Infant Jesus Church

Infant Jesus Church in Vivek Nagar, central Bengaluru, is a prominent Roman Catholic shrine dedicated to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Established in 1971 and developed into its present fan-shaped building inaugurated in 1979, it is renowned for its Thursday novena Masses that draw thousands of devotees. The church features modern architecture, stained glass, and a revered statue of Infant Jesus, serving as a major pilgrimage and visitor site in the city.

Visitors can expect a large, fan-shaped modern church with a spacious hall, stained-glass windows, and a central shrine with the statue of Infant Jesus. The interior is open for prayer and Mass, with seating for large congregations. The exterior includes a courtyard, grotto, and candle-lighting area. On Thursdays the premises are very crowded due to novena services in multiple languages. The surroundings are urban, located on a busy road in Vivek Nagar with shops selling candles and religious articles.

The shrine traces its origin to 1971 when Rev. Fr. Paul Kinatukara started devotion to Infant Jesus of Prague in a small shed in Vivek Nagar. Due to growing devotion, a larger church was constructed and inaugurated in 1979. It was later developed into a shrine and has since grown into one of the most visited Catholic churches in Bengaluru, known for its Thursday novenas.

The church is a major Catholic pilgrimage centre in South India, revered by people of all faiths. The Thursday novena and annual feast celebrations in January are significant religious and cultural gatherings, reflecting devotion to Infant Jesus of Prague and the multicultural devotional tradition of Bengaluru.