Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 22: The Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte organised an open-air way of the cross on Sunday, February 22, marking the first Sunday of Lent. Despite it being a busy Sunday, a large number of faithful gathered to participate in the Lenten devotion.

Lent, the 40-day penitential season in the Christian calendar, invites the faithful to meditate on the life of Jesus, especially his passion and death. The devotion began at the entrance of the Shrine with introductory words by Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, Shrine director. The procession then moved prayerfully through the calm and serene campus, where the 14 stations depicting the final hours of Jesus were meaningfully set up to help the faithful reflect deeply.

During the devotion, participants took turns carrying a wooden cross, symbolising their willingness to share in Christ’s suffering. The reflections for each station were led by the Bethany Sisters under the guidance of Sr Reena D’Souza, superior of Santa Cruz Convent, Kulshekar.

The prayerful gathering concluded with Eucharistic Adoration, praying the civine office (breviary), and benediction of the blessed sacrament.

The event marked a spiritually enriching beginning to the Lenten journey for the faithful, offering them an opportunity for reflection, repentance, and renewal.