Eighth Day of Novena in Anticipation of St Anthony’s Annual Relic Feast Held at Milagres
Mangaluru, February 6, 2024: St Anthony Shrine at Milagres Church in Mangaluru marked the eighth day of the novena leading up to the annual relic feast of St Anthony of Padua on February 6, 2024.
The Eucharistic Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr Herry Dsouza, Spiritual Director of Gladsom Home Minor Seminary, along with Rev. Fr J. B. Crasta, the Director, and Fr Gilbert Dsouza, Chaplain of St Anthony Charitable Institutions in Jeppu.
Fr Harry’s sermon focused on “Embracing the Humble Heart of St Antony.” He said that drawing inspiration from St Anthony of Padua’s profound humility, reflected in his devotion to serving the poor and his simplicity of heart, we are reminded of the essence of humility as exemplified by Jesus in Matthew 11:25. Just as St Anthony humbly surrendered to God’s will and found rest in serving others, we too are called to embrace humility by approaching God with childlike openness, surrendering to His wisdom and will, and finding peace and rest for our souls in acts of humble service and prayer.
Following the Mass, Fr Gilbert Dsouza led the novena, with special prayers for the addicted, hopeless, and helpless. The choir members of Urwa Church added a melodious dimension to the expressions of gratitude.
