Annual Feast Of Infant Jesus Celebrated Grandly By Immense Number Of Faithfuls

Annual Feast Of Infant Jesus Celebrated Grandly By Immense Number Of Faithfuls

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 14,2014: The annual feast of Infant Jesus was celebrated in a grand manner at Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte today, January 14, 2014.

The mass involved a creatively illustrated ceremonial sermon 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 participated in the mass, which was led by Bishop of Ajmer diocese Dr Pius Thomas D’Souza who wished everyone a blessed feast and said, "Infant Jesus came as our saviour. The nine-day novena has prepared us for this final mass on feast day. Just as water is an elixir to human life, so is prayer for our spiritual life."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first piece enacted during the liturgical sermon was a mirror symbolizing the necessity to reflect on one’s life and deeds. In the second enactment, a clock was shown where both the hands moved at equal pace in sync without getting attached together, meaning that one should not get carried away by worldly pleasures.

In the next piece anklets were shown, which made a pleasant sound and thereby made their presence felt.

The sermon highlighted the importance of prayer for every individual, and though one may not receive one’s wishes immediately, they will be granted through prayer.

Provincial superior of the Carmelites Fr Archibald Gonsalves in his sermon said that prayer is a medium of asking god for something. "Ask and you shall receive. Our necessities are fulfilled through prayers. God’s love is final and absolute."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"In today’s world god has become secondary and consumerism has invaded our society. God is the foundation for everything and for our lives. God has only one weakness, and that is for human being’s humbleness.Relationships among families need to be maintained. Love each other and be united. Prayer does not yield results immediately, but we must continue our efforts as prayer is not magical" he added.

Carmelite priests from various places graced the occasion with their presence. Fr Pius James D’Souza, superior of St Joseph Monastery, Fr Elias D’Souza, director of Infant Jesus Shrine among others were present.

As many as 10,000 faithful witnessed the annual feast. The shrine was lit all along the way. Stall selling candles and sweets surrounded the premises which made the occasion as grand as ever.

Nine days of Novena were held from 5th of January  to 13th of January as a spiritual preparation for the annual feast.

District minister Ramanath Rai and MLA J R Lobo too graced the gathering with their presence.

Every year, Infant Jesus Shrine donates a house to the poorest of the families irrespective of their caste and creed. This year the keys of the newly built house was handed over to Ronald and Philomena Lobo  from Bantwal. The keys were handed over by Fr Sylvester D’Souza.

Bishop of Ajmer expressed his gratitude to everyone present and conveyed his wishes to all the devotees. Fr Pius James D’Souza thanked the Ajmer bishop.