ALL MUMBAI PILGRIMAGE [29-03-2014]

All Mumbai Walking Pilgrimage which saw it's 26th Year in Christ alone was held on March 29, 2014 starting at 10.30 p.m from Cross Maidan - Dhobi Talao and taking the last stop at Mount Mary’s Basilica - Bandra. Bp. Dominic Savio Fernandes blessed the Pilgrimage and Bp. Bosco Penha celebrated the Holy Eucharist along with other priests and congregation in the church.

                                                 
                                               
                                      
Starting all the way from Cross maidan...minute the minute feet the feet a huge crowd was seen walking in the dead of the night. When the city sleeps, what appeared to me was like more than 1500 pilgrims from all the Deanary parishes who had participated in this mega walking event. Like every year the procession began with a prayer service at the shrine near Cross Maidan [where the veneration of the Cross took place]. The journey began with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed following the Tempo vehicles [Holding the banner of Shanti Academy Charitable Trust] each carrying the shrine of Mother mary, the huge statue of Jesus with the Cross. The respective prayer groups who were seen amidst the sea of people led everyone by reciting prayers, singing hymns of the lenten season and continued to devotionally participate in the way of the cross. The Paapya group of east Indian catholics also joined devotedly with their prayers and east indian hymns, and walked to the sound of the traditional clappers through the way.

The pilgrims reached Marine Lines at about 11.45 pm, Charni road at about 11.59 pm. Sobo Central -the area where there is McDonald's at about 12.45 am, All India Institute of medical & rehabilitat around12.55 am, Dr.Annie Besant road-Podar Medical centre at about 1.44 am,  Mount.Carmel church around 4.45 am and finally Mt.Mary[Bandra] at about 5am. The crowd comprised of men of all ages, women of all ages, and also small to big children, and many were moved to tears as they were chanting their prayers with eye's upon the cross.Volunteers were there to encourage this walk throughout with instructing lines when needed "On the move..No stopping!!!" and they also helped directing the people through the street, managed traffic and held a rope to facilitate the movement of the pilgrims in a linear manner.

On the way, pilgrims were offered water, tea and biscuits [Valencia Caterer's helped in this regards]. Toilet facilities were made available at regular spots like on the way to Dadar airport[1st,2nd,3rd floor of a building was made available for pilgrims to ease their bowels]. After reaching the final spot through the night came the Morning-It was 5 am they took a sigh of relief and tried to rest their aching legs by sitting on the quadrangle of the Mt.Mary church and the carpet covered area.The procession concluded with solemn Eucharistic celebration at Mount.Mary Church in Bandra. Huge number of Catholics joined and revered through the walking pilgrimage with prayer, penance,abstinence and with mournful imagery of the passion of Christ.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, praying hard to have mercy on us and on the whole world. If you ask me my heart did hurt to see so many old women walking on bare feet and managing to complete this walk till the last stop at Bandra.BEST and the police had made all the necessary arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims.Special buses and private buses and other vehicles were also available after the walk for all the pilgrims.
Such a spiritual journey with a sorrowful reflection throughout the path showed that God is shining through the darkness and HIS redemption means a lot to all of HIS follower's and likewise peace and solidarity in Mumbai.

Your's Sincerely,
Samir (Sam) Alvares