Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 8: The third day of the Novena preparatory to the Relic Feast of St Anthony of Padua was observed with great devotion at St Anthony’s Shrine, Milagres on Sunday evening, February 8. The liturgy was centred on the powerful spiritual theme, "Bless, do not curse."
A large number of devotees gathered for the Sunday evening Eucharist, offering special prayers for parents. The congregation prayed for the good health, longevity, and well-being of parents, acknowledging their sacrificial role in building families and society.
Fr Praveen Leo Lasrado, secretary of the Catholic Board of Education (CBE), presided over the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, Fr Lasrado reflected on the power of words in Christian life. "Our words have the power to build up or tear down. As followers of Christ, we are called to be channels of blessing, not curses. To bless is to wish well and invoke God’s grace upon others, even those who may oppose us," he emphasised. He exhorted the faithful to cultivate a heart that forgives and blesses, mirroring the compassion of St Anthony.
Aligning with the day's intention, the liturgy included special supplications for parents. The faithful prayed that children might cherish and care for their ageing parents, upholding the fourth commandment to honour one's father and mother.
Fr J B Crasta, director of St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, administrator, and Fr Nishanth Vivian Rodrigues, assistant director and Fr Gilbert D'Souza, chaplain concelebrated the Mass. Following the Holy Eucharist, the novena prayers were led by Fr Gilbert D'Souza invoking the intercession of St Anthony for the intentions of the gathered devotees. Padre Pio Choir, Bejai enriched the liturgy with melodious hymns, fostering a prayerful atmosphere at the shrine.
The novena continues daily, leading up to the grand Relic Feast on February 15, 2026.
The highlight of the upcoming festivities:
Feast Day Schedule – Sunday, February 15, 2026:
The Relic Feast will be celebrated with several solemn services across the day:
• 6:00 AM: Festal Mass at St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, celebrated by very rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be) University.
• 9:30 AM: Solemn festal mass at St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, celebrated by Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop Emeritus of Mangalore.
• 11:00 AM: Holy Mass in Malayalam at Milagres Shrine celebrated by Fr Eby Sebastian CST.
• 6:00 PM: The Main Grand Festive Mass at Milagres Shrine, presided over by Rev Bernard Moras, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangalore.
The Ashram administration invites all devotees to participate in these spiritual exercises and seek the powerful intercession of St Anthony.