Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 9: The fourth day of the Novena preparatory to the Relic Feast of St Anthony of Padua was observed with solemnity at St Anthony’s Shrine, Milagres on Monday evening, February 9. The liturgy was centred on the profound theme, "Speak to protect, not to destroy."

A large congregation of devotees gathered for the Eucharistic celebration, offering specific prayers for those in political service. The faithful prayed for political leaders and public servants, asking for divine guidance that they may work selflessly for the common good, uphold justice, and strive for the development of society without bias.

Fr Ivan D'Souza, professor at St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, presided over the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, Fr D'Souza elaborated on the moral responsibility attached to speech. "In a world where words are often used as weapons to tear down reputations and incite division, we are called to a higher standard. Our speech should be a shield that protects the vulnerable and saves relationships. To speak to protect means to use our voice for truth and reconciliation, rather than for destruction and slander," he remarked.

Aligning with the day's intention for political leaders, the liturgy included special supplications that those in power might use their authority to protect the rights of the poor and marginalised, rather than to destroy democratic values.

Fr J B Crasta, director of St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, administrator, and Fr Gilbert D'Souza, chaplain, concelebrated the Mass. Following the Holy Eucharist, the Novena prayers were led by J B Crasta, invoking the intercession of St Anthony for the intentions of the gathered devotees. The choir 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.

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 most 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.