The 39th Infant Jesus feast at the Infant Jesus Church in Viveknagar, which began on January 4, will culminate in a colourful procession on January 14. This finale of the annual feast will attract more than 20,000 devotees from all walks of life, said Fr Roys, rector of the shrine.
“This year, the feast is being celebrated in the backdrop of disasters world over. Jesus is also called the ‘Prince of Peace’. Hence, we hope that this feast will bring peace and harmony to the world,” he said.
Novena, or special prayers, is offered to the Lord on the first 10 days of the feast. The main feast on the eleventh day is accompanied by a mass from 5 am to 5 pm, followed by a procession. “Governor HR Bharadwaj, will inaugurate the chariot procession at 6 pm. Archbishop of Bangalore, Dr Bernard Moras, is also expected to give his blessings during this procession, which will pass through the Old Race Course Road, Austin Town and Neelasandra Main Road,” Fr Roys said.
Most devotees believe that their wishes will be granted during the feast. “Everything that I have asked for during the feast each year has been fulfilled,” said Sarah Joe, a homemaker.
SA Baby Pushpa, a social worker at the church, said, “People from different religions visit this church, especially on Thursdays, as they believe that their wishes will be fulfilled here. With the final day of the feast falling on a Thursday this year, we are expecting thousands of devotees. Though the morning may be relatively less crowded, there may not be an inch of space to even walk in the evening.”
