Some journeys are not just about the distance we travel, but about the peace we bring back with us. My trip to Velankanni, organised by Morningstar Travels, Ollur, was exactly that kind of journey.

Morningstar runs a pilgrimage trip to Velankanni every single Saturday, and this time, I decided to join them. We gathered at St. Antony's Forane Church, Ollur, on Saturday evening and set off as the sun went down, leaving the busy week behind for a weekend of quiet devotion.

The overnight bus journey had its own charm — hushed conversations, prayers, and a quiet anticipation building with every passing hour. We stopped for dinner at a hotel in Vadakkanchery, with a few short breaks along the way for everyone to freshen up, before continuing on through the night towards the shrine. By Sunday morning, we arrived at Velankanni, the coastal town that is home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health.

The team had everything well organised from there on — breakfast, lunch and dinner were all taken care of by Morningstar through the day, and we were even given a room to freshen up and rest for a while. Walking into the Basilica, lighting a candle, and standing before Our Lady of Good Health was the heart of the trip — a moment of gratitude and calm that stayed with me long after we left.

By Sunday evening, it was time to begin the journey back, and we reached home early Monday morning — tired, but deeply content.

If you are looking for a well-organised, comfortable weekend pilgrimage to Velankanni, Morningstar's Saturday trips from St. Antony's Forane Church, Ollur, are worth experiencing — a short trip, but a truly peaceful one.