Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Feb 5: A nine-day novena will begin at St Anthony’s Ashram Jeppu on February 6 in preparation for the feast of St Anthony on February 15. The parish priest of Milagres church, Fr Bonaventure Nazareth will inaugurate the novenas on February 6 at 6 pm after hoisting the banner of St Anthony. Special prayers for children will be offered during the mass that will be offered on the first day of the novena. Several children are writing their examinations these days. Therefore, prayers will be offered for them. The feast will be celebrated at Milagres church open grounds on February 15.

Prayers for various groups of people will be offered during the nine-day novena. Prayers will be offered for senior citizens, the sick, those who are addicted to vices, couples, the unemployed and for solace to those who are in difficulties. Choir groups of various churches will take turns during the nine-day of the novena.

Background of the feast: St Anthony was born at Lisbon, Portugal in the year 1195. He died in Padua, Italy in 1231 when he was 36 years old. Though his lifespan was short, he pronounced the Word of God and cured several people in His name. He is called Padua saint as he spent his terminal years in Padua and died there.

Those who had gathered when his grave was opened 32 years after his death were stunned to see his throat and tongue fresh. The other parts of his body were however decomposed. Those who were at the spot realised that it is a miracle of God for the person who relentlessly pronounced the Word of God.

His tongue and throat which are in a fresh state are intact even after eight centuries of his death and kept at St Anthony Church, Padra, Italy.

Those who go on pilgrimage to Italy do not return without visiting Padra and looking at the relics of St Anthony. Devotees of the saint celebrate his feast on February 15 every year.