Pilgrims throng the ‘Miraculous Cross’
By SAR NEWS
BELGAUM, Karnataka (SAR NEWS) – While the Lenten season is at its peak, thousands of pilgrims from far and wide thronged the Nandgad Hill, the seat of the Miraculous Cross, about 12 km from Khanapur.
Pilgrims from Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra comprising Christians and people of other faiths alike, thronged the sanctified place April 15, Friday, to take part in the religious celebrations organised by the Diocese of Belgaum under the stewardship of Bishop Peter Machado.
The pilgrimage commenced from the Immaculate Conception Church, Nandgad, at 9 am with the Way of the Cross enacted live by the youth of Hubli under the direction of Father Vijay Mendith. Hymns were sung and prayers recited as the procession went along Nandgad town and reached the Miraculous Cross around 12 noon.
Bishop Alwyn Baretto of Sindhudurg, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration, urged the people to proclaim the ‘Good News’ as God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to give new life to the world.
Bishop Peter Machado of Belgaum, who presided over another Eucharistic celebration, urged the faithful to carry the message of love all over.
“The Cross is a holy symbol of our religion. Jesus died on the Cross for the reparation of our sins. His resurrection from death represents his victory over sin, darkness and death. Jesus forgave his enemies from the Cross. May all the pilgrims who visit the Miraculous Cross carry this message of love and forgiveness to everyone, especially those they have hurt their families and society they come from,” Bishop Machado said.
Earlier, Parish Priest Father Michael Fernandes briefed the gathering on the history and the power of the Miraculous Cross and sought special blessing on the pilgrims.
Father Lucio Mascarenhas, Father Louis Gonsalves, Father Walter and a large number of priests and nuns took part in the celebrations.
