By Felix J Quadros

Varanasi, Oct 17: The Shrine of Infant Jesus, Pandit Deen Dayal Nagar (formerly known as Mughalsarai), belongs to the diocese of Varanasi.

This shrine was blessed and opened in 1984 as a part of Christ the King Church. Hundreds of faithful throng the shrine daily, many with tear-filled eyes seeking various favours before the statue of Infant Jesus. Mother Theresa of Kolkata was the one who inspired the then parish priest of the church to establish the shrine for Infant Jesus and dedicate it to the people in 1982.

The shrine of Infant Jesus is situated at a distance of 17 kilometres from Varanasi. One can reach the shrine by road, rail and air mode of transport. An overnight train from New Delhi is also a good option for those who travel from the capital city.

Faithful come here from all walks of life, from all states of India. People from diverse paths of various religions unite as one in common sea of humanity and collectively kneel in worship with faith in their hearts and a prayer on their lips.

A long list of recorded miracles from people of all faiths has been recorded in this shrine. Strange tales of the inexplicable abound are shared by the flock here annually who have their own miracle to tell.

The pilgrimage is celebrated on the first Sunday of Advent every year. This year the yearly pilgrimage falls on Sunday, December 2. The celebration begins with a procession at around 2.30 pm. The grand procession with the statue of Infant Jesus takes approximately two and half hours, which is then followed by mass at the shrine. This event will be live webcast on Daijiworld.

Prayers are offered daily during the mass and Holy Hour and during every Saturday Novena to Infant Jesus for all the devotees, benefactors and for all those who are sending their petitions.

Miracles Reported

Miracle 1

On July 4, 2018, a person named Madan Sonkar from Chanva Satti here, reported that he is completely cured of his mouth cancer, from which he was suffering from the past seven years. He was under medication of BHU Medical College, Varanasi. He came to know about Jesus since last three years. He used to come to the shrine of Infant Jesus from the time he came to know that there is a place where all can go and pray at the shrine. He left the medication fully believing that he would be healed without medications. With the miraculous power of Infant Jesus, he got healed recently and he reported it to us immediately.

Miracle 2

This is the first person testimony given by Nirmala Devi, a resident of Jamnipur, Chandauli on July 6, 2018.

“I was given in marriage to a good family in Chandauli district. From the time I came to my husband’s house, I was so sick that I did not know what I was doing like sometimes falling down and sometimes mentally imbalanced like and so on. After I gave birth to a child I even used to ask where my baby was even though the baby was near to me. I was acting like an insane person. I used to beat the child for no reason. I felt I was disturbed. I was not able to make out as to what kind of sickness I was undergoing. My father-in-law spent a lot of money on me. Some village black magicians told that they could heal me and they demanded lot of money. My father-in-law was ready to meet the expenditure. One black magician even challenged that I cannot be healed anywhere and if I got healed, the magician would wash his face with his own urine. It was a great challenge to me and my family. That was the time when I came to know about Infant Jesus Shrine. I started to visit and pray to Infant Jesus and within a few months, I was healed. I am visiting the Infant Jesus Shrine for the past 20 years. But only today I got a chance to share the witness about the grace and the miracle I received from Infant Jesus. I am extremely happy to give this testimony to all."

Miracle 3

This is the first person testimony given by Archana, a resident of Amavupur village Chandauli on July 6, 2018.

"I was married for three years and had no children. So many people around me used to tantalize and cause me great pain because I did not bear children. Even my husband was mocked by many people that he was not able to produce children. I was so sad. One day, my niece came and told me to go to Infant Jesus shrine and pray. If God wants to give a child, he will give you the gift of a child. Hearing her advice, I came to this shrine in October 2017 and cried to Infant Jesus. I knew that my prayers will not go in vain. With overwhelming joy, I want to tell all of you that I am seven months pregnant now with the grace of Infant Jesus. It is a real miracle by Infant Jesus. All those, who spoke against me since three years came to know about this miracle and I shall propagate this miracle to many about this blessing of Infant Jesus."

Renovation and Face-lift of the shrine

At present, the shrine and the church are undergoing renovation after a long time. Since people of all faiths gather here to pray to Infant Jesus daily and on other important days, it is decided to keep the campus more appealing as that of a shrine and a place for peace and prayers. Looking into the needs of the place, we are working on the paver blocks in the campus and renovate and beautify the church walls and interiors.

Some of the below pictures show the work in progress:

Message from the Parish Priest

"Dear devotees of Infant Jesus, it is with a lot of joy that I must say thanks to you all for your valuable prayers for the shrine and always supporting it from your generous heart. Infant Jesus is always a miracle worker. Jesus, from the beginning of his public ministry at Cana, performed miracles. However, we see miracles happen only to those who welcome Jesus directly or indirectly. Why I say indirectly, the faith of you can heal a person who has never heard of Jesus. In Luke: 7: 1-10, we see how the servant of a Centurion gets healed. When Jesus is nearing the house of the centurion, the servant says "I am not worthy to have you come under my roof." Yes, it is your deep faith and acceptance of your unworthiness that makes things happen for you or the person whom you intend to ask favour for,"

"He who believes in Jesus will have life always. Therefore, dear friends let us believe in the healing power of Jesus. It is everywhere. As you start believing, it starts sprouting. Once it sprouts, it grows as a tree & then produces fruits."

Welcome to the Shrine in Year of Prayer

The shrine of Infant Jesus always welcomes pilgrims throughout the year. We welcome them to stay at the shrine and pray for their intentions. Come and spend a little time with Infant Jesus for the greater glory of him and experience his love and miracles. We do have accommodations for you throughout the year. However, all the rooms are booked from November 20 to December 5, 2018.

Your contributions however small or big to the Shrine will be gladly accepted. Kindly send the donations to our bank account, details of which are given below:

Bank Name: Indian Overseas Bank
Account Name: Infant Jesus Shrine
Account Number: 100201000017087
Address: Varanasi Cantonment
Branch Code: 1002
Address of Bank: Nadesar, Pandit Deendayal Nagar, PIN Code – 221002 Uttar Pradesh, India
IFSC CODE: IOBA0001002

NB: For account information of foreign donations please contact on the email id infantjesusvns@gmail.com or WhatsApp to +91 7388447931
(We also have 80G Certification for tax exemption)

Office Address

Rev. Fr. Bipin.C.J
Parish Priest & Director,
Christ the King Church & Infant Jesus Shrine
Mughalsarai - 232101
Chandauli Dist.
Uttar Pradesh, India.
Mob. 07388447931

Permanant Address

Fr.Bipin.C.J
Bishop's House
Varanasi Cantt,
Uttar Pradesh, India.
Mob. 0091- 7388447931