The coastal city of Mangaluru is set to reverberate with devotion as the renowned Infant Jesus Shrine at Bikarnakatte prepares to host its grand annual feast. The nine-day spiritual celebration is scheduled to commence on January 14, 2025, and will culminate in a majestic car procession on the final day.
A Nine-Day Spiritual Journey
The feast, a cornerstone event in the region's Christian calendar, will follow a structured schedule of prayers and services. According to shrine rector Fr. Jeevan George Pinto, the festivities will begin with an inaugural mass at 6:30 AM on January 14. This will be followed by a series of nine novenas, or special prayer sessions, dedicated to the Infant Jesus.
Each day of the feast will feature multiple masses to accommodate the large number of devotees expected to attend. The shrine has announced masses in various languages, including Konkani, Kannada, English, and Malayalam, ensuring inclusivity for pilgrims from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The spiritual preparations are already underway, with a triduum, or three-day period of prayer, preceding the main feast from January 11 to 13.
Highlights and Grand Finale
The culmination of the feast on January 22 promises to be a spectacular visual and spiritual spectacle. The day's events will include:
- A solemn high mass celebrated in Konkani.
- The highly anticipated car procession of the Infant Jesus statue through the streets of Bikarnakatte.
- A final mass in English to conclude the festivities.
Church authorities have made extensive arrangements to manage the massive influx of devotees. Key figures involved in the organization include Fr. Rupesh Madtha, the assistant parish priest, and Fr. Roshan D'Souza, the shrine's administrator. A dedicated feast committee has been formed to oversee all logistical and spiritual aspects of the event, ensuring a smooth and meaningful experience for all attendees.
A Beacon of Faith in Karnataka
The Infant Jesus Shrine in Mangaluru is not just a local parish but a major pilgrimage center attracting believers from across Karnataka and neighboring states. The annual feast is a powerful expression of community faith and cultural heritage. The event significantly impacts the local area, bringing together people from all walks of life in prayer and celebration.
Devotees attribute numerous miracles and answered prayers to the intercession of the Infant Jesus, which adds to the shrine's profound significance. The upcoming feast offers a period for spiritual renewal, communal bonding, and seeking blessings for the new year. The shrine's management encourages all devotees to participate in the novenas and masses to receive the spiritual fruits of this auspicious occasion.
