Media Release
Mysuru, Jun 4: The annual feast of the world-renowned St Anthony’s Basilica, Dornahalli, commenced on Thursday, June 4 with the solemn flag hoisting ceremony, officially inaugurating the nine-day novena in preparation for the Feast of St Anthony. Hundreds of devotees from different parts of Karnataka and neighboring states gathered at the Basilica to participate in the opening celebrations and seek the intercession of St Anthony.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr Francis Serrao SJ, bishop of Mysore, who hoisted the feast flag and invoked God's blessings upon the faithful. Prior to the flag hoisting, the bishop also blessed the newly renovated chapel, dedicating it for the spiritual benefit of the faithful and marking a significant moment in the history of the Basilica. The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by a solemn Holy Mass, during which the bishop called upon devotees to deepen their faith, strengthen their prayer life, and prepare themselves spiritually for the annual feast celebrations.
Among those present for the celebration were Fr Anthappa M, vicar general of the diocese of Mysore; Fr Sebastian, procurator; Fr Anthony Raj, chancellor; Fr David Sagayaraj, rector of St Anthony’s Basilica, Dornahalli; and Fr Praveen Kumar, administrator. The gathering witnessed the participation of clergy, religious, and a large number of faithful, creating an atmosphere of devotion and festivity.
With the inauguration of the feast celebrations, the nine-day novena will commence on June 5 and continue until June 12. During the novena period, special prayers, preaching, and Holy Masses will be conducted daily for the spiritual benefit of the faithful. The English Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 am, while Kannada Masses will be offered at 11:00 am and 5:30 pm each day. The evening celebration will include novena prayers, preaching, and a devotional procession.
The annual feast celebrations will culminate on June 13 with the festive high Mass at 10:00 am, which is expected to attract thousands of pilgrims and devotees to the Basilica. The opening day witnessed a large gathering of the faithful, reflecting the enduring devotion to St Anthony and the significance of the annual feast at Dornahalli, one of the region’s most prominent pilgrimage centers.