Mangalore, Jan 02: Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte will celebrate its annual feast on January 14 and 15, 2023.
Addressing the media Fr Rovel Dsouza Director of Shrine said " The Festal Mass on Jan 14 at 10.30 am will be presided over by Most Rev. Fr Daniel Veigus, OP. Episcopal Vicar and at 6.00 pm will be presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Deepak Valerian Tauro, Aux Bishop of Arch- Diocese of Delhi."
"The Festal Mass on Jan 15 at 10.30 am will be presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Pius James D Souza, Definitor General, Rome and at 6.00pm will be presided over by Most Rev. Fr Maxim Noronha, Vicar General, Mangalore."
There will be Masses all through the day too on 14 Jan. Mass in Konkani will be celebrated at 6.00 am, 7.30 am in English, 9:00 am in Konkani and 1.00 am in Kannada. Mass for the sick and the aged will be celebrated at 10.30 am in Konkani. The Festal Mass on the Second day (Jan 15): 6.00 am, 7.30 am, 9.00 am in Konkani: 10.30 Mass for the Children & 1.00 pm in Malayalam (Latin Rite) and 4.00 pm Malayalam (Syro Malabar Rite).
Formal Inauguration The formal inauguration of the festivity will be held on Jan 4, 2023 at 4.00 pm with the votive offering procession beginning at Jayashree Gate followed by flag hoisting.
In preparation for the Annual Feast, nine days of Novena Prayers are held from Jan 5 to Jan 13 during this there will be 9 Masses every day. Masses are as follows: In the morning at 6.00, 7.30, 9.00 and 10.30 in Konkani; At noon 1.00 pm in Konkani; In the evening at 4.00 in Malayalam, 5.00 in English and 7.15 in Kannada. The main mass at 6.00 pm will be celebrated in Konkani in the open air. Eucharistic Adoration will be conducted daily from 11.30am to 12.45pm.
The meal will be served to the devotees on all the days of the novena.
Fr Charles Serrao OCD, Superior, St. Joseph's Monastery, Fr Stephen Lobo, Director, Carmel Kiran Media, Stanely Bantwal were present.