Pics: Stanly Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru (SB)
Mysuru, Jun 15: The annual feast of St Antony was celebrated with religious fervor at the St Antony Shrine Dornahalli on June 13 Tuesday.
Bishop of the Diocese, Dr K A William assisted by priests celebrated the mass and blessed the people on the occasion. He and Bisop of Chikmagaluru Dr Anthonyswamy T were the main celebrants of the festive mass.
In his homily Bishop William said, “St Antony had the desire to be a martyr for God. He was highly influenced by the Bible and he tried to spread God's message to the maximum and this is why his tongue has not decomposed since his death. We should use our tongue to speak good words. We must ensure care this when communicating with others. Good words bring hearts closer. St Antony is the model for all of us to carry on a good conversation. His teachings direct us to spread God's words through our speech.”
Fr Yesu Antony, rector of St Josephs Seminary Chengalpettu was the main celebrant of the mass in Tamil. Fr Arogya Swami led the adoration of the Holy Eucharist and motorcade.
The festive celebration began with a flag hoisting ceremony by Bishop Emeritus of Mysuru, Dr Thomas Antony Vazhapilly on June 4. In preparation for the feast a four day novena was held at the shrine.
Crowds of pilgrims from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states attended the Masses.