Believers from all faiths find solace in the long walk to Vailankanni

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsUndertaking a 400-km journey by foot is no easy task. Yet, several thousand believers in the power of Mother Mary do the same every year. The universal appeal of the church at Vailankanni draws not only Catholics, but also those from other faiths.Bala, a construction supervisor, tied the knot in 2000. Soon after, his wife conceived, but lost the child in a miscarriage .“Something inside me prompted me to go on the pilgrimage. I used to walk all the way, but never entered the church. My wife miscarried five times in as many years. In 2005, I finally laid the burden on Mother Mary,” Bala says.In 2006, his wife conceived again and was advised complete bed rest. Bala recalls, “She had more faith than me and was as active as ever and the due date was set for August 29. I was at Vailankanni as usual. Just then, my wife’s brother called and told me that my beautiful baby girl was born.” As she was born on the day the flag was hoisted, she was named Rosie Malarkodi. Although the family still remains Hindu, many of their relatives too are strong believers in the power of the pilgrimage.For George M (33), an injury put an end to his football dreams. “When I was 21, I was playing at a tournament in Goa. There, I suffered an injury. For several weeks, doctors in Chennai were not able to figure out what was wrong with my leg. This was in June. By August, I was still in considerable pain,” he says. When August rolled around, George was restless and wanted to go on the walk. Against doctors advice, he says, he chose to listen to his mother. “My mom told me that if I felt so strong about it, I should go. If it was Mother Mary’s will, I would return or die on the way. That was the condition of my health. I am here 12 years later,” he says.The journey is made memorable by the interactions they have with others on the same path, says George. On the downside though, eateries along the road to Vailankanni tend to fleece the pilgrims. Irudhayarajan, one of the organisers at Punidha Arockia Annai Thiruthalam in North Chennai, says, “We have no other option, we need to eat. This year, a believer called Martin has organised cooks to provide food along the way for everyone. Close to 100 people are involved in the operation, and they are ready to carry this out every year for the benefit of the pilgrims.”first published:August 30, 2012, 07:48 ISTlast updated:August 30, 2012, 07:48 IST
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Undertaking a 400-km journey by foot is no easy task. Yet, several thousand believers in the power of Mother Mary do the same every year. The universal appeal of the church at Vailankanni draws not only Catholics, but also those from other faiths.

Bala, a construction supervisor, tied the knot in 2000. Soon after, his wife conceived, but lost the child in a miscarriage .

“Something inside me prompted me to go on the pilgrimage. I used to walk all the way, but never entered the church. My wife miscarried five times in as many years. In 2005, I finally laid the burden on Mother Mary,” Bala says.

In 2006, his wife conceived again and was advised complete bed rest. Bala recalls, “She had more faith than me and was as active as ever and the due date was set for August 29. I was at Vailankanni as usual. Just then, my wife’s brother called and told me that my beautiful baby girl was born.” As she was born on the day the flag was hoisted, she was named Rosie Malarkodi. Although the family still remains Hindu, many of their relatives too are strong believers in the power of the pilgrimage.

For George M (33), an injury put an end to his football dreams. “When I was 21, I was playing at a tournament in Goa. There, I suffered an injury. For several weeks, doctors in Chennai were not able to figure out what was wrong with my leg. This was in June. By August, I was still in considerable pain,” he says. When August rolled around, George was restless and wanted to go on the walk. Against doctors advice, he says, he chose to listen to his mother. “My mom told me that if I felt so strong about it, I should go. If it was Mother Mary’s will, I would return or die on the way. That was the condition of my health. I am here 12 years later,” he says.

The journey is made memorable by the interactions they have with others on the same path, says George. On the downside though, eateries along the road to Vailankanni tend to fleece the pilgrims. Irudhayarajan, one of the organisers at Punidha Arockia Annai Thiruthalam in North Chennai, says, “We have no other option, we need to eat. This year, a believer called Martin has organised cooks to provide food along the way for everyone. Close to 100 people are involved in the operation, and they are ready to carry this out every year for the benefit of the pilgrims.”