In celebration of the Jubilee year, St. Francis Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Siolim, organized a spiritually enriching pilgrimage to obtain indulgence to St. Anthony’s Church, Siolim, on 20th June 2025. Thirty students of Std.XII accompanied by two Teachers prayed the Divine Mercy prayer. This was followed by the rosary and heartfelt intercessions for the intentions of the Holy Father, the repose of departed souls, and the spiritual well-being of the students present and their families.
The highlight of the visit was a captivating narration by the Parish Priest Rev.Fr.Socorro Mendes, who spoke of two miraculous episodes tied to the church’s history. The first miracle told of sea merchants saved from a violent storm by a statue of St. Anthony, which led to the founding of the church. The second, more unique to this church, involved a deadly snake that troubled workers during construction. After fervent prayers, the serpent was found trapped in the cord of the saint’s statue which is now depicted holding the snake.
The priest then invoked blessings upon all with the sacred relics of St. Anthony and presented Jubilee keychains as tokens of grace. We returned to school with our hearts spiritually rejuvenated, as true pilgrims of hope.