MANGALURU: In a powerful display of faith that bridged centuries of tradition with modern spiritual expression, thousands of devotees converged at the historic St Joseph Church, Pezar, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The occasion marked the 242nd annual Way of the Cross at the sacred Holy Hill (Kursa Guddo), a Lenten pilgrimage that has remained an unbroken legacy of the coastal Christian community since 1784.
The liturgical proceedings were animated by Rev. Fr Rohith D’Costa, Director of Mangala Jyothi, and commenced with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore.
A Message of Hope Amidst Global Crisis
Delivering a stirring homily, Rev. Fr Vijay Machado, Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Liturgy, addressed the congregation on finding divine strength within human frailty. Drawing parallels between the weaknesses of Peter and Judas, Fr Machado emphasized that Christ remains the ultimate source of restoration. “Gaze upon the Crucified Christ to find salvation,” he urged. “Amidst the global shadows of war, climate change, and the specific pain faced by Christians in our country, Jesus is our only hope for victory over evil and suffering.”
Walking the Path of the Passion
Following the Mass, a sea of pilgrims undertook the steep, prayerful ascent of the Holy Hill. This year’s Way of the Cross featured meditative reflections authored by Rev. Fr Vincent Sequeira, Diocesan Secretary for the Commission for Bible. In a poignant display of communal unity, the stations were led by a diverse group including the Bishop, priests, religious, lay faithful, and youth.
Bishop’s Call to ‘Touch the Wounded Christ‘
At the summit, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha delivered a profound reflection inspired by the Papal Encyclical “Dilexi te”. He challenged the faithful to look beyond ritualism. “We are called to touch the wounds of the suffering Christ in our communities, our families, and our brethren,” the Bishop remarked. “Christians across the globe must become the face of Christ. When we nurse the suffering, we experience the touch of Jesus ourselves.”
Immersive Cinematic
Conclusion
The evening reached a somber climax with a meditative “Descent from the Cross.” The ceremony of lowering the body of Jesus and laying Him in the tomb was presented through an immersive sound and light experience, providing a deeply moving, multi-sensory conclusion to the pilgrimage.
Special Blessing for the ‘Year of Children‘
In a significant highlight marking the “Year of Children” in the Diocese, the Bishop held a special session at the foot of the massive Holy Cross. He personally blessed hundreds of children gathered on the hill, entrusting the younger generation to the protection of the Redeemer.
The mega-event was meticulously coordinated by Rev. Fr Ronald D’Souza, Parish Priest of Pezar, and the Parish Pastoral Council, supported by the Pezar Deanery led by Vicar Forane Rev. Fr Rudolf Ravi D’Sa.
