by Audie D'Cruz
KORLAI, APR 3, 2017: Over 70 parishioners of Our Lady of Dolours parish, Wadala gathered at 5.30 am on March 28 at the church, to embark on a pilgrimage to Korlai and Alibaug to seek the Lord.
Parishioners, seated in two buses, began their pilgrimage with the continuous recitation of the Rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet, invoking the Sacred heart of Jesus and singing hymns. At 10.40 am they were welcomed by Father Edward Jacinto of Mount Carmel Church, Korlai. After refreshments, the pilgrims began the Station of the cross, with eyes fixed on the Eucharistic Lord exposed in the Blessed Sacrament; praying for various intentions namely the needs of the community, the oppressed and the vulnerable.
Parish Priest, Father Vivian D'Souza made a strong statement that the pilgrimage should bring about a transformation and all bitterness should vanish, as the pilgrims taste the sweetness of Jesus Christ. Post lunch the group proceeded to Alibaug, to continue the Station of the Cross, at our Lady of Nazareth Church. Father Shilanand during the Holy Eucharist, spoke of the life giving waters that recharge us spiritually at Baptism and in the Eucharist and the need to be merciful, rather than holding on to the law that at times stops us from doing good.
Mary Serrao and her team meticulously organised the pilgrimage, planned the reflections and liturgy and made sure each of the 72 pilgrims had a role to play. The pilgrimage helped the group close the Holy season of Lent in a more graceful way leaving behind unwanted burdens, to encounter the Risen Lord during Easter and pilgrim towards a meaningful Pentecost; bringing about a renewal in their lives and that of their community.