Further details have emerged of plans for the first-ever ‘Worldwide Marian Procession,’ to be held in Derry on June 13.

Organisers of the event have called upon Christians to ‘join in unity across the world to honour the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.’

Launched by Youtube channel ‘Guardians of the Faith,’ the event has also received the support of Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, who encouraged everyone to attend.

While the procession is due to take place on Friday, June 13, there are plans for a 24-hour Adoration on Friday, June 12, while a Holy Mass will take place before the Marian Procession itself in St Mary’s Church, Creggan.

Picture shows the statue of the Virgin Mary, inside the Massabielle cave where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Sanctuary of Our Lady, on November 5, 2019 in Lourdes. (Photo by PASCAL PAVANI / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL PAVANI/AFP via Getty Images) : Getty Images.

placeholder image — Picture shows the statue of the Virgin Mary, inside the Massabielle cave where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, in the Sanctuary of Our Lady, on November 5, 2019 in Lourdes. (Photo by PASCAL PAVANI / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL PAVANI/AFP via Getty Images) : Getty Images.

Also, from 10.30 to 11.15am on the Saturday, the Men’s and Women’s Rosary of Ireland will come together to pray the Rosary in unity, on their knees, in Guildhall Square.

In an notification to the Parades Commission, organisers said they expect 2000 people to take part in the Marian Procession itself and confirmed the planned route.

Beginning at 1pm, from Fanad Drive, it will pass through Eastway, Westland Street, Lecky Road (towards Brandywell Road), Brandywell Road and Lone Moor Road to Celtic Park/GAA Stadium, with an expected finish time of 4.30pm.

Meanwhile, event organisers are asking all participants in the procession to dress in a specific way: men and boys are to wear white shirts with blue ties, while women and girls are asked to wear blue and cover their heads with mantels.

They said this is in ‘honour of our Most Blessed Mother and marks the rise of Mary’s Blue Army around the world, united in honour of Our Lady on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.’

The Guardians of the Faith added that clergy and prayer groups from across Ireland and worldwide have pledged support and there also be media coverage from around the world.

In a video showing his support for the events, Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown said that, over the last ‘couple of years there has been a real discovery both here and around the rest of the world about professing our faith in the streets.’

He welcomed everyone to come to Derry to celebrate faith, hope and to bring ‘Jesus to our streets’ with ‘Mary at our side’.

For further information, see https://www.worldwidemarianprocession.com/#schedule