Thousands take part in annual Shillong Eucharistic procession

November 12, 2012 - Thousands of Catholics from across northeastern India on Sunday participated in the annual Eucharistic procession in Shillong, capital of Meghalaya state and the nerve center of the Church in the region. A large crowd, including tourists, joined the religious procession, led by Archbishop Dominic Jala of Shillong. The procession, which started from the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, was accompanied by little angels in white, who danced and sang their way to the Calvary for Holy Communion. People from remote parts of Meghalaya, in traditional dresses, also participate in the celebration every year. "For many of them, this is the only occasion when they visit the state capital," a member of the church said. Chief minister Mukul Sangma and governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary were among the guests.