(Organised as part of the Jubilee Year Celebration – St Sebastian Church, Bendur)
As part of the Jubilee Year celebrations, the parishioners of St. Sebastian Church, Bendur
undertook a blessed Holy Tour to Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur and St. Theresa’s
Shrine, Mahe on 5th December 2025. The pilgrimage was spiritually enriching and deeply
meaningful, with the participation of a large group of faithful led by Rev. Fr. Walter D’Souza,
Vicar, and Rev. Fr. Arun Lobo, Principal of Padua College.
The journey began at 6:00 AM with a short prayer led by Fr. Walter, invoking God’s protection
and blessings for a safe and grace-filled pilgrimage. The first halt was at St. Monica Church,
Kumble, where the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. Melwyn D’Souza, Parish
Priest. A delicious breakfast had been lovingly arranged by the parish, and the pilgrims spent
time in fellowship before continuing the journey. Throughout the travel, the group prayed the
Rosary, sang hymns, and reflected in prayerful silence, creating a spiritual atmosphere.
The pilgrims reached Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur, around 10:30 AM, where they
experienced the sacred and miraculous site known for the Holy Faces of Jesus and the
Eucharistic Miracle. Rev. Fr. Arun Lobo narrated the history and significance of the miracle in
detail, helping everyone understand its depth and spiritual importance.
The Holy Mass at Vilakkannur was celebrated by Fr. Arun Lobo, assisted by Fr. Walter
D’Souza. In his inspiring homily, Fr. Walter reflected on the gift of the Holy Eucharist,
reminding the faithful that “Our Lord is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, and here at
Vilakkannur we witness His holy face, strengthening our faith and devotion.” The pilgrims
offered their prayer intentions and visited the religious stalls to purchase devotional articles.
After a homely lunch arranged at Vilakkannur, the group proceeded towards St. Theresa’s
Shrine, Mahe, arriving at 3:30 PM. The pilgrims were graciously welcomed by the Rector, Rev.
Fr. Sebastian Karakatt, who explained the rich history of the shrine and shared details about
the miraculous statue of St. Theresa of Ávila, which is displayed to the faithful annually from
October 5th to 22nd.
A solemn Eucharistic Adoration was conducted by Fr. Walter D’Souza inside the shrine, during
which the pilgrims prayed deeply, entrusting their families and parish to the intercession of St.
Theresa. The serene atmosphere of the shrine made the moment truly grace-filled.

As the day concluded, the group began the return journey around 6:00 PM, stopping for dinner
en route, and finally reached Bendur around 12:00 midnight, filled with joy, peace, and
gratitude.
The pilgrimage was a memorable spiritual experience, strengthening faith, deepening devotion,
and bringing the parish community closer in unity and prayer. The pilgrims returned home
enriched, inspired, and thankful for the Lord’s blessings throughout the journey.

Report on the Holy Tour to Vilakkannur & Mahe

(Organised as part of the Jubilee Year Celebration – St Sebastian Church, Bendur)
As part of the Jubilee Year celebrations, the parishioners of St. Sebastian Church, Bendur
undertook a blessed Holy Tour to Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur and St. Theresa’s
Shrine, Mahe on 5th December 2025. The pilgrimage was spiritually enriching and deeply
meaningful, with the participation of a large group of faithful led by Rev. Fr. Walter D’Souza,
Vicar, and Rev. Fr. Arun Lobo, Principal of Padua College.
The journey began at 6:00 AM with a short prayer led by Fr. Walter, invoking God’s protection
and blessings for a safe and grace-filled pilgrimage. The first halt was at St. Monica Church,
Kumble, where the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr. Melwyn D’Souza, Parish
Priest. A delicious breakfast had been lovingly arranged by the parish, and the pilgrims spent
time in fellowship before continuing the journey. Throughout the travel, the group prayed the
Rosary, sang hymns, and reflected in prayerful silence, creating a spiritual atmosphere.
The pilgrims reached Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur, around 10:30 AM, where they
experienced the sacred and miraculous site known for the Holy Faces of Jesus and the
Eucharistic Miracle. Rev. Fr. Arun Lobo narrated the history and significance of the miracle in
detail, helping everyone understand its depth and spiritual importance.
The Holy Mass at Vilakkannur was celebrated by Fr. Arun Lobo, assisted by Fr. Walter
D’Souza. In his inspiring homily, Fr. Walter reflected on the gift of the Holy Eucharist,
reminding the faithful that “Our Lord is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, and here at
Vilakkannur we witness His holy face, strengthening our faith and devotion.” The pilgrims
offered their prayer intentions and visited the religious stalls to purchase devotional articles.
After a homely lunch arranged at Vilakkannur, the group proceeded towards St. Theresa’s
Shrine, Mahe, arriving at 3:30 PM. The pilgrims were graciously welcomed by the Rector, Rev.
Fr. Sebastian Karakatt, who explained the rich history of the shrine and shared details about
the miraculous statue of St. Theresa of Ávila, which is displayed to the faithful annually from
October 5th to 22nd.
A solemn Eucharistic Adoration was conducted by Fr. Walter D’Souza inside the shrine, during
which the pilgrims prayed deeply, entrusting their families and parish to the intercession of St.
Theresa. The serene atmosphere of the shrine made the moment truly grace-filled.

As the day concluded, the group began the return journey around 6:00 PM, stopping for dinner
en route, and finally reached Bendur around 12:00 midnight, filled with joy, peace, and
gratitude.
The pilgrimage was a memorable spiritual experience, strengthening faith, deepening devotion,
and bringing the parish community closer in unity and prayer. The pilgrims returned home
enriched, inspired, and thankful for the Lord’s blessings throughout the journey.