Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 11: ‘God has bestowed and keeps on bestowing on us abundant grace not to keep it for ourselves but to be given in service to others’ was the stream of thought that flowed in almost all homilies at the novenas on Friday, January 10 at Infant Jesus Church.

Donors who donated generously in various forms were remembered and prayed for. There were altogether nine Masses, 4 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. Fr John Pinto OCD, Fr Ligoury Crasta OCD, Fr Joseph Cyril D’Souza OCD, Fr Abraham from Divine Retreat Center, Mulki, Fr Vijay Machado from Mangala Jyothi, Fr Gregory D’Souza OCD, Fr Praveen D’Souza OCD, and Fr Juze D’Souza OCD celebrated the Novena Masses.

Fr Juze D’Souza a Carmelite, who hails from Honnavar, ordained priest recently, celebrated his first Mass here in the shrine and preached a meaningful homily. Several priests concelebrated in the solemn 6 pm Mass. Deacons prayed over the pilgrims by laying their hands on them.

Meals prepared by the shrine volunteers was served to all the faithful who attended 10.30 and 1 pm Masses. Around six priests took turns to hear the confessions of the penitents. The choir from Angelore parish led by renowned singer Melwyn Peris helped the faithful to raise their hearts and minds to God. Fr Prakash D’Cunha, the pastor of the shrine, monitored all the activities and did the announcements.