Synodal Cross of the Karnataka Youth Commission Venerated at Belgaum's Fatima Cathedral

Belgaum, July 5, 2025: The Diocese of Belgaum warmly welcomed the Synodal Cross of the Karnataka Youth Commission on the evening of July 1 during a special ceremony held at Our Lady of the Family Rosary of Fatima Cathedral, Camp, Belgaum. The Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops' Council Youth Commission is leading a statewide pilgrimage of the cross as part of the preparations for Yuvajanotsava 2025, the upcoming regional youth convention. The event, attended by clergy, youth leaders, and lay faithful, aimed to deepen spiritual unity among the youth through prayer and devotion.

The ceremony commenced at the Cathedral gate, where Fr. Agnel Baretto, Diocesan Youth Director, together with the Core Team of the Belgaum Diocesan Youth Commission, received the Synodal Cross with deep reverence. Fr. Agnel then handed it over to His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belgaum.

Ms. Aakanksha Shinde, Youth President of Fatima Cathedral, then led the faithful in a solemn procession, carrying the Cross to the Cathedral's entrance.

Upon arriving at the cathedral, the Cross was reverently handed over to Bishop Derek, who bore it in a solemn procession to the cathedral's sanctuary. The procession unfolded in an atmosphere of prayerful silence and deep reflection, with members of the clergy, youth, and lay faithful participating with heartfelt devotion.

Upon arriving at the sanctuary inside the cathedral, Bishop Derek incensed the cross. He then gave a brief address, highlighting the Synodal Cross as a powerful symbol of unity and evangelisation for the youth of Karnataka.

Ms. Aakanksha Shinde, Youth President of Fatima Cathedral, led the gathering in an opening prayer, after which the Cathedral Youth Choir sang the hymn “Lord, I Need You”.

The highlight of the evening was the recitation of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The entire congregation participated in it in a spirit of unity. As each mystery unfolded, the youth were invited to walk with Christ through His Passion, offering their own struggles and hopes for the Church and the world.

The Rosary concluded with the singing of the hymn “All to Jesus I Surrender”.

Bishop Derek Fernandes then imparted his Final Blessing, urging the youth to become witnesses of Christ’s love in their daily lives. The gathering proved to be a powerful spiritual experience, reigniting the faith of the youth of Fatima Cathedral and preparing their hearts for the grace-filled celebration of Yuvajanotsava 2025.

The Synodal Cross of the Karnataka Youth Commission will continue its pilgrimage across all parishes in the Diocese of Belgaum, inspiring youth and faithful alike to unite in prayer and mission.

By Fr. Alwin Christopher George,

Secretary, Commission for Social Communication, 

Diocese of Belgaum