Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 11: Every year, Bikarnakatte comes alive with vibrant celebrations as the Infant Jesus Shrine hosts its grand annual feast. Pilgrims from across the region gather to honor the Infant Jesus, seeking blessings for peace, health, and prosperity. The shrine, with its tranquil surroundings and historical significance, becomes a beacon of faith, love, and hope during this special time.
The feast, usually held in the first week of January, is a culmination of days filled with prayers, processions, and devotional services. The faithful partake in novenas leading up to the event, reflecting on the virtues of the Infant Jesus—humility, simplicity, and love. On the feast day, the highlight is the solemn Mass, followed by a grand procession through the streets, carrying the statue of the Infant Jesus. The faithful offer flowers, candles, and prayers, symbolizing their devotion and gratitude.
The significance of this feast lies not only in religious observance but also in fostering a sense of community. Families and friends come together, strengthening bonds of faith and love. It is a time to reflect on the teachings of Christ and renew one’s commitment to compassion, humility, and service. The feast of the Infant Jesus at Bikarnakatte inspires countless souls each year.
The Infant Jesus Shrine is beautifully adorned with lighting throughout the 10-day celebration, drawing large numbers of devotees from all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. The shrine holds deep significance, spreading a message of peace, healing, and offering blessings to those who seek them. Many visitors come to the shrine to fulfill their wishes.
During the festival, the shrine administration has ensured necessary facilities for the devotees, including parking and food. Stalls have also been set up at the shrine to cater to visitors' needs.
Festal Mass schedule
Director of the Infant Jesus Shrine, Fr Stephan Pereira, shared details of the feast. “The festal Mass on January 14 at 6:00 pm will be presided over by Fr Wilfred Gregory Moras, bishop of Jhansi diocese. A special Mass for children will be offered at 10:30 am, presided over by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangaluru diocese.”
The festal Mass on January 15 at 10:30 am will be presided over by Dr Elias Frank, bishop of Asansol, and at 6:00 pm by Fr Rudolph D’Souza, pioneer of Carmelite Missions in Canada.
Masses will be celebrated throughout January 14 as follows:
• 6:00 am – Mass in Konkani
• 7:30 am – Mass in English
• 9:00 am – Mass in Konkani
• 1:00 pm – Mass in Kannada
The inaugural Mass of the annual feast on January 14 at 6:00 am will be presided over by Dr Henry D’Souza, bishop of Bellary.
The Mass schedule for the second day, January 15, is as follows:
• 6:00 am, 7:30 am, 9:00 am – Mass in Konkani
• 10:30 am – Special Mass for children
• 1:00 pm – Mass in Malayalam (Latin Rite)
• 10:30 am – Mass for the sick and aged in Konkani
Children’s Day Mass
A special Mass for children will be celebrated on January 11 (Saturday) at 6:00 pm.
Nine-day Novena in preparation for the annual feast
The nine-day novena takes place from January 5 to January 13, with nine Masses daily:
• Morning: 6:00 am, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am (all in Konkani)
• Noon: 1:00 pm (Konkani)
• Evening: 4:00 pm (Malayalam), 5:00 pm (English), 7:30 pm (Kannada)
The procession of the Infant Jesus takes place daily after the evening Mass at 7:15 pm. Eucharistic adoration will be conducted daily from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm. Anna Santarpane (vegetarian meals) will be served to devotees daily at noon during the novena and feast days.
Blood and hair donation drives
Blood donation and hair donation camps were held on January 9 and 10 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, further exemplifying the shrine’s commitment to service and charity.
Jubilee Year 2025 & St Therese of Lisieux centenary projects
In celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, the Infant Jesus Jubilee Housing Project will be launched. This initiative aims to build and gift a complete house to a poor and deserving family, embodying the spirit of hope and service.
To mark the centenary of St Therese of Lisieux’s canonization, the St Therese of Lisieux Centenary Scholarship Project will be introduced. This program will award 100 scholarships to deserving children, supporting their educational aspirations while honouring the legacy of this remarkable saint.
Additionally, a special exhibition is being organized to highlight the significance of Jubilee Year 2025 and to honour St Therese of Lisieux, the Carmelite saint from France. Despite her brief life of just 24 years, she became a Doctor of the Church, the Patroness of Missions, and an inspiration to countless faithful worldwide.