Mangaluru: The Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, commenced its annual 40 hours of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration at 6 am on Tuesday, offering prayers for peace in the world, especially in the backdrop of the ongoing conflicts in West Asia. This year marks the 16th year of this spiritual tradition at the shrine, which has been drawing large numbers of devotees annually. Along with adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) is also being made available, enabling the faithful to experience spiritual renewal.The adoration began with the Holy Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Melvin D’Cunha, superior of St Joseph’s Monastery. Delivering the homily, Fr John Pinto highlighted the biblical significance of the number 40. He explained that it symbolises preparation for a greater mission—referring to the 40 years of the Israelites in the desert, Jesus’ 40 days of fasting before his public ministry, and the traditional understanding of Christ’s time in the tomb. He added that the 40 hours of adoration serve as a fitting response to the 40 days of Lent spent in prayer, fasting and almsgiving.Fr Stifan Perera, director of the shrine, expressed gratitude to the large number of devotees present, and invited the faithful to spend time in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord.Following the mass, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for adoration. Various groups have been leading the adoration using different prayer formats. The sessions began with the Carmelite brothers of St Joseph’s Monastery, followed by parishioners of Infant Mary Church, Bajjodi, the Secular Carmelites, the Bethany Sisters from the Provincial Community, Vamanjoor, and Fr Rudolph Raj Pinto, national secretary of the Liturgical Commission.In keeping with the Diocesan Year of Children, a special hour of adoration is being conducted by children. The programme also features diverse forms of prayer.The adoration will continue on April 1, with a Taizé prayer at 7 pm, followed by the concluding benediction and blessing at 9 pm. The event will conclude with a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Fr Deep Fernandes, delegate provincial to the Secular Carmelites.
