The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman will organise its annual Walking Pilgrimage on the first Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025. This year being Jubilee year the theme of the pilgrimage has been associated to it, titled, “As Pilgrims of Hope, Let Us Proclaim the Good News. The pilgrimage will commence at 2:00 a.m. with pilgrims walking from five designated centres—Neura, Cansaulim, Bambolim, Verna, and Vasco—to the Old Church of Sancoale.
The spiritual walk will culminate with adoration at 5:00 a.m., followed by Holy Mass.
His Eminence, Most Rev. Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, extended an invitation to all Catholics from the Archdiocese to participate in the pilgrimage, to be undertaken in a spirit of penance and as a powerful expression of our unity as the Church.
Cardinal Ferrao highlighted that “this year, our call to pilgrimage takes on a greater significance as we celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025, when Catholics worldwide are called to be “Pilgrims of Hope.” In a world that is often restless, distracted and aimless, we are invited to focus on what is needed most: to set aside time for prayer, personal conversion and spiritual renewal.
He exhorted the faithful to “let this pilgrimage be a moment of grace, when we deepen our faith through prayer and reflection, renew our hope in God’s mercy and strengthen our love by growing in compassion and service to others. ‘For they’ll know we are Christians by our Love.’
It should also be noted that the Old Church of Sancoale is one of the Pious places in Goa where one can gain indulgence during this Jubilee year. More details of indulgence and the prerequisites are being explained on a video uploaded in the Goa Diocesan YouTube Channel.
Since this year’s walking pilgrimage has double significance the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman invites all Catholics to participate in the Walking Pilgrimage.
Another special feature this year will be depictions of the passion of Christ at the venue by youth of different Parishes. Since the walking pilgrimage gives an impetus to Lenten reflection and penance, these depictions would be an added spiritual benefit for the faithful. The Convenor for the walking pilgrimage, Fr. George Ratos has urged the faithful to make the best use of this opportunity to grow spiritually and receive God’s Blessings.