Bengaluru: The 49th annual feast of Infant Jesus Shrine, located at Viveknagar, Bengaluru in India’s southern state of Karnataka, will be celebrated today in the presence of the Archbishop of Bengaluru, Most. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado and Karnataka’s Honourable Chief Minister Mr B. S. Yediyurappa and deputy chief ministers of Karnataka, along with other important dignitaries.
In preparation for the festivity, the nine days novena (special prayers, penance,) commenced on January 4, 2020 by hoisting the sacred flag bearing the image of Most Miraculous Infant Jesus, and offering novena Mass by the Archbishop of Bengaluru, Most. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado along with parish clergy and other priests of the archdiocese.
The highlights of this year’s annual feast are blessing for the sick, mass marriage and special mass for the golden jubilee married couples, adoration, special prayers and more. The nine days Novena, culminates today with grand festive mass, offered from morning 5:00am to 5:00pm. In the evening at 5.30 pm a grand car procession which will be blessed by the Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado and will be flagged off by the chief guest and other invited dignitaries. Thereafter the grand chariot procession, will be taken around the Church) area. Devotees in large numbers are expected to participate in offering prayers, singing praises to Most Miraculous Infant Jesus for all the favours received.
“Therefore, we the clergy, cordially welcome you and request your esteemed Press to cover this Glorious event and receive numerous blessings of Most Miraculous Infant Jesus.May God Bless You All,” said Rev. Fr. Joseph Menezes, rector cum parish priest, Infant Jesus Shrine, extending his greetings and New Year blessings to all.
The Infant Jesus Shrine is one among the most popular Catholic shrines in India. This shrine receives huge number of devotees belonging to all walks of life during 10 days of festivity in the month of January and every Thursdays of a week. “The More You Honor Me, The More will I Bless You” were the words of Infant Jesus uttered to a Carmelite Monk, Fr.Cyril in 1637 AD at Prague. This devotion was started from Prague, during 18th century and spread all over the world.
The Little Deity, Most Miraculous Infant Jesus, continues to bless all the devotees, abundantly in health, mind and body, specially-abled, the sick, crippled, suffering, destitute, broken families, old, young and more and more resound their testimonies which speaks about miracles, healing, prosperity, peace etc. People from different, cast, creed, language and faith, throng to this sacred shrine, located in Rose Garden, Viveknagar, Bengaluru.
Happy feast.