Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 13: The Holy Shrine of Infant Jesus at Bikarnakatte offered special prayers for the religious brethren on the ninth day of the novena. Special masses were held for them at 10.30 am and 6 pm, as well as novena prayers throughout the day. Religious brothers and sisters gathered in large numbers since the day was dedicated to them.

The theme of the day, 'May your hearts be fully committed to the Lord', emphasized that the religious leaders are chosen by the Lord to fully listen to and live the Lord's commands. "Religious are those who swim against the world's enticements, fleshly pleasures, and devil's instigations. If religious leaders are not committed to the Lord, the entire community suffers and falls away. As a result, praying for the leaders is a primary mission of the community," was the message passed on by the preacher.

The annual feast celebrations will begin on January 14 and 15, as the novena days came to an end. The January 14 festal mass will be presided over by Dr Deepak Valerian Tauro, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Delhi, and that on January 15 by Fr Maxim Noronha, vicar general of Mangalore Diocese.