Mangalore Diocese News

Novena Commences at Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres

Report & Photos: Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore

Mangaluru, Feb 6 : As St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu is all set for the celebration of the Relic Feast of St Anthony of Padua, Very Rev. Msgr Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore, marked the commencement of the same by hoisting the festal flag on the first day of the Novena at Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres, on February 06, 2025.

The inaugural mass, concelebrated by Rev. Fr J B Crasta, Director, Rev. Fr Gilbert Dsouza, Spiritual Director and Rev. Fr Avinash Pais, Assistant Director of St Anthony Charitable Institutions, Jeppu, centred on prayers for families.

Msgr Maxim Noronha delivered a sermon centred on the theme of hope. He emphasised that hope is essential for a meaningful life, reminding the faithful that Jesus encourages us not to despair, offering the promise of eternal life. Life’s troubles and challenges often lead us into discouragement, causing us to lose hope during difficult times.

Msgr Noronha highlighted the power of prayer amidst despair, drawing attention to how Jesus Himself prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and taught His disciples the importance of prayer. He explained that prayer strengthens us as pilgrims, enabling us to walk with hope towards eternal bliss. Additionally, he stressed that family prayer unites and fortifies families, helping them remain resilient during times of hardship.

Devotees, numbering in the hundreds, actively participated in the inaugural day of the novena, which is set to continue until February 14, 2025.

The main celebrant for the main festive Holy Mass on February 15, 2025, at 6 pm at Milagres Church Grounds will be Most Rev. Dr Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar. The theme for the feast is "Walk in the Footsteps of St Anthony, Embrace the Journey as Pilgrims of Hope"
On the Feast Day, February 15, Mass in Konkani is scheduled at 6 am and 9.30 am at St. Anthony Ashram Jeppu.

The novena is a preparatory event leading up to the relic feast of St Anthony.