Media Release

Mangalore, Dec 25: The birth of the saviour Jesus Christ was celebrated with devotion and gaiety at Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte here on Friday December 25.

The whole ambiance created a festive mood with decorative lights and bright stars, thus inspiring all to join the choir as they began to sing the traditional carols announcing that He is Emmanuel – ‘God with us’. “Without nature there is no future” proclaims Jesus in our manger as “climate change” dominated even Carmel Hill not Copenhagen alone. 

In the year of the Priests, there was cosmopolitan presence as we had priests even from the mission in Tanzania. The Concelebrated Christmas Eucharist was presided over by the Benjamin priest of the community and Fr Stephen Pereira was pontifical.

“Shall I come home and stay with you?” the resounding preacher Fr Nelson Pinto articulated the words of infant Jesus. “Not now … not now …” they resisted. But the preacher stimulated the faithful to a positive response. “He dwelt among us, please stay with us” they responded. It was all great Christmas joy that one experienced. He really dwelt among us.

The celebration was attended by a large throng many returning with want of seats. Fr George Santhmayor, the high priest of the community greeted one and all in the name Carmelite community. Cake was distributed while various games were held to enhance the Christmas joy.