Mumbai: Mira Road parishioners go on walking pilgrimage to Vailankanni Shrine, Uttan

By Delan Crasta
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 10 Mar 2015: For the third time, St. Joseph Church, Mira Road (E) and the youth of Dongri Tarodi Church organized a walking pilgrimage from Mira Road to Uttan shrine. The pilgrimage started from Mira Road on Saturday at 9:30pm and reached Uttan on Sunday March 8 at 6:00am.

More than 4,500 pilgrims from all parishes of deanery participated in this mega walking event. The procession began at St Joseph Church by lighting the lamp. The pilgrims began their journey by procession singing hymns, reciting prayers and devotionally participating in the Way of the Cross. The 14 Stations of the Cross were recited at various Crosses on the way to Uttan.

 

This whole night walk was really a rich spiritual journey for more than 4,500 pilgrims. The crowd comprised men, women, and children, and many were moved to tears when they reached Vailankanni Shrine at Uttan.

 

On the way, pilgrims were offered water, tea and biscuits. The procession concluded with solemn Eucharistic Celebration at Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine, Uttan in presence of Bishop John Rodrigues.

 

Huge number of Christians joined the walking pilgrimage with prayer, penance and abstinence and participated in the passions of Christ.