Around a hundred students from Colégio de São Francisco Xavier, in Ponta Delgada, took part on Friday morning in the 34th edition of the Lenten Pilgrimage promoted by this Catholic school. The event, already a regular part of the school’s life, brought together 96 students from the kindergarten, 1st and 2nd cycles, accompanied by teachers, assistants, and parents.
The walk began in the school chapel, passed by the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Desterro, the Church of São Jos,é and ended at the Church of Nossa Senhora da Esperança – the Sanctuary of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres – where the Eucharist was celebrated, presided over by Father Norberto Brum.
“Walking makes us seekers of someone and, in this specific case, of Jesus, whom we find in the image, in the Word, in the bread and wine, and in each other, even though sometimes we don’t manage to do so,” said the priest during the celebration, quoted by the ‘Igreja Açores’ website.


Sister Domingas de Lisboa: “And today, we see that our world needs this prayer.”
Sister Domingas de Lisboa, pedagogical director of the Colégio de São Francisco Xavier, underlined the importance of this annual walk. Speaking to Correio dos Açores, she stressed that this pilgrimage goes far beyond a simple physical journey—it is an exercise in faith, cultural identity, and the integral formation of children.
“This year our pilgrimage involves 96 students and has been taking place since 1991. With this 34th edition, we’re continuing a tradition that we want to keep alive within the educational community,” he said.
“Our aim really is to perpetuate the tradition because, alongside the academic content, we also want the children to develop cultural skills. Only to the extent that they are able to know, live and respect their own tradition will they also be able to respect the culture of other peoples,” she stressed.

Sister Domingas recalls that moments like this teach the children to listen, be silent, pray, and look at others with empathy. “We ask for protection. We know that the Pilgrimage originated precisely from this request for protection from the Lord, because of various earthquakes. And today, we see that our world needs this prayer, this strong union, penance, sacrifice, knowing how to forget oneself to think of others – to be altruistic.”
The pilgrimage, which begins at the school chapel and ends at the Shrine of the Lord Santo Cristo, is a true journey of faith. “The Eucharist is the highlight because everything begins and ends with Jesus.”
At the end of the Mass, the students visited the image of the Lord Santo Cristo and took the traditional group photo. This was followed by a time of socializing, designed to strengthen community spirit.
Excitement and pride for the parents
Élio Garcia, a native of Faial, told ‘Correio dos Açores’ that he was taking part for the first time with his children: “It’s nice to see that local traditions are not forgotten. Live, it’s a different emotion from what they usually tell.”
Rui Di Farias, whose daughter took part for the first time, shared: “As we’re a Christian family, it gives us a lot of pleasure. From what we can see, she’s enjoying it – and if she enjoys it, I enjoy it even more.”
Cláudio Paiva also emphasized the impact of this experience on the youngsters: “It’s a different feeling to see them, even at a young age, getting used to the religious dimension. My son was already excited in the morning.”
For Rosa Carvalho, the feeling was one of mission accomplished: “It’s a great thrill to see them on this pilgrimage, with this faith, walking the path of their lives.”


Filipe Torres is a journalist for Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director.

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.