* Over 1,500 expected to take part in walking pilgrimage * Plans afoot to also organise special transport services to Old Goa during Exposition
A file photo of a group of walking pilgrims from Ajara Kolhapur region accompanied by Fr Joe Monteiro en route to Old Goa.
BELAGAVI
While excitement prevails in the Diocese of Belgaum to visit Goa for the Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier which will take place from November 21 to January 5, 2025, priests, nuns and lay people are making plans for their pilgrimage to Old Goa.
The Diocese of Belgaum comprises the districts of Belagavi, Bagalkot, Gadag, Dharwad, Haveri and Chandgad taluka of neighbouring Kolhapur district in Maharashtra.
PLANS FOR EXPOSITION
While over 1,500 are expected to take part in a walking pilgrimage from this region, preparations are afoot to organise special transport services to Old Goa during the Exposition.
According to Church authorities and information from sources, several thousands of lay faithful from diverse origins, including non-Christians, are expected to visit Old Goa this year.
Apart from private family visits, various churches in the region are organising religious excursions to Old Goa.
Along with the laity, many priests will either join the walking pilgrimage or will accompany their parishioners to Old Goa, while many faithful have volunteered to assist the Bom Jesus Basilica authorities in Old Goa during the Exposition.
Preparations are in full swing for a visit to old Goa, as Catholics residing in villages in and around Belgaum and Kolhapur regions are busy planning their visit to Old Goa.
A file photo of the walking pilgrims on their way to Old Goa for the feast of St Francis Xavier.
Guru Santaji Lobo, an evangelist from Pangire village in Ajara taluka who is engaged in spiritual awakening, said: “A delegation from the Belagavi and Sindhudurg dioceses met authorities at the Bom Jesus Basilica and discussed the arrangements for food, water, accommodation, etc.”
“This year, instead of a musical show, a two-hour bhajan will be recited at the venue where walking pilgrims will be residing.”
“Despite being forced to leave Goa for various reasons, we have strongly preserved our faith, culture and our mother tongue Konkani. We (walking pilgrims) certainly deserve better amenities,” said Santaji, who heads a walking pilgrimage of non-Christians from Ajara and Bhudargad talukas.
Wilson Carvalho, a social and religious activist, said a tempo service is planned to Old Goa and back every day at an affordable price so that everyone gets an opportunity to visit Old Goa. Similar excursions have been planned from Khanapur, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur and other places.
Goan settlers from Pune and Mumbai have also planned a pilgrimage to Old Goa.
“We are looking out for means and ways of reaching Goa together with our families if possible, in groups,” said Alphie Monteiro, author of the book ‘Bardeskars - The Mystery of Migration’.
THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
Bishop of Belgaum Derek Fernandes has appealed to the faithful to make a pilgrimage in large numbers to Old Goa.
“The decennial Exposition marks a sacred and significant event for the faithful, coinciding with the beginning of the jubilee year celebrations. It draws pilgrims from around the world to venerate the Relics of this great missionary saint. St Francis Xavier, known for spreading Christianity across Asia, is revered for his unwavering faith and missionary zeal. The Exposition serves as a powerful reminder of his legacy and invites believers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys,” Bishop Fernandes said.
He also urged the faithful to visit Old Goa in big numbers on the eve of the global Catholic celebration that will take place from December 24 to December 23, 2025.
“This year’s Exposition is special as this is also the Jubilee year. Beginning the jubilee year with this event encourages renewal of faith, unity, and a deeper commitment to the Church's mission. I urge all faithful to make a pilgrimage to venerate the Relics,” Bishop Fernandes said.
