Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 16: The final day of celebrations happened to be a Thursday and hence many faithful flocked to the Infant Jesus Shrine as usual.
Carmelite Friars Geroge Santhumayor, Oswald Crasta, Pawan Saldanha, and Agnelo Rebello (preached by Fr Pius James) celebrated the morning Masses. Many priests concelebrated the Masses. Dr Cyprian Monis, bishop of Asansol, celebrated the 10.30 Mass. Fr Joaquim Rodrigues preached for the same. Fr Maxim Noronha, vicar general of Mangaluru diocese, celebrated the concluding Mass at 6 pm. Simon, shrine choir master, Simon Bajal, Corrine from White Doves, Carmel Choir, Blue Angels Choir, led by Denzil sang beautifully and uplifted the liturgy.
The final Mass was followed by a short Eucharistic procession. Flag of Infant Jesus that was hoisted on January 4 at the beginning of the festivities was lowered and with the singing of the anthem of Infant Jesus, the celebrations concluded. Earlier, Fr Charles Serrao, provincial of the Carmelites, honored the donors of the feast.
Fr Wilfred, the superior and coordinator of all the committees, thanked all the bishops, priests, deacons, brothers and sisters for their contribution for the success of the feast. He said, “Though this is not a parish, yet so many volunteers selflessly rendered their service even taking leave from their work.”
Fr Prakash, the shrine pastor, once again recalled all those who contributed their mite in various forms and thanked them profusely and assured them prayers. The 13-day long festivities came to an end with the band playing the traditional thanksgiving hymn ‘Oh Give thanks to the Lord for He is good’.