The annual faith-building pilgrimage-tour to Our Lady of Good Health at Vailankanni and other sites of spiritual significance in Belgaum and Mysuru, took off on the 19th of Aug, and concluded on 27th Aug early morning with the direct train from Vailankanni safely returning to Goa the 125 plus pilgrims, all in good spirit and strengthened in their faith.
The first leg of this pilgrimage was indeed a great blessing in itself. The pilgrims found time to prayer fervently at the Church of St Anthony in Belgaum. This Church which houses the relic of the this great Saint, is popular and hundreds of devotees throng the Church to make novena’s to the Saint. The pilgrims from Goa were fortunate to spend some quiet time in prayer there before proceeding to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima in Belgaum. The Holy Mass specially held for the pilgrims was a moving experience. The group leader and Spiritual Guide of the Crusaders who led the pilgrimage, reminded the pilgrims how many years ago the Lord allowed a team from the Crusaders to conduct a lenten mission at this very Cathedral, and now the Lord was bringing the Crusaders back to the same spot. A little sight-seeing thereafter of Belgaum in the mini-coaches organised for the pilgrims, and all were ready to board the night train to Mysuru for the second leg of the pilgrimage.
The pilgrims were welcomed and bowled over by the love and open-heartedness of the Little Sisters of the Poor at Mysuru, where the pilgrims had planned to spend the day. After the Holy Mass celebrated by the Chaplain of the chapel in the precincts of the Little Sisters of the Poor, the rest of the day was well utilised in experiencing what the Lord meant with His Words in Matthew 25:40 – Whatsoever you do to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. The pilgrims saw first hand the self-less love with which the Little Sisters of the Poor served with tender care the elderly who have no place to call their own. Moved by the experience, many felt of giving more of their time and resources to assist and help out the Little Sisters in their noble work. The day also included a visit to the nearby and world famous Cathedral of St Philomena and then later, to the aquarium to admire the glory of God in nature. With many fond memories and photos being clicked, the pilgrims parted company with the Little Sisters, and prepared for the night rail journey to Vailankanni.
Arriving at Mayiladiturai railway station at day break on 22nd Aug, and about a 2-hours bus journey away from Vailankanni, the pilgrims after invoking the protection of the Virgin of the Poor (Our Lady of Banneux), boarded the buses to Vailankanni. 22nd August is always celebrated across the rank and file of the Crusaders as a day set apart to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, being the day on which the Church celebrates the Queenship of Mary. The Holy Mass celebrated in the Shrine Retreat Centre Hall at which the pilgrims were lodged, brought all the pilgrims together for this joyous festive occasion. Fr Wilson Paul, Rector of the Shrine Retreat Centre, celebrated the Holy Mass and in his homily dwelt on the many qualities and titles of Mary especially those found in the Litany of Loretto while explaining the significance of the Queenship of Mary.
The next 3 days, 23rd to 25 Aug, were days dedicated to spiritual devotions and spiritual exercises including the Way of the Cross, the Candle-light procession in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the garlanding of Our Lady, making a thorough confession and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament there. Visits to charity homes such as those of the Missionaries of Charity, orphans and old-age homes were also included in the itinerary. Each evening, the pilgrims would gather in the hall for sessions on the Word of God. The preaching sessions which dwelt on faith, the obstacles to faith, and stubbornness in the human heart that prevents a true God experience and other relevant topics together with anointed sessions of prayer and divine music led many of the pilgrims to rekindle their love for Jesus. Healings abounded in the atmosphere of prayer and Word of God, as many testified later to the countless blessings poured out on them during the course of their stay at Vailankanni.
Much to the excitement of all, a glimpse of the next annual pilgrimage – tour to Vailankanni was given, with great hopes that it will include this time a visit to sites such as the tomb of St Thomas at Chennai, and other such holy places in the South India before arriving at Vailakanni.
Click any image below to view the full slideshow!
