Mangaluru, Jan 05, 2018: Preparation for the Annual feast of Infant Jesus 2018 at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, scheduled on January 14 and 15.
A grand Horekanike (gift offertory procession) was held by Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues, who gave the flag to Rev. Dr. Wilfred Rodrigues on January 4, Thursday, at Kaikamba –Bikarnakatte. Carmelite priests along with the Carmelite brothers, Carmelites Secular, Ballok Jezu Kutam, Infant Jesus Auto Drivers’ Welfare Associaton, friends, devotees and benefactors of the Infant Jesus Shrine began the procession at 6 pm and later reached Infant Jesus Shrine. The colourful offertory procession witnessed participation of many faithful, and comprised of offertory items to be used for the noon meals that will be served on all the novena days and on feast day, donated by various donors of
the city.
After a short felicitation programme, the Feast Flag was hoisted by Guest of Honour, Rev. Fr. Paul Melwyn D’Souza Ofm (Cap), superior of St. Anne’s Friary, Bejai. Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included Episcopal Vicar for Religious Rev. Fr. Pius James D’Souza, Ocd, Kavitha D’Souza (Wife of Shri Ivan D’Souza, MLC), Sabitha Misquith (Corporator), Pius Monteiro (Director, Karavali Development Authority) Rev. Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues (Superior, St. Joseph’s Monastery) and Rev Fr. Prakash D’Cunha (Shrine Director).
The Feast of Infant Jesus will be celebrated preceded by a nine day novena. Holy Masses and Prayers will be celebrated throughout the day during the novena days from 5th to 13th January 2018. The Solemn celebration will be on 14th on 15th January 2018.