Media Release

Mangaluru, Jan 6: The Novena masses in preparation for the feast of Infant Jesus began on Sunday January 5. They coincided with the Feast of the Epiphany.

‘God alone suffices’ being the theme of the feast, one of its aspects, namely joy that we find in clinging to Christ which does not make us despondent, rather joyful in all circumstances was the theme of the day.

There were only five masses in the morning and owing to the Diocesan Eucharistic procession, the afternoon masses were cancelled. The first mass was offered by Fr Wilfred Rodrigues OCD, the Superior of St Joseph’s Monastery. The second mass was celebrated by Fr Pius James OCD the Episcopal Vicar of Religious of the Diocese of Mangalore. Fr Joachim Rodrigues celebrated the third mass and the fourth and fifth masses were celebrated by Fr Jeevan Tauro OCD, the Novice Master of the KG Carmelite Province.

Fr Prakash D'Cunha, shrine pastor conducted the adoration and Carmelite Brothers and Simon conducted the choir. More than 5,000 people participated in the liturgy. More than five priests were available for confessions round the clock and all the devotees were served lunch.