Calcutta, India., Nov. 25 - The Catholic Association of Bengal on Sunday organised a solemn procession for the state’s Catholic community, beginning from the St Xavier’s College grounds — joining millions across the world in celebrating the feast of Christ the King.

Nearly 7,000 people assembled at the St Xavier’s College grounds at 2 pm for the colourful procession. The participants included students from different schools, members of various churches and Christian organisations from the city and its suburbs.

“This procession maintains the dignity and solemnity just as we believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ, praying fervently and singing hymns,” said Eugene Gonsalves, president of the Catholic Association.

Hymns were sung and prayers recited as the procession, led by Archbishop Lucas Sirkar and Gonsalves, wound its way through Short Street , Theatre Road , A.J.C Bose Road and Park Street .

The Corpus Christi Procession of 2003, as it was titled, had a special theme this year “My father gives you true bread,” said Archbishop Lucas Sirkar.