Devotees flock to celebrate the annual feast of Infant Jesus

Devotees flock to celebrate the annual feast of Infant Jesus

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 15: The annual feast of Infant Jesus was celebrated with great devotion on Jan 14 at Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, Mangalore. Around 15,000 devotees participated in the festival with great devotion.

The place witnessed a steady flow of devotees from early morning to late at night. In the morning, large crowds of devotees climbed Carmel Hill in order to worship Infant Jesus with candles and flowers.









 

Seven masses were celebrated in the morning in addition to a prayer service for non-Catholics. The solemn festive mass was held at 6 p.m. Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza conducted it and 60 priests were the con-celebrants. The bishop advised the devotees of Infant Jesus to be “attached to Jesus, the high priest who broke himself to open the doors of heaven for us.” He also urged devotees to “inculcate the childlike qualities of Jesus in their lives in order to attain heavenly rewards.” There were special prayer session for the sick and the elderly.

The festivities were preceded by a nine-day novena. Since this year is especially dedicated to priests, the subject for reflection was priesthood. Large crowds of devotees participated in the novena too.