Report & Photos: Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore

Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 5: St Anthony Shrine at Milagres Church observed seventh day of the novena leading up to the annual relic feast of St Anthony of Padua on February 5.

The eucharistic mass was presided over by Fr Roshan D'Cunha, diocesan director of YCS along with Fr J B Crasta, the director, Fr Avinash Pais and Fr Nelson Peris, assistant directors of St Anthony Charitable Institutions in Jeppu.

Fr Roshan's sermon focused on "The Power of God's Visitation." He called upon the congregation to recognize and acknowledge Jesus not just as a historical figure but as a living Savior actively involved in our lives. He invited all to respond to God's interventions with gratitude and worship, glorifying Him in our thoughts, words, and actions. He emphasized the importance of sharing our experiences of God's transformative power with others, spreading the message of hope and salvation.

Following the mass, Fr Nelson Peris led the novena, with special prayers for suffering families and youth. The choir members of Holy Rosary Cathedral, Rosario added a melodious dimension to the expressions of gratitude.

The Novena is set to continue until February 7.

Looking forward, the festivities' highlight is the main celebrant, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Mangalore, leading the main festive holy mass on February 8, at 6 pm at Milagres Church grounds. The feast's theme, "Let those who received, Proclaim," sets the tone for a day of spiritual significance and community celebration.

On the feast day, scheduled for February 8, Konkani masses are slated for 6 and 9:30 am at St Anthony Shram Jeppu, with a Malayalam mass at 4:30 pm at Milagres Church. Anticipation builds for a day filled with spiritual significance and community jubilation.