Annual Vehicle Blessing Held at Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte
Mangaluru, October 20: The Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru, organised its annual vehicle blessing ceremony on October 20, coinciding with Ayudha Puje, drawing a large number of Christian faithful who brought their vehicles to receive God's blessings and pray for safe journeys.

The day began with the Holy Mass at 6.30 a.m., presided over by Rev. Fr. Stany Listan Pinto OCD, a member of St. Joseph’s Monastery, Carmel Hill, Bikarnakatte, along with Rev. Fr. Stifan Perera OCD, Director of the Shrine. Following the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Stifan Perera blessed the vehicles, invoking God's protection upon drivers, passengers and all road users.

The blessing ceremony continued throughout the day until 7 p.m., with vehicles being blessed at regular intervals of approximately ten minutes. A steady stream of cars, two-wheelers and other vehicles arrived at the Shrine, reflecting the faithful's trust in God's protection and their desire to begin every journey with prayer.

Addressing the faithful, Fr. Stifan Perera emphasised that seeking God's blessing must go hand in hand with responsible driving. He urged motorists to strictly follow traffic regulations, avoid reckless driving, respect fellow road users and give the highest priority to the safety of passengers. He reminded drivers that road safety is a shared responsibility and that prudent driving is an expression of care for human life.

The annual vehicle blessing at the Infant Jesus Shrine serves as a reminder that faith and responsibility must go together. The celebration encouraged motorists to entrust their journeys to God's providence while remaining vigilant, disciplined and considerate on the roads.