Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 14: The Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, began this morning with an overwhelming response from devotees who arrived in large numbers, cutting across caste, creed, and language, to seek the blessings of the Infant Jesus. The celebration was the culmination of nine days of Novena prayerfully observed in preparation for the Feast.

The theme chosen for this year’s feast, “Called to Carmel, to the Wedding Feast of the Lamb,” draws inspiration from the spirituality of St John of the Cross. This year holds special significance for the Carmelite family and the universal Church as it marks the 300th anniversary of the canonisation and the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of St John of the Cross as Doctor of the Church. A great Spanish mystic and one of the foremost spiritual teachers of the Church, St John of the Cross is honoured especially for his profound spiritual writings, including The Ascent of Mount Carmel, The Dark Night of the Soul, The Living Flame of Love, and The Spiritual Canticle.

The first Mass at 6:00 am was presided over by Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, director of the Shrine. The homily was preached by Fr Rudolph D’Souza, OCD, presently serving in Canada, who delivered an inspiring message. A large number of devotees had gathered in the early hours of the morning to honour the Infant Jesus.

The second Mass in English was celebrated by Fr Jesvin Binoy, OCD, from Bengaluru.

The third and main solemn Mass at 10:00 am was presided over by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangaluru. The Shrine premises were completely filled, and many devotees had to park their vehicles at a distance and walk to the Shrine to participate in the celebrations.

The homily at the solemn Mass was preached by Fr Jocy Siddakatte, OCD, former Editor of Naman Ballok Jesu. In his message, the bishop wished all the devotees a happy feast and appreciated the spiritual services rendered by the Carmelite Fathers through the Shrine. He remarked, “The Fathers here are always available to attend to the spiritual needs of the people. That is what draws so many faithful to this Shrine,” and encouraged the priests to continue their zealous service. He also referred to the Year of Children declared in the Diocese of Mangaluru and exhorted parents to give special attention to the Christian formation of their children.

Following the solemn Mass, Fr Jocy Siddakatte led the Eucharistic Adoration, during which special prayers were offered for the sick, the elderly, and all the devotees.

The Mass in Kannada was celebrated by Fr Patrick Jonas Rao. As a gesture of fellowship and hospitality, a midday meal (Anna Santarpane) was served to all the devotees.

At noon, Vedavyas Kamath, MLA of Mangalore South Constituency, visited the Shrine and offered prayers. He was received by Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, director of the Shrine, and Fr Melwyn D’Cunha, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, who presented him with a statue of the Infant Jesus. The MLA lit candles, spent time in prayer, and later appreciated the efforts taken by the Shrine in organising the Feast and serving the faithful.

The Annual Feast thus began on a deeply prayerful and festive note, with thousands of devotees gathering to honour the Infant Jesus and to seek His blessings.