Shillong, October 26: Faith and culture came together in a remarkable display of devotion as the St. Joseph Church Parish Community (Shnat Niam) of Laitkor held a grand Eucharistic Procession today, drawing thousands of faithful who gathered in prayer and reverence for the Holy Eucharist.

The day-long celebration began with a solemn procession led by Fr. Francis Kharpan, the parish priest and liturgical leader, together with all ordained Sohblei priests of the community. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Gerald Khongji, who, in his homily, reflected on the virtue of humility—calling on the faithful to serve the poor in silence, show compassion to prisoners and the suffering, and embrace forgiveness as the path to spiritual renewal.

A significant highlight of the celebration was the First Holy Communion of 240 children, marking their first full participation in the Eucharistic banquet—a milestone in their journey of faith.

In the evening, the faithful witnessed a moving Eucharistic procession led by Most Rev. Bishop Bernard Laloo, Auxiliary Bishop of the Shillong Archdiocese, who carried the Blessed Sacrament through the village. The air resounded with hymns, prayers, and devotion as participants followed in reverence, reflecting deep unity and faith.

Adding a profound cultural touch, the Laitkor Traditional Cultural Ensemble performed indigenous Khasi music using traditional instruments such as the khor, khriam, bom, ksing, and tangmuri. The performance beautifully symbolized the harmonious blending of Khasi heritage and Catholic spirituality, a hallmark of the region’s unique faith expression.

The St. Joseph Parish Choir enriched the atmosphere with solemn Eucharistic hymns, culminating in the Benediction and final blessing imparted by Bishop Laloo, who invoked peace, healing, and divine grace upon the entire community.