The Name of Jesus Knows No Barriers, Says Bishop Thomas Aquinas at Infant Jesus Feast in Coimbatore

Coimbatore, 14 Jan, 2026: Testifying to the power in the name of Jesus, Bishop Thomas Aquinas of Coimbatore said that calling on the name of Jesus is powerful and that Jesus always responds. He was speaking during the Infant Jesus Feast celebrated on January 11 at the Infant Jesus Shrine in Kovaipudur, Coimbatore.

Bishop Thomas Aquinas, the main celebrant of the Eucharistic celebration, spoke on the power of the name of Jesus, first sharing a testimony from his pastoral experience. He recalled the case of a Hindu man who had repeatedly applied for jobs in Saudi Arabia without any response and was going through a difficult period. On the advice of a Catholic friend, the man visited the Infant Jesus Shrine in Kovaipudur and prayed there. Within a week, the Bishop said, the man received a job offer, emphasising that Jesus responds the moment His name is called, regardless of who you are or where you are from, highlighting the power inherent in invoking His name.

Urging the faithful to make prayer a priority in the new year, the Bishop encouraged families to strengthen family prayer. He said that busy schedules, personal struggles, or daily challenges should not become reasons to neglect prayer or regular participation in the Mass. He further said that rather than expecting the New Year to change our lives, we should reflect on how we can transform ourselves by doing what is pleasing to God.

The Bishop also highlighted the importance of individual prayer, pointing to Jesus as an example. He recalled that Jesus often withdrew early in the morning to pray alone, showing the need for personal time with God. Individual prayer, he said, helps us grow spiritually and remain attentive to God’s will.

Masses were celebrated in multiple languages throughout the day to accommodate the large number of pilgrims. The feast also included a prayerful procession through the surrounding streets, with thousands of faithful, including people of other faiths, taking part. The feast was meticulously organised under the leadership of Parish Priest Fr. Pradeep Arokiaraj, with the active support and cooperation of the parishioners, ensuring the smooth, orderly, and prayerful conduct of all the celebrations.

By Catholic Connect Reporter