Cardinal Ferrao leads Shillong Eucharistic procession; 2027 Year of Youth

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, led the Archdiocese of Shillong's annual Eucharistic procession on Sunday, one of the largest religious gatherings held each year in the Meghalaya capital, according to reports by Shillong Today and The Meghalayan Express.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma attended the Holy Mass along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and former Shillong MP Vincent H. Pala. In a post on X, Sangma said he had joined the faithful "for prayer and reflection" and welcomed the cardinal's presence in the state.

Mass at Laitumkhrah, procession to Calvary

The Mass was held at Mary Help of Christians Parish in Laitumkhrah, with Shillong Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh and Auxiliary Bishop Bernard Laloo concelebrating. Shillong Today reported that thousands attended.

In his homily, Cardinal Ferrao described the procession as a public profession of faith. Drawing on the words "You are the salt of the earth", he told Catholics that baptism gave each of them a duty to bear witness in their villages and communities. He encouraged daily Bible reading, regular family prayer and homes marked by love, forgiveness and service, and said people closest to a believer should be able to see that faith in how they are treated.

The cardinal then carried the Blessed Sacrament on a decorated vehicle as the procession moved through Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti and Madan Iewrynghep before ending at Calvary with adoration, prayers and hymns. The Cathedral Band, the Don Bosco Band and the Savio Junioriate Band accompanied the walk, and a group from Laitkor Parish took part in traditional attire, playing drums. The Carmel Attard Choir of Marbisu Parish led the singing at the close.

This year's theme, set by the organising parish, was "By the Power of the Eucharist, We Are Called to Be the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World."

A Year of Youth for 2027

Archbishop Lyngdoh used the occasion to close the archdiocese's 2026 Year of the Faithful and to declare 2027 the Year of Youth. He told young people that the Church placed great hope in them and asked them to step forward when needed, to strengthen their faith through prayer and to use social media responsibly.

The cardinal had arrived in Shillong ahead of the event, Shillong Today reported. The archdiocese has not yet announced a programme of events for the youth year.