BIS #7292 Annual Recollection cum Walking Pilgrimage
by Marie Rodriques for BIS Mumbai
As part of the spiritual formation for the Salesian Cooperators Mumbai Province, a recollection cum walking pilgrimage was held on September 01, 2024, at Uttan, Dongri.
Starting early morning, around 70 members gathered at 8:30 am for registration and breakfast at Our Lady of Bethlehem Church, Dongri. Soon after breakfast, the pilgrims began their uphill walk to Irmitri the chapel of Our Lady of Fatima praying the Rosary. Though the climb was steep and rugged members reached their destination feeling happy and amazed by the beauty and tranquility of the place. A Vehicle for those who had difficulty climbing was arranged.
Fr Diego Nunes, the Provincial Delegate, gave a brief summary of the 16th-century chapel of Our Lady of Fatima explaining the structure and introduced and welcomed Fr Sunil Pinto and Fr Akhil- the speakers for the Recollection.
In his reflective talk on ‘Our Lady Undoer of Knots’ Fr Sunil, explained the three prominent causes for knots in our lives- carelessness, hastiness and sin and enticement
Fr. Akhil took us through an examination of our conscience with the parable of the Prodigal Son.
As the members discussed in groups, their unit involvements as Salesian Cooperators, Frs Diego and Akhil administered the Sacrament of Confession. Soon after the Holy Eucharist, the members proceeded for a photo session, a Vote of thanks by Dolly and Lunch. The day concluded with a walk back down to the Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem for tea.
Sylvia from Borivli unit said “I enjoyed the walk and did not feel exhausted at all” Members of other units who still had some energy left, further extended their pilgrimage to a visit to the nearby Shrine of our Lady of Velankanni.
