Goa Archdiocese to Hold Annual Walking Pilgrimage on March 9

SANCOALE, Goa, March 7, 2025: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman will organize its annual Walking Pilgrimage on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in observance of the first Sunday of Lent. This year’s pilgrimage holds special significance as it aligns with the Jubilee Year 2025, under the theme "As Pilgrims of Hope, Let Us Proclaim the Good News." The pilgrimage will commence at 2:00 a.m. from five designated centers—Neura, Cansaulim, Bambolim, Verna, and Vasco—leading to the Sanctuary of St. Joseph Vaz in Sancoale. Pilgrims will undertake this spiritual journey as an act of penance and a demonstration of unity within the Church. The pilgrimage will conclude with adoration at 5:00 a.m., followed by Holy Mass.

Call to Prayer and Renewal

His Eminence, Most Rev. Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, has invited all Catholics from the Archdiocese to participate in the pilgrimage. He emphasized that the Jubilee Year 2025 calls Catholics worldwide to be “Pilgrims of Hope.” Reflecting on the importance of this spiritual journey, Cardinal Ferrao highlighted the need for prayer, personal conversion, and spiritual renewal in a world often characterized by restlessness and distraction.

“This pilgrimage should be a moment of grace, where we deepen our faith through prayer and reflection, renew our hope in God’s mercy, and strengthen our love through compassion and service to others. For they’ll know we are Christians by our love,” Cardinal Ferrao stated. 

Indulgences and Special Features

As part of the Jubilee Year, the Old Church of Sancoale has been designated as a Jubilee Church where pilgrims can gain plenary indulgences. The Archdiocese has released a video on the Goa Diocesan YouTube Channel explaining the prerequisites for receiving these indulgences.

A special addition to this year’s pilgrimage will be depictions of the Passion of Christ at the venue, performed by youth from various parishes. These dramatizations aim to enhance the Lenten spirit of reflection and penance, providing an added spiritual benefit for participants.

A Call to Spiritual Growth

The Convenor of the Walking Pilgrimage, Fr. George Ratos, has encouraged the faithful to seize this opportunity for spiritual growth and divine blessings. Given the double significance of this year’s pilgrimage, the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has urged all Catholics to take part in this profound act of faith.

By Catholic Connect Reporter