Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 12: The Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, marked a significant spiritual milestone on Sunday, January 11 as it commemorated the 30th anniversary of its consecration on the seventh day of the Novena in preparation for the Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus. The day also coincided with the observance of Religious and Vocation Promotion Day, making the celebration both historically meaningful and spiritually enriching.
The day’s celebrations were centred on the theme “I will make streams in the desert,” inspired by the spirituality of St John of the Cross, highlighting God’s transforming grace that brings life, hope, and renewal even amid trials and moments of spiritual dryness.
A total of nine Holy Eucharistic celebrations were held in various languages, enabling devotees from different linguistic backgrounds to participate actively. Religious priests and sisters were specially remembered in prayer, and the faithful were encouraged to reflect on vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life as paths of faithful surrender and selfless service. Following the 10:30 am solemn Mass, a special Eucharistic Adoration was held, focusing on prayers for priests, religious, and new vocations.
The Infant Jesus Shrine, a notable landmark of sacred architecture, was blessed and dedicated on January 11, 1996 by Rt Basil D’Souza. On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, heartfelt thanksgiving was offered to God for three decades of abundant grace and blessings received through the Shrine’s pastoral and spiritual ministry.
The first Mass of the day at 6:00 am and the 1:00 pm Mass were celebrated by Fr John Sequeira, OCD, from Udupi. The 7:30 am Mass was celebrated by Fr Ivan D’Souza, professor at St Joseph’s Inter-diocesan Seminary. The 9:00 am Mass was presided over by Fr Abraham D’Souza, SVD, from Divine Call Centre, Mulki. The 10:30 am solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Praveen D’Souza, OCD, director of Emmaus Counselling Centre, Mapusa, Goa. The 11:30 am Adoration was led by Fr John Pinto, OCD, from St Joseph’s Monastery.
In the evening, the 5:00 pm English Mass was presided over by Fr Joseph D’Souza, OCD, Superior of Tapovana, Carmelite Novitiate. The 6:00 pm Mass was celebrated by Fr Praveen Leo Lasrado, director of the Catholic Board of Education. The final Mass of the day in Kannada at 7:45 pm was celebrated by Fr Alphonse Britto, SVD, from Bengaluru.
The commemoration of 30 years of the shrine’s consecration, combined with the observance of Religious and Vocation Promotion Day, made the seventh day of the Novena a deeply meaningful spiritual landmark, renewing the faithful’s commitment to prayer, service, and trust in God’s guiding grace.