Photo: The Miraculous Cross atop Nandgad Hill. –
By Louis Rodrigues –
Belgaum: As the Lenten season arrives, thousands of pilgrims are expected to flock to the pilgrimage centre at the Miraculous Cross atop Nandgad Hill about 37 kms towards south from Belgaum. Diocese of Belgaum is geared up to conduct the special Lenten prayers and Eucharistic services every Friday. Commencing on Friday, March 8, the prayer services would be held every Friday till April 12, the Diocesan Day of Reparation.
Expressing happiness over the rising number of pilgrims every year Apostolic Administrator to the Diocese of Belgaum, Rev. Fr. Eusebio Fernandes said that apart from Belgaum and north Karnataka, the number of pilgrims from Goa, Maharashtra and Kerala visiting the Cross is rising every year. Every Friday, the prayer services will commence at 9.30 am by performing prayers at the Stations of the Cross, erected en route to the Miraculous Cross and conclude at 4.30 pm.
“The Miraculous Cross since it was established in 1888 by priests and Catholics from Nandgad seeking solace from the bubonic plague has been the place of hope and repose for thousands of pilgrims,” Fr Eusebio said.
Parish priest of Immaculate Conception Church, Nandgad Rev Fr Vijay Mendith along with the parishioners have made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims.
“Apart from Fridays, the number of pilgrims visiting on Sundays and weekdays is also rising. Eminent priests from the region will be leading the prayer services and also offer mass in Konkani, Kannada and other languages. The number of people of other faiths too is rising every year,” Father Vijay Mendith said adding, all the year round every first Friday of the month, people from near and far visit the Cross presenting petitions, praying for their intentions and they return home, touched by sanctity of Miraculous Cross.
The preachers who would be leading the prayer services include Fr G. Prakash Rao, Fr Roman Pinto, Fr Franklin D’souza, Fr Pius D’souza, Fr Roger Gudinho, Fr Anthony Fernandes, Fr Freddy Raj, Philip Kutty among other priests. Former Archbishop of Bengaluru Rev Dr Bernard Moras will be offering special mass services here on April 12, Fr Mendith said.