Pilgrims from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa and other States attended pre-Good Friday day-long prayer services that were organised by the Diocese of Belgaum at Miraculous Cross in Nandgad village near Khanapur.
They put forth their petitions and prayers expressing their gratitude to God and seeking the blessings of the Miraculous Cross at Nandgad. The day was observed as the Day of Reparation. It was not held for two years due to COVID-19 lockdown.
The day commenced with special Lenten prayer services that commenced at the Immaculate Conception Church. Priests coming from various parts of the region offered the Holy Mass services.
Bishop of Belgaum Rev Derek Fernandes presided over the Holy Eucharist that was offered in the afternoon.
Parish Priest Shantappa Borkar expressed gratitude to God for allowing the believers to assemble in Nandgad.
Bishop Fernandes urged people to repent for sins and repair themselves from the evils. “Go to God and seek his pardon and He will always pardon us. Repent like St. Peter and St. Jude and your sins will be forgiven,’’ he said.
Pilgrims were blessed with the Holy Cross that was made of olive wood from the Getsemany Garden along with a small piece of a rock from Calvary Mountain where Jesus was crucified.
