KOCHI: The Vallarpadam Marian Pilgrimage followed by the five-day Marian Convention will begin on Sunday. Around 300 priests will participate in the Holy Mass to be led by Varapuzha Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil at the Vallarpadam Basilica as part of the pilgrimage. “The pilgrimage is a great example of religious harmony when the humanity and the world are facing intolerance in the name of religion”, said a release by the Varapuzha Archdio-cese, the organizers of the event. The pilgrimage will be flagged off by Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil from the St. Francis Assisi Cathedral Church in the afternoon.
Thousands of people cutting across religious barriers attend the pilgrimage every year. Fr. Mathew Elangimattom, general convener of the pilgrimage has requested the pilgrims to abide by the traffic regulations without causing any disturbance. The instructions of the volunteers and traffic police should be adhered completely, he added. Around 400 volunteers will be in the pilgrim route to provide the necessary help.
The Marian Convention beginning on Monday will come to end on September 15. Holy Mass will be performed between 4.30pm and 8.30 pm throughout the convention days. Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil, archbishop emeritus Francis Kallarackkal and Cardinal George Alencherry will attend the convention. The Vallarpadam feast will be held on September 24.
