Media Release

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Feb 16: Former bishop of Mangalore diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza offered the solemn mass in honour on the occasion of the feast of the relic of St Antony at the open grounds of Our Lady of Miracles, Milagres in the city.

In his message, the former bishop said, "St Antony, in his very short life span, spread the Good news of Gospel and filled happiness in the life of people. Similarly, we have to be the light of others' life."

In his homily, Dr Prakash Monteiro, campus director of St Philomena's college Puttur said, "St Antony spent his life serving others. He gave his service wherever it was possible for him. He always gave glory to God and also consoled people through the name of Jesus. Because of his noble deeds God has still kept his tongue alive. This is witness to how God blesses those who serve him. When we celebrate the feast of the relic of St Antony, let us also try to become meaningful people for the life of others."

There was a mass for the inmates of the Ashram at 6.30 am. Feast masses were offered at Milagres church at 8.15 am by Fr Boniface Pinto, lecturer of St Joseph Seminary, at 11 am mass was offered at the Ashram by Fr Walter Mendonca, parish priest of St Antony church, Sastan. There was a mass in Malayalam at 4.30 pm offered by Fr Alexander, lecturer of St Joseph seminary.

Several priests, nuns and scores of devotees from the district as well as Mumbai, Kerala, Orissa and Goa participated in the religious celebration. Director of St Antony Ashram Fr Onil D'Souza thanked the donors for the feast celebration. Fr Trishan D'Souza and Fr Roshan D'Souza cooperated.

Prayer organised for eradication of Coronavirus

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza the emeritus Bishop of the diocese of Mangaluru offered prayer for the extinction of Coronavirus at Milagres church grounds after the festive Holy Mass organized by St Anthony’s Ashram Jeppu, on the occasion of feast of Relic of St Anthony on February 15, 2020.

The spreading of Coronavirus has caused death and illness among people. It has created fear psychosis among the people all over the world. It is in this background that the St Anthony’s Ashram Jeppu organized candle light prayer service for the extinction of this virus. The prayer was offered to Jesus the great physician who during His earthly ministry healed people from all kinds of sickness. St Anthony whose feast is being celebrated today also performed miracles and healed many people in the name of Jesus. Thousands of people along with priests and religious Sisters participated in the prayer service.