Kolkata: The Archdiocese of Calcutta celebrated the Feast of Christ the King with its traditional Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession, an event that drew over ten thousand faithful and once again demonstrated the vibrant strength of Catholic devotion in the city. Revered as one of the most important moments in the Archdiocesan liturgical year, the procession was carried out with deep solemnity and heartfelt participation.
The gathering began shortly after midday at the St. Xavier’s College Grounds, where meticulous preparations had transformed the area into a setting of prayer and beauty. The exposition altar adorned with flowers, candles, and liturgical symbols stood as the focal point of the assembly. This year’s theme, “Anchored in Christ. Renewed in Hope,” formed a striking backdrop, guiding the mood of the celebration.
A meaningful new element enriched this year’s observance. Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta invited Sr. Mary Joseph MC, the Mother General of the Missionaries of Charity, to share a spiritual reflection. Drawing from her own experiences, she spoke about meeting Christ in the faces of the poor, reminding the faithful that service to the least among us is service to the Body of Christ itself. Her words left a profound impression on the crowd.
After the reflection, the Archbishop received the monstrance from the Vicar General, and the Eucharistic procession commenced with great reverence. Young men dressed in formal attire carried the ceremonial canopy over the Blessed Sacrament, while altar servers led the way, gently swinging the thurible and filling the air with incense. Children in immaculate white attire scattered rose petals along the path a tender sign of love and homage.
Parishes, schools, and institutions participated with their unique banners and symbols, creating a colourful tapestry of Catholic identity and unity. The Kolkata Police, supported by trained volunteers, coordinated traffic and security to ensure that the procession advanced smoothly through the assigned route.
Upon returning to the St. Xavier’s grounds, the congregation joined together in the Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, before receiving Benediction from the Archbishop. The rite concluded with a deep sense of communal prayer and thanksgiving.
The event stood as a powerful demonstration of the Eucharist’s central place in the lives of Kolkata’s Catholics an outward expression of devotion, unity, and steadfast faith.
In addition to the main procession, a second Jubilee Year Eucharistic procession was also held for the Howrah Hooghly Deanery. Starting from Sacred Heart Church, Chandannagar, it concluded at St. Joseph’s Convent with Holy Mass and Benediction.