The Infant Jesus Church, located in Vivek Nagar, Bengaluru, is a Roman Catholic church which was established in 1971 and it’s called Infant Jesus Church. It was dedicated to infant form of Lord Jesus. This famous church, built in memory of the historic Infant Jesus of Prague, is also known as the Infant Jesus Shrine. It’s popularity is increasing due to many miracles happening at this shrine and in the lives of many people who pray here. In 2005, a new church building was also built next to the old building, which is currently used as the Church of Infant Jesus. People of all religions often visit the church on Thursdays, which is a special day dedicated to the Infant Jesus. This church started in a small tent. Today its popularity has increased so much that it has become a major landmark of Bangalore.
Establishment of Infant Jesus Church
The foundation of this church was laid on April 18, 1969 by the Bishop of that time, Duraisamy Simon Lourdusamy. A tent church was started at this place after Father L. Peter was ordained as priest in May 1971 and a statue of the infant Jesus brought from Sacred Heart Church Bangalore was placed here. For the next eight years, the church continued in the same tent, and finally, the church building was inaugurated by Dr. DS Lourduswamy on 29 June 1979. The present church building was inaugurated on 9 June 2005 by Dr. Bernard Moraes, Archbishop of Bangalore. It has a fan-shaped hall that can accommodate 2500 people at a time. The central mural of 6×9 meter size in this church is a replica of the birth scene in the Church of the Nativity in Jerusalem. There are 9 entrances around the church.
Importance of Infant Jesus Church
Although the Infant Jesus Church has become an important religious place due to the miracles since its inception, this church is an expression of the love of the people and was built to keep the miraculous idol of the divine infant form of Lord Jesus. This divine form of Jesus said “The more you honor me, the more I will bless you”. Hence, devotees of Jesus visit the church at every opportunity, attend the services, and send greetings to loved ones with infant Jesus images and photos. The best way to honor him is by attending the weekly Thursday celebrations, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at this church and the annual celebrations from January 4, Flag Hoisting Day to January 14, Feast Day.
Near by Places of Infant Jesus Church
Bangalore Fort: The Bangaluru for was built by Kempe Gowda which was a governor under the Vijayanagara Empire, in the 16th century and Tipu Sultan expanded the fort and did some modification on it. This fort gives a glance into the rich history and architectural heritage of the busy city of Bangaluru.
Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan: Tipu Sultan which was famous emperor built this classic example of Indo-Islamic architecture in 18th century. There are painted walls, arched balconies and wooden pillars in this palace.
Aerospace Museum: This museum showcases the achievements and evolution of India’s aerospace industry. The museum has many exhibits including aircraft models, engines and memorabilia from aviation history.
Conclusion
With beautiful interior decoration, you are able to see into the Infant Jesus church, which gives peace of mind and strengthens during the prayer or worship in front of Jesus. That place is really very heart-touching as you will see many tourists and crowds, mostly on January 14th, as it celebrates the annual feast, which has been celebrated since 1971. Over the years, the Thursday mass at the church has seen a rise in the number of visitors and currently attracts thousands of people from different faiths. Seven mass services are held in different languages in honor of the Infant Jesus. The Infant Jesus shrine is now known as a place of pilgrimage, miracles and divine solace not only in this state but across the country.