Media Release
Dornahalli (Mysuru), Jun 14: The annual feast of St Anthony was celebrated with great devotion and joy at the historic St Anthony’s Minor Basilica in Dornahalli, Mysuru, diocese of Mysore on June 13. The sacred event drew thousands of pilgrims from across Karnataka and neighbouring states, all united in faith and prayer to seek the blessings of the beloved saint.
St Anthony’s Basilica holds a rich spiritual legacy dating back to the 1800s, when a farmer discovered a wooden statue while ploughing his field. Guided by divine visions and with the help of a Christian priest who recognized it as St Anthony of Padua, a shrine was established. Over time, reports of miracles and answered prayers led to a growing number of faithful visiting the site.
The first formal structure was built in 1920 under the guidance of Fr S D’Silva, with support from Shri Thambu Chetty, Dewan of Mysore Palace, and his brother Dharmaraj Chetty. As pilgrim numbers grew, a larger church was constructed by Fr I H Lobo and was blessed on June 13, 1969, by Bishop Dr Matthias Fernandez. A major milestone came on October 17, 2019, when Pope Francis declared the shrine a Minor Basilica — a title formally announced during a Thanksgiving Mass by Bishop Dr K A William on June 9, 2020.
This year’s feast day began at dawn with the first Mass at 5 am in Kannada, celebrated by Fr David Sagaya Raj, the rector of the Basilica. Masses continued throughout the day in Kannada, English, and Tamil, reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of the faithful. Fr Robert Gregory Monteiro, principal of Sacred Heart School from the Kolkata diocese, led the 6 am Kannada Mass, followed by Fr Sebastian Alexander, financial administrator of the diocese of Mysore, who celebrated the 7 am English Mass.
Fr Rohan, parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Yadavagiri, presided over the 8 am Kannada Mass.
The most awaited moment of the day was the Festive High Mass at 10 am, celebrated in Kannada by Dr Bernard Moras, apostolic administrator of the diocese of Mysore. He was joined by Bishop Emeritus Cyprian Monis of the diocese of Asansol, West Bengal. Their presence, along with that of several clergy and religious, added solemnity and spiritual grandeur to the celebration, filling the hearts of the faithful with joy and gratitude.
The Tamil-speaking community gathered for the 11:30 am Mass offered by Fr Valentine Rajendra Kumar J of St Peter’s Church, Bogadhi, followed by the 1 pm. English Mass celebrated by Fr Oswald Crasta OCD, rector of Pushpashrama, Mysuru.
In the afternoon, the devotion continued with Fr Mari Raj, Parish Priest of St Joseph’s Church, Mandya, leading the 3 pm Kannada Mass. At 4 pm, Fr Arogya Swamy R of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Srirampura, celebrated Mass. Fr Arogya Swamy, who played a vital role in the elevation of the shrine to a Minor Basilica, was specially honoured during the celebration for his service and contribution to the church.
The final Mass of the day was at 5:30 pm, celebrated in Kannada by Fr Yesu Prasad, assistant financial administrator of the diocese of Mysore. The day concluded with a grand Eucharistic procession, where thousands joined in prayer and praise, followed by the benediction of the Holy Eucharist — a deeply moving moment of unity and spiritual reflection.
Throughout the day, free meals were generously provided to all pilgrims, sponsored by donors who stepped forward in support. This act of charity reflected the true spirit of the feast, promoting love, care, and community among all who attended.
The Basilica administration extended heartfelt thanks to local MLA Ravi Shankar and all government departments for their cooperation and support. Special appreciation was offered by Fr David Sagaya Raj, the rector, and Fr Praveen Pedru, the administrator, to all clergy, religious, volunteers, and the faithful who contributed to making the event a spiritually enriching and well-organized celebration.
As pilgrims returned home, many carried with them renewed hope, peace, and blessings from St Anthony. The Minor Basilica at Dornahalli continues to stand as a symbol of faith, healing, and divine grace for thousands each year.