St. Antony’s never sends us empty-handed”-Archbishop reassures devotees

Bengaluru, April 19: St. Antony’s Church in Betada Halsaru (Kanakapura Taluk) about 35 km from Electronic City never fails to draw thousands of devotees for the annual feast from all across Bengaluru, Mysore and even neighboring Tamil Nadu. Archbishop Dr. Bernard Moras presided over the 9.30 am mass on April 18. This year, particularly significant, being the commencement of the 50th annual celebration the feast of St. Antony, saw the participation of over 6000 devotees, with pilgrims even walking several kilometers to reach the shrine.

Archbishop Dr. Bernard Moras applauding the faith and fervor of the mass of Faithful, including several people from other Faiths reiterated that “The ardent seeker of God and one who seeks the intercession of St. Antony has never returned empty-handed”. Many of the Diocesan priests were present for the celebrations. All priests were welcomed and felicitated by the parish priest Fr. Nirmal along with the Dean Fr. Mariappa Gregory. The Archbishop also congratulated and felicitated the Parish Priest Fr. Nirmal after the 9.30 am Holy Mass that he presided over.

Owing to the massive crowds of devotees that flock the church for the feast, the masses were held under a tent at an open ground near the church. The celebrations as usual, witness a coming together of friends, families and relatives to pray to St. Antony the wonder-worker and to thank the Saint for the favors received.