The RYC Cross Pilgrimage Sparks Devotion from Parish to Parish, Touching Hearts

Lucknow, February 3, 2025— The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Lucknow has launched the RYC Cross Pilgrimage, a sacred journey that will travel across 18 churches in the diocese, culminating at Bishop House on March 7, 2025. This pilgrimage is part of a long-standing tradition within the ICYM Agra Region, where the RYC Cross serves as a symbol of unity, faith, and collective spiritual growth.

For years, the RYC Cross has journeyed through the dioceses of the Agra Region, preparing the youth for the Regional Youth Convention (RYC). This tradition is not a new initiative but a cherished legacy, passed down through generations, with each journey adding to its deep spiritual significance. The cross began its 2024-2025 journey in Ajmer on September 7, 2024, and has since travelled through Jaipur (October 5), Meerut (November 2), Bijnor (December 14), and Bareilly (January 11, 2025). It is now en route to Lucknow, where it will be received with immense devotion on February 8, 2025, at St. Joseph Cathedral.

The pilgrimage in Lucknow has been meticulously planned, ensuring that the cross reaches every major parish in the region. Among the significant stops are St. Paul’s Church, Holy Redeemer Church, Sacred Heart, and St. Matthew’s Church, each hosting the cross for a set duration, allowing time for worship, community gatherings, and spiritual renewal.

The Lucknow Diocesan Youth Commission has been actively involved in organising this pilgrimage, as they eagerly await the arrival of the cross. The journey, following a final stop at Nitya Sahaya Mata Church on March 3, 2025, will conclude at Bishop House on March 7.

After leaving Lucknow, the RYC Cross will continue its journey to Gorakhpur (March 8), Varanasi (April 5), and Allahabad (June 8) before moving to Jhansi (July 12) and finally arriving in Agra on August 9, 2025. Agra, as the final stop, will host the Regional Youth Convention in October 2025, bringing together youth from all 11 dioceses in a grand celebration of faith and unity.

The RYC Cross is more than just a symbol—it is a living legacy that connects young Catholics across the region.

The pilgrimage route in Lucknow includes:

📍St. Joseph Cathedral (Feb 8–9)

📍 St. Mark Church (Feb 9–10)

📍 Our Lady of Grace’s Church (Feb 10–12)

📍 Infant Jesus Church (Feb 12–14)

📍 St. Thomas Church (Feb 14–15)

📍 St. Jude Church (Feb 15–16)

📍 St. John Mary Vianney Church (Feb 16–17)

📍 St. Paul’s Church (Feb 17–19)

📍 Holy Redeemer Church (Feb 19–20)

📍 St. Agnes Church (Feb 20–21)

📍 Sacred Heart Church (Feb 22)

📍 Don Bosco Church (Feb 23)

📍 St. Anthony Church (Feb 23–25)

📍 St. Matthew Church (Feb 25–26)

📍 St. Dominic Savio Church (Feb 26–28)

📍 Holy Family Church (Feb 28–Mar 1)

📍 St. Fidelis Church (Mar 1–3)

📍 Nitya Sahaya Mata Church (Mar 3–5)

By Aryan Lawrance