News By Anvita Dcunha
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Dornahalli - Mysuru, 14 June 2024 : The annual feast of World Renowned St. Anthony was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur at St. Anthony's Basilica, Dornahalli (Diosese of Mysore) marking a significant day for the faithful.

The origins of this holy basilica trace back to around 1800 A.D. when a farmer discovered a miraculous statue of St. Anthony while ploughing his Raagi field. Despite initial skepticism and facing many hardships, the farmer received a vision instructing him to build a shrine on the site. With the assistance of a visiting Christian priest who recognized the statue as St. Anthony of Padua, the shrine was erected. Since then, St. Anthony's Basilica has become a revered place of worship, drawing countless devotees who come to seek blessings and miracles attributed to St. Anthony.

Around 220 years ago, a farmer while tilling his field, found a wooden statue which was found to have miraculous powers. In the days to come, it was revealed that it was the statue of St. Anthony of Padua. Devotees started visiting this place in large numbers and obtained great favors.

In order to facilitate the devotees to pray and show their reverence to St. Anthony, a small shrine was built in the year 1920, by the Parish priest Rev. Fr. S. D’Silva with the generosity and help of the erstwhile Dewan at the Mysore Palace, Shri Thambu Chetty, and his brother Shri Dharmaraj Chetty.

In the years to come, the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine because of the miracles taking place increased manifold, it was then decided to construct a spacious and beautiful church by the then Parish Priest Very. Rev. Fr. I. H. Lobo, and hence construction started in the year 1964. The newly constructed, spacious, beautiful church was blessed and inaugurated on the 13th of June, 1969 by His excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Matthias Fernandez, who was the Bishop of the Diocese of Mysore.

On the 17th of October, 2019, by the Divine blessings of The Almighty, the Church was granted the status of “Minor Basilica” by His Holiness Pope Francis which is a matter of great joy to all the Devotees.

On 9th June 2020, Most Rev. Dr. K. A. William Bishop of Mysore Officially announced the Minor Basilica and Offered the Thanksgiving Mass.

The annual feast day on June 13th was filled with a series of masses and spiritual activities, beginning as early as 5:00 AM. Rev. Fr. N. T. Joseph, Rector of St. Anthony's Basilica, commenced the day with the first Mass in Kannada. This was followed by another Kannada Mass at 6:00 AM led by Rev. Fr. Anthony Raj J, Parish Priest of St. Theresa's Church, Doddarayapete.

At 7:00 AM, an English Mass was conducted by Rev. Fr. Joseph Marie J., the Director of the Catholic Center, Mysore. The morning continued with a Kannada Mass at 8:00 AM by Rev. Fr. Manuel D'Souza, Director of St. Joseph's Hospital, Mysore.

The highlight of the day's celebrations was the Festive High Mass at 10:00 AM in Kannada, officiated by Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore. This Mass drew the largest congregation, with devotees gathering in large numbers to participate in the solemn ceremony.

Following this, at 11:30 AM, a Tamil Mass was held, led by Rev. Fr. Madalai Muthu, Principal of St. Anne's PU College, Virajpet. The afternoon services included an English Mass at 1:00 PM by Rev. Fr. Charles Serrao OCD from Pushpashrama, Mysore, and a Kannada Mass at 3:00 PM by Rev. Fr. Balaraj, Parish Priest of Infant Jesus Church, Balnagar.

The celebrations continued into the evening with a Kannada Mass at 4:00 PM, and at 5:30 PM, another Kannada Mass was led by Rev. Fr. Mari Raj, Parish Priest of St. Joseph's Church, Mandya, along with Rev. Fr. Xavier M., Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Yadavagiri. The day concluded with a grand Car Procession and Benediction of the Holy Eucharist, bringing together the faithful in a display of communal reverence and unity.

The smooth conduct of the feast day was made possible by the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals and groups. Overall in charge of the peace system were Rev. Fr. N. T. Joseph and Rev. Fr. Praveen Pedru. The flag hoisting ceremony was managed by Rev. Fr. Vijay Kumar. Liturgical arrangements and announcements were overseen by Rev. Fr. Yesu Prasad and the Rev. Sisters of JMJ and SRA. Accommodation for priests and religious, along with campus maintenance, was handled by the Rev. Sisters of SRA, the Carmelite Rev. Fathers and Brothers of Pushpashrama, Capuchin fathers and brothers, Prabhodhana fathers and brothers, Bethany sisters and Rev. Fr. Avinash for food arrangements during the feast day and novena days.

Religious stall arrangements were coordinated by Rev. Fr. Pakia Raj and the Rev. Sisters of Bethany from Dornahalli and KR Nagara. Police in charge was Rev. Fr. Madalai Muthu. Confessions and their arrangements were managed by Rev. Fr. Maria Xavier, along with the Carmelite, Capuchin, and Prabhuduana Fathers and Brothers. Decoration and car processions were organized by Rev. Fr. Madalai Muthu, Rev. Fr. Joseph Mari, Rev. Fr. Praveen Pedru, and Rev. Fr. Sebastian Alexander.
Healthcare services were provided by Rev. Fr. Manuel and the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital. The event also received significant support from the MLA of KR Nagar, Shri Ravi Shankar, and various government departments.

St. Anthony's Basilica stands as a testament to unwavering faith and the countless blessings received by those who come to seek St. Anthony's intercession. The annual feast day continues to be a significant spiritual event, celebrating the enduring legacy and miraculous power of St. Anthony.

Basilica Rector Rev. Fr. N. T. Joseph, Basilica Administrator Rev. Fr. Praveen Pedru thanked everyone for their support and cooperation.

Watch Videos : 

PART -1 (13 June 2024 from 5:00AM onwards)

PART -2 (13 June 2024 from 01:00PM onwards)