Belgaum: In what could be termed as a record of sorts in the spiritual history of the Miraculous Cross atop the Nandgad Hill near Belagavi, about 400 youngsters from Haliyal, a deanery which comes under the Diocese of Karwar on Monday took part in the Lenten pilgrimage.
Led by dean Fr Gyanprakash Rao, the youth from Yallapur, Yedoga, Kerwad, Sambrani-Gundolli and other villages including Haliyal town guided by Fr Johnson and other priests commenced the pilgrimage early Monday morning.
Reciting the Holy Rosary, singing hymns, en route the youth took part in the confessions at St Anthony Church, Kakkeri and later proceeded to Immaculate Conception Church at Nandgad. Parish priest Fr Vijay Mendith who is also the Chaplin at the Miraculous Cross briefed them about the history and religious significance of the Cross and how it has become the place of repose for millions across the nation. The talk was followed by mass after which the meals were served.
Later, braving the scorch of the hot summer sun, the youth commenced their walk towards the Nandgad Hill where the Miraculous Cross is located a little more than a kilometre away from Nandgad village, offering the “Way of the Cross” and petitions. Fr Johnson and Fr Peter along with a few nuns guided the youngsters in prayers.
The attraction among the youth was they were from the Siddi community from Yellapur town and neighbouring villages. “As we reached atop the Hill touching the Miraculous Cross, it was truly an enriching spiritual experience, where we had a close encounter with God,” a youngster exclaimed.
Photo: The youngsters from Haliyal deanery who visited the Miraculous Cross atop Nandgad Hill near Belagavi.