Pics: Justin D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (JD)
Karkala, Jun 13: The annual feast of St Anthony Shrine, Manjarpalke Pakala was celebrated with divinity on Monday, June 13. Thousands of devotees took part in the Eucharistic celebrations and received the grace of Lord.
Fr Leslie Clifford D'souza, parish Priest Shirva was the main celebrant for the grand Eucharistic celebration.
St Anthony Shrine here in Manjarpalke, Pakala near Belman of Udupi district is known to be a divine place. Many miracles have happened in this holy place.
Every year thousands of devotees partake during the annual feast and relic feast of St Anthony.
In his homily Fr Leslie D'Souza said, "St Anthony lived a very short life. He has the treasure of goodness. Goodwill never dies. St. Anthony is a weapon for spreading Almighty's message of goodwill. He is a great orator. Where Lord dwells there miracles happen. We have come here with our prayers and intentions. We pray with jealousy, we just pray for ourselves and for our benefit. We need to spread the blessings received from the Almighty. Mother Mary gave her son Jesus to the entire mankind. Our lives should become word of God. We need to become the word of God. Lord should reside with us. Never should we leave Jesus. St. Anthony still lives for others because lakhs of us pray for various intentions with him," he said.
In his thanksgiving note, Fr Fred Mascharenhas, Parish priest Belman church and rector of the Shrine thanked Alwyn Ageira, vice-president, Paustine D’Souza, secretary of parish pastoral council, all the members and all the people who have helped in making the feast day a grand note. Gregory Pramila Menezes and family Belma, Elton Melish D'souza and family Koppa patrons of the feast were honoured by the parish priest.
A large number of devotees took part in the Eucharistic bration.
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.
Fr Ankith D'Souza SAC, assistant parish priest Belman Fr Clement Mascharenhas, Fr Lawrence D'Souza and other priests from the deanery participated in the Eucharistic celebrations.