Pics by: Justin Dsilva
Daijiworld Media network – Udupi (JD)
Karkala, Feb 15: Feast of St Anthony's relic was celebrated on February 15 with devotion and holistic fervor at the St Anthony’s shrine Manjarpalke Pakala, Belman.
Fr Clifford Fernandes, parish priest of Kulshekar church was the chief celebrant for the Eucharistic celebration. In his homily Fr Clifford Fernandes said, “We need to understand that even the word of humans are also powerful. If the words of human beings can bring changes how powerful the word of God would be. Miracles happen when the Almighty speaks with us through His words. St Anthony was a very simple man, he lived a simple life. He started to preach for the fishes and animals too. The Word of God never dies. It gives meaning to our life someday. We need to meditate on the ten commandments of the Lord every time. Miracles should happen during every Eucharistic celebration. Today also it will happen. St Anthony meditated on the word of God and spread the same to others in simple terms. He spread the message of the Almighty in simple words. Let us be the apostles of the word of God and miracles do happen in our lives”.
More than 2,000 devotees took part in the Eucharistic celebrations.
Fr Fred Mascharenhas, parish priest Belman proposed the vote of thanks. He also cordially invited all the devotees to partake in the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new chapel building. Fr Fred Maschrenhas said, “The chapel has completed 49 years of its inception and will be celebrating 50 years. On this occasion we will be laying foundation stone for the new chapel building on Tuesday February 21. Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop diocese of Udupi will be laying the foundation stone for the new project. At 4 pm holy Eucharistic celebration, novena prayers and foundation stone laying ceremony will be held”.
Fr Valerian Mendonca, rector Milagres cathedral Fr Alban D'souza, rector St Lawrence minor basilica Attur and priests from diocese and religious order were present on the occasion. Gregory Menezes, vice president parish pastoral committee Janet D’mello, secretary Dominic Andrade, convener 20 commissions Alwyn Ageira, secretary chapel committee and a large number of devotees took part in the Eucharistic celebration.
Fellowship meal was also organized for the devotees.
St Antony Shrine, Manjarapalke is well-known in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Many people visit this shrine with their families and seek blessings. People have witnessed many miracles in this place. It is located at a distance of about 37 km from Udupi, along the road from Padubidri to Karkala. Locally this place is known as Pakala or Manjarapalke.