Team Goemkarponn
SANCOALE: Sancoale witnessed a massive turnout as around 28,000 faithful participated in the annual Lenten Walking Pilgrimage in the early hours of February 22, 2026. The pilgrimage, organised to mark the beginning of the holy season of Lent, carried the theme “Followers of Christ, Pilgrims of Hope.”
The 10-km walk commenced at around 2 am from various centres across Goa, drawing participants of all age groups. The pilgrimage serves as a spiritual preparation for Lent, encouraging penance, sacrifice, prayer and personal conversion while reflecting on the love of God and the faithful’s response to it.
The event was led by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, along with Auxiliary Bishop Simao Fernandes and Bishop-Elect of Sindhudurg Fr. Agnelo Pinheiro. Priests, religious and lay faithful from across the state joined the walk, with the Archbishop and bishops participating from the Goa Velha centre.
The pilgrimage culminated at the façade of the Old Church of Sancoale, at the foot of Our Lady of Health. Addressing the gathering at the beginning of the Mass, Cardinal Ferrao reminded the faithful that Christ himself fasted, prayed and made sacrifices before and during His ministry, urging them to embrace these spiritual practices to become true followers of Christ.
In his homily, Fr. Lucio Dias, Episcopal Vicar of Fabricas and Confraternities, emphasised the importance of fasting, prayer and Scripture in overcoming temptations and renewing one’s spiritual life. He encouraged the faithful to live lives of holiness and service, becoming true “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Special scenes depicting the love and mercy of God were displayed at the venue, prepared under the guidance of Fr. Myron Fernandes and parishioners of Vasco Parish, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
Concluding the celebration, Fr. George Ratos, Convenor of the event, thanked God for the successful pilgrimage. He expressed gratitude to Cardinal Ferrao and Auxiliary Bishop Fernandes for their encouragement, and acknowledged the support of government officials, police — especially traffic police — diocesan bodies, youth groups, volunteers, choir members, altar servers, parish priests, parishioners and the media for their contributions to the event’s smooth conduct.
