Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 10: As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and humanitarian service, the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, in collaboration with Father Muller Medical Institutions, organised a blood donation camp on Friday, January 9 to promote voluntary blood donation and encourage community participation in saving lives.

The camp was formally inaugurated by Sahakara Ratna Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank, in the presence of Dr Kirana Piloor of Father Muller Medical College, Fr William Miranda, director of Carmel Jyothi Public Charitable Trust, Fr Melvin D’Cunha, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, Fr Stifan Perera, director of the Infant Jesus Shrine, and Dolphy D’Souza, Kulshekar.

In his address, Anil Lobo lauded the Shrine for integrating faith with concrete works of charity. He noted that the Infant Jesus Shrine not only nurtures devotion and spiritual life but also actively promotes humanitarian causes through initiatives such as blood donation camps, eye check-up camps, and various social outreach programmes. “This clearly shows how religious institutions can become powerful agents of social transformation and service to humanity,” he said, adding that such efforts should serve as an inspiration to others.

Fr Melvin D’Cunha expressed gratitude to the chief guest and the dignitaries for their support and encouragement. The programme was compered by Fr Jocy Siddakatte.

The blood donation camp is being held over two days, Friday and Saturday, from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm, and is open to devotees and the general public. Every year, the Shrine organises such camps, and the response from the public has been consistently generous, reflecting a strong spirit of solidarity and care for the sick and the needy.

These humanitarian initiatives form part of the broader preparations for the Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus, to be celebrated on January 14 and 15. The nine-day novena in preparation for the feast is being held from January 5 to 13.