Pics: Meryick D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Jun 3: A new altar dedicated to St Antony of Padua was inaugurated by Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu at Milagres church on Tuesday, June 2 in city.

Fr Onil D’Souza, director of St Antony charity institutes welcoming the gathering said “St Antony’s devotion in Mangaluru is 118 years old as per available records. He is a saint who does not send anyone empty handed. We are celebrating his feast on June 13. We wanted to open this new altar before the novena starts on June 4. I thank all the people who made this possible. ”

Monsignor Denis Moras inaugurated the altar by switching on the light on the statue of St Antony.

“I have been a St Antony devotee. May St Antony’s devotion increase in Mangaluru. May all the devotees and donors be blessed.” said Monsignor in his brief address. He conducted the weekly novena after that.

The devotees who had come for the weekly novena were present during the occasion which included Fr Valerian D’Souza, Fr Gomes, Fr Francis D’Souza, Ivan D’Souza the parish council vice president.

The statue of St Antony has been installed at the church for many years. The presently inaugurated altar with the old statue just outside the church has been renovated and extended.

The annual novena for St Antony will be held between June 4 and 12. The feast will be held on June 13.