Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD & pictures by Joseph Fernandes –
The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman organised its 8th Annual Walking Pilgrimage (Bhavarthachi Yatra) on February 22, 2026, the First Sunday of Lent, at the Old Sancoale Church.
The pilgrimage commenced at 2:00 a.m. from five designated centres—Goa Velha, Neura, Cansaulim, Verna, and Vasco. Thousands of pilgrims walked approximately 10 kilometres and converged at the Old Sancoale Church in a profound expression of faith and penance at the beginning of Lent.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão and Bishop Simião Fernandes also walked the pilgrimage.
The Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman. Fr Lucio Dias, Episcopal Vicar for Confrarias and Administrative Bodies of Churches and Chapels, preached the homily.
Bishop Simião Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman; Fr Agnelo Pinheiro Bishop-Electof Sindhudurg; Fr George Ratos, Convenor of the Committee for the Diocesan Walking Pilgrimage; Fr Kenneth Teles, Parish Priest of Sancoale; Fr Gabriel Fernandes, President of CRI (Goa Unit) along with several priests, concelebrated the Eucharistic Celebration.
Delivering his homily on the theme “Followers of Christ, Pilgrims of Hope,” Fr Lucio Dias said that life itself is a pilgrimage from birth to death, and as followers of Christ, we walk sustained by hope in His presence. Referring to Lent, he urged the faithful to overcome temptation through prayer, fasting, and the Word of God, recalling the courageous pilgrimage of St Joseph Vaz as a model of hope and perseverance.
Speaking on the occasion, the Archbishop described the pilgrimage as a grace-filled opportunity for the Church in Goa to walk with Christ.
Reminding the faithful of the Pope’s Lenten message, the Prelate invited them to listen to God, to fast from words and actions that hurt others, and to walk together in ways that strengthen relationships. He also encouraged the pilgrims to contribute to the Good Samaritan Fund in their respective parishes.
Statues depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, provided by the Assolna Parish, were displayed at the Old Sancoale Church. These sacred representations helped the pilgrims contemplate the Lord’s suffering and focus on His redemptive love. After Mass, as the faithful departed in deanery groups, many were invited to sit in silence and spend quiet moments in personal prayer and reflection.
Adoration was conducted at 5:00 a.m. by the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre and led by Fr Henry Falcão, Director of the Centre and Episcopal Vicar for the Central Zone. This was followed by the Eucharistic celebration.
Fr Clifford Fernandes was the liturgical commentator while Fr Afonso Mendonça, Director of Diocesan Liturgical Centre animated the liturgy. The liturgical singing was led by Fr Olavo Caiado. Fr George Ratos thanked all.
Diocesan Youth Centre with its Parish youth and the parishioners of Benaulim, Lotoulim and Paroda volunteered their services. St Luke Guild and Nurses Guild were of great support.
Fr Norbert D’Silva, Spiritual Director at the Diocesan Minor Seminary, said that each step of the pilgrimage became a silent prayer that drew his heart closer to God. He added that the long journey taught him surrender—walking outwardly while inwardly deepening his faith.
Joesan Fernandes. a Parishioner of Usgão said that while walking, he was able to reflect deeply on the Passion of Christ. He took the experience personally as a means to strengthen his relationship with Jesus, adding that it helped him examine and reflect more sincerely on his own life.
Jessica Pereira, a parishioner of Loutolim, said that in the quiet early hours of the morning, “Walk the Talk with Jesus” became a sacred pilgrimage of faith where thousands gathered with one mind and heart to reflect, repent, and renew their lives, calling it a blessed journey that inspired deep inner transformation.
Anita D’Souza from Mapusa shared that before beginning the pilgrimage, a Parish Pastoral Council member invited her to lead the opening prayer, after which she continued praying the Rosary. As she walked, she felt the Lord’s calm and guiding presence. She said she experienced profound grace, mercy, and oneness with God, without pain or breathlessness, and believed the Eucharist brought her complete healing, for which she thanked and praised her Saviour.
Gaby Fernandes, a parishioner of Agonda shared that participating in the walking pilgrimage helped him to walk in the holy footsteps of the Lord. He said it renewed his life, strengthened his faith, and deepened his spiritual commitment. He added that the pilgrimage also inspired him to offer his sacrifices to God with sincerity and devotion.
Sr Dumiana Pereira BS described the pilgrimage to Sancoale as a heart-transforming journey. Amid the fervent prayers of the crowd, she felt enveloped by Jesus’ love. She said the homily deeply touched her soul, especially the call to listen to God’s Word, fast, and pray, adding that she surrendered her shortcomings and renewed her resolve to walk in His ways.