Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru: The Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte observed World Environment Day in a prayerful and meaningful manner during the third day of the Novena in preparation for the Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus. The day was marked by deep devotion, reflection, and a strong spiritual call to protect and preserve God’s creation, drawing large numbers of faithful to the Shrine.
The theme for the day, “Take up your cross and follow me,” invited devotees to reflect on the true meaning of discipleship, especially the challenges and sacrifices involved in following Christ. The faithful were encouraged to embrace life’s hurdles with faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s providence. Special prayers of thanksgiving were offered for the gift of a healthy environment and the beauty of creation, along with earnest petitions seeking wisdom and responsibility in safeguarding nature.
Day begins with prayer and Eucharistic celebrations
The observance commenced with the 6.00 am Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Alwyn Sequeira, OCD, Editor of Uzavad, the fortnightly publication of the Udupi Diocese. This was followed by the 7.30 am prayer service, led by Rev Fr Movin Pereira from Ramnagar–Londa, which focused on gratitude for creation and human responsibility towards the environment.
The 9.00 am Mass was presided over by Fr Arun Mark, a Pallottine priest and Parish Priest of Farla Parish. The main solemn Eucharistic celebration of the day at 10.30 am was offered by Rev Fr Boniface Pinto, Spiritual Director of Divya Dham Seminary, Moodubelle. He also led the faithful in prayer, worship, and Eucharistic adoration, emphasising the need to translate faith into action, particularly in caring for the natural world.
Evening liturgies and reflection
In the evening, the 5.00 pm English Mass was celebrated by Rev Fr Melwyn Pinto, Rector of St Aloysius College. The 6.00 pm Mass was offered by Fr Jocy Siddkatte, former Editor of Naman Ballok Jesu, a Konkani socio-religious magazine. The final Mass of the day, celebrated in Kannada at 7.45 pm, was presided over by Fr Prasanna Kumar, OCD, Parish Priest of St Michael’s Church, Belur.
Each liturgical celebration echoed the message of hope, responsibility, and commitment to God’s creation, reinforcing the spiritual significance of World Environment Day within the context of Christian faith.
Free eye check-up camp as part of social outreach
In keeping with its commitment to holistic service, the Shrine also organised a Free Eye Check-up and Spectacle Distribution Camp on the same day. The camp was jointly conducted by the Infant Jesus Shrine in collaboration with the Carmel Jyothi Public Charitable Trust, Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, and Vision World.
The initiative received an overwhelming response from the local community, with numerous residents benefiting from free eye examinations. Free spectacles were distributed to those diagnosed with vision problems, bringing visible relief and joy to the beneficiaries. Organisers said the outreach programme reflected the Shrine’s mission of combining spiritual nourishment with practical care for human well-being.
Rosary and conclusion of the day
The day concluded on a deeply prayerful note with the Infant Jesus Rosary, recited after the 6.00 pm Mass. The faithful gathered in large numbers to meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and seek the loving intercession of the Infant Jesus for their personal intentions and for the well-being of their families.
The third day of the Novena left a lasting spiritual impression on the devotees, encouraging them to face life’s challenges with faith and hope, while renewing their commitment to environmental stewardship. The observance served as a reminder that care for creation is an integral part of Christian discipleship, echoing the broader global message of World Environment Day.
