The annual Lenten Procession of Bandel Basilica was on 9th March, the first Sunday of Lent. Thousands of people from Kolkata and neighbouring dioceses gathered for the occasion. The three Masses in the morning in Hindi, Bengali and English languages were overcrowded.
The pilgrims gathered in the ground in front of the Basilica gate by 1 pm. Fr. Prior welcomed the Pilgrims before starting the Way of the Cross at 2 pm. The Way of the Cross was animated by Fr. Pradip Mondal, with the parish Choir helping with the singing. The life size statue of Jesus with the Cross is carried by chosen pilgrims from Kolkata, from one station to the other.
As per tradition, people come to witness the fourth station of the Way of the Cross: Jesus meeting Mother Mary on the way to Calvery. A life size statue of Mother Mary was placed in the fourth station. The sight of Jesus passing in front of the statue of Mother Mary was a very emotional moment for the pilgrims.
At the conclusion of the Way of the Cross people paid respects to the statue of the dead body of Jesus that was laid out on the stage.
