News and pics from Nelson Henry Pinto
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Dec 31:  The novena to the annual feast of the Infant Jesus began at the Infant Jesus Shrine of the Carmelite Fathers at Bikarnakatte here on Wednesday December 31. Thousands of devotees of the Infant Jesus participated in the Eucharistic celebration and novena. “Jesus –the eternal life” is the theme adopted for this year's annual feast.

The superior of the Infant Jesus Shrine Fr George Santhumayor OCD, assistant to the parish priest of Cordel church Fr  Vincy, parish priest of Gurpur Church Fr Peter Rego, Fr Vincent Monteiro from the Pastoral Institute, Fr Leslie Shenoy and Fr Nelson Pinto OCD presided over the Eucharistic celebration throughout the day,  while the 6 pm Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the parish priest of the Blessed Joseph Vaz Church Mudipu, Fr Andrew D’souza.

Fr D’Souza in his inspiring homily, appealed to the faithful to be humble and prepare to attain the eternal life with an attitude of openness. Today’s Eucharistic celebration and novena was based on the theme, “the source of the eternal life: Call”.  A special prayer was made for the Christian unity during all the masses. The annual feast of the Infant Jesus will be held on Thursday January 8 2009. Bishop of Bellary diocese, Dr Henry D’souza will be the main celebrant.