Pics: Jeevan D'Costa
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (JD)
Karkala, June 13: The annual feast of St Anthony Shrine, Manjarpalke, Belman was held on Thursday, June 13, with religious fervour.
St Anthony's Shrine Manjarpalke Pakala is a revered place. The place is believed to be divine and many miracles have taken place. Every year the annual feast is celebrated in the shrine with grandeur.
Dr Louis Machrenhas, Bishop, Diocese of Allahabad was the chief celebrant for the Holy Eucharistic celebration.
In his homily, Dr Louis Mascharenhas, Bishop, Diocese of Allahabad said, "God has a plan for every individual and he creates human beings on that basis. He has given a responsibility to every individual. Every individual who has received the sacrament of baptism is a missionary. Lord chooses simple persons to spread His Word. Jesus believes that we will spread His words across the world. Recently I had an opportunity to visit Manipur. The Christian brethren in there are facing severe difficulties but still they are living with the word of God. They are a true example for us to live as per the word of God. When we love Jesus we will be ready to do any sacrifices for Him. St Anthony was a preacher of lord’s words. He spread the world of God through his actions and words. The mission of his life was to love Jesus and to love others. St Anthony loved the needy and became a saint of miracles. Let us spread and live the word of God with the help of St Anthony.
In his thanksgiving words, Fr Fred Mascharenhas, parish priest, Belman church and rector of the Shrine thanked everyone for their support and co operation in celebrating the annual feast.
Dr Louis Machrenhas, Bishop, Diocese of Allahabad was felicitated on the occasion.
Patrons of the feast, Calida Mishal Mathias Mudarangadi, Arthur, Ronald and Alfreda D'Souza; Joseph, Violet and Jevita Mathias were honoured on the occasion.
Fr Leslie D'Souza, parish priest, Shirva Church Fr Valerian Mendonca, rector, Milagres Cathedral, Fr Denis D'Sa, PRO. Diocese of Udupi Fr Arnold Mathias, assistant parish priest, Belman, Fr Clement Mascharenhas, Fr Roman Mascharenhas and other priests from the diocese were present on the occasion.
Gregory Menezes, vice-president, parish pastoral committee, Alwyn Ageira, shrine committee, Janet D’Mello, secretary, Dominic Andrade, convener, 20 commissions were also present on the occasion.
A large number of devotees took part in the Eucharistic celebration.
Lunch was provided to all the devotees. "Pakalada Dever" as it is popularly called is growing day by day in its popularity. More and more people are visiting the shrine and the number is growing every year.
A new shrine building is also under construction which will be inaugurated soon.