Mangaluru : The Roman Catholic Diocese of Mangalore witnessed a profound public expression of faith as thousands of Catholics from various parishes participated in the grand annual Eucharistic Procession on the Feast of the Epiphany, moving solemnly from Milagres Church to Rosario Cathedral.
The celebration began with a solemn Holy Eucharist presided over by Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. Reflecting on the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, the Bishop described Jesus Christ as the “ultimate GPS of life,” urging the faithful to allow Christ to guide their journeys with faith, repentance, and renewal.
A public witness of faith
Following the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was placed on a beautifully adorned vehicle and taken in procession through the heart of the city, passing key landmarks such as Hampankatta, Clock Tower Circle, A.B. Shetty Circle, and Nehru Circle. Hymns, choirs, and bands accompanied the faithful, creating an atmosphere of reverence while maintaining order and public harmony.
Call to love and serve
At the Rosario Cathedral grounds, Abraham D’Souza, SVD, preached a reflection inspired by Dilexi Te (“I have loved you”), the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV. He reminded the faithful that authentic love of God must be expressed through compassion for the poor, the marginalised, and the forgotten.
2026 declared the ‘Year of Children’
After the solemn Benediction, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha unveiled the logo and theme declaring 2026 as the ‘Year of Children’: “ಆಮ್ಚಿಂ ಭುರ್ಗಿಂಬಾಳಾಂ, ದೆವಾಚ್ಯಾ ರಾಜಾಚಿo ಫಳಾಂ” (Our children are the precious fruits of God’s Kingdom). He called on parishes and diocesan bodies to prioritise the holistic formation, safety, and spiritual growth of children below eighteen years of age.
Coordination and gratitude
The adoration and praise were animated by Vincent Sequeira, while the concluding ceremony was coordinated by Rohith D’Costa, Director of the Mangala Jyothi Liturgical Centre.
Concluding the celebrations, the Bishop thanked the clergy, organisers, volunteers, and faithful, describing the procession as a powerful testimony of unity, devotion, and hope, calling all to be bearers of Christ’s light in daily life.
