Mangalore: Sea of faithful gathers at Infant Jesus Shrine for annual feast
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD/SN)
Mangalore, Jan 14: The annual feast of Infant Jesus was celebrate in a grand manner at Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte here on Tuesday January 14.
The mass this year involved a creative liturgical sermon enacted in parts. The sermon revolved around the life of St Theresa of Avila, which was also related to the theme of the feast 'Prayer, the core of Christian life'.
As many as 40 priests took part in the mass, which was led by Bishop of Ajmer diocese Dr Pius Thomas D’Souza. The bishop wished everyone a blessed feast and said, "Infant Jesus came as our saviour. The nine-day novena has prepared us for this final mass on feast day. Just as water is an elixir to human life, so is prayer for our spiritual life."
During the liturgical sermon, the first piece enacted was a mirror symbolising the necessity to reflect on one's life and deeds. In the second enactment, a clock was shown where both the hands moved at equal pace in sync without getting attached together, meaning that one should not get carried away by worldly pleasures.
In the next piece anklets were shown, which made a pleasant sound and thereby made their presence felt.
The sermon stressed on the message that prayer is important for every individual, and though one may not receive one's wishes immediately, they will be granted through prayer.
Provincial superior of the Carmelites Fr Archibald Gonsalves in his sermon said that prayer is a medium of asking god for something. "Ask and you shall receive. Our necessities are fulfilled through prayers. God's love is final and absolute.
"In today's world god has become secondary and consumerism has invaded our society. God is the foundation for everything and for our lives. God has only one weakness, and that is for human being's humbleness," he said.
"Relationships among families need to be maintained. Love each other and be united. Prayer does not yield results immediately, but we must continue our efforts as prayer is not magical," he added.
Carmelite priests arrived from various places to participate in the celebration. Fr Pius James D'Souza, superior of St Joseph Monastery, Fr Elias D'Souza, director of Infant Jesus Shrine among others were present.
Over 10,000 faithful witnessed the annual feast. The shrine was lit all along the way. Stall selling candles and sweets surrounded the premises.
As a spiritual preparation for the annual feast, nine days of Novena were held from January 5 to January 13.
District incharge minister Ramanath Rai and MLA J R Lobo too were present.
Every year, Infant Jesus Shrine donates a house to the poorest of the families irrespective of their caste and creed. This year the keys of the newly built house was handed over to Ronald and Philomena Lobo from Bantwal. The keys were handed over by Fr Sylvester D'Souza.
Bishop of Ajmer thanked everyone present and conveyed his wishes to all the devotees. Fr Pius James D'Souza thanked the Ajmer bishop.