Annual Pilgrimage to the Mount

WE ARE A PILGRIM PEOPLE!

In the early hours of Wednesday, 12th September 2018, 42 seminarians set out on a pilgrim journey from St. Pius X College to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra. They were joined by the rest of the community at Khar around 5:30 am. The annual pilgrimage to Mt. Mary has become part of the many traditions observed in the seminary. It is an experience that is looked forward to by many.

After a short prayer service and blessing given by the rector, Fr. Aniceto Pereira, the pilgrimage commenced at 3:15 am as the seminarians marched on to their destination, rosary in hand, singing hymns to our Blessed Mother with great joy and enthusiasm. The tranquility of the night and the spirit of prayer with which the seminarians journeyed made the long and arduous journey a manageable affair. On the way the pilgrims made a brief halt at Sacred Heart Church, Santacruz. They finally reached their destination at 6:30 am.

After rejuvenating at the Pastoral Centre, the staff members celebrated the Eucharist for all those assembled from far and wide. Despite being an early hour, the mass witnessed a packed congregation, simply indicating the great faith that our people have. In his homily, the rector exhorted the people to pray for the church that she may wade through the troubled waters in which she finds herself at present. He also thanked the people for their continual prayers for the seminary and the seminarians and for the unending support extended to the seminary. After a community breakfast in the vicinity, we dispersed, each to his own destination.

Besides being a pious practice which demands great sacrifice from the people who undertake it, the pilgrimage also serves as a reminder to all of us about the pilgrim nature of the church and the human person. All of us are pilgrims in this life, journeying towards the heavenly Jerusalem. We pray that our Blessed Mother may guide us on this our journey to eternal life.

BR. CEDRIC ROSARIO

3rd Year Theology