28k participate in Lenten pilgrimage to Sancoale shrine

Panaji: Around 28,000 people from all over Goa walked to the facade of the Our Lady of Good Health Church, Old Church of Sancoale, as part of the annual penitential pilgrimage organised by the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.

The pilgrimage coincides with the first Sunday of Lent, a period of repentance where the Church exhorts Catholics to reflect and pray.

“Let us journey within ourselves to renew our lives with good moral values, journey with others to specially reach out to those who live on the peripheries, and let this journey be a journey with hope,” said auxiliary bishop Simiao Fernandes.

The shrine at Sancoale has special significance as the Old Church of Sancoale is one of the places in Goa where one can gain indulgence during the year of jubilee proclaimed by the Catholic Church.

Pilgrims walked from five designated centres—Neura, Cansaulim, Bambolim, Verna, and Vasco—and the walk culminated with adoration at 5am followed by holy Mass.

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao urged Catholics to remain faithful and hopeful despite the challenges that come their way.