Mangaluru: All roads were leading to Bikarnakatta on the first day of the three-day festivities to honour the Infant Jesus. Festal joy was abounding in all faces as they devoutly participated in the Liturgy. Fr. Ronald Serrao, the Rector of the St Joseph Seminary celebrated the first Mass and preached a meaningful homily.
The Second Mass was officiated and preached by Fr. Maxen Dabre a young Carmelite coming all the way from Goa. The third Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao and preached by Fr. Joaquim Fernandes. The 10.30 Mass was dedicated to the sick. Rt. Rev. Dr. William D Souza SJ, Archbishop of Patna. Fr. George Santhumayor OCD preached the homily on the theme “God alone suffices”.
The solemn Mass was held in the evening at 6 pm and Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore celebrated the Mass along with more than 50 concelebrants. Rt. Rev. Dr. Alwyn Baretto the Bishop of Sindhudurg was also present. Fr. Deep Fernandes OCD preached a beautiful homily summarizing all the themes of Novena days. Rev. Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues, the Superior of the Monastery thanked the Bishops and Fr. Prakash D’ Cunha the Shrine Pastor rendered the vote of thanks.
More than 10 thousand people attended the 6 pm Mass. Noon meals were served to all the devotees. The choir from Bajjodi parish sang for 10.30 Mass and Carmel Choir, the official choir of the Shrine led the singing for the 6 pm Mass.
The annual fest will be held for two more days i.e. 15th and 16th January 2020 and thousand of devotees of Infant Jesus are expected to attend various services throughout the day in different languages. The devotees are served with lunch at noon during the feast days.
