ICYM Youth Reflect on Feeling the 'Love of Our Holy Mother' During Vailankanni Pilgrimage

Vailankanni, September 18, 2024: As part of the Jubilee Year celebrations, the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) organized a youth pilgrimage to Vailankanni and Chennai from September 13 to 15. Thirty-five young pilgrims from across India, including Rev. Fr. Dominic Pinto, Associate Executive Secretary to the CCBI Youth Commission, and key ICYM leaders such as National President Mr. Raj Bagh, participated in this spiritually enriching journey.

The pilgrimage took the youth to significant Christian sites, including the Vailankanni Shrine, St. Thomas Mount, St. Thomas Shrine, and Annai Vailankanni Church. At St. Thomas Mount, Rev. Fr. Michael, Rector of the shrine, shared insights on the life of St. Thomas, offering a deep connection to the apostle's legacy.

Ms. Sheral Francis Fernandez from Karwar Diocese reflected on the impact of the pilgrimage, saying, "This pilgrimage deepened my faith and inspired me by the devotion and prayers of others." 

Ms. Apurva Xess, ICYM NEXCO member, echoed this sentiment, stating, "This pilgrimage brought me to a stage of faith where I felt the love of our Holy Mother."

Pilgrims like Mr. Gyanprakash from Bihar and Mr. Costa Fernandes from Honnavar, Karnataka, highlighted the unity they experienced during prayers and the transformative nature of the pilgrimage. 

Mr. Costa described his 1 km barefoot walk on scorching sand as a moment of spiritual connection, where he felt the presence of Mother Mary.

The event concluded with a Thanksgiving Mass at Vailankanni Basilica on September 15, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Dominic Pinto, marking the end of a journey that left the youth renewed in their faith and filled with hope.

This pilgrimage not only brought the youth closer to their faith but also fostered unity and shared devotion, creating lasting memories of spiritual growth and transformation.

By Ms. Supriya Varghese