Mangala Jyothi
Diocesan Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre
Diocese of Mangalore Inaugurates Catechetical Year 2026–27 Across All Parishes
Faith Formation
08 Jun 2026
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Mangalore, June 7, 2026: The Diocese of Mangalore solemnly inaugurated the Catechetical Year 2026–27 in all its parishes on Sunday, June 7, under the theme of the Year of Children, “Our Children are the Fruits of God’s Kingdom.” The inauguration was inspired by the words of Jesus: “Let the children come to me” (Mt 19:14).
The celebration began with a Eucharistic Procession in which catechism children, parents, and catechism teachers participated prayerfully. As the procession reached the altar, a meaningful rite symbolized the Church’s commitment to the faith formation of children. Parents and catechism teachers brought the children to Jesus, who lovingly welcomed and embraced them, reflecting Christ’s invitation, “Let the children come to me.”
Surrounded by parents, teachers, and children, Jesus became the focal point of the community’s commitment to nurturing faith in the younger generation. Parish priests then received the commitment of parents, children, and catechism teachers to actively participate in the ministry of faith formation. The rite concluded with all standing together hand in hand around Jesus while the parish priest invoked God’s blessing upon them, entrusting the catechetical year to the Lord. The Holy Eucharist then continued.
The inauguration was carried out in all parishes of the Diocese, offering a strong and inspiring beginning to the new catechetical year. The common rite was prepared by Mangala Jyothi – Commission for Faith Formation, which also provides catechism textbooks and ongoing formation programmes for catechism teachers. Through this diocesan-wide celebration, the Church reaffirmed its commitment to helping children grow in faith, recognizing them as precious gifts and fruits of God’s Kingdom.
The celebration began with a Eucharistic Procession in which catechism children, parents, and catechism teachers participated prayerfully. As the procession reached the altar, a meaningful rite symbolized the Church’s commitment to the faith formation of children. Parents and catechism teachers brought the children to Jesus, who lovingly welcomed and embraced them, reflecting Christ’s invitation, “Let the children come to me.”
Surrounded by parents, teachers, and children, Jesus became the focal point of the community’s commitment to nurturing faith in the younger generation. Parish priests then received the commitment of parents, children, and catechism teachers to actively participate in the ministry of faith formation. The rite concluded with all standing together hand in hand around Jesus while the parish priest invoked God’s blessing upon them, entrusting the catechetical year to the Lord. The Holy Eucharist then continued.
The inauguration was carried out in all parishes of the Diocese, offering a strong and inspiring beginning to the new catechetical year. The common rite was prepared by Mangala Jyothi – Commission for Faith Formation, which also provides catechism textbooks and ongoing formation programmes for catechism teachers. Through this diocesan-wide celebration, the Church reaffirmed its commitment to helping children grow in faith, recognizing them as precious gifts and fruits of God’s Kingdom.