Spot Report by Gladson D'Almeida - pics - Praveen Tauro J A
Mangalore, Jan 13: It is indeed a place of miracles. It is a pilgrimage centre, which every devotee wants to visit. Whoever goes to this place with faith and devotion will never come back disheartened and unsatisfied. Last one decade has been a living witness to this truth. Over the 10 years the flow of people to Carmel Hills has never decreased but has increased in leaps and bounds. The spectacular aspect of this Holy Shrine is that people from all walks of life without the discrimination of caste, creed and community flock in here and get themselves bathed in the serene and calm atmosphere.
Thursday January 12 evening once again proved this true that devotes of Infant Jesus have increased over the years. It was as if all roads of the city were leading up to Carmel Hills as people thronged in thousands to participate in the solemn holy Eucharistic celebration of the annual feast of Infant Jesus at Carmel Hills. Moreover, this being the 10th year ever since the shine was constructed, it was a twin celebration both for the devotees as well as to the Congregation of Carmelites who render service in the shrine.
A small skit by Geo D’Silva Agrar and his group preceded the solemn Eucharist, giving a meaningful message to the faithful. Bishop Robert Miranda of Gulbarga was the main celebrant of the Eucharist. The main celebrant and the concelebrants came to the altar on a procession accompanied by Harry's Brass band. A melodious choir enhanced a meaningful liturgy of the day. Noted singers from 7 parishes including Prashatraj, Melwyn Peris and Reshma blended their voices beautifully in praising God.
Bishop Robert Miranda of Gulbarga in his sermon called every faithful to become a missionary in his/her own life in words and deeds.
More than 20,000 devotees were present at the solemn mass. It was a indeed a sight to behold as people from all walks of life gathered round the altar in devotion and faith.
Infant Jesus Shrine at Carmel Hills entered the record books with a new achievement. For the first time, the festive mass of the Infant Jesus was accessed on internet on a real-time basis. (http://www.infantjesusmangalore.com)
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