Mangaluru: First Day of the Feast of Infant Jesus at Biikarnakatta

January 15, 2020

Mangaluru: All roads were leading to Bikarnakatta on the first day of the three day festivities to honour the Infant King. Festal joy was abounding in all faces as they devoutly participated in the Liturgy.

Fr. Ronald Serrao, the Rector of the 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 for 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 6pm and Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangaluru celebrated the Mass along with more than 50 con-celebrants. 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 the Shrine Pastor rendered vote of thanks. More than 10 thousand people attended the 6pm Mass. Noon meals were served to all the devotees. Choir from Bajjodi parish sang for 10.30 Mass and Carmel Choir, the official choir of the Shrine led the singing for the 6pm Mass.