Each step is a commitment. Embarking on a devotional pilgrim walk is much like those very first wobbly steps each one of us took, an innocent display of courage and unwavering faith.
Since many will initiate this journey on foot, as they head for the exposition of the Holy Relics of St Francis Xavier, happening in Goa this month for over a period of 45 days, the Exposition Committee has made provisions to aid them and their commitment.
“There will be a Pilgrim Village which will accommodate around 200 to 220 people. There will be beds, cots and mattresses,” said Fr Henry Falcao, Convenor of the Exposition Committee.
This accommodation is in the church property around the Santa Monica Convent, near St Augustine’s tower, accessible from the Basilica of Bom Jesus and also from the NH748.
Undertaking a long journey on foot, these pilgrims come from not just the corners of Goa, but from neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra as well.
“I can’t predict the expected number, but these people usually come in from the neighbouring states, especially from areas like Belgaum and Vasai. Pilgrims who come from parishes across Goa don’t really stay,” he shared.
Traditionally, many Goans stayed in Old Goa during the entire period of the novenas and usually occupied the corridors of the basilica, but this practice won’t be allowed this year.
“We have built another shed behind the basilica, where they can rest. So, even if they have to stay for the night, they can sleep there and not in the corridors,” the convenor said.
Apart from taking sudden rain showers into consideration, other provisions such as making note of the pilgrims’ sacrificial act of preferring to sleep on the ground, have also been taken care of.
“We have outsourced food. Caterers will be there supplying breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Fr Henry said.
Although some pilgrims would have preferred to cook their own food, that facility has not been made available due to safety reasons. “It could be dangerous, so keeping that in mind, we have only allocated a small space, and made cooking provisions for the caterers,” he added.
Although some pilgrims would have preferred to cook, that facility has not been made available due to safety reasons.
The costs that the pilgrims will incur includes meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and some operational costs to maintain the cleanliness of the space.
“It’s around Rs 500 per person per day, and that is inclusive of meals and accommodation,” Fr Henry said.
When it comes to booking slots in advance, Fr Henry said that it helps to make arrangements. But, if someone comes without a pre-booking, and if there is a place available, it will be allotted to that person.
With the exposition fast approaching, all the preparations are taking their final shape. Around 10 out of the 17 temporary cottages are almost ready. “The other seven have been delayed, but should be done by the 18th of this month,” he mentioned.
Other accommodation available for pilgrims attending the Exposition includes the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre (Old Goa), Pastoral Institute St. Pius X (Old Goa), Se Cathedral (Old Goa) and Lar de Estudantes (Panjim).
For more details, check out the website: https://archgoadaman.com