Annual Feast of Infant Jesus 2026 | January 14 and 15, 2026

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

The Annual Feast of Infant Jesus at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, will be celebrated on January 14 and 15, 2026.

Festal Celebration:
The Festal Mass on January 14 at 6:00 p.m. will be presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of the Diocese of Udupi. A special Mass for the sick and the elderly will be offered at 10:00 a.m., presided over by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Mangalore.

The Festal Mass for children on January 15 at 10:00 a.m. will be presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. The Festal Mass at 6:00 p.m. will be presided over by Most Rev. Msgr. Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore.

On January 14, Masses will be celebrated throughout the day as follows:
• 6:00 a.m. – Mass in Konkani
• 8:00 a.m. – Mass in English
• 1:00 p.m. – Mass in Kannada

The Festal Mass scheduled for the second day (January 15) is as follows:
• 6:00 a.m. – Mass in Konkani
• 8:00 a.m. – Mass in Konkani
• 10:00 a.m. – Mass for children
• 1:00 p.m. – Mass in Malayalam (Latin Rite)
On both feast days, there will be adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a special blessing for all devotees.

Children’s Day : A special Mass for children will be offered on Saturday, January 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Formal Inauguration
The formal inauguration of the festivity will take place on January 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m., beginning with the votive offering procession (Vojem) from Holy Cross Church, Kulshekar, Mangaluru. This will be followed by the Sahaballve programme (an inter-religious meet) and the flag hoisting at the Shrine campus. Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, SJ, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius Deemed to be University, will bless and hoist the flag.

Nine Days Novena in preparation for the Annual Feast
Nine days of Novena prayers will be held from January 5 to January 13, during which nine Masses will be celebrated daily.
The schedule of Masses is as follows:
• Morning: 6:00 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. (all in Konkani)
• Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. (Konkani)
• Evening: 4:00 p.m. (Malayalam), 5:00 p.m. (English), and 7:45 p.m. (Kannada)

Bishops’ Masses:
Rt. Rev. Dr Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly, will preside over the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Monday, January 5, the first day of the Novena, with special prayers for those who work and study abroad.
Rt. Rev. Dr Henry D’Souza, Bishop of the Diocese of Bellary, will preside over the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Saturday, January 10, a day especially dedicated to children and infants.

The procession of Infant Jesus will be held every day after the 6:00 p.m. evening Mass.

Eucharistic Adoration will be conducted daily from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Anna Santarpane (ಅನ್ನಸಂತರ್ಪಣೆ) – a vegetarian meal – will be served to all devotees at noon on all the days of the Novena and feast, from January 4 to 15.

Eye Camp will be held on January 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Blood Donation Camp will be held on January 9 and 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Social Outreach Program: ‘CARMEL IGNITE’
To mark the 300th anniversary of the canonization and the centenary of the proclamation as Doctor of the Church of St. John of the Cross, the renowned Carmelite mystic and reformer from Spain, the Shrine proposes to support 400 deserving and economically challenged children, irrespective of caste or creed, by providing educational scholarships under the banner ‘CARMEL IGNITE.’ This initiative seeks to nurture their educational aspirations while honoring the enduring legacy of this remarkable saint.

In addition, a special exhibition will be organized to highlight the significance of this jubilee year dedicated to St. John of the Cross.

Present at the Press meet:
Fr Melvin D’Cunha OCD, Superior, St. Joseph’s Monastery
Fr Stifan Perera OCD, Director, Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangaluru
Fr Deep Fernandes, Delegate Provincial for the OCDS
Mr Valerian Furtado, Vice-President, Ballok Jesu Kutam
Mr Wilfred Lasrado, Organiser, Infant Jesus Shrine

For Contact: Fr Stifan Perera, Director, Infant Jesus Shrine, Mangaluru Ph:9844503706

Complete Electrification of Ghat Section Achieved in Mysuru Division

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

South Western Railway, Mysuru Division, has successfully achieved complete electrification of the Ghat Section with the successful completion of the Electric Locomotive Trial on 28.12.2025, marking a significant milestone in strengthening rail infrastructure in the region.

The Ghat Section comprises a 55 km stretch between Sakleshpur and Subramanya Road, one of the most technically challenging sections of Indian Railways. The route features a steep 1-in-50 gradient, 57 tunnels, 258 bridges, 108 sharp curves, and is highly prone to landslides, making execution of electrification works exceptionally complex.

The electrification work commenced on 01.12.2023 and was completed at a cost of ₹93.55 crore. The project involved the construction of five switching stations along the route and overhead electrification of the entire section. The overhead equipment has been designed for a maximum speed of 120 kmph, with the maximum span between two traction poles limited to 67.5 metres, ensuring safety and operational reliability.

In the 57 tunnels along the section, 419 main brackets and 419 spare brackets were provided for overhead equipment installation. Detailed geological surveys for both lined and unlined portions of tunnels were conducted by the National Institute of Rock Mechanics and Bangalore University. To ensure long-term safety and stability, pull-out tests were conducted at every bracket location to verify proper grouting and anchoring of bolts.

Given the steep gradients and inclines extending up to 830 metres, specialized equipment and robust engineering designs were deployed to maintain proper tension and stability of the overhead system. The project faced severe challenges due to heavy monsoon conditions, frequent landslides, soil erosion, and rockfalls, which disrupted execution and necessitated transport of materials by rail to remote and inaccessible locations.

Further adding to the complexity, due to the steep gradients and limited availability of space for safety features, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) imposed stringent operational restrictions during the execution of the work. Compliance with these safety restrictions significantly increased the difficulty of carrying out electrification activities while ensuring uninterrupted and safe rail operations.

With the successful completion of electrification and electric locomotive trial, the entire Ghat Section is now ready for electric traction, enabling cleaner, energy-efficient, and cost-effective train operations. This achievement marks an important step towards Indian Railways’ objective of 100% electrification and reinforces its commitment to building sustainable and resilient rail infrastructure in challenging terrains.

children were anointed with blessed oil as a sign of God’s protection and grace. Rev. Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, Director of the Shrine

Infant Jesus Shrine observes Feast of the Holy Innocents with Children’s Blessing
The Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, observed its longstanding tradition of invoking God’s blessing upon children—especially infants—on the Feast of the Holy Innocents, celebrated on the third day of Christmas. The feast commemorates the infant martyrs killed by King Herod, who feared the birth of Jesus, proclaimed as the King of the Jews.

Parents, accompanied by their little ones, flocked to the Shrine to take part in the special prayers offered for the gift of children. This year, a solemn Eucharistic Adoration at 10:00 a.m. was led by Rev. Fr Ashwath D’Souza, Director of Asha Deep, Madanthyar. He subsequently presided over the Eucharistic celebration and delivered a meaningful homily.

In his sermon, Fr Ashwath reflected on the mystery of the Incarnation, recalling how Jesus entered the world as a child and “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.” He emphasized the joy, hope, and fulfilment that children bring into family life, urging parents to regard their children as precious gifts from God and to nurture them in virtue, faith, and love.

After the Mass, all present children were anointed with blessed oil as a sign of God’s protection and grace. Rev. Fr Stifan Perera, OCD, Director of the Shrine, was present for the celebration.

The day’s observance once again reaffirmed the Shrine’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of life and cherishing the blessing of children.

“We are not God, but God has given us the power to save up to nine lives and improve up to seventy-five lives.”

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

Indore, December 13, 2025 — Rotarian Lal Goel, Founder and Charter President of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International and Chairman of the Organ Donation India Foundation & GYAN, delivered a powerful and inspiring motivational talk on organ donation to undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with faculty members, at the Government College of Dentistry, Indore.

Rotarian Lal Goel was warmly welcomed and felicitated by Dr Alka Gupta, Principal & CEO of the institution.

Dr Manish Verma introduced the distinguished guests to the audience, including Rotarian Lal Goel, Rotarian Ramnath Pradeep (CSR Chair), and Rotarian Dr S. K. Verma, all representing the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International.

Providing context to the initiative, Rotarian Ramnath Pradeep outlined the mission and ongoing initiatives of the Rotary Club of Organ Donation International, underscoring its commitment to saving lives through sustained awareness and advocacy.

During his address, Rotarian Lal Goel highlighted the stark reality that organ donation often becomes the only solution when even medical professionals are rendered helpless due to the non-availability of organs. Sharing a compelling thought, he remarked:
“We are not God, but God has given us the power to save up to nine lives and improve up to seventy-five lives.”

Addressing questions from students, Rotarian Goel firmly dispelled common misconceptions surrounding organ donation, particularly the myth of rampant organ trading in India. He acknowledged that, as in any field, isolated incidents may occur, but emphasised that such exceptions should not overshadow the immense, life-saving impact of ethical and lawful organ donation.

As a symbol of partnership and goodwill, the visiting Rotarians presented the Rotary Club flag to the Principal, Acting Principal, and Dr Manish Verma.

In his concluding remarks, Rotarian Lal Goel expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr Alka Gupta, Principal, Dr Manish Verma (Program Coordinator), Dr Pallav Mundra (Haematologist), the faculty, and the students for providing a platform to share this vital message. He voiced strong confidence that the younger generation of healthcare professionals would emerge as passionate ambassadors for this noble, life-saving cause.

Christmas Program and Garden Party Brings Festive Cheer to Camelot, Mangalore

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

Camelot on Bejai Church Road, Mangalore, came alive with the true spirit of Christmas as it hosted the Christmas Program and Garden Party on Sunday, 21 December 2025. The day-long celebration, held from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., brought together children, families, youth, and members of the wider community in an atmosphere marked by faith, joy, cultural expression, and togetherness.

A major highlight of the morning celebrations was the special Christmas outreach organised for over 70 orphan and convent children, including 33 girls studying from Class 1 to Class 7 from Balyesu Nilaya Convent, Maryhill. The initiative, coordinated by Sr. Suguna, Sr. Cecelia, and volunteers, ensured that the children were safely transported by bus, enabling them to participate fully in the festivities.

The programme began with a prayer service at 9.30 a.m. at St. Angela Convent, Bejai Church compound. This was followed at 9.45 a.m. by a vibrant Children’s Christmas Carnival Parade, led by Santa Claus riding a Royal Enfield motorcycle and accompanied by Ronnie Joy’s Brass Band. Children from various convents and orphanages, including those coordinated by Lancelot Pinto, joined the colourful procession, which moved along Bejai Church Road before entering Dr. Michael Lobo’s garden at Camelot, spreading festive cheer along the route.

At 10.00 a.m., the parade arrived at Camelot, marking the formal commencement of the celebrations. The children’s programme included drawing activities, prayers, and the inauguration of the Garden Party by Dr. Michael Lobo. Carol singing led by the Sisters, dance performances by the children, group games, and a live Nativity enactment kept the young participants joyfully engaged throughout the morning.
A special highlight for the children was the arrival of Santa Claus, portrayed by Nigel Albuquerque, who made a grand entry and spread joy by distributing gifts and sweets. The moment brought smiles to children and adults alike, adding warmth and delight to the festive celebrations. Additional attractions such as a cake auction, children’s live recordings by the youth tech team, and festive video presentations added to the excitement. The children’s segment concluded with lunch, group photographs, and a vote of thanks in the early afternoon.

As the day progressed, the celebrations took on a reflective and cultural dimension. At 5.00 p.m., a well-attended book talk by noted author William Pais, based on his works Echoes of the Corridors and Touched by Angels, offered thoughtful insights and meaningful interaction with the audience.

The evening cultural programme began at 7.30 p.m., featuring melodious carol singing, a fancy dress competition, and a variety of festive performances. Adults and youth joined in spontaneous singing accompanied by guitars, while a small bonfire added warmth and charm to the Christmas ambience.
In addition to the stage programmes, a traditional Mangalorean Christmas food section offering plum cake, neureos, and other festive favourites drew steady crowds. A vintage wedding photograph exhibition showcasing old wedding customs and photographs provided visitors with a nostalgic glimpse into the past, evoking fond memories and conversations.

The Christmas Program and Garden Party at Camelot concluded as a resounding success, beautifully reflecting the values of unity, compassion, and shared celebration. By bringing together orphaned children, convent communities, families, youth, and the wider public, the event captured the true meaning of Christmas. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors and volunteers, extending warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a joyous festive season.

Cherished memories and smiles, sharing lovely Christmas dinner. The event was witness by huge spectacular crowd

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

Christmas in its true sense is the birth of new ness, happiness, spirit of service to mankind was truly celebrated with great pomp and glory at Snehalaya Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center, Manjeswaram. “Christmas Sambhrama – 2025.” The event was a super combo of cultural feast, bharatnatyam performance enacting the story of Jesus birth by world record holder Ms Remona Evette, and a melodious carol singing by celebrity singers Joshal and Jason directed by Sanjay Rodrigues, master musician, variety of dance performance by team horizon and urban groove.

Rt. Rev Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop Church of South India the chief guest of the day visited the campus prior to the celebration blessed the inmates and gave a wonderful message of love, compassion and humanitarian works and see Christ in whatever we do.

Dr. Vasanth Shetty, administrator of Saanidhya group of institutions a guest of honour touched the hearts by his wonderful message comparing Christ and Krishna. The commonality among all religions. Highlighted the service of Bro Joseph Crasta

Shri Harshad vorkady, the newly elected member Dist. Panchyath Kasargod graced the event with his presence immediately after taking oath and Charge. He recalled the olden days of Josephs mission and exemplified how humble work is being blessed. He expressed his happiness to be the part of this event.

Shri Joseph Elias Menezes, a par excellent humanitarian, Donor, Director of Fortune Life Wealth Pvt. Ltd., Delhi and Proprietor of PTI Consultancy, Bombay delivered a fantastic Christmas message with poetical words, emotions and need of the hour. His words touched deeply. The real Christs are born, re born in these institutions like Snehalaya and it is our responsibility to carry on the humanitarian works.

Shri Eshwar Malpe a dedicated social worker risking his own life in extreme dangerous situations to save lives, retrieve bodies was the main attraction of the day. He was honoured with respect and his message was heart throbbing. His own family situation, losing his own child, two of his children are specially abled children and still he is not after money, glory. he claimed that there are several good hearted men in this society.

Shri. Raymond D Cunha Taccode, the President of Konkanni Basha Mandal Karnataka, and founder, editor of Pingara spoke aptly on the accession and his bond with Snehalaya.

Rev Fr Vincent Crasta associated director Holy Family Hospital Delhi, Rev Fr Cyril D Souza chaplain of Snehalaya were the special guests on the dais.

Bro Joseph crasta welcomed the gathering with his cordial words, shawls and flowers. Mrs Olivia crasta proposed vote of thanks.

Remona the sensational dancer presented a fantastic story of Jesus birth with her energetic team Horizon, well appreciated. Remona was honoured for her achievement with immense pleasure.
The most melodious evening with celebrity singers, under the direction of music director Sanjay Rodrigues was worth enjoying. The evening was full of Carols, and appropriate dances by urban groove under the able leadership of Stany Bela presented by GG100 chorus group was the highlight of the event. The music fest, sangeethostav was compared by Ms Shanthi Priya Lasrado.

The whole programme was well executed and compered by Mr. Geo D’Silva. The celebration concluded on a joyful note, leaving everyone with cherished memories and smiles, sharing lovely Christmas dinner. The event was witness by huge spectacular crowd.

ಉಚಿತ ಆಯುಷ್ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸಾ ಶಿಬಿರ – ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಕುಮಾರೀಸ್ ಮಂಗಳೂರು

ಪ್ರಜಾಪಿತ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಕುಮಾರೀಸ್ ಈಶ್ವರೀಯ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯ ಮಂಗಳೂರು ಹಾಗೂ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕನ್ನಡ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಆಯುಷ್ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಮಂಗಳೂರು ಇವರ ಸಂಯುಕ್ತ ಆಶ್ರಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ 21, 2025ರಂದು ಆಯೋಜಿಸಲಾಗಿದ್ದ ಉಚಿತ ಆಯುಷ್ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸಾ ಶಿಬಿರ ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾಗಿ ನಡೆಯಿತು.

ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಉರ್ವ ಸ್ಟೋರ್ಸ್ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಕುಮಾರೀಸ್ ಕೇಂದ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಈ ಶಿಬಿರದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರಿಂದ ಉತ್ತಮ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆ ವ್ಯಕ್ತವಾಯಿತು. 250 ಜನ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿ ಆಯುಷ್ ಕಿಟ್ ಪಡೆದರು.ಆಯುರ್ವೇದ, ಹೋಮಿಯೋಪತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಯೋಗ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ಅನೇಕ ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಗೆ ಉಚಿತ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ತಪಾಸಣೆ, ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ ಮತ್ತು ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಸಲಹೆ ನೀಡಲಾಯಿತು.

ಶಿಬಿರದಲ್ಲಿ
ಡಾ. ಹೇಮಲತಾ ಪಿ., ವೈದ್ಯಾಧಿಕಾರಿ – ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಆಯುಷ್ ಮತ್ತು ಹೋಮಿಯೋಪತಿ ಸಂಯುಕ್ತ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆ, ಮಂಗಳೂರು,
ಡಾ. ಶ್ರೇಣಿ, ವೈದ್ಯಾಧಿಕಾರಿ – ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಹೋಮಿಯೋಪತಿ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸಾಲಯ, ಗುರುಪುರ,
ಡಾ. ಬಸವರಾಜ, ತಜ್ಞ ವೈದ್ಯ – ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಆಯುಷ್ ಮತ್ತು ಹೋಮಿಯೋಪತಿ ಸಂಯುಕ್ತ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆ, ಮಂಗಳೂರು,
ಡಾ. ಹೇಮಂತ್ ಕುಮಾರ್ ಪಿ., ತಜ್ಞ ವೈದ್ಯ,
ಡಾ. ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ್ ಪಿ., ತಜ್ಞ ವೈದ್ಯ – ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಆಯುಷ್ ಮತ್ತು ಹೋಮಿಯೋಪತಿ ಸಂಯುಕ್ತ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆ,
ಹಾಗೂ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಅನಿತಾ, ಫಾರ್ಮಸಿಸ್ಟ್ / ಹಿರಿಯ ವಿತರಕರು – ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಆಯುಷ್ ಮತ್ತು ಹೋಮಿಯೋಪತಿ ಸಂಯುಕ್ತ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆ
ಇವರು ಶಿಬಿರದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇವೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದರು.
ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಕುಮಾರಿ ವಿಶ್ವೇಶ್ವರಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, ಭಾರತೀಯ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸಾ ಪದ್ಧತಿಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ಸಮಾಜದ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸುಧಾರಣೆ ಉದ್ದೇಶದಿಂದ ಈ ರೀತಿಯ ಶಿಬಿರಗಳನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು. ಶಿಬಿರದ ಯಶಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಸಹಕರಿಸಿದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ವೈದ್ಯರು, ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿ, ಸ್ವಯಂಸೇವಕರು ಹಾಗೂ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರಿಗೆ ಕೃತಜ್ಞತೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ಇವರು ಧ್ಯಾನ ಮಾಡಿಸಿದರು. ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಕುಮಾರಿ ಪ್ರಭಾ ಇವರು ಸಭಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿದರು, ಜಯಕ್ಕ ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸಿದರು.
ಈ ಸಮಾಚಾರಕ್ಕೆ ವ್ಯಾಪಕ ಪ್ರಚಾರ ನೀಡಬೇಕಾಗಿ ವಿನಂತಿ.
ಬಿ ಕೆ ವಿಶ್ವೇಶ್ವರಿ