Report & Photos: Canara Communication Centre

Mangaluru, Jun 11: The 12th day of the Tredicina preceding the annual feast of St Anthony of Padua was held on Tuesday, June 11, at St Anthony Shrine, Milagres Church, Mangaluru.

Fr Lanson Pinto, assistant parish priest, Urwa Church celebrated the holy eucharist and prayed for the labourers along with Fr J B Crasta and Fr Gilbert D'Souza, Chaplin, St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu.

Fr Lanson delivered a sermon on the theme, "God is pleased with the humble prayer." He emphasised that humility in prayer draws us closer to God and opens our hearts to His grace. Fr Lanson encouraged the congregation to approach prayer with a spirit of humility, recognizing our dependence on God's mercy and guidance. He also reminded everyone that true humility in prayer is about sincerity and a genuine desire to connect with the divine, rather than simply reciting words.

At the end of the mass, Fr Gilbert, chaplain of the Ashram led the novena in honour of St Anthony, during which the special intercession of the session was sought for the various needs and prayer intentions of the devotees.

Choir members of Urwa parish led the choir and joined in the thanksgiving. Payasam (sweet dish) was served to all the devotees who attended the devotion.

Daily novena masses will be held at 6 am and 11:30 am at St Anthony Ashram in Jeppu. Lunch will be provided to all devotees.

Annual Feast

Dr Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga and Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore will be the main celebrants for the main festive Holy Mass on June 13, at Jeppu Ashram and Milagres Church respectively.

The other masses on the feast day are 6 am in Konkani at St Anthony Ashram Jeppu, 8:15 am (Konkani) and 4:30 pm (Malayalam) at Milagres Church.