1st Day of Novena to Infant Jesus held at Infant Jesus Shrine Bikarnakatte
Mangaluru: The Novena Masses in preparation of the Feast of Infant Jesus began on Sunday, 5th of Jan. It coincided with the Feast of the Epiphany. “God alone suffices” being the theme of the Feast one of its aspects, i.e. Joy that we find in clinging to Christ which doesn’t 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 officiated 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 final fourth and fifth Masses were celebrated by Fr Jeevan Tauro OCD the Novice Master of the KG Carmelite Province.
Fr Prakash D’Cunha the Shrine Pastor conducted the adoration and Carmelite Brothers and Simon conducted the Choirs. All in all more than five thousand people participated in the liturgy. More than five priests were available for confessions round the clock and all the devotees were served mid-day meals.