Mangalore: Feast of Infant Jesus to be Celebrated on Jan 14

Media Release

Mangalore, 12 Jan 2012: As we are celebrating the Novenas leading to the great Feast of Infant Jesus, here is a look into the development of this sacred devotion. In Mangalore, the devotion to Infant Jesus began about 150 years ago, but took definite shape about 60 years back. In the year 1947 the Discalced Carmelites (OCD Fathers) decided on founding a house of monastic observance in Mangalore. After exploring the city they found today’s popular Carmel Hill. A chapel was built there and they started the Novena prayer to Infant Jesus.

 

On May 11th, 1996, the late Most Rev. Fr. Basil D’Souza (Ex-Bishop of Mangalore) inaugurated the Infant Jesus Shrine. The architectural structure and design of this shrine is unique in many ways. Carefully planned, it has a rich symbolic meaning and significance derived principally from Biblical themes, of both the Old and the New Testaments. The basement surrounded by the five huge columns is intended to represent the palm of the hand of God. The five columns represent the fingers of His hand converging towards the overhead globe, which symbolizes the universe. The Cross atop the globe is an indication and symbol that God’s love has redeemed all humanity through Christ. The three doors and the stained-glasses above them depict pictures narrating important aspects of our faith. Each of the doors is flanked by a grill on either side which have sketches of the Carmelite saints.

 

 

The Infant Jesus Novena slowly & steadily started touching the lives and hearts of the people. Week after week the devotees start marching towards Carmel Hill with new hopes & faith. Many of the devotees were blessed with the intended gifts. These devotees became the apostles of Infant Jesus. The Shrine at Carmel Hill eventually acquired the unique identity of a ‘place for prayer’. People of all beliefs began to nurture faith in Infant Jesus.

 

This year, the Feast of the Infant Jesus will be celebrated at Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte, on January 14th, 2012. The Masses are as follows:

Morning: 6:00 (Konkani), 7:00 (Malayalam), 8:00 (Konkani), 9:00 (English), 10:15 (Konkani – For the sick), 11:30 (Konkani), 12:30 p.m. (Kannada).

At 1:30 p.m. there is a Prayer Service.

 

The Solemn Eucharistic Celebration will be presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, at 6:00 p.m. All the Masses of the Feast Day will be telecast LIVE on Namma Kudla, V4 and Web Cast in www.infantjesusmangalore.net In view of the Feast, a blood donation camp was held on Jan 12th, from 9 am to 1 pm at Carmel Hill at which 80 units of blood was collected.

 

May Infant Jesus bless us all.