Cross recollect the suffering and salvific mission of Christ. As St. John of the Cross says, “if you wish to be like Christ, look always for the cross”. With this intention in mind, we the Quepem Deanery Youth, started our journey with the Pilgrim Cross and the Portrait of Mary on 4th of August 2024. We were overwhelmed with joy as we held the Cross and the portrait at the entrance of Sadolxem Church. Our pilgrimage continued with Ambaulim parish youth. Every parish of the Quepem deanery was fortunate to receive the Pilgrim cross and the Portrait of Mary for at least a day.
Keeping the synodal journey, exposition of St. Francis Xavier, Jubilee Year 2025 and the Diocesan Youth Day 2024, the parish youth participated devoutly in the prayer services. Amazingly, this was a great opportunity for every Parish to welcome the lost, far trodden youngsters back to the family. The youth from every parish put in a lot of their creative effort and hard work to make the day more prayerful and a meaningful one. Along with their respective youth animators, the youth lead the prayer service in their parishes. Parishioners, different associations and school contributed towards this pilgrimage of faith, hope and love just like Mary accompanied Jesus. On 11th August 2024, we handed the Pilgrim Cross and Portrait of Mary to the Sanguem Deanery and also accompanied them to carry it at several Parishes in their deanery, thus walking with them on this pilgrimage
Fr. Afzal Fernandes
Deanery Priest Youth Animator, Quepem
