22nd June, 1989, was yet another hallmark in the history of the parish of Infant Jesus, at Vivekanagar. The people witnessed the solemn blessing and dedication of the building, by His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Alphonsus Mathias, Archbishop of Bangalore, to house The Infant Jesus. A SHRINE AS A CROWN TO HIM.

The devotion to Infant Jesus, as we know, has become wide-spread and this once obscure parish of Vivekanagar is on the State, National and International map as a place of pilgrimage, miracles and Divine Solace. Thousands of Devotees from all faiths throng the church compound on Thursday, to honour the Infant Jesus. No doubt all roads lead to the Infant Jesus church in Vivekanagar during the Annual Novena Which culminates with the Grand Feast Day.

Why was this shrine built? While it is an expression of the love of people it was built, to house the miraculous statue, so as to cater to the needs of the devotees. So devotees need not go to the church during Worship, unless they want to participate in the Eucharistic Celebration.

It is hoped that the opening of this separate shrine for honouring the Infant Jesus would go a long way to facilitate the large family of devotees to worship Him in a more meaningful way. May the Infant Jesus, in accordance with His promise bless all those who sincerely seek to honour Him.

9th June 2005, was yet another hallmark in the parish of Infant Jesus at Vivekanagar. The people witnessed the solemn dedication and inauguration of the new church to the Infant Jesus by his grace Most Rev. Dr. Pedro Lopez Quintana, Apostolic Nuncio in India, together with Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Alphonsus Mathias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Paul Pinto, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac lobo, Bishop of Shimoga, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Vazhapilly, Bishop of Mysore and Rev. Dr. Derrick, Administrator of Belgaum at a concelebrated mass with large number of priests and the faithful.

In 2000 AD when the whole world and the universal Church was celebrating the beginning of the III millennium, the priests of Infant Jesus Parish were planning with the then Vicar General Rev. Fr. T. Jabamalai to build a new church for Infant Jesus and a huge basement parking for vehicles, for the devotees convenience. The 33 years old Church was very small to contain the huge crowds pouring to the Shrine and to manage the heavy traffic coming in on Thursdays. With this and many other problems were to be faced with the increasing anti-social elements. The then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stany Viegas, Msgr. then Vicar General T. Jabamalai and the then Archbishop of Bangalore Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Paul Pinto decided in 2001 to build a new Church. In 2002 with the new Parish Priest Fr. Martin Kumar, the then Archbishop of Bangalore Ignatius Paul Pinto laid the foundation stone on 4th January. Mr. T. M. Thomas and Associates were the Architects, Gena Engineering, with T. J. Thomas was the contractor, Mr. Antony, the site engineer and Brig. Lawrence the project co-ordinator and Msgr. T. Jabamalai the Project Director and Fr. Martin Kumar the Parish Priest to mobilize the resources for the project, the work began with the blessings of Infant Jesus.

It was a mere miracle to see the project progress from step to step, from year to year, and with the generous contributions of the devotees by January 14th 2003, the 1st phase of the work of the basement and the podium was completed and inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Paul Pinto, Archbishop of Bangalore. The new Archbishop, Dr. Bernard Moras took over the reins of the Archdiocese on 17th September, 2004. He was keen on the completion of the Church and the worship to begin. Without a single casualty and without any major break off from the work, the Church was successfully completed on 14th January 2005. The inauguration was planned and completed on 9th June, 2005. The Honourable Governor of Karnataka Mr. T. N. Chaturvedhi was also present on the occasion.

The New Church is now open for worship and thousands flock for masses each day. Every one finds the Church beautiful, spacious and conducive to pray. Come experience the glory of Infant Jesus in the beautiful Church.