Archbishop Peter Machado Inaugurates Infant Jesus Shrine as Jubilee Pilgrimage Church

Bangalore, January 14, 2025: Bangalore’s Infant Jesus Shrine drew thousands of devotees on January 14, 2025, as Archbishop Peter Machado celebrated the grand Feast Mass. People from diverse faiths gathered in the beautifully adorned church to honor the Infant Jesus.

Archbishop Machado, the main celebrant, was joined by Fr. John Anthony, the Parish Priest; Fr. Anil Martin, the Assistant Parish Priest and four other priests who concelebrated the mass. During the Eucharist, the Archbishop proclaimed, “With this Eucharist, I inaugurate this Shrine to be the Pilgrims Shrine of our Archdiocese in this year of Jubilee.” The announcement highlighted the shrine's significance as one of the Jubilee Pilgrimage Churches in the Bangalore Archdiocese.

In his homily, Archbishop Machado reflected on the openness and love of the Infant Jesus, symbolized by His welcoming arms. He emphasized God’s goodness and kindness, urging the faithful to surrender their hearts rather than material gifts, drawing inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary. He reminded the congregation of the spiritual gifts that the Infant Jesus offers: peace in families, understanding in society, and blessings in life.

The Archbishop concluded by listing the five Pilgrimage Shrines designated for the Jubilee Year: St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Cleveland Town; Infant Jesus Shrine, Viveknagar; St. Mary’s Basilica, Shivajinagar; Holy Rosary Church in Harobale, and Our Lady of Mines in KGF.

The feast day celebrations include multiple Masses throughout the day and a grand evening procession with thousands of participants. Leading up to the feast, the parish hosted a nine-day novena with Holy Mass and Adoration. This was followed by a celebration of cultural events with music and dance as an offering of talents to the Infant Jesus.

By Catholic Connect Reporter