Kundapura: Feast of Infant Jesus celebrated in solemnity at Pilgrimage Shrine, Katkere

Pics By Stany Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Kundapura, 25 Jan 2021: The Feast of Infant Jesus celebrated in a grand scale at the pilgrimage shrine, Katkere, near Koteshwar, here pm Sunday January 24.

 

Carmelites run this Shrine since 1998. Every year devotees throng to this place for prayers and there were more than a thousand people this year too even though there were Covid-19 restrictions, for three days festivities.

 

Fr Alban D Souza from Kalmady parish preached a heartwarming retreat for 3-days in preparation for the feast.

 

On the festal day Fr Pius James D Souza, Provincial Superior of Carmelites of Karnataka Goa Province, presided the festal Mass. 

 

In his homily, referring to the recent encyclical of Pope Francis; Fr Pius said: ‘We are all brothers and sisters in faith, hence we cannot afford to live as strangers rather we have to live in fraternity in order to participate in the life of heaven.

 

Fr Stany Tauro, the vicar of Kundapura deanery thanked the Katkere Carmelite priests who are ever available to render spiritual ministry whenever they are called for.

 

He also said that Infant Jesus Shrine in Katkere is an oasis that quenches the spiritual thirst of the local people.

 

Fr Alwyn Sequeira, Superior of the Monastery thanked all those who rendered service for 3-days.

 

 

Fr Ronald Serrao, Rector of  St Joseph Seminary, Jeppu, Mangaluru; vicar Provincial of Carmelites Fr George Santhumayor; Rector of Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangaluru Fr Charles Serrao; former Superiors and members Fr Boniface, Fr Sylvester, Fr William, Fr Rayan, Fr Steven and 40 other priests concelebrated in the Mass.

 

Fr Deep Fernandes, Designated Provincial of Secular Carmel read out the donors list.

 

Bro Avith Pais animated the liturgy.

 

Fr Steven Lobo was in charge of media and looked after the live coverage.

 

The Koteshwar parish youth under the guidance of their parish priest Fr Cyril Menezes and animator Felix Pinto looked after the smooth running of liturgy, vehicular movement and food arrangements.

 

Bro Aaron Babush, choir master at Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangaluru led the singing.