Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala
Karkala, Feb 17: Feast of St Anthony's relic was celebrated on February 16 with devotion and holistic fervor at the St Anthony’s shrine Manjarpalke Pakala, Belman.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop diocese of Udupi was the main celebrant for the festal Eucharistic celebration.
Fr Richard Coelho, parish priest Paldane church in his homily said "St Anthony is the most famous saint even to this day. There are many churches dedicated to St Anthony in Udupi and Mangaluru diocese. The statue, shrine of St Anthony is very much famous all around. He is the faviourite saint of Catholics.
The first reason for his popularity is he is the preacher of divine word. He preached and lived the word of God. He also helped the needy to the most. He preached the word of God in simple words and made the people to feel spiritual fire in themselves. There were preachings against the church, but St Anthony with the help of word of God gave corrections with compassion and not with humiliation. He spent long time in silence.
The real presence of Jesus was questioned, but St Anthony performed the Eucharistic miracle. The creation recognizes the creator but not the human pride. The presence of word of God can be felt if we really trust. We need to read and live according to the word of God. As we dedicate this year for the poor in Udupi diocese, let us also help the needy like St Anthony. St Anthony is the defender of the poor. He defended the poor and protected the interests of poor. He lived the preaching he did. He shared the richness of his with the poor. Let us follow the St Anthony's preaching in our day-to-day life".
In his message Dr Gerald Issac Lobo said "St Anthony has never sent anyone back in bare hands and today's gathering is the testimony for that. Not only Christians many non-Christians also visit this shrine. Let us read the word of God on daily basis and let us draft our lives around the word of God. My request with you faith full is to donate at least one rupee of your income of 100 rupees to the poor. Donate this one rupee with the missionary works of your parish. There are institutions run by laypersons for the poor in our diocese.
The statue of St Anthony for the public devotion and the new religious stall of the shrine was blessed on the occasion by Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, bishop diocese of Udupi.
Fr Fred Mascarenhas, parish priest Belman proposed the vote of thanks.
Fr Oswald, assistant parish priest and priests from Udupi and Mangaluru diocese took part in the Eucharistic celebration.
Herald Dmello, vice president; Lydia Aranha, secretary and Janet Saldanha, convener 20 commissions and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.
Fellowship meal was also organized for the devotees.