Mangaluru, Feb 06, 2018 : The nine days Novena in preparation for the feast of Relic of Saint Anthony was launched February 6, Tuesday, evening.
The ceremonial Saint Anthony’s flag was hoisted at Milagres Church grounds. Prior to that the decorated Statue of Saint Anthony was taken in procession from Saint Anthony Ashram Jeppu to Milagres Church via Kankanady and Falnir. A long motorcade of devotees were taken in procession at 4 pm.
At Milagres church Rev Franklin D’Souza, a well known Charismatic preacher and director of Family Counselling of Shimoga, hoisted the flag of Saint Anthony and offered the Holy Mass for the intention of Religious who are working for the good of the world and the down trodden, in various parts of the World. In his homily Rev Franklin said that the Religious are the co-workers of Jesus Christ who have dedicated themselves for His cause.
Rev Onil D’Souza the director of the Shrine led the first days of novena prayers. Rev Francis D’Souza the administrator, Rev Peter Gonsalves, Rev Vipin, and many from the local clergy and religious were present with thousands of devotees earnestly participating on this first day.