Pilgrimage... A spiritual journey with a holy purpose.
Report: Fay Lobo
The 3 day tour began by a train journey on 19th February whereby 76 people participated in the tour, most of them senior citizens. On arrival at Ernakulum Station we were accommodated in a Hotel.
We were accompanied by our Parish Priest Rev. Fr Stany Pereira and Asst. Parish Priest Fr Johnson Sequeira.
All participants reunited every morning for breakfast and thereafter made their journey by bus. Our journey began by reciting the Angelus, rosary, singing devotional lenten hymns and prayers.
Besides sharing and exchanging thoughts and ideas with each other, while walking through the most wonderful pilgrimage Churches, Cathedrals and Shrines, like St. Alphonso Shrine in Bharananganam, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cochin, St. Anthony Shrine Kaloor, St. Sebastian Shrine, Kanjoor, each day was also spent in silence which allowed time for personal reflection. Our pilgrimage was a moment that helped us to strengthen our faith.
Each Shrine, Church, & Chapel that we visited was magnificent with impressive architectural sites enhancing the area set aside for display and veneration. The Rosary Village in Korathymurtty was one among them. The depiction of the Stations of the Cross at The Holy Land brought us fresh memories of Jesus journey to Mount Calvary. The spectacular Sound & Light show at St. Thomas Shrine was very interesting and informative as it depicted the struggle of this great saint to bring Christianity to India.
We were privileged to have the congregation led by Rev. Fr Stany Pereira and Rev. Fr Johnson Sequeira who served the holy masses at the Shrine of Blessed Augustine who is fondly known as Kunjachan and also at St Thomas Shrine in Kodungallur. Veneration of the Miraculous relics continued on a daily basis at St. Thomas Shrine, St. Alphonsa Tomb, and St. Elias Chavara Tomb including St. Uphrasis Tomb.
We had a fantastic travel experience while visiting the historically renowned sites like the Jewish Synagogue, Vasco-da-gama Church, Museums, St. Mary’s Forane Church at Thankey which was rich in tradition and heritage. Pilgrims from all walks of life come to Thankey to have a look at the miraculous Statue of our Lord and make offerings as a token of gratitude for the favors received.
One of the highlights of the tour was St George’s Church at Edappally which is one of the largest pilgrim Centres in Asia, and considered to be one of the richest churches in Kerala. A Boat ride in the evening, around the Willington Island in Cochin was breathtaking and some leisure time at Lulu Hypermarket at the end of the tour will forever be etched in our memories.
All too soon it was time for all of us to say GOODBYE. This pilgrim visit has been the occasion of great joy and spiritual renewal.. A Big Thank you to everyone who inspired, supported and participated in this wonderful moments of exchange, sharing and spiritual devotion, as this reflected a genuine spirit of Christian Love.
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