Margao, Sept. 14 -- Thousands of devotees gathered at St Joseph Church, Shiroda, on Monday to celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with faith and devotion.

Fr Bendon, PO, Assistant Parish Priest of St Joseph Church, Shiroda, was the main celebrant at the feast Mass. Parish Priest Fr Leslie Rego welcomed the faithful and extended his greetings on the occasion.

Following the Mass, the priests blessed parishioners and their vehicles as devotees sought the blessings and protection of the Holy Cross.

The Cross at Shiroda is believed to hold special historical significance. According to sources, it was erected in connection with Pope John Paul II's visit to Goa in 1986 and was brought to Shiroda in 1991 by Fr Leonardo Corr...