Mangaluru: The annual Eucharistic procession of Mangaluru diocese was held on Sunday January 4, from Milagres Church to Rosario Cathedral.Thousands of people including priests, nuns and the laity took part in the procession.

Before the procession, Mass was offered by Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza at Milagres Church. He also led the procession. At the  Rosario Cathedral the adoration of the Holy Sacrament was held. Fr Deep Fernandes, assistant parish priest of newly inaugurated Infant Mary Church Bajjodi urged Catholics to dedicate their lives to God.

“One must dedicate their lives to god by serving others. Jesus himself was born not to be served but to serve. Our lives must symbolize Jesus Christ. This year it is dedicated to the nuns and priests who dedicate their lives to God”, Fr Deep said.

Addressing the gathering Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza greeted all the devotees gathered in large number. He prayed for the New Year and motivated them to work for the church and the welfare of others.

Parishes which made the highest collections for the Mangalore diocese were honoured with mementoes. Bishop also announced that the Pope Francis will be announcing Blessed Joseph Vaz as Saint in Sri Lanka on January 14, 2015. On this occasion Joseph Vaz’ statue was blessed, and the statue was taken to the Paneer church in a procession.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza released the logo of 2015 ‘Wake Up The World – 2015 Year of Consecrated Life’.

Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, vicar general, Fr Henry Sequeira, chancellor, Fr Pius James D’Souza, Fr J B Crasta,Fr Andrew D’Souza,  Fr Valerian D’Souza, Fr Walter Rodrigues, Fr Aquine Noronha,  MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D’Souza and M P Noronha among others were present on the occasion.