Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 7: In a moment of deep spiritual significance, Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of Mangalore, blessed and installed the Blessed Cross from Bethlehem at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte on Thursday, November 6.
The Cross, brought from Bethlehem - the very birthplace of Jesus Christ - has found a fitting home at the Shrine dedicated to the Infant Jesus. Handcrafted from olive wood, the Cross stands as a symbol of peace, strength, and divine presence. Embedded within it are sacred elements from the Holy Land: soil, olive leaves, stones, and petals from local flowers - each carrying the fragrance and blessing of the land sanctified by the Saviors’ birth.
The celebration began with the Solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by bishop emeritus Aloysius Paul D’Souza. In his homily, Fr Jocy Siddakatte, OCD, reflected on the two central mysteries of Christian life - the Eucharist and the Cross.
“The Eucharist is the living sign of God’s abiding presence among us. Through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, we open our hearts to the flow of divine grace,” he said. “The Cross, the symbol of redemption, invites us to examine our lives and embrace conversion of heart.”
Following the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament and the Cross were carried in a devout procession, accompanied by the sound of the brass band and the prayerful participation of the faithful. The Eucharist was then solemnly installed in the newly renovated chapel, while the Bethlehem Cross was placed in a specially designed altar for public veneration.
In his address, bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza invited the large congregation gathered for this historic event to spend time in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
“Gazing upon the Eucharist gives us strength to face the challenges of daily life,” the Bishop said. He also encouraged the faithful to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is offered daily at the Shrine by the Carmelite Fathers, as “a means to examine one’s life and make amends through God’s mercy.”
The bishop commended the Carmelite Fathers for their tireless efforts in nurturing the faith of thousands of devotees who visit the Shrine throughout the year. “Your ministry continues to bring spiritual comfort and renewal to countless pilgrims who come to honour the Infant Jesus,” he added.
The solemn celebration witnessed a large gathering of devotees who joined in adoration and veneration, expressing deep faith and devotion.
Present for the occasion were Fr Melwyn D’Cunha, OCD, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, director of the shrine, and Fr Rayan Pinto, OCD, along with several Carmelite priests, religious, and lay faithful.