The Annual Feast of the Infant Jesus Shrine, Nashik, western India, was celebrated with deep devotion on 14 Feb. The celebration was preceded by a traditional nine-day Novena, during which thousands of faithful gathered daily in prayerful preparation for the feast.
Massive crowds gathered, requiring large-scale civic arrangements and reaffirming the shrine’s status as one of the most significant Catholic pilgrimage centres in western India.
Novena and Spiritual Preparation
The feast was preceded by a nine-day Novena that began earlier in February. Each day, thousands of devotees participated in prayer services. On the feast day, nearly two hundred thousand pilgrims from across the state of Maharashtra and various parts of India visited the shrine.
Multiple Holy Masses were celebrated from early morning until evening to accommodate the large number of faithful.
Masses began as early as 6:00 a.m., continued hourly throughout the day and concluded with the final Mass at 7:00 p.m.
Services were conducted in English, Marathi, Konkani, Tamil, and Malayalam, enabling devotees from diverse linguistic backgrounds to participate meaningfully.
Episcopal Homily
Bishop Barthol Barretto of Nashik, celebrated the fourth Mass of the day. In his homily, he reflected:
“We have gathered with great devotion at this shrine of faith — the Infant Jesus Shrine. In the dictionary of our God, littleness is valued and treasured. Insignificance and childlikeness are hallmarks of God’s way of working.
The Infant Jesus continues to inspire us — not to have an infant faith, but an adult faith — believing that God can make all things possible without reference to our resume, wealth, or status. Life offers us the opportunity to place our littleness into the hands of God, who leads us to transformation and beauty.”
Voices of the Devotees
Leena Mendonsa, Mumbai:
“I have been visiting the shrine for the past 26 years. Despite the growing crowds, there is deep satisfaction in braving them with true devotion. The Infant Jesus opens His doors to people of all faiths. It is amazing to see the crowds increasing every year.”
Kevin D’Cunha, Nashik:
“I feel blessed to have grown up close to the Infant Jesus Shrine. Whenever I feel unhappy or burdened by life’s uncertainties, I visit the shrine and find peace. The inscription at the entrance — ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’ — reminds me that following His path leads to true peace.”
Rufus Dias, Mumbai:
“I return every year to thank the Infant Jesus for answering my prayers. There have been countless instances where my petitions were granted, including a time when I desperately needed financial help. I continue to come in gratitude and faith.”
A Festival of Faith and Unity
The Infant Jesus Feast is not merely a liturgical event but a vibrant gathering marked by prayer, thanksgiving, and communal harmony. Many devotees camp in and around the shrine for several days, making the feast both a spiritual retreat and a shared community experience.
Held annually on the second Saturday of February, the feast attracts lakhs of devotees from Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other parts of India.
Special arrangements were made to ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims. The celebrations were marked by discipline, devotion, and unity among people of all backgrounds and faiths.
History of the Shrine
The history of the shrine dates back to February 1970. Through the pioneering efforts of the founder, Fr. Peter Lewis, and the support of generous donors, contraction of Infant Jesus Shrine began in the late 1960s.
The shrine was completed and inaugurated in February 1970, drawing thousands from Bombay and other places who witnessed the strong faith and devotion of the people.
Since then, the annual February feast has continued to grow, attracting devotees from across India and beyond.
Novena booklets, devotional pictures, and medals are sent worldwide. Countless devotees testify to graces and blessings received through the Infant Jesus. This devotion continues to draw many back to God.
As the shrine’s enduring message proclaims: "The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you.”
