Mangaluru: Marking a monumental milestone in the ‘Year of Children 2026,’ the Diocese of Mangalore successfully hosted its largest-ever children’s convention, ‘NINAAD–Burgyalem Festh 2K26,’ on Sunday at the St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC) campus in Vamanjoor. The mega festival witnessed a spectacular and historic gathering of 6,500 children from 125 parishes across the diocese, uniting them in a profound celebration of faith, fellowship, and formation.This historic event was jointly organised by the Diocesan Pastoral Commissions, including Family Life, Basic Ecclesial Communities, Youth (ICYM & YCS), Education, Bible Commission, Catechetics, Missionary Childhood, Social Communication, Vocation & Formation, and Proclamation & Evangelisation.The highlight of the day-long convention was a record-breaking human formation. Gathering on the massive SJEC open turf, 6,500 children perfectly synchronized to form a gigantic, living depiction of a Eucharistic Host, Chalice, and Cross. This awe-inspiring live demonstration vividly communicated the message that our younger generation is continually nourished and protected by the Eucharist, and deeply inspired by the Cross.Presiding over the gathering, Rev Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, delivered a pastoral message echoing the convention’s official motto, ‘Our Children, Fruits of God’s Kingdom’. He said, “Staying true to the convention’s pledge, ‘Children Safety is Our Priority’.” The event featured a highly impactful awareness session led by Rev Fr Francis Assisi Almeida, Karnataka regional secretary of the Education Commission and syndicate member of the Bangalore City University.
