Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 7: The Infant Jesus Shrine witnessed a large turnout of devotees on the second day of the Annual Novena, marked by prayerful participation and solemn liturgical celebrations. The theme for the day, “I who speak to you am He,” was meaningfully reflected throughout the day’s services.

A total of nine Novena Masses were celebrated in different languages, highlighting the multicultural character of the shrine and the wide participation of the faithful. The day’s prayers were offered in a special way for doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals, acknowledging their dedicated service and selfless commitment to society. Devotees took part in the liturgical celebrations with deep faith, seeking the blessings of the Infant Jesus.

The day concluded with a solemn Rosary procession after the Mass. Devotees, carrying lighted candles, processed within the shrine while meditating on the mysteries of the childhood of the Infant Jesus. The statue of the Infant Jesus was carried in procession, adding to the prayerful and reverent atmosphere.

The first Mass at 6:00 am and the 1:00 pm Mass were celebrated by Fr Asheath D’Souza, director of Asha Deepa, Madanthyar. The second Mass at 7:30 am was presided over by Fr Kiran Lobo, OCD, from the Carmelite Monastery, Margao, Goa. The 9:00 am Mass was celebrated by Fr Walter D’Souza, parish priest of St Sebastian Church. The solemn 10:30 am Mass was celebrated by Fr Cyril Lobo from Divya Dham Seminary, Moodubelle, who also led the faithful in Eucharistic Adoration.

The English Mass at 5:00 pm was celebrated by Fr Noel D’Almeida, OFM Cap. The 6:00 pm evening Mass was solemnized by Fr Roshir D’Souza, director of Mangala Jyothi. The final Mass of the day at 7:45 pm was celebrated by Fr Anthony Stephen, OCD, from Mysuru.

The second day of the Novena offered a deeply spiritual and uplifting experience to the faithful, as the shrine continues its prayerful journey towards the Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus.