Coryal pilgrims visit southern sacred sites

Story and photo by Dr Ottrisha Carter

On Sunday, March 30, pilgrims from St Martin de Porres, Coryal visited the two sacred sites located in the Southern Vicariate. Pilgrims journeyed together in maxis and family vehicles to La Divina Pastora RC Church, Siparia and Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church, San Fernando.

Our first sacred site visit was to La Divina Pastora RC Church. At this sacred site, we attended a Mass for youths of the Siparia parish and students writing examinations, which was celebrated by the parish priest Fr Santhosh Puliyammakkal MSFS. At the beginning of the Mass, youths, students, and pilgrims were welcomed by Fr Santhosh.

After the Gospel was proclaimed, there was a dramatisation of the story of the Prodigal Son which was the parable that Jesus shared in that weekend’s Gospel.

In Fr Santhosh’s homily, he shared that the Prodigal Son’s story teaches us four lessons. “The first lesson is: the Prodigal Son teaches us to have a realisation of our state of life.” He further explained that when the Prodigal Son was in a miserable state of life, he realised where he was and where he should have been.

Secondly, Fr Santhosh stated: “The Prodigal Son teaches us to have repentance in our lives.” He explored the fact that when the Prodigal Son realised his mistake, he repented, saying: “Father, I have sinned against you and Heaven.”

Fr Santhosh highlighted: “The third lesson he teaches us is to renounce.” He emphasised that the Prodigal Son did not remain “in the same place” but “he renounced the old way of life.”

He named a few of the many things like: “persons, occasions, circumstances in our lives” that keep us back from “renouncing our old way of life” and prevent us “from going to the Lord.”

“The fourth lesson the Prodigal Son teaches us is to have restoration in your life.” Upon returning, the Prodigal Son was warmly welcomed by his father who “was waiting for him”, “ran to him and brought him back to his home”.

He reminded the congregation that the Lord is also waiting for each one of us to “return to Him” and “when we return to Him, we will have that restoration in our life.”

At the end of his homily, Fr Santhosh invited all students who were preparing to write examinations to come forward to receive a special blessing.

After Mass, pilgrims were offered the opportunity to avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, spend time in personal prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, honour Our Lady and pay tribute to saints like our very own patron St Martin de Porres, whom we were happy to see at this sacred site.

At the sacred site of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, we spent quality time with Jesus in prayer and song. To begin, Coryal’s parish choir led us in praise and worship.

Afterwards, a few of Coryal’s parish groups namely: Marian, Men’s, Lectors and Divine Mercy groups led us in intercessory prayer as we sought God’s graces, blessings, guidance and protection for our parish, families, communities, country, and world.

Overall, pilgrims had very spirit-filled encounters at these two beautiful sacred sites. One pilgrim shared: “I exited the jubilee door leaving behind sin, embracing forgiveness, and stepping into a new life of faith and closeness to God. The site itself is a beacon for all who seek hope, healing, or spiritual connection. I felt an indescribable sense of unity with others. This visit was not just an experience, but a transformation. I left Siparia with my spirit uplifted and my heart renewed, carrying with me a profound sense of hope and purpose that I will cherish forever.”

Another pilgrim at the La Divina Pastora Church expressed, “I felt a beautiful feeling of grace pouring into my heart and soul. I went before the Blessed Sacrament and prayed to keep focus on God’s faithfulness. I meditated with reverence and more grace was flowing. We journeyed to the next sacred site and right away I felt more peace flowing through me. I felt so free to be in God’s presence like I was in His arms. I felt like a brand-new person. I felt transformed.”