Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 7: St Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, marked the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary with profound spiritual fervour on Wednesday, October 7. The evening was highlighted by a special Marian devotion, a grand candlelight procession, and a powerful call to prayer, drawing a large gathering of the faithful and ashram residents.
Delivering the spiritual reflection for the occasion, Fr Meckenzie Mendonsa OP, assistant parish priest at St Dominic Church, Ashoknagar, underscored the vital importance of the rosary in contemporary life. He emphasized the continuous need for prayer and the power of Mary's intercession. “We experience Jesus and Mary very closely when we pray the rosary,” Fr Mendonsa noted. He explained that reflecting on the Word of God through the rosary equips believers with the spiritual strength required to combat modern societal evils and addictions, ultimately guiding them toward genuine conversion.
A major highlight of the feast was a solemn candlelight procession that moved across the vicinity of the St Anthony Ashram, covering the houses of all the residents. Women volunteers of the Ashram had the honour of carrying the decorated statue of Our Lady of the Rosary. Devotees and ashram residents marched alongside holding candles, passionately singing Marian hymns and praising God. The procession was gracefully accompanied by a live musical band featuring the students of the Ashram, which added a vibrant and reverent atmosphere to the march.
Earlier in the evening, the spiritual program commenced with Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, administrator of the ashram, delivering a historical note detailing the origins and enduring significance of the feast. Following this, the congregation united in prayer as the recitation of the Holy Rosary was reverently led by the Ursuline Sisters of Bolar.
The deeply moving service culminated with the solemn blessing of the Blessed Sacrament. Fr JB Crasta, director of St Anthony Ashram, proposed the vote of thanks, gratefully acknowledging the dedicated services rendered by all the volunteers, women, students, and ashram residents in making the devotional event a resounding success.