Novena

The worshipful novena done before the Holy Sacrament immediately after the Holy Mass on every Friday is one of the pious observances that bring special favours to the devotees. The services on the first Friday of every month is very famous. The most important offering at the Holy Cross Church Cherpunkal is the participation in the Holy Mass and the special novena on nine consecutive first Fridays and the offering of oil for the ever burning unfading lamp. On the first Friday of the month the services at the church commence at 4.15 in the morning. On first Fridays the queue for offering oil continues from midnight to midnight. There will be Holy Masses and novena till seven in the evening. The number of people coming to the church on other Fridays also is on the increase. The novena prayers, which give solace and hope to many, were prepared by the assistant vicar Rev. Fr. Jose Eanthanal in 1977. It is customary for devotees to offer gold chains, gold rings, gold bangles and gold crown to Infant Jesus for special favours received. The statue of Infant Jesus at Cherpunkal has miraculous powers. On 31st       December, the day commemorating the purification of our lady, the devotees themselves can put gold ornaments on the statue of Infant Jesus after the vesper. The evening prayers on Sundays are another observance that offers the fullness of spiritual celebration.