Mumbai Catholics to have overnight "walk of faith"

It will start from Cross Maidan at 10.30 pm and end at the Basilica of Mount Mary on March 22 with a mass.

Mumbai:  Prayers for peace and religious tolerance will be the focus when Catholics across Mumbai take part in an annual overnight pilgrimage walk this year, officials said.

Called All Mumbai Walking Pilgrimage For Peace the event has been happening for the last 27 years. This year it will take place on March 21.

It will start from Cross Maidan at 10.30 pm and end at the Basilica of Mount Mary on March 22 with a mass.

"The walk looks to have peace in our country and the message that all share a common bond and humanity. We stand united against all kinds of injustice and religious intolerance," said Father Nigel Barrett, spokesperson Bombay Archdiocese.

He said it "is a walk of faith" and added that places like Cross Maidan and Mount Mary Church have been symbols of Christian faith.

Larson Fernandes, member of the Marian Seva Foundation, which organizes the walks, said it is "happens just a week before the Holy week. This time, Holy week starts from March 29, which is when Palm Sunday falls."

Archbishop Oswald Cardinal Gracias will be flagging it off. The walk will end with a mass led by Bishop Bosco Penha. Thousands of Catholics are expected to pass through Haji Ali and Our Lady of Salvation Church, Dadar before ending at Bandra.

"A number of non-Catholics put up stalls to provide water and biscuits to us," he said.

Source: DNA