Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluri, Dec 1: Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha inaugurated the Muhurtha programme of upcoming Kannada TV serial ‘Miracles of Saint Anthony’ by displaying the title on the TV screen mounted on the stage at St Antony Ashram Jeppu here on November 30.

The bishop on the occasion released the script of the serial and blessed it by invoking God’s blessings.

In his message the bishop said, “Saint Anthony being a faithful follower of Jesus Christ dedicated his life to the spread of God's kingdom. As a reward for his ministry, God preserved his tongue through past eight centuries.” He said that he had the privilege of visiting the place Padua in Italy where the tongue is preserved. Further he said that the upcoming TV serial will help devotees of Saint Antony around the world to see his life and miracles and get inspired to do well.

Minister U T Khader was the chief guest of the programme. In his message he said that the name of Saint Antony is popular all over the world and among the people of all faith. He wished well to all those who are involved in the production of the serial and said that more people can now obtain favours through the intercession of Saint Antony after watching the serial.

Ivan D’Souza, MLC was the guest of honour. In his address he said that Saint Antony is a Saint of Miracles. “People irrespective of religion and caste stop for a while near the Statue of Saint Antony outside the gate of the Ashram and pray for a while and say that if they do this then their entire day becomes peaceful. The serial on the miracles of Saint Antony will help many more to know the greatness of the saint."

Ashwin Pereira the producer of ‘Asathoma Sadgamaya’ movie said, “Here at the ashram 400 destitute are sheltered and looked after free of cost till the end of their life which is a true testimony to show Saint Antony performs miracles even today amidst us.” He then wished well for the production work of the serial. He called upon the team which works on the serial to give importance to the message of the serial. He stressed that the people at the end of the day should get some message and the serial should not be just an entertainment. He expressed confidence that such work will come out in the serial on Saint Antony’s life and miracles.

Wishes from Ramesh Bhat and Asha Latha, the cine-actors who will be acting in the serial were played on the TV screen.

Fr Onil D’Souza, director of the ashram welcomed the dignitaries and the guests. He also spoke on the purpose of producing the serial.

Vincent Fernandes the director of the serial, John M Permannur, scriptwriter were present on stage.

Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Fr Francis D’Souza, Fr Harold Mascarenhas, Fr Peter D’Souza, Fr Ronald D’Souza, Jacintha Alfred the former mayor, Appi, corporator were present along with artistes and large number of guests.

Lavita Menezes compered the programme. Fr Thrishan D’Souza the asst director proposed the vote of thanks.