Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 15: The second day of the annual feast of the Infant Jesus at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees, with an estimated 40,000 faithful visiting the Shrine throughout the day to offer prayers and seek blessings.
A total of five holy Eucharistic celebrations were held in Konkani and Malayalam to accommodate the large number of pilgrims. The highlight of the day was the solemn festal Mass for children at 10 am, presided over by Rt Rev Dominic Dias, bishop of Karwar. Children had gathered in great numbers for this special celebration, which was entirely organised and animated by them.
For the first time, a children-led brass band from St Sebastian Church, Bendur, accompanied the festive liturgy, adding a joyful yet solemn note to the celebration. The Infant Jesus choir, also led by children, further enriched the Eucharistic celebration, while the entire liturgy - including the readings and singing - was meaningfully animated by children themselves, making the celebration especially vibrant and prayerful.
In his homily, Bishop Dominic Dias addressed both children and parents, inviting families to give special importance to the Christian formation of the young. He said, “See that your children grow like the Child Jesus, who was obedient to His parents and grew in wisdom and grace. When your children go astray, be good shepherds to them and guide them with love and patience.” He also expressed his appreciation for the deep devotion of the people and for the dedicated service of the Carmelite Fathers, especially for their availability for confessions and spiritual guidance.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the various competitions organised by the Shrine, including the Infant Jesus Portrait Drawing Competition, the Christmas Family Poster Competition, and the Creative Star Competition.
The first holy Mass of the day was celebrated by Fr Wilfred Rodrigues, OCD, from Mysuru, followed by the second Mass celebrated by Fr Clifford Rodrigues, OCD, from Bengaluru. The 1 pm Mass in Malayalam was also well attended. A large number of priests and religious sisters participated in the liturgical celebrations. As a gesture of fellowship and hospitality, Anna Santarpane (community meal) was served to all the devotees at noon.
On the occasion of the Bishop’s maiden visit to the shrine, Fr Melwyn D’Cunha, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery, offered a statue of the Infant Jesus to Bishop Dominic Dias as a token of love and remembrance.
The second day of the feast thus became a joyful and faith-filled celebration, especially marked by the vibrant participation of children and families, and by the Bishop’s inspiring call to nurture the young in Christian values.