Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jan 3: The annual feast of Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, will be celebrated from January 14 to 16, informed Fr Wilfred Rodrigues, superior, St Joseph's Monastery.

Addressing media here on Friday, January 3, Fr Wilfred Rodrigues said, "The formal inauguration of the festivity will be held on January 4 with the votive offering procession beginning at Jayashree Gate followed by flag hoisting. Rector of St Aloysius institutions, Fr Dionysius Vaz and Mangaluru south MLA Vedavyasa Kamath will take part in the inaugural function.

"There will be nine days of novena starting from January 5 to 13, during which we have nine masses every day. The Mass on January 14 will be presided over by Dr William D’Souza, archbishop of Patna and bishop of Mangaluru Dr Peter Paul Saldanha for the evening Mass. The mass on January 15 will be presided over by bishop of Sindhdurg Dr Anthony Allwyn Baretto and archbishop emeritus of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras for the evening Mass. The festal Mass on January 16 will be presided by bishop of Bellary Dr Henry D’Souza and vicar general of Mangaluru Fr Maxim Noronha for the evening Mass.

“A blood donation camp is being organized at the shrine campus on January 9 from 9am to 1pm in collaboration with Fr Muller Medical College,” he said.

Director of Infant Jesus Shrine Fr Wilfred Rodrigues and director of Fourwinds Communications Elias Fernandes were present.