Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Jun 14: The feast of St Anthony was celebrated with much devotion at St Anthony's Shrine, Pakala, Belman on Wednesday, June 13. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese was the chief celebrant for the Eucharistic celebrations. The relic of St Anthony from Padua, Italy was installed in the shrine on the occasion.
In his homily he said, "Holy Bible is the word of God. It is a conversation between man and God. This book has been written by various writers at different times by the inspiration of Holy Spirit. Through Bible, we can find Jesus. Jesus himself talks with us through the Holy Bible. The word of God is good message by Him given through his son Jesus. It shows us light in darkness. How much have we tried to understand the word of God In our lives? Holy bible can be compared to a hard rock. As there will be a new spark every time you hit the rock, likewise you will get a new ray of hope every time you try to understand the word of God.
"We need to understand the word of God in four steps. The first step is ‘Shravana’, hearing the word of God peacefully. Second step is ‘Manana’, try to meditate on the word of God. Third step is ‘Nidhi Vyasana’, keeping the word of God with you forever. The final step is ‘Anukarana’, living according to the word of God. St Anthony had followed all these steps in his life. He loved the word of God very much. The first sermon of St Anthony attracted many towards the almighty. The word of God had first priority in St Anthony's life,” he said.
Fr Baptist Menezes read out the official document of St Anthony's relic sent from Padua, Italy in Latin. Fr Denis D'sa, parish priest of Shirva church read out the same in Konkani. Speaking about the relic, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo said, "I have to thank Fr John Walton, provincial of Padua St Antony province. When we requested about the relic we needed, without any delay, he sent the relics for shrines in Kerekatte and Pakala. Through this relic, St Antony himself will stay with us. From the last six years, I am serving Udupi diocese. But until now I did not get an opportunity to offer a Mass here in this shrine.”
Fr Edwin D'Souza, parish priest of Belman church and director of the shrine, thanked all the patrons and who had helped in building the shrine. "Plans have been prepared to build a beautiful shrine, and other related establishments in this place to meet the increasing number of devotees,” he said.
St Anthony’s Shrine here was established 46 years ago. From then it is a holy place. Many miracles have taken place here and continue to happen even today. The shrine well known as ‘Pakalad Devere’ is a holy place even to non-Christians. Every Tuesday, novena and Eucharistic celebration is held here.
Candles were distributed as a mark of honour to patrons and donors of the shrine.
Fr Prakash Menezes, assistant parish priest of Belman church, Alwyn Agera, vice-president, pastoral committee, Paustine D'Souza, secretary pastoral committee and a large number of devotees and priests from the diocese took part in the Eucharistic celebration.