Old Goa: Thousands of faithful flocked to Old Goa to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, many undertaking long and arduous pilgrimages on foot, their journeys marked by devotion, sacrifice, and heartfelt gratitude. Each pilgrim carried stories of faith, answered prayers, and personal transformation, turning the pilgrimage into a living testament to the saint’s intercession.
Adv. Sanjay D’Cruz from Belgaum recounted how his devotion intensified after the tragic loss of his child in 2007. He began the walking pilgrimage that same year, and in 2009 invited his wife to join despite challenges at work. “God’s plan was something else,” he said, recalling that a Jesuit priest unexpectedly granted leave. Completing the pilgrimage strengthened their faith, and later, a prophecy by the late Fr. Prabhudhar came true when their daughter Francesca was born, a symbol of hope and gratitude.
Sr. Armida D’Cruz, SFN, joined the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth for their annual pilgrimage, a tradition established by their Founder, Rev. Fr. Faustino De Souza, a devoted follower of St. Francis Xavier. She described the journey as spiritually invigorating rather than exhausting, saying, “The pilgrimage renewed my spirit and deepened my vocation, reminding me that with Jesus, one never walks alone.”
Vera Rodrigues of Goa, walking alongside her parish community, shared her experience of completing the pilgrimage for the sixth consecutive year. Undertaking the journey as an act of devotion, she attributed her family’s blessings, including her husband’s improved health, to the saint’s intercession. “St. Francis Xavier himself walked tirelessly for the mission; following his path inspires perseverance and faith,” she said.
From Mumbai, Abigail Estibeiro expressed gratitude for the saint’s blessings in her family life. She recalled praying for a home at a time when it seemed impossible and later receiving their own flat. She also shared how her father recovered gradually from a stroke in 2019, aided by daily Mass and the prayers of the faithful. Abigail credited the saint for guiding her family through both spiritual and practical challenges.
For Viya from Sangargalli, Belgaum, the pilgrimage was a rigorous test of faith and endurance. Along with 127 fellow pilgrims, she walked 150 km over three days through dense forests, rain-swollen rivers, and challenging terrain. “As fatigue and swelling set in, prayers and shared encouragement kept us moving,” she recalled. Reaching the Basilica, she felt profound peace, unity, and a renewed understanding of resilience and faith.
Dr. Remeth Jacky Dias from Ajara, Kolhapur, has been participating in the Goa walking pilgrimage for 33 years, beginning as an 11th-standard student. For him, the journey is a month-long spiritual preparation, filled with prayers, hymns, and anticipation. From 28 November to 2 December, he dedicates himself entirely to the pilgrimage, seeing it as a combination of prayer, fellowship, service, and communal devotion, a sacred tradition that strengthens faith and solidarity.
These heartfelt testimonies reflect the enduring spiritual significance of the St. Francis Xavier pilgrimage, illustrating how journeys of faith, however physically demanding, offer pilgrims solace, miracles, and renewed hope, while keeping alive the saint’s legacy of compassion and devotion.