Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 13: The eighth day of the Infant Jesus Novena was observed with deep devotion and vibrant participation at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte. The day was specially dedicated to social influencers and media personnel who contribute to positive transformation in society. The day’s theme, 'We are being transformed into His image', inspired by the teachings of St John of the Cross, highlighted the call to interior renewal and deeper union with Christ.

A total of nine Holy Eucharistic celebrations were offered in various languages, reflecting the inclusive and universal spirit of the church. All the Masses were specially offered for those engaged in spreading values and the Good News through media and social platforms, recognising the vital role of communication in faith formation and social transformation.

The 10:30 am solemn Mass was presided over by Dr Thomas D’Souza, archbishop emeritus of Kolkata, who is presently serving as assistant parish priest at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Barasat. He also prayed for the intentions of the devotees.

Following the 10:30 am Mass, a special Eucharistic Adoration was held, dedicated to praying for media personnel and communicators. The prayer service created a serene and reflective atmosphere, inviting participants to seek strength, wisdom, and guidance for their mission as witnesses of truth and hope.

The day began with the 6:00 am Mass and the 1:00 pm Mass celebrated by Fr Joachim Rodrigues, OCD, correspondent of Mount Carmel School, Londa, and provincial councillor. The 7:30 am Mass was celebrated by Fr Lancy Lewis, OCD, who had served for many years at the Infant Jesus Shrine in Prague. The 9:00 am Mass was presided over by Fr James D’Souza, vicar forane of the City Varado and parish priest of Vamanjoor.

The 11:30 am Adoration was led by Fr Prakash D’Cunha. The 5:00 pm English Mass was celebrated by Fr Baptist Fernandes, a long-serving missionary in Tanzania, Africa, with the homily preached by Fr Alvito Fernandes, dean of studies at Rishyavana, Ranipura. The 6:00 pm evening Mass was celebrated by Fr Archibald Gonsalves, vicar provincial. After the Mass, he blessed the faithful following the solemn procession of the Infant Jesus, during which the mysteries of the childhood of Jesus were prayerfully meditated upon. The final Mass of the day in Kannada at 7:45 pm was celebrated by Fr Deepak Thomas, superior of Carmel Sannidhi Community, Kalaburagi.

In the spirit of community and hospitality, a common afternoon meal (Anna Santarpane) was served to all the devotees who visited the shrine. Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone was served with care and respect.

The evening’s programme concluded on a deeply prayerful note with the Infant Jesus Rosary followed by a solemn procession, marked by devotional hymns, prayers, and a strong sense of spiritual renewal and joy.

The eighth day of the Novena thus became a meaningful blend of prayer, reflection, gratitude, and commitment to responsible communication and positive social influence.