Mangaluru: Come December, and the Infant Jesus shrine campus here in Bikarnakatte showcases multiple events, and an important one among them is the Carmel Day, loved by its devoted audience who want to be there, rain or sun.
Carmel Day is a celebratory event staged by the community of Carmelites at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte just to remind all that there is a solid community of 25 young men giving finishing touches to their 14 year long seminary formation to be Carmelite priest. They are full of creative ideas and proactive energy and ready to express themselves in innovative ways to carry out their mission of being spiritual leaders of the Christian community.
This year they did it with style on 13th Dec. Nothing could stop them. A forecast of widespread rain for the day, could not dampen the spirit and the preparations. Ivan D’Souza, the popular MLC was the Chief guest at te programme which began at 6.00 PM. Very Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao, OCD the Provincial Superior of the Carmelites presided over the function and Mr. Elias Fernandes the renowned journalist and Proprietor of Four Winds Mass Communications was the guest of honour.
During his welcome address, Fr. Joe Tauro, OCD, the Rector of the Shrine, honored them in traditional style Ponnade shawl and flower offering. In his welcoming words while highlighting the contribution to excellence in various fields like politics and media by Ivan and Elias he pinpointed the deeply Christian and authentically honest ways of these two gentlemen to generous applause.
Ivan emotionally affirmed his deep love for the shrine and its campus and recalled the wonders Jesus has done in his life of in public service. He recalled that he made it a point to be here as soon as he was elected to the upper house. He solemnly affirmed that whatever he has entrusted to Jesus here in petition and faith was never rejected by Him.
The Konkani drama – Kin, Kin KinKina written by Leopold Louis, translated by and directed by John M. Permannur was staged by the budding priests, with skill and verve. It kept the audience glued to their seats. It well articulated the theme, ‘the prick of conscience, like the tingling of bells, that never dies however much distance you might think you have put between you and the crime that you have committed’.
The wonderful miracle however was that the climate was stupendous and there was not a drop of rain throughout the programme, proving beyond all doubt that prayer can do wonders.
