Mangaluru: The procession of the votive offerings was held from Cordel Church grounds to the Infant Jesus Shrine Bikkarnakatte here, on January 4.
Parish Priest of Holy Cross Church Cordel Fr Victor Machado flagged off the Votive Offering procession.
Congratulating the organizers Fr Victor Machado said that the votive offerings will help the organizers to serve all the devotees who come for the novenas for nine days.
Capt Ganesh Karnik also wished the Infant Jesus Annual Festival committee members for their efforts in organizing the Votive offering procession.
More than 300 vehicles took part in the procession. The procession culminated at the Infant Jesus Shrine. MLA J R Lobo hoisted the Infant Jesus flag and inaugurated the 9-day Novenas. Fr Pius James led the prayer and blessed the devotees.
Fr Prakash D’Cunha welcomed the gathering. All the representatives of various organizations who contributed votive offerings were felicitated by MLA J R Lobo.
Addressing the gathering J R Lobo said, “This is the first time we have started the nine-day Infant Jesus Novenas by hoisting the flag. In the Votive offering procession people from all walks of life joined hands and contributed their mite towards the festival. Let the Infant Jesus bless all the people who have contributed towards this festival.”
Lobo further said that in the Infant Jesus Shrine masses are being held in various languages. When there is mass in Kannada people from other religions too can understand and they can pray to Infant Jesus to solve their problems. Let Infant Jesus protect us, bless us and keep all of us united.
Chairman Vishwas Bava Builders, Rouf Puthige, Corporators Bhasker Moily, Sabitha Misquith, Roy Castelino, superior Infant Jesus Shrine Fr Joe Tauro OCD, Director of the shrine, Fr Elias D’ Souza, Rathan Shetty and others were also present.
