Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 15: The 15th edition of the much-loved devotion 'Forty hours for the Lord' commenced on April 15 at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration. The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr Melwyn D’Cunha OCD, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, marking the beginning of the 40 hours of perpetual adoration.
During the homily, Fr Stifan Pereira OCD, Shrine director, reflected on the centrality of the Eucharist in Christian life. Quoting the Lumen Gentium, he said, “The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life.” He elaborated on the Biblical and traditional roots of this devotion, noting that it has been consistently upheld and highly recommended by Popes throughout Church history.
Fr Pereira emphasized the symbolic significance of the number 40 in scripture - a number often associated with preparation and transformation. “The deluge in Noah’s time lasted forty days, symbolizing a cleansing for a new creation. The Israelites wandered for forty years before reaching the Promised Land. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights before beginning His public ministry,” he said. In this light, he explained, the Forty Hours of Adoration becomes a spiritual culmination of the 40-day Lenten journey, preparing the faithful for the Paschal Triduum.
Reflecting on the Gospel of the day, Fr Pereira outlined three key purposes of the Forty Hours devotion: to experience the relentless love of Jesus in the Eucharist, to offer reparation for personal and communal sins, to renew one’s commitment to the Eucharist and Christian life
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for adoration. Various parish and devotional groups have taken up hourly slots to lead the adoration in diverse formats - ranging from charismatic and contemplative adoration, Taizé prayer, Lectio Divina, Praise through Psalms, to musical expressions like instrumental adoration, Bhajans, Gumta, and Passion songs - creating a rich and prayerful atmosphere.
The Night Vigil on Tuesday, April 15, will be led by Fr Abraham D’Souza SVD from Divine Call Centre, Mulki, along with Fr Alban D’Souza, rector of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur, Fr Richard Quadros OFM Cap, and Fr Roman Pinto, a priest of the diocese of Shimoga.
The 40-hour adoration will conclude with Benediction on Wednesday, followed by a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangaluru.