Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Mar 27: The 242nd historic Way of the Cross will be held at St Joseph’s Church Kalavaru Pezar on March 31, continuing a religious tradition that began over two centuries ago. The historic devotion commemorating the suffering and final moments of Jesus Christ has been conducted continuously for the past 241 years, since it was first started on Ash Wednesday.

This year’s theme is 'Pilgrim Journey to Touch the Suffering Body of Christ'. The programme will begin at 10 am with continuous prayer, praise and worship, and meditation on the word of god, which will continue until 3 pm. The programme will be organised by the Charismatic Renewal of the Roman Catholic diocese of Mangalore.

At 3 pm, the Divine Mercy devotion will be held, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 3:30 pm along with prayers for inner healing. The service will be led by Fr Clifford Fernandes, director of the Charismatic Renewal of the diocese.

The holy Mass will be celebrated at 5 pm, followed by the Way of the Cross at 6 pm. After the Way of the Cross, a sermon will be delivered by the bishop of Mangalore diocese, Peter Paul Saldanha. The programme will conclude around 9 pm, and dinner arrangements will be provided for the faithful.

As part of this historic event, padayatras (pilgrim walks) will be held from Bajpe Check Post to Kalavaru Church at 2:45 pm and from Jokatte KEB to Kalavaru Church at 3:30 pm.

This historic Way of the Cross devotion remains one of the significant spiritual traditions of the region, attracting a large number of devotees every year.