Mangalore, Jan 15: The Infant Jesus celebrated its annual feast in a grand manner at Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte on January 14, Tuesday.
The creative liturgical sermon revolved around the life of St Theresa of Avila, which was also related to the theme of the feast.
A total of 40 priests took part in the mass this year led by Bishop of Ajmer diocese Dr Pius Thomas D’Souza. Speaking on the occasion, the bishop said that Infant Jesus came as our saviour. The nine-day novena has prepared us for this final mass on feast day.
Fr Archibald Gonsalves, Provincial superior of the Carmelites in his sermon said that prayer is a medium of asking god for something.
The members of the families must maintain relationships; one can stay united by loving each others. Prayer does not yield results immediately, hence there must be continuous efforts as prayer is not magical, he added.
Fr Sylvester D’Souza handed over the keys of newly built house to Ronald and Philomena Lobo from Bantwal, on behalf of Infant Jesus Shrine.
More than 10,000 devotees witnessed the annual feast and lit the shrine all along the way. The premises were surrounded with stall selling candles and sweets.
District in charge minister Ramanath Rai and MLA J R Lobo, Fr Pius James D’Souza, superior of St Joseph Monastery, Fr Elias D’Souza, director of Infant Jesus Shrine among others were present.