Report & Photos: Canara Communication Centre

Mangaluru, Jun 5: The sixth day of Tredicina devotion preceding the annual feast of St Anthony of Padua was held on June 5, at St Anthony Shrine, Milagres Church, Mangaluru.

Fr Daniel Veigas, OP, Episcopal Vicar for Religious, Diocese of Mangalore and the parish priest of Ashok Nagar celebrated the holy eucharist and prayed for spinsters and unmarried men along with Fr Nelson Peres and Fr Avinash Pais, the assistant directors of St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu.

Fr Daniel's sermon focused on the powerful theme, "God is greatly pleased with prayers offered for our enemies." He referenced the biblical passage, highlighting, "God was pleased with the prayer of Abraham." He further pointed to the inspiring example of St. Rani Maria, whose life embodies the spirit of forgiveness.

Fr Daniel reminded us that Jesus, our Lord and Master, forgave us through His death on the cross. He emphasised that hatred does no good, whereas love fosters well-being. He also noted that true goodness cannot be measured by material possessions. Forgiveness, he explained, is a profound spiritual virtue. By forgiving others, we perform a genuine act of kindness.

At the end of the mass, Fr Nelson Peris, assistant director of the Ashram led the novena in honour of St Anthony, during which the special intercession of the session was sought for the various needs and prayer intentions of the devotees.

Choir members of Ashoknagar parish sang and joined in the thanksgiving. Payasam (sweet dish) was served to all the devotees who attended the devotion.