Daijiworld Media Network - Mysore (GA)

Mysore, Jan 5: At a press conference held at the Patrika Bhavana here on Friday January 4, Fr Archie Gonsalves, OCD, superior of Pushpashrama here listed the various charitable and social activities conducted by the Pushpashrama shrine. He also highlighted the importance of Infant Jesus feast to the people of Mysore irrespective of cast, creed and colour.

The city of Mysore is known for its gardens and palaces. For the eyes of the tourist this city has plenty to offer. Therefore tourists and pilgrims flock the city from around the globe. In recent past Mysore has added another feather to its cap, that is, Pushpashrama: The Infant Jesus Shrine, located in R S Naidu Nagar, easily accessible on the ring road off the Mysore-Bangalore Highway.

The Carmelite Fathers came to Mysore in 1965 and they are known for their teaching, preaching and service to the poor. The erstwhile “Rani Thota” eventually became Pushpashrama. People from the city used to conduct picnics to this monastery because its atmosphere of natural beauty and serenity thrilled them.

Today, Pushpashrama is synonymous with the Infant Jesus Shrine. The Shrine is managed by the Carmelite Fathers of Pushpashrama. The beautiful Shine was inaugurated in January 2004. The annual feast of the Infant Jesus is celebrated soon after Christmas at the dawn of the New Year. This year the feast will be celebrated on Sunday January 6. Right from Christmas night, the Shrine is beautifully illuminated and thousands of people irrespective of cast and creed visit this Shrine to savour its beauty and to seek God’s blessings.

Pushpashrama Infant Jesus Shrine has become a centre for inter-religious dialogue. During the year the Carmelite Fathers organize inter-religious prayer meetings. They celebrate every year, Diwali and Ramadan along with their Hindu and Muslim brethren. The Shrine has very beautiful palace architecture. This Shrine invites people of all walks of life.

There will be services all through day on January 6. There will be mass marriages conducted at noon followed by meals for all: Anna Santharpane. Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Anthony Vazhapilly of Mysore will be celebrating the solemn mass at 11.30 am. There will be ten couples tying the knot on that auspicious day. The main service will be in the evening at 5.00 pm., Bishop Robert Miranda of Gulberga will be the main celebrant. The Sarva Dharma Samanvaya, inter-religious prayer service will be an added attraction.

Fr John Sequeira, dean of Pushpashrama and Stanley Bantwal, journalist from Mangalore were also present at the press conference.