Bikarnakatte, Jan 7, 2026: The Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, marked World Environment Day in a meaningful way during the third day of the Novena in preparation for the Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus. The day was observed with deep devotion and spiritual fervour, drawing large numbers of faithful to prayer and reflection.
The theme of the day, “Take up your cross and follow me,” invited the devotees to reflect on true discipleship, especially on the challenges and hurdles faced in following Christ and the need to embrace them with faith and perseverance. Special prayers of thanksgiving were offered to God for the gift of a healthy environment and the beauty of creation, along with petitions for its protection and preservation.
The day began with the 6:00 a.m. Mass celebrated by Fr Alwyn Sequeira, OCD, Editor of Uzavad, the fortnightly of the Udupi Diocese. The 7:30 a.m. prayer service was led by Rev. Fr Movin Pereira from Ramnagar-Londa, followed by the 9:00 a.m. Mass presided over by Fr Arun Mark, a Pallottine priest and Parish Priest of Farla Parish. The main solemn Eucharistic celebration at 10:30 a.m. was offered by Rev. Fr Boniface Pinto, Spiritual Director of Divya Dham Seminary, Moodubelle, who also led the faithful in prayer, worship and Eucharistic adoration.
In the evening, the 5:00 p.m. English Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr Melwyn Pinto, Rector of St Aloysius College. The 6:00 p.m. Mass was celebrated by Fr Jocy Siddkatte, former Editor of Naman Ballok Jesu, a Konkani socio-religious magazine. The final Mass of the day in Kannada at 7:45 p.m. was celebrated by Fr Prasanna Kumar, OCD, Parish Priest of St Michael’s Church, Belur.
As part of the Shrine’s social outreach, a Free Eye Check-up and Spectacle Distribution Camp was also organised on the same day. The programme was jointly conducted by the Infant Jesus Shrine in collaboration with Carmel Jyothi Public Charitable Trust, Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, and Vision World. The camp received an overwhelming response from the local community, with many residents benefiting from free eye examinations. Free spectacles were distributed to those diagnosed with vision problems, bringing visible relief and joy to the beneficiaries.
The day concluded on a deeply prayerful note with the Infant Jesus Rosary recited after the 6:00 p.m. Mass. The faithful came together to meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and to seek the loving intercession of the Infant Jesus for their personal intentions and for the well-being of their families.
The third day of the Novena left a lasting spiritual impression on the faithful, encouraging them to face life’s challenges with faith, hope, and unwavering trust in God, while also renewing their commitment to care for God’s creation.
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