News & Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur(VA)
Kundapur, Jan 21: The annual feast of Infant Jesus was celebrated at Koteshwar, here on Thursday January 20 with great devotion and zeal.
Fr Baptist Menezes, Episcopal Vicar, Udupi district, presided over the solemn festal Eucharistic Celebration at 5 pm along with 30 priests. Fr Menezes in his homily on the theme: ‘And they were filled with zeal’, recalled the different instances where the youngsters were strengthened by Jesus and gave witness to faith.
He also said that Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God with zeal and helped his apostles to be zealous to continue his mission. He appealed the congregation to love the Word of God, digest the same and give witness to Jesus.
Fr Boniface D’Souza, superior of the Carmel Ashram, proposed the vote of thanks. Fr Alwyn Sequeira animated the liturgy.
A large number of devotees of Infant Jesus participated in the Eucharistic celebration. A Triduum in preparation to the feast was held and Fr Alwyn Sequeira by his insightful reflections prepared the hearts of the devotees to celebrate the annual feast with much fervour.
Carmelite presence in Koteshwar dates back to 1998. From scratch to today it has been an onward journey. Since then devotion to Infant Jesus and Mount Carmel has taken root in its surroundings. It is heartening to see devotees flocking to this centre. Nothing has deterred the Carmelites from pursuing their committed living in spite of personal attacks, vandalizing the Grottos and spreading fear. The mammoth gathering at the Feast speaks in volumes the grace of Jesus and no power on earth can trample it. The promise of Infant King: ‘The more you honour me, the more will I bless you’ have come true in Koteshwar as well.