Report & Photos: Canara Communication Centre, Mangalore
Mangaluru, Feb 13: St Anthony Shrine at Milagres Church in Mangaluru maked the eighth day of the novena leading up to the annual relic feast of St Anthony of Padua on February 13, 2024.
The eucharistic mass was presided over by Fr Maxim Dsouza, parish priest, Jeppu Church along with Fr Gilbert Dsouza, chaplain and Fr Nelson peris the assistant director of St Anthony Charitable Institutions, Jeppu.
Fr Maxim's sermon centred on the theme "Shoulder the Cross of Others, Become Pilgrims of Hope." He emphasised that "countless people around us bear heavy crosses—many are helpless, burdened, hopeless, and destitute. By sharing our time and resources with others, we can bring them joy and happiness."
He reminded that without following the Cross of Jesus, we cannot truly become pilgrims of hope. Engaging in small yet meaningful acts of kindness, he said, will surely lead us on this path.
Following the mass, Fr Nelson Peris led the novena, with special prayers for the residents of the ashram. The Choir members of Jeppu Church added a melodious dimension to the expressions of gratitude.
The highlight of the upcoming festivities:
The main celebrant for the main festive Holy Mass on February 15 at 6 pm at Milagres Church Grounds will be M 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 and 9.30 am at St Anthony Shram Jeppu. The anticipation builds for a day of spiritual significance and community celebration.
Novena: The novena is a preparatory event leading up to the relic feast of St Anthony of Padua.