NewsKarnataka – Mangalore

Mangalore: The annual feast of Infant Jesus was celebrated on Monday January 14 with a solemn mass at 6 pm. The mass was presided by Bishop of Ajmer Diocese Dr Pius Thomas D’Souza and other priests at Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte.

More than10, 000 faithful devotees were present for the annual feast that was marked by  a mass  and  a creative ceremonial sermon which was enacted in parts. The sermon revolved around the life of St Theresa of Avila, which was also related to the theme of the feast ‘Prayer, the core of Christian life’.

Around 40 priests took part in the mass. A  nine-day novena had been conducted before the final mass on feast day.

In lines with the  theme of the feast, the sermon stressed on the message that prayer was an important aspect of life and through prayer one can have a harmonious life in the presence of the Lord.

Provincial Superior of the Carmelites Fr Archibald Gonsalves along with Carmelite priests from various places participated in the celebration. Fr Pius James D’Souza, Superior of St Joseph Monastery, Fr Elias D’Souza, Director of Infant Jesus Shrine were among others  present. District in-charge Minister Ramanath Rai and MLA J R Lobo too were present.