Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 15: Come December, and the shrine campus has multiple events and happenings of all sorts, and one among them is the Carmel day, loved by its devoted audience who want to be there, rain or sun.
Carmel day is a performance event staged by the community of Carmelites at the Infant Jesus shrine, Bikarnakatte just to remind all that there is a solid community of 25 young men giving finishing touches to their 14 year long seminary formation to be Carmelite priests. They are full of creative ideas and proactive energy ready to express innovative ways to do their mission of being spiritual leaders and elders of the Christian community.
This year they did it with style on December 13, 2014. Nothing could stop them. With a heavily over cast sky and all predictions forecast of widespread rain for the day, the preparations were on full swing and all was ready on time at 6.00 pm to begin with the chief guest Ivan D’Souza, the popular MLC. He did arrive just as the curtains were pulled open and Fr Deep Fernandes put all on a hopeful diet for a feast for eyes, ears and above all the mind. Fr Charles Serrao OCD, the provincial superior of the carmelites was the president of the function and Elias Fernandes, the renowned journalist and proprietor of Four Winds mass communications was the guest of honour.
As the guests and audience were welcomed, Fr Joe Tauro OCD, the rector of the shrine honored them in Bharat style Ponnade shawl and flower offering. In his welcoming words while highlighting the contribution to excellence in various fields like politics and media by Ivan D'Souza and Elias Fernandes, he pinpointed the honest Christian ways of these two gentlemen in public life for which the audience responded with applause.
In his speech, Ivan emotionally affirmed his deep love to this place and the wonders Jesus has done in his life and public service. He recalled how he made it a point to be at the shrine as soon as he was elected to the upper house. He solemnly affirmed that whatever he has entrusted to Jesus in the shrine in petition a was never rejected by Jesus.
The Konkani drama 'Kin, Kin Kinkina' written by Leopold Louis, translated and directed by John M Permannur was staged. The spell bound audience were glued to their chairs during the whole drama.
The wonderful miracle however was that the climate which was stupendous and there was not a drop of rain throughout the programme, proving beyond all doubt that prayer can do wonders also on Carmel hill.