Walking Pilgrimage to Mt Mary’s Basilica, Bandra: 14th September, 2022

As the tradition goes, every year the seminarians along with the staff members go for a walking pilgrimage to Mt Mary’s Church, Bandra. However, in the last two years due to Covid, the pilgrimage could not be organised. This year the community did go for a walking pilgrimage. Brothers were given the choice either to begin their pilgrimage from the seminary or from Khar Station. At 3 am, a small prayer service was conducted in the third-floor chapel after which the brothers began their pilgrimage to Bandra beginning from the seminary campus. There was a stop at Sacred Heart Church, Santacruz for a short break with tea and snacks. The rest of the brothers met at Khar station at 5.30 am and began their pilgrimage to the Basilica. The brothers were arranged in groups respectively with a leader guiding them. After reaching the Shrine, the brothers freshened up at the Convent behind the Church. The Eucharist was celebrated at 7.30 am. Fr Shailendra being the main celebrant preached an insightful homily on the feast of the ‘Exaltation of the Cross.’ The Choir for mass was conducted by the seminarians under the guidance of Fr Gavin Lopes. After mass, the entire community assembled together next to the Basilica for a group picture. After this, Breakfast was served to the entire community. The Seminary is grateful to Bp. John Rodrigues for all the help and facilities provided to the community at the Basilica.

Br Cris Veigas

3rd Year Theology