with the Rosary at 4.45 pm and Feast Mass at 5.30 pm. The Rosary and Mass will be live telecasted on GCTV. The main celebrant for the Feast Mass will be Fr Cipriano D’Silva, Parish Priest of Taleigao Church and Dean of Panjim Deanery. It won’t be possible for everyone to take part in the celebration due to the current situation.
