by Rajesh D'Costa

Mangalore, Jun 7: Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza inaugurated and blessed the renovated St Antony's Shrine at Antonykatte, en route Bajpe here on Saturday June 4 evening and celebrated a Holy Mass followed by first day novena in order to prepare for the annual feast on Monday June 13.

St Antony’s Chapel here was blessed by Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul in May 2008.  It was built mainly to cater to the spiritual needs of the Christian families that were displaced owing to laying of second tarmac at the existing Bajpe Airport.

Bishop in his homily stressed the need to love one's neighbour, in order to lead a meaningful life embodied with the virtues of Jesus Christ. He called upon the faithful to visit the Chapel often, to remain closer to God and to express gratitude for all his graces.

Fr Melwin D’Souza acknowledged the support from the residents of Karambar, Antonykatte, Kenjar and Pezar for extending their co-operation.

The annual feast of St Antony’s Chapel, located at Antonykatte, Bajpe Airport Road here, will be held on Saturday June 13 at 5 pm.

The festal Eucharistic Mass will be offered by Fr Joseph Martic, rector, St Joseph Semenary, Mangalore and Adyapady Mary Help of Christians parish priest Fr Melvyn D’Souza, at 5 pm on Monday June 13.

Novena services of nine days have already started in the Chapel, inaugurated by Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza on Saturday June 4 and will continue till Sunday June 12, in order to prepare for annual feast on Monday June 13.

A Holy Mass followed by novena service will be held on every Tuesday at 5.30 pm throughout the year at the Chapel here.

Joseph Mascarenhas, vice-president of parish council, Mariapura Church, Adyapady welcomed Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza. Bishop also felicitated all those who contributed for the renovation of Chapel. Clifford D'Costa compered the programme.