Oct 14, 2016: Long awaited Pligrimage day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Ward arrived on 14.10.2016 and 24 members of the ward were overwhelmed to get into a mini bus to go to St Joseph Vaz Shrine – Mudipu, Our Lady of Mercy Church – Fajir, Mother of Mercy Convent – Fajir and St Antony’s Jacobite Syrian Church – Jeppu.
The group left at 9.15 a.m. and proceeded to Mudipu, enjoying on the way beautiful view of the river, bridge, hills and valleys. On reaching the shrine at Mudipu they took part in the Holy Hour of Adoration and the Holy Mass followed by lunch, where our Vicar Fr. Stany Pereira joined the group. Who could be a better guide to that area than Fr. Stany, who has served in Fajir Parish for 7 years and knows the history, every nook and corner of the area? Popularity of Fr. Stany could be witnessed by people, when acquaintances were overwhelmed to see him!
As the tour members reached Fajir Church, they were pleasantly surprised to see the marvelous master piece in the midst of greenery, depicting the deep thinking and creative architecture under the leadership of Fr. Stany, when he was the Vicar there. It was amazing to see the hills and valleys where parishioners survived by their hard work in the fields and gardens amidst all hardships. The group spent some time in the hall for few games, entertainment and proceeded to Mother of Mercy Convent, where the Ursuline Sisters were very happy to see the visiting group and expressed their gratitude for coming to a remote place for a visit. Even there they are having a mission of education and run a school. After experiencing their hospitality members proceeded to pay a visit to St Anton’s Jacobite Syrian Church at Jeppu and the observed in admiration the beauty and architecture of the church. The tour not only provided a good devotional experience but also strengthened the unity of the ward. The group reached back to our church compound as planned at 5.00 p.m. Though the places visited were nearby, they were first time experience to few of the members, as rarely people get an opportunity to visit Southern side of the Diocese.
