Pics: Stanley Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru (SB)

Mysuru, Jun 15: The historical annual feast of St Anthony was celebrated at Dornahalli in KR Nagar taluk of Mysuru district on Wednesday, June 13. Thousands of devotees attended Masses held in various languages.

Dr K A William, Bishop of Mysuru was the main celebrant of the festive Mass held at 10.30 am at the shrine. Parish Priest Fr Arogya Swamy, Assistant Parish Priests Fr Wilfred and Fr Prashanth Sequeira, Fr Vijay Raj, Fr Dominic Vas, Fr C Rayappa, Fr J B Xavier were the co-celebrants.

“St Anthony never lived for himself. He showed us the way to God’s kingdom with his deeds and messages. He become a missionary and travelled various countries with the message of Bible. Today St Anthony is an inspiration for us. We are following his path. We know it will lead us to Almighty,” said the Bishop in his sermon.

“We came here to express our gratitude towards the saint who performed miracles in our life. Jesus is saviour and St Anthony showed us how to meet our saviour. In his life he lived as a servant of Christ. So definitely he will take our prayers to Jesus,” the Bishop added.

Fr M Soosai, Former Vicar General of Dharmapuri Diocese and Fr Patrick Johnas Rao from Chikkamagaluru Diocese were the main celebrants for the other masses which were held on the festive day.

Sa Ra Mahesh, Minister for Tourism visited the shrine. “The festival of Dornahalli shrine is not only limited for Catholics. It is a festival of region and all religions. Everyone knows the miracle power of this shrine and divinity of St Anthony. I have close attachment to this shrine. Now as a minister, I assure all type of developmental support for this shrine. Wishing all devotees of St Anthony a happy and prosperous festival,” said Mahesh.