Media Release

Bantwal, Feb 25: The installation of the statue of Infant Jesus was held with pomp and gaiety on Sunday, February 24 at the Infant Jesus Church, Modankap near here.

One of the oldest parishes of Mangaluru diocese, the Bantwal parish, witnessed its togetherness on account of celebration of Infant Jesus feast along with the Bambil and Thodambil parishes, which were the part of Bantwal church then. Priests from the deanery and diocese took part in the festive Mass. 

Bishop Emeritus, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza was the main celebrant of the high mass. In his homily, he said, "Let Infant Jesus bless all. Let Infant Jesus be kind on all those who have worked hard for the consturction of the grotto."

The Mass was followed by a stage programme wherein the bishop emeritus was felicitated by Fr Walter D’Mello on behalf of the parishioners. Fr Johnson Sequeira, parish priest Bambil Church, Fr Kiran Pinto, parish priest, Thodambil Church and Fr Paul D’souza were also felicitated.

New website of the church was inaugurated. The programme continued with a magic show illustrating the Biblical truths conducted by Fr Paul D’souza and team.

A prayerful procession of the statue of Infant Jesus was taken out starting from Polali Dwara at Kaikamba to the church premises. Fr Dr Aloysius Paul D'souza was accompanied by Fr Walter D’mello and Fr Ashwin Crasta, assistant parish priest, led the procession. Religious sisters, brothers and large number of people of the parish as well as from neighbouring parishes devotedly participated in the procession which was held prior to festive Mass.

Fr Walter D'Mello, parish priest of the church welcomed the gathering. Sandeep Menezes, vice-president of pastoral committe, Richard Pascal D'Souza, secretary and Fr Ashwin Crasta, assistant parish priest were present on the dais.

Around 2,000 devotees thronged the church premises to seek blessings. A fellowship meal was arranged for all the devotees.