Mangalore Diocese News

Report & Photos: Fr Anil Fernandes, Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore

Mangaluru, Feb 15 : The annual celebration of the Relic Feast of St Anthony of Padua reached its pinnacle today at the Milagres Shrine, Mangaluru. Organized by St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, the event drew thousands of devotees who gathered at Our Lady of Miracles Church on February 15, 2025.

Most Rev. Dr Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar, led the solemn festive Eucharistic Mass, accompanied by numerous priests in concelebration. The bishop prayed for the devotees of St Anthony and delivered an inspiring sermon on the theme "Hope Does Not Disappoint Us."

Focusing on the Year of Hope, Bishop Duming Dias emphasized the power of unwavering faith in overcoming life's challenges. He highlighted St Anthony's role as a beacon of hope for the faithful and encouraged the congregation to trust in divine providence.

Blessing of the St Anthony Bread

In a gesture of spiritual solidarity, Bishop Duming Dias blessed the St Anthony Bread, invoking healing for the sick and suffering. The blessed bread was then distributed among the attendees, symbolizing St Anthony's intercession for their well-being.

Felicitation of the New Bishop of Karwar

A short felicitation ceremony was held at the end of the Mass to honour Bishop Duming Dias on the occasion of his Episcopal ordination. Rev. Fr J. B. Crasta, Director of St Anthony’s Charitable Institutions, Jeppu, along with other priests and dignitaries, felicitated the bishop with a shawl, a floral bouquet, and fruits as tokens of respect and goodwill.

Celebrations at St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu

The festive celebrations at St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, unfolded in the morning with a Konkani Eucharistic Mass at 6:00 am, presided over by Rev. Fr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu. All the residents of the ashram took part in the mass. This was followed by a second Eucharistic Mass at 9:30 am, led by Rev. Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, Parish Priest of Milagres Church. Many devotees of St Anthony prayed for his intercession during the same.

In the evening, the grand festive Mass at Milagres Shrine was celebrated with the participation of Msgr Very Rev. Maxim Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore, along with Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, Fr J. B. Crasta, Director of St Anthony’s Charitable Institutions, Fr Gilbert Dsouza, Chaplain, and Assistant Directors Fr Nelson Peris and Fr Avinash Pais. Clergy and religious sisters from across the city also joined in the celebrations.

Following the solemn Mass, the festive flag was ceremoniously lowered, marking the conclusion of the celebrations.

The day was filled with spiritual reflection, communal joy, and a deep sense of devotion. The Relic Feast of St Anthony once again stood as a testament to faith, unity, and the enduring quest for divine intervention, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who participated.

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