Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Jun 7: The parishioners of St Joseph’s Church, Belman, are overjoyed as they prepare to witness a significant event in their spiritual journey, the inauguration and blessing of the newly built St Anthony Shrine at Pakala. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 10.
The programme will begin with the inauguration of the shrine by Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop emeritus of the diocese of Mangalore. This will be followed by the blessing of the chapel and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi. The blessing of the St Anthony Shrine will be carried out by Dr Louis Mascarenhas, bishop of Allahabad. The homily will be preached by Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shimoga, adding spiritual depth to the event.
After the religious ceremony, a formal function will be held. Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo will preside over the programme. The chief guests include Bishop Emeritus Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Francis Serrao, and Bishop Louis Mascarenhas. Distinguished guests of honour will witness the presence of Dr Leslie D’Souza, vicar forane of Shirva deanery; Ivan D’Souza, MLC of Karnataka; Vinoda, president of Kedinje gram panchayat; and Prasad Shetty, vice president of Kedinje gram panchayat. A fellowship meal will be served to all attendees after the celebration.
On February 21, 2023, Dr Gerald Lobo, bishop of the Udupi diocese, laid the foundation stone for the new Manjarpalke St Anthony Shrine’s building. This marks a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of the faithful in the region.
The new building has come up with the day night efforts of parishioners of Belman church, led by Fr Fredrick Mascanehas, parish priest, Fr Oswald Vaz, assistant parish priest, Gregory Menezes, vice president, parish pastoral council, Janet D’Mello, secretary, Dominic Andrade, 18 commissions along with Gregory Menezes, Pakala Shrine council vice president and Alwyn Agera, secretary giving their service.
History of Pakala
Pakala, located near Manjarapalke on the Padubidri–Karkala–Kudremukh state highway, is about 50 kilometers from Mangalore and two kilometers from Belman Church. It is a substation under Belman Parish, known today as St Anthony’s Shrine. Though relatively unknown in earlier times, the shrine has gained immense popularity over the past 30 years due to the growing devotion to St Anthony and numerous reported miracles.
St Anthony, often called the 'Saint of Miracles', is known for interceding in the recovery of lost items and protection against evil. Born on August 15, 1195, in Lisbon, Portugal, as Ferdinand, he joined the monastery at age 15, taking the name Anthony. Inspired by the sacrifice of Franciscan martyrs, he became a missionary in Morocco but returned due to illness. A storm diverted his journey back to Portugal, and he landed in Sicily, eventually reaching Forli in Italy. His eloquence and devotion made him renowned as a preacher. He passed away on June 13, 1231, and was canonized less than a year later by Pope Gregory IX.
The origins of the shrine
The origins of the Pakala shrine are rooted in a local legend. Long ago, during a time when transport was scarce and barter was common, fisherwomen used to rest at the home of a local resident, late Francis D'Silva, after selling fish in the village. One evening, as they tried to leave with a bundle of firewood they had received in exchange, it became mysteriously heavy. Upon inspecting the load, they discovered a wooden statue, later identified as St Anthony, and decided to leave it behind.
The D'Silva family, known for their faith, placed the statue in their home and began to venerate it. Over time, stories of miracles began to spread. The devotion extended beyond Christians, drawing non-Christians as well, many of whom claimed to receive blessings and favours through prayers offered to the statue.
One well known story tells of a bullock cart that became stuck near the statue. When the owner prayed to St Anthony and offered oil for the lamp in front of the statue, the cart miraculously moved again. This incident solidified local belief in the saint’s intercession and earned him the title 'Pakala Dever' or 'God of Pakala' among non-Christians. Even today, it is common to see people from all walks of life lighting candles and offering prayers at the shrine. A local non-Christian businessman lights a lamp daily before opening his shop, and travellers often stop to bow in reverence.
Establishment of the shrine
Until 1970, the statue remained with the D'Silva family, but due to financial difficulties and growing public devotion, the community felt the need for a public place of worship. With the initiative of the late Fr N J Pereira and the support of a dedicated committee including John Mathias, Remedia D'Souza, Alphonse Monteiro, Mathias D'Silva, Thomas Menezes, Basil Noronha, and Joseph D'Silva a small shrine was constructed.
The statue was temporarily housed with Joseph D'Silva until the shrine was completed. On July 13, 1974, Fr V Rodrigues, then parish priest of Belman, officially blessed the newly built structure and declared it open as St Anthony’s Shrine.
Daijiworld.com will bring the web streaming of the inauguration and blessings live on Tuesday June 10, from 9 am onwards.