Mangalore: Novena for the `Annual Feast of Infant Jesus' Concludes

Report by John Malvino, Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jan 7: The novena in preparation for the annual Infant Jesus feast are just concluded with the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Provincial of the Karnataka - Goa province of the Carmelite, Fr Archibald Gonsalves OCD, here at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikernakatte.

Fr Gonsalves in his inspiring and touching homily appealed the congregation to be like Jesus to bring unity in the society especially in our multi-religious, multilingual and multi cultural country to attain eternal life. "There was discrimination between Jews and the Samaritan during the time of Jesus, but Jesus with his life example acted as a mediator to bring unity among them," he said.

"Jesus wanted his disciples to be like him but they were not. So he showed the example of service and love by washing their feet", he opined further. 

Fr Gonsalves, stating the difficulties faced by us to give Jesus to others, called the thousands of faithful not to show discrimination towards the others and thus spread the message of Christ. 

The theme of the liturgy during the vesper mass was 'The Strength of the Eternal Life: Unity'.

Special prayers were offered for the brethren of other faith.

The annual feast of the Infant Jesus Shrine Bikarnakatte, Mangalore will be celebrated with pomp and gaiety on Thursday January 8.

The Bishop of Bellary diocese Fr Henry D Souza will be the main celebrant for the festal mass at 6.00 p m on Thursday.

There will be 8 masses on the feast day:

6.00 am (Konkani)
7.00 am (Malayalam)
8.00 am (Konkani)
9.00 am (English)
10.15 am (Konkani) for the sick
11.30 am (Konkani)
12.30 noon (Kannada) and
6.00 pm festal mass (Konkani).

There will be special prayer service in Kannada at 1.30 pm. 

The Eucharistic Celebration for the sick will be presided over by the Karnataka State Catholic Youth director and charismatic preacher Fr Franklin D Souza.