Bikarnakatte: The Holy Shrine of Infant Jesus at Bikarnakatte offered special prayers for the religious brethren on the ninth day of the novena. Special Masses were held for them at 10.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m., as well as novena prayers throughout the day. Religious brothers and sisters gathered in large numbers at 6 p.m. since the day was dedicated to them.
The theme of the day, "may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord," emphasized the truth that religious leaders are chosen by the Lord to fully listen to and live the Lord's commands. Religious are those who swim against the world's enticements, fleshly pleasures, and Devil's instigations. If religious leaders are not committed to the Lord, the entire community suffers and falls away. As a result, praying for the leaders is a primary mission of the community.
The annual feast celebrations will begin on January 14th and 15th, as the novena days come to an end. The 14th festal mass will be presided over by Rev. Dr Deepak Valerian Tauro, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Delhi, and the 15th by Rev. Fr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of the Mangalore Diocese.