Nashik: A large number of worshipers from all over the country visited the Temple of Jesus Baby in Nashik Road, although the annual party from the temple was canceled this year due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The annual party of the baby Jesus temple is held every year on Saturday and the second week of February.
Has been canceled for the second year in a row.
The senior priests of the temple obeyed orders from city police and allowed the worshipers only in batch 50 so that there was no density and at the same time, social distance was maintained in the temple.
The priests added that the number of worshipers arrived on Saturdays less than 1% from the usual rush at an annual party.
Last year, even though the party was canceled because of a pandemic, the temple remained open and worshiper, in a small batch, was permitted inside.
The Senior Imam Temple said that they had appealed to worshipers to attend online masses held on February 12 and 13.
Online mass is held starting at 6:30 in the morning and so on in English, Marathi and Konkani.
Father Errol Fernandes, a baby priest of Jesus Temple, said the worshipers arrived from places like Ahmednagar, Mumbai, Vasai, Goa and Kerala.
“Even though we spread a message about the cancellation of the party, many worshipers still arrived to worship God and look for blessings.
We obey the command of the police and send worshipers to batch 50 to prayer,” Fernandes’s father added.
Marta Trinidade, a worshiper from Mumbai, said he knew that the temple would be closed but had decided to pray from outside.
“I have visited the temple since childhood during an annual party.
Previously my mother used to take me to a party.
I have continued this routine.
With God’s grace, I got a bus from Mumbai and also had to pray in the temple and look for blessings, “He said.
Other residents of Mumbai, Neol Fernandez, said that he came with his car with his family.
“We are aware that the temple will be closed due to a pandemic.
But it cannot resist the wishes to come here on an annual party day,” he said.
Father Fernandes said that many pilgrims have written to them by saying that they feel sick that they cannot worship God personally in the temple.