by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Mysore, Jan 9:  The annual feast of Infant Jesus shrine, Pushpashrama was celebrated on Jan. 6, which began with the flag hoisting ceremony on Dec. 28. Thereafter for nine days thousand of devotees offered prayers. Religious services were offered at the shrine all throughout the day in different languages.

At noon, there was Anna santharpane, where thousands of devotees irrespective of caste, creed and colour received the prasadam.

The evening service began at 5 pm with the grand entrance procession with brass band and dance. Later, the Holy mass was offered by Rev. Ignatius Pinto, former Archbishop of Bangalore. Rev. Dr. Dominic Vas, the Provincial of the Karnataka Goa Province was present with a number of priests and nuns.

The uniqueness of this festival is the Inter-religious prayer service at 6.30 pm, conducted by Rev. Dr. Vijay Kumar. The meeting was presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Ignatius Pinto. Sri Trinetra Mahantha Shivayogi Swamiji of Shri Durdandeshwara Mutt, Padavapura was honoured on the occasion. He spoke on the role of religion in establishing peace and harmony and praised the efforts of the Rector of the shrine, Rev. Dr. Archie Gonsalves and his team in this direction.

He said Infant Jesus draws all humanity to love and peace. Hazrat Maulana Usman Sheriff, Sir Khazi of Mysore, extended his heartfelt greetings to all the devotees. Rev. Johson Paul the Protestant Pastor of Wesley Cathedral prayed for peace and harmony. Later, a decorated chariot of Infant Jesus was blessed and thousands of devotees joined the candle light procession.

Besides religious activities, the shrine organises social welfare activities like, scholarship for poor children, computer education, tailoring for unemployed women and PCMB coaching for poor students.