A Pilgrim's Way to the Basilica

We Novices had a day’s pilgrim journey to the Basilica on 4 September, as a means to prepare ourselves for the Nativity of our Blessed Mother. All of us came back with grace-filled experiences. Four of our First Year’s are eager to share their significant experiences with you all.

Avinash: My pilgrimage to the Basilica turned out to be a special experience, one that I never had before. Silence within me and outside of me was the reason for this. Every minute that I walked as a pilgrim, was a step towards transformation in me. I cherish the devotion of all peoples I saw there. The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was a means for me to reach Jesus through the kind favours and graces of our Lady.

Praveen: I had a first-hand experience of being a Pilgrim: a man in search of the Will of God. Fr Tom D’Souza helped us prepare for this encounter through the points he proposed the previous night. While on my journey I felt the company of Mother Mary. I never felt tired all through the day. The deep Faith, Hope and Love that I saw in an old man who was on a wheel-chair, really touched me.

Mark: I undertook this pilgrimage with a lot of zeal, enthusiasm and with great devotion to our Lady. As I walked reciting the Rosary, the picture of St Ignatius came to my mind. This image enkindled in me a desire to have the similar experience that Ignatius had at Montserrat. I approached our Lady with a humble heart and begged for her blessings. I experienced her presence there. This pilgrimage has strengthened my call to be a soldier of Christ.