A group of 15 pilgrims from Sri Lanka visited Goa from 2 to 6 October 2026 as part of the celebrations marking the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Anne’s Church, Ponda.
The pilgrims had an unexpected beginning to their pilgrimage when their flight from Bengaluru was unable to land at Goa due to poor visibility. After returning to Bengaluru, the flight eventually reached Goa, resulting in a delay of nearly five hours. Despite the disruption, the pilgrims arrived safely and were warmly received by the parish community.
The Sri Lankan pilgrims were hosted by families of St. Anne’s Parish, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Goan Christian families. They participated enthusiastically in the planned spiritual, cultural and fellowship activities, including the Franciscan Spiritual and Ecology Village, Holy Masses, the Transitus Prayer of St. Francis, and the Feast Day celebrations.
On 3 October, the pilgrims undertook a special pilgrimage to Old Goa, visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the churches associated with St. Francis Xavier, followed by a visit to the Sanctuary of St. Joseph Vaz at Sancoale. The connection was particularly meaningful as St. Joseph Vaz, born in Goa, is revered as the Apostle of Sri Lanka.
The highlight of their visit was the Global English Holy Mass on 4 October, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Neville Coonghe of Sri Lanka, founder of the Ladani Movement. The pilgrims also took part in the Global Cultural Programme in the evening, sharing the stage with pilgrims and participants from Maharashtra, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and other parts of India. The occasion became a beautiful expression of the universality of the Church and the fraternity that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
An additional and meaningful experience was added to the programme on 5 October, when the Sri Lankan pilgrims participated in a beach clean-up at Colva Beach as part of the Sagar Safar initiative conducted by Drishti. Working together with the other volunteers, the team collected 14 bags of plastic, bottles and other waste, turning their pilgrimage into a practical expression of care for creation.
Throughout their stay, the pilgrims expressed their deep satisfaction and gratitude for the hospitality extended by the parish families and the opportunity to participate in the celebrations with pilgrims from different parts of India.
Their five-day visit became much more than a pilgrimage to Goa. It was a journey of faith, friendship, fraternity and care for our Common Home, bringing together the spiritual legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis Xavier and St. Joseph Vaz.
As the Sri Lankan pilgrims departed, they carried with them not only memories of Goa but also the experience of having been welcomed as one family in Christ.
– Dr. Kennedy D’Silva