By Sr. Rita D’Silva, SChSA for BIS Mumbai

On August 23, 2025, the parishioners of St. John Bosco Church, Borivali (West), set out on a pilgrimage to Karjat—a journey that became much more than travel. It was a day of prayer, discovery, and renewal, drawing us closer to God, to Mary, and to one another as a parish family.

The Journey of Prayer

Thirty of us, accompanied by Fr Vishal and Br Dieudonné, began early from the church compound. With sandwiches, water, and joyful anticipation, we offered prayers for the world as the bus rolled on. Our first stop was the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Karjat, where breakfast and the Eucharist awaited us. The Mass reminded us that every true journey begins at the altar.

The parish priest, Fr Joe D’Mello, then shared the remarkable history of the church and its treasured statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

A Statue of Grace

This statue has an extraordinary story. When Sr Lucia of Fatima relayed Our Lady’s request, the Pope sent five statues worldwide. One of them reached India and mysteriously appeared on Platform No. 2 at Karjat station—unclaimed and unnoticed until officials opened the package. Astonished to find the statue, they sought Vatican confirmation. The faithful of Karjat resolved to honor this providential gift by building a church to house it. Today, the relics of Sts. Jacinta and Francisco accompany the statue, making the shrine a sacred place of grace and history.

The Cross and Nature’s Chapel

We also venerated the Jubilee Cross, a symbol of God’s love and the faith journey of Karjat’s people. In silence before the relics, the cross, and Our Lady, many poured out heartfelt prayers.

Our pilgrimage continued to the Don Bosco Yuva Centre, warmly welcomed by Frs. Evangelo and Brian. Surrounded by the Rosary Garden and Stations of the Cross, we discovered how nature itself becomes a chapel. The sunshine, rustling leaves, and birdsong blended with our Divine Mercy chaplet, echoing St Francis of Assisi’s spirit of communion with creation.

A Pilgrimage to Remember

Before heading home, we enjoyed tea, vada pav, laughter, and photographs—simple joys sealing our fellowship. The return journey was filled with gratitude for an encounter with God, history, and nature through Mary’s maternal presence.

We thank Fr Manuel Murzello and the Jubilee team—Cynthia D’Silva, Angeline Fernandes, Melrina Mascarenhas, and Virginia Rebello—for organizing this memorable experience. Truly, we came back renewed, feeling that we had walked with Mary and, through her, grown closer to Christ.