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This month's Goanet operations sponsored by Mrs. Daisy Faleiro ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SOLEMN FEAST OF INFANT JESUS IN MIRA ROAD (Mumbai) AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH Mumbai, Jan 21: The feast celebration began with nine day novena preaching on the various parables of Jesus. Different preachers came to preach the novenas. The devotion to the Holy Child Jesus has long been a tradition of the Catholic Church for a very long time. This devotion is a veneration of our Lord's sacred Infancy. Many saints had a very strong devotion to the Divine Child, notably St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Teresa of Avila. Prague is the capitol city of the Czech Republic, which is at the very central of Europe with Germany, Poland, Russia and Austria as its neighbours. The history of the Infant Jesus of Prague started in the 17th century when a statue of the Infant Jesus was brought into Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and eventually was given to the Discalced Carmelites in Prague. Since then, the statue has remained in Prague and has drawn many devotees worldwide to go and honor the Holy Child. Many graces, blessings, favors and miraculous healings have been received by many who petitioned before the Infant Jesus. The feast day theme was JESUS IS THE CENTRE OF OUR LIFE for our liturgy. Bishop Rt. Rev. Thomas Dabre, of Vasai Diocese was the main celebrant along with the Parish Priest Fr. Rudolf V. D' Souza, assistants Frs. Elias D' Souza and Deepak Thomas and a guest priest Fr. Stephen from Mission of Bellary was present, and the recently joined Deacon Brother Ajith. He also thanked the preachers: Fr. Lawrence OCD, Fr. Melwin Rosario OCD. Fr. Alfred OCD and Fr. Lancy Mendonca OCD. The Bishop delivered a thought provoking homily stressing the need to make Jesus the centre of our Life. Fr. Rudolf translated the whole homily in Konkani as 80% of the parisheners of Mira Road are Konkani speaking people. He stressed that today when people shy away from witnessing Christ. They decorate their rooms with Movie heroes than a Crucifix of Our Lord. They wear other ornaments than a simple cross. Well, he applauded the Mira Road St. Joseph Parishioners for their courage for the long procession with the Infant Jesus Statue and with the Patron banners of the SCC communities. He said that St. Joseph Church is well known for its traditions built over just in 18 years of her history. Fr. Rudolf thanked all those who were instrumental in making this feast a big success. He thanked especially Daijiworld.com for publishing the photos as it was very close to St. Joseph's Church through its local reporter. He also thanked the Andy Sound, Shagird co and Cicilia Band and other people He thanked Mr. Francis Araujo the vice president, the office staff and Mr. Sebastian D'Souza who organized with the help of third Order Carmelite Member and Legion of Mary the Sweets packets for distribution after the solemn mass. People danced before Infant Jesus Statue expressing their gratitude and graced they received during the last 10 days. People of other religions, casts and creed came to honour Infant Jesus in thousands in the last week and especially today. Infant Jesus feast has been picking up very fast in the vicinity of Mira Road Parish. Browse 271 photographs http://ancy.fotopic.net/c1190556.html DaijiWorld Report can be found at http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=29840&n_tit=Feast+of+Infant+Jesus+Celebrated+at+Mira+Road - Ancy Paladka Tel: 0250-2390225 Cell: 9892917888, 9323299570 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]