Mangaluru: The annual Eucharistic procession of the Diocese of Mangalore, to celebrate the Epiphany feast, was held on Sunday, January 6. Every year thousands of the faithful gather to participate in the annual procession to commemorate the travels of the three Magi who went in search of Jesus Christ after they learnt of His birth.

The procession moves from Milagres Church to the Rosario Cathedral every year, after the Holy Mass is celebrated. At this year’s Eucharistic Celebration at Milagres Church, the main celebrant was the Bishop of the Mangalore Diocese, Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha. In his homily, the Bishop spoke about the significance of the three gifts offered by Magi top Jesus Christ and the relevance of the star in one’s spiritual journey.

At the programme held at the Cathedral after the procession, the Bishop said in his address to the gathering that there is success for those who walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and that the youth are the future of the Church. He added that the knowledge of the youth and the wisdom and experience of the elders combined will make the mission of the youth successful.

St Joseph’s Seminary Professor Fr Leo Lasrado also spoke on the occasion.

Every year around this time, a theme in accordance with the Pope’s directives is announced. Special prayers, events and messages are given during the year based on the theme. This year has been declared as the ‘Year of the Youth’. The Bishop, along with Mangalore Diocese Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D Souza, Vicar General Msgr Maxim Noronha, ICYM director Fr Ronald D’Souza, YCS/YSM director Fr Rupesh Madtha, youth leaders, varado directors and animators, inaugurated the ‘Year of the Youth’ by unveiling the logo.

Mangala Jyothi director Fr Vijay Machado and Jeppu parish priest Fr Clifford Fernandes compeered the programme.