Annual Day of Ballok Jezu Kutam
The organization of Ballok Jezu Kutam celebrated their Annual Day at Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill - Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru on 16th November 2023.

Ballok Jezu Kutam is a group of volunteers, who offer their time and energy for the smooth running of the Shrine. They number around 40 who are from various walks of life. Even in the midst of their busy professional and personal schedules, they make the needs of the Shrine a priority and have always been at the beck and call of the Shrine.

The group had its beginning in the year 2014. “The more you honour me, the more will I bless you,” says Infant Jesus of Prague. These men and women, honour Infant Jesus by sparing their time and resources for the Shrine, and the growing number itself is proof of their reception of manifold graces from Infant Jesus. The happiness and peace that each of them radiates is joyfully contagious.

A thanksgiving Mass was solemnized at 10:30 am in the Shrine, to thank God for the blessings and to implore divine favours and benedictions on all the members of the group; the Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Deep Fernandes, OCD the Delegate Provincial to the OCDS.

The annual day celebration was an afternoon of delight. The dais was decorated by the presence of Rev. Fr. Pius James D’Souza, the Definitor General of the Order, Rev. Fr. Deep Fernandes, the Master of the Theology Brothers, Rev. Fr. Stifan Pereira, the Shrine Director, Mr Melwyn Moras the Vice President and Mrs. Rose Marie the Secretary of the BJK.

The occasion was enriched by splendid performances of the members of the group, including singing and dancing. Fun games too were held, and everyone present gleefully partook in them!

In the absence of Rev. Fr. Melvin DCunha, the Superior, Fr. Deep Fernandes represented him and thanked each member for their selfless service to the Shrine. The celebration came to a close with a meal shared in family spirit.