Mangaluru: In a powerful display of faith and devotion, thousands of devotees gathered at St Joseph Church, Pezar, on March 31, 2026, to participate in the 242nd annual Way of the Cross at the sacred Holy Hill (Kursa Guddo). The Lenten pilgrimage, a cherished tradition of the coastal Christian community since 1784, once again witnessed an overwhelming turnout.
The event reflected a deep spiritual connection, blending centuries-old practices with contemporary expressions of faith.
Solemn Eucharistic celebration sets the tone
The liturgical proceedings began with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. The ceremony was animated by Rev. Fr Rohith D’Costa, Director of Mangala Jyothi.
The gathering of faithful marked the beginning of a spiritually enriching day, drawing devotees from across the region.
Message of hope amid global challenges
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr Vijay Machado, Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Liturgy, spoke about finding divine strength amid human weakness.
Drawing parallels between biblical figures Peter and Judas, he emphasised that Christ remains the ultimate source of redemption and hope. He urged the faithful to turn towards Christ during challenging times marked by global crises such as war and climate change.
His message resonated deeply with the congregation, encouraging spiritual reflection and resilience.
Pilgrims undertake prayerful ascent
Following the Mass, a large number of pilgrims undertook the steep and prayerful ascent to the Holy Hill, participating in the Way of the Cross.
This year’s reflections were prepared by Rev. Fr Vincent Sequeira, Diocesan Secretary for the Commission for Bible. The stations were led by a diverse group including the Bishop, clergy, religious members, youth, and lay faithful, symbolising unity and shared devotion.
Bishop calls for compassionate action
At the summit, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha delivered a profound message inspired by the Papal Encyclical Dilexi Te. He called upon the faithful to move beyond ritual practices and actively engage in acts of compassion.
He urged Christians to “touch the wounded Christ” in society by caring for the suffering and supporting those in need. His message highlighted the importance of living faith through service and empathy.
Immersive conclusion to the pilgrimage
The event concluded with a moving “Descent from the Cross” ceremony, presented through a sound and light experience. The depiction of the lowering of Christ’s body and its placement in the tomb created a deeply reflective and emotional atmosphere for the devotees.
The immersive presentation added a powerful visual dimension to the spiritual experience.
Special blessing for children
Marking the “Year of Children” in the Diocese, Bishop Saldanha conducted a special blessing session at the foot of the Holy Cross. Hundreds of children gathered on the hill received his blessings, symbolising hope and protection for the younger generation.
Coordinated community effort
The mega-event was meticulously organised by Rev. Fr Ronald D’Souza, Parish Priest of Pezar, along with the Parish Pastoral Council. The Pezar Deanery, led by Vicar Forane Rev. Fr Rudolf Ravi D’Sa, also played a key role in coordinating the event.
Conclusion
The 242nd Way of the Cross at Pezar Holy Hill stood as a testament to enduring faith, community unity, and spiritual reflection. The event not only preserved a centuries-old tradition but also inspired devotees to live their faith through compassion and service.
