Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jan 5: In preparation for the annual feast of Infant Jesus at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, scheduled to be held from January 14 to 16, a grand votive procession was flagged off here on Saturday, January 4.

Fr Charles Serrao, provincial of Carmelites of Karnataka-Goa province flagged off the offertory procession.

Addressing the gathering, rector of St Aloysius institutions Fr Dionysius Vas said, "Jesus being the Prince of Peace, we, being his devotees, should become ambassadors of peace."

Fr Dionysius Vas honoured all those who contributed for the Hore Kanike by offering them flower pots. He then blessed the flag and all the dignitaries together hoisted the flag of Infant Jesus, thereby inaugurating the festal celebrations.

MLC Ivan D'Souza was the chief guest of the occasion. Former mayor Bhasker K, corporators Naveen R D'Souza, Kishore Kothari, Keshava and others were present.

Fr Wilfred Rodrigues, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery welcomed and Fr Prakash D'Cunha, director of the Shrine compered the programme.

The annual feast of Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, will be celebrated from January 14 to 16. There will be nine days of novena starting from January 5 to 13, during which there will be nine masses every day. The Mass on January 14 will be presided over by Dr William D’Souza, archbishop of Patna, and bishop of Mangaluru Dr Peter Paul Saldanha will celebrate the evening Mass. The Mass on January 15 will be presided over by bishop of Sindhdurg Dr Anthony Allwyn Baretto and archbishop emeritus of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras will lead the evening Mass. The festal Mass on January 16 will be presided by bishop of Bellary Dr Henry D’Souza and vicar general of Mangaluru Fr Maxim Noronha will celebrate the evening Mass.

A blood donation camp is being organized at the shrine campus on January 9 from 9 am to 1 pm in collaboration with Father Muller Medical College.