Christians set off on spiritual journey as Lent begins

Panaji: After the Carnival festivities, Christians will observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of 40 days of Lent, during which they observe fasting, abstinence, prayer, and repentance. On Ash Wednesday, a sign of the cross with blessed ashes will be made on the foreheads of the faithful at Mass. The ashes symbolise that bodies will return to dust.
Churches also offer take-home packets for the elderly and sick who cannot attend the service. The 40 days of Lent will culminate with Easter Sunday.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao invited the faithful to participate in the annual walking pilgrimage to Sancoale, which will be held on the first Sunday of Lent, March 9. The theme for the walking pilgrimage is ‘As Pilgrims of Hope, Let us Proclaim the Good News’.
The pilgrimage is more than just a walk. It is a journey to be undertaken in a spirit of penance and as a powerful expression of unity, he said. The walking pilgrimage assumes greater significance this year as the Church celebrates the Jubilee Year, where Catholics worldwide are called to be pilgrims of hope. “In a world that is often restless, distracted, and aimless, we are invited to focus on what is needed the most, to set aside time for prayer, personal conversation, and spiritual renewal,” he said.
He especially appealed to younger people to walk the path with enthusiasm and devotion and to come together to listen to God’s voice, opening our hearts to one another.
The committee for the walking pilgrimage has appealed to the faithful to come in a prayerful manner and not in a picnic mood. The committee has appealed to heart patients and those who are very old and sick to pray from home instead.