Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Jan 14: The annual feast of Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill at Bikarnakatta here was held with great pomp and religious fervour on Saturday January 14. Thousands of devotees took part in the celebrations.
A grand festal Mass was celebrated by Dr Henry D’Souza, the bishop of Ballari, Fr Charles Serrao, provincial of Karnataka-Goa province, Fr Pius James D'Souza and other clergymen concelebrated.
The Masses were held from morning to evening followed by special prayer services.
Bishop Dr Henry D’Souza in his homily said, "Jesus came to give us salvation. He gave us the purest love as son of God. He lived a humble life. He set example for us as how to live piously and attain eternal life. Worldly wealth has no value in God’s eyes. We should walk on the path shown by Jesus. Service in hands, compassion in eyes, truth in tongue, love in heart, brightness in face are the main qualities a person should have."
Nine days of Novena, from January 5 to January 13, were held as part of the feast and a Horekanike procession from Kulshekar Church to the Shrine was held prior to that.
The feast extends to Sunday January 15 with Grand Mass to be celebrated by Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shivamogga.