Mangaluru: Since 122 years, the St Anthony’s Ashram in Jeppu has a history of looking after destitutes, and is currently taking care of over 400 such people.
St Anthony, the patron of the ashram was born in 1195 and died in 1231. He treated many sick people in the name of Jesus Christ while he lived. Though he died 800 years ago, his tongue and larynx which are kept at a church at Padva, Italy have remained intact. The ashram will celebrate the feast of the relic on February 15 on Milagres open ground. Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza will offer the festive mass at 6 pm.
The fear of Coronavirus is seen. Sufficient information and awareness are being spread about it. While the feast of St Anthony who has cured patients is being celebrated, there will be prayers by thousands of devotees after the mass at 7.15 pm holding lighted candles praying to protect people from the deadly virus.
Fr Onil D’Souza, director of the ashram has requested to spread the message to the people.