Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 8: As part of the annual feast celebrations of the Infant Jesus, the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, inaugurated a special exhibition on January 8, highlighting both the spiritual heritage of the church and the creative talents of the faithful.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Fr Sunil Praveen Pinto, principal of St Ann’s School, Kadaba. In his address, he appreciated the efforts of the Shrine in promoting human talents and encouraged the devotees to give expression to their faith through creative and meaningful artistic presentations.
A major highlight of the exhibition is a well-curated presentation on the life and teachings of St John of the cross, the great Carmelite mystic from Spain. The year 2026 holds special significance as it marks the 300th anniversary of his canonisation and the 100th anniversary of his proclamation as doctor of the church. The exhibition offers visitors an insightful journey into his life, spirituality, and teachings, helping them to deepen their understanding of his message on spiritual growth and union with God.
Alongside this spiritual exposition, the shrine has also provided a platform to encourage and showcase local talents and creativity. The exhibition features entries from various competitions organised during the Christmas season, including the Infant Jesus Drawing Competition, the Christmas Family Poster Competition, and the Creative Star Competition.
The displayed artworks and stars reflect remarkable imagination and skill. Particularly noteworthy are the stars crafted from eco-friendly and recycled materials such as bamboo, coconut shells, sea shells, and other biodegradable and waste materials, conveying a strong message of creativity, sustainability, and care for creation.
The inauguration programme was attended by Fr Melwyn D’Cunha, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery; Fr Stifan Perera, director of the Infant Jesus Shrine; Fr Ivan D’Souza, editor of Naman Ballok Jesu monthly; and a large number of devotees.
By bringing together faith, art, and ecological awareness, the Infant Jesus Shrine has once again demonstrated its commitment to nurturing human talents, promoting responsible creativity, and offering a rich spiritual and cultural experience to the thousands of devotees visiting the shrine during the feast days. The exhibition has been receiving an enthusiastic response from visitors.