Jeppu:Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza the emeritus Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore offered prayer for the extinction of Corona Virus at Milagres church grounds after the festive Holy Mass organized by St Anthony’s Ashram Jeppu on the occasion of feast of Relic of St Anthony.
The spreading of Corona Virus has caused death and illness among people. It has created fear psychosis among the people all over the world. It is in this back ground the St Anthony’s Ashram Jeppu organized candle light prayer service for the extinction of this virus. The prayer was offered to Jesus the great physician who during His earthly ministry healed people from all kinds of sickness. St Anthony whose feast is being celebrated today also performed miracles and healed many people in the name of Jesus. Thousands of people along with priests and Religious Sisters participated in the prayer service.
The Bishop in his message said that St Anthony in his short life didn’t think of hunger, thirst and rest but preached the word of God continuously. He sacrificed his life and made other’s life beautiful. He called on the people gathered to take example from the life of Saint Anthony and contribute to make other’s life comfortable.
Rev. Dr Prakash Monteiro the campus director of Philomena College Puttur preached the homily during the mass. Saint Anthony made use of his tongue to preach the word of God and to fill hope in the life of people. He spent himself fully in performing miracles, all for others and to bring solace in the life of people. Wherever it is possible he toiled to better the life of people who came in contact with him. It was a life totally dedicated to do good to others. God in return has blessed Saint Anthony by keeping his tongue fresh even after eight centuries of his demise. This is an indication that whenever people obey God, love Him and serve Him, He in return blesses them.
Earlier during the day a Holy Mass was offered for the inmates at the Ashram at 6 am. At 8.15 am Holy Mass was offered in Milagres Church for the sick and elderly. Fr Walter Mendonca the Parish Priest of St Anthony Church Sastan offered Holy Mass at the Ashram. Fr Alex professor at St Joseph Church Jeppu offered Mass at 4.30 pm in Malayalam at Milagres Church.
