Mangalore Diocese News

Report: Carmel Kiran Media
Pics: Stanly Bantwal

Mangaluru, Jan 14, 2023 : The annual feast of Infant Jesus was celebrated today at Bikarnakatte Shrine with several masses and spiritual services. There were services in Konkani, English, Kannada, and Malayalam throughout the day. Rev. Dr Deepak Valerian Tauro, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Delhi, presided over the solemn festal mass at 6.00 p.m.

In his homily, Rev Fr Richard Saldanha OCD emphasized the importance of choosing the right and narrow path prescribed by Jesus Christ to bring peace to the world. Kings and powerful people like Herod are working hard to bring the world to war, hatred, and despair. But the Christ who became a helpless child can rule the hearts of all who begin to offer their own precious lives to him and take the road less travelled.

This magnificent shrine is dedicated to Infant Jesus and was built in 1996, a gift from the Carmelites of Karnataka-Goa province to the diocese of Mangalore in Karnataka. However, devotion to the Infant Jesus is said to have begun around 1950. Although every Thursday is dedicated to Infant Jesus, and many faithful gather here to worship, the annual feast is celebrated on January 14th and 15th.

Rev Fr Daniel Veigas OP, Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese of Mangalore, presided over a special mass for the sick at 10.30 a.m. Throughout the day, many devotees flocked to the shrine in seeking divine blessings. Rev. Fr George Santumayor, Provincial of the KG Province, Rev. Fr Charles Serrao, Superior of St Joseph's Monastery, and other priests and deacons also officiated at the evening festal mass. Thousands of people attended the feast's Holy Mass at 6.00 p.m., thanking Infant Jesus for blessings bestowed upon them.

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