Hello Friends,
I am back after a long, really long, hectic, tiresome, and at the same time much-awaited pilgrimage.
Yes, I missed my social activities.
Yes, I also missed attending my BFFâs momâs death/funeral services in Quepem.
As in everything, there are ups and downs. This pilgrimage too had its ups and downs, but thatâs part and parcel of life.
12 nights, 12 different hotels for sleeping and breakfast only, and out to another country. On the move. One of the tour guides called it a âpyjama tour.â
Endless walking and climbing mountains to visit Holy Crosses. Many rest breaks/coffee breaks at petrol stations on highways. Lots of shopping. Lots of miraculous churches.
Endless long bus drives from one country to another. Our driver drove us 7500 km all around Europe. Thanks to our two bus drivers for their well-driven buses; we saw some mind-blowing scenes and architectural designsâstructures, houses, churches, cathedrals, and synagogues.
I was fortunate enough to meet two Goan residential priestsâone in Italy and one in Prague. They were so happy to meet us Goans, and yes, they happily spoke in Konkani with us, though they have been parish priests for over 20 years in Italy and Prague.
We ate some delicious local cuisines, fruits, cheeses, and local wines. The climate was very, very coldâ7° to 9° in most places.
Poland - Krakow: We visited Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy, among much more.
Czech Republic - Prague: We visited the famous Charles Bridge and Infant Jesus Church, among much more.
Munich - Germany: We were late due to some traffic, but we did the city tour.
Vienna - Austria: Another beautiful place.
Slovakia - Bratislava: Another beautiful place.
Hungary - Gyor: Another beautiful place.
Croatia - Zagreb: Another beautiful country not to be missed. The beautiful cathedral and St. Markâs Church.
Bosnia - Medjugorje: The apparition mountain where Mother Mary appeared. Herzegovinaâclimbing up those hills was a task. I could not climb. The mountain was full of rubbles and uneven. People were climbing the hill barefoot, and some were kneeling and climbing up.
Italy -
To Ancona: Did a night cruise on the majestic âMSC AURELIA.â The boat was gently rocking. A first-time experience.
Loreto: A place where three walls of Mother Maryâs house are placed. Religious people come to touch these walls in thousands.
Shrine of Padre Pio: Mind-blown. Goosebumps. To see the saintâs body as isâfresh. The beard was as is; I canât even explain more.
Roma: A beautiful, magnificent country, Vatican City.
Assisi: Visited the Basilica of St. Francis and Basilica of St. Clare. Her body is undecomposedâanother miracle.
Padua: St. Anthony of Padua, where his tomb is. Another goosebumps visit. My favorite go-to saint.
Venice: A beautiful city of enduring love.
Milan: The financial and fashion capital of Italy, renowned for its high-end shopping districts, art, and cultural heritage.
Considering the fact that we took a year to prepare for this pilgrimage, it was worth it.
Thank you, God, for choosing me. I prayed for each and every one. Not one of the 100 pilgrims got robbed, hacked, fell sick, or had a fall. We returned back as successful warriors.
P.S. Thank God my legs came back with me.
. Take some time to rest nowâyouâve earned it! 
