Media Release

Mysuru, Jun 12: The ninth and final day of the Novena devotion in preparation for the grand annual feast of St Anthony was solemnly celebrated on Friday, June 12, at St Anthony’s Basilica, Dornahalli, Mysuru.

The solemn eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr Richard Britto, rector, St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru. He was joined by Fr David Sagayaraj, rector of St Anthony’s Basilica, and Fr Praveen Pedru, administrator of the Basilica.

A large number of devotees gathered at the Basilica to participate in the holy Mass and the concluding Novena prayers. In his homily, Fr Richard Britto encouraged the faithful to continue living a life of faith, hope, and service, inspired by the example of St Anthony.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Novena prayers were offered in honour of St Anthony for the intentions of the devotees. The devotion concluded with the procession of the holy statue of St Anthony and the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, marking the successful completion of the nine-day spiritual preparation for the annual feast.

With the conclusion of the Novena, all preparations for the annual feast of St Anthony have been completed. The Basilica is now ready to welcome thousands of pilgrims and devotees expected to participate in the feast celebrations on June 13.

The feast-day Masses will commence from 5 am and continue throughout the day. The solemn festive Mass at 10 am will be celebrated by Dr Francis Serrao, S J, Bishop of Mysore.

The clergy, religious, parishioners, and feast committee have extended a warm invitation to all devotees to participate in the annual feast celebrations and seek the blessings and intercessions.