Press Release
Mangaluru, March 27: St. Joseph’s Church, Kalvaru-Pejar, will host the 242nd edition of its historic Way of the Cross on Tuesday, March 31, continuing a tradition that dates back over two centuries.
The annual observance commemorates the suffering and final moments in the life of Jesus Christ and has been conducted uninterruptedly at the parish for more than 240 years. This year’s theme is “A Pilgrim Journey to Touch the Suffering Body of Christ.”
The day-long programme will commence at 10.00 am with continuous sessions of prayer, praise,adoration and reflection on the Word of God, organised by the Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Mangaluru. These sessions will continue until 3.00 pm.
At 3.00 pm, a Divine Mercy devotion will be held, followed by Eucharistic Adoration at 3.30 pm, along with prayers for inner healing. The service will be led by Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Director of the Charismatic Renewal, Diocese of Mangaluru.
A Holy Mass will be celebrated at 5.00 pm, followed by the Way of the Cross at 6.00 pm. The programme will also feature a sermon by the Bishop of Mangaluru, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha. The event is scheduled to conclude around 9.00 pm, after which meals will be served to the faithful.
As part of the observance, foot pilgrimages will be organised, commencing at 2.45 pm from Bajpe Checkpost and at 3.30 pm from Jokatte KBS, both proceeding to St. Joseph’s Church, Kalvaru.
The historic Way of the Cross at Kalvaru is believed to have been initiated 241 years ago on Ash Wednesday and has since remained a significant spiritual tradition in the region.
Rev. Fr. Rudolph Ravi D’sa, Zonal Chief Priest, Pejar zone gave the information.
Rev. Fr. Ronald D’souza, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Kalavar, , Clinton D’souza, Vice President of Pejar Church, Sylvia Peris, Secretary, Pejar Church, Walter Monteiro, Cila Advertisers and Elias Fernandes, media advisor were present.