Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jan 15: The three-day annual feast of Infant Jesus began at Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte with a feast Mass by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru diocese on Tuesday, January 14.

Dr Anthony Allwyn Baretto, bishop of Sindhdurg, Fr Charles Serrao, provincial head, Carmelite Province, Bengaluru, and more than fifty priests from various parishes and congregations were the co- celebrants.

Recalling the words of St Teresa of Avila ‘God alone suffices ‘Bishop Peter Paul said, “Without God we do not have any identity. God is our strength and life. So our prayer should be ‘God alone suffices’. By this prayer, we will receive inner healing. Infant Jesus is the symbol of love and peace. Without peace and tolerance, there is no meaning for life. Devotees come to Infant Jesus Shrine in search of peace. It is a place of calmness.”

In his homily, Fr V Fernandez, also proclaimed the miracles taking place at Infant Jesus Shrine and the various social and community activities undertaken by Carmelite congregation.

Along with religious priests and sisters, thousands of devotees participated in the feast.

Oscar Fernandes, former MP and senior Congress leader, and many elected representatives and leaders of various political parties were present during various offerings.

A huge number of devotees visited the shrine as part of the feast.

The evening Mass on January 15 will be presided archbishop emeritus of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras. 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. The feast started with nine-day Novena prayers, which were held from January 5 to 13, during which there were Masses offered every day in different languages.