Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Mangaluru, Feb 6: The nine-day novena in preparation for the feast of Relic of Saint Anthony began with the hoisting of Saint Anthony’s flag at Milagres Church grounds on Wednesday, February 6.
The decorated Statue of Saint Anthony was taken in procession from Saint Anthony Ashram Jeppu to Milagres Church via Kankanady and Falnir. Many vehicles of devotees were taken in procession. Fr Anish, the Parish Priest of St Antony’s Cathedral Jeppu flagged off the rally.
Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, the superior of St Anne Friary Bejai hoisted St Anthony’s flag and offered the Holy Mass for the intention of Religious who are working for the Kingdom of God in various parts of the World. In his homily Fr Paul Melwyn said that the religious are the co-workers of Jesus Christ who have dedicated themselves for His cause.
Fr Onil D’Souza, the director of the shrine, led the first days of novena prayers. Fr Thrishan D’Souza, Joe Gonsalves, Vincent Mascarenhas, Stanley D’Cunha and more than thousand people were present on the occasion.