Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 5: In preparation for the annual feast of Infant Jesus 2018 at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, which is scheduled to be held on January 14 and 15, a grand Horekanike (offertory procession) was flagged off by Fr Joachim Rodrigues on January 4, who handed over the flag to Fr Dr Wilfred Rodrigues at Kaikamba–Bikarnakatte.

Fr Wilfred Rodrigues, superior, St Joseph's Monastery, Fr Prakash D’Cunha, shrine director, Fr Liguory Crasta, Fr Jocy D’Souza, Fr Joachim Rodrigues and Fr Stephen Pereira, along with the Carmelite brothers, Carmelites Secular, Ballok Jezu Kutam, Infant Jesus Auto Drivers’ Welfare Association, friends, devotees and benefactors of the Infant Jesus Shrine began the procession at 6 pm and later reached Infant Jesus Shrine. The colourful offertory procession witnessed participation of many faithful, and comprised of offertory items to be used for the noon meals that will be served on all the novena days and on feast day, donated by various donors of the city.

After a short felicitation programme, the feast flag was hoisted by guest of honour, Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, superior of St Anne’s Friary, Bejai. Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included Episcopal vicar for Religious Fr Pius James D'Souza, Kavitha D’Souza, wife of Ivan D’Souza, Sabitha Misquith, corporator, Pius Monteiro, director, Karavali Development Authority, Fr Wilfred Rodrigues, superior, St Joseph's Monastery and Fr Prakash D’Cunha, shrine director.

The Feast of Infant Jesus will be celebrated with a nine-day novena. Masses and prayers will be celebrated all throughout the day during the novena days from January 5 to 13. The solemn celebration will be on January 14 and 15.