Mangalore: Most Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, the Bishop of Mangalore conducted the Muhurtha programme of the TV Serial ‘Miracles of Saint Anthony’ by displaying the title on the T Vscreen mounted on the stage at St Anthony Ashram Jeppu on December 1. He then released the script of the serial and invoked God’s blessings.
In his message, the Bishop said “Saint Anthony being the faithful follower of Jesus Christ dedicated his life to spreading the Kingdom of God. As a reward for his ministry God has preserved his tongue through past eight Centuries.” Adding that he had the privilege of visiting the place Padua in Italy where the tongue is preserved. Further, he said that the upcoming TV Serial will help devotees of Saint Antony around the world to see his life and miracles and get inspired to do good.
UT Khader, Minister of Housing and Urban Development was the chief guest of the programme. In his message, he said that the name of Saint Anthony is popular all over the world and among the people of all faith. He wished well to all those who are involved in the production of the serial and said that more people can now obtain favours through the intercession of Saint Anthony after watching the serial.
Ivan D’Souza, Member of Karnataka State Legislative Council was the Guest of honour. In his address, he said that Saint Anthony is a Saint of Miracles. People irrespective of religion and caste stop for a while near the Statue of Saint Anthony outside the gate of Ashram and pray for a while and say that if they do this then their entire day becomes peaceful. He wished that the serial on the miracles of Saint Anthony will help many more to come to know the greatness of Saint.
Ashwin Jossy Pereira, the producer of ‘Asathoma Sadgamaya’ movie said that Saint Anthony is Saint of the miracles. Here at the ashram, 400 destitute are sheltered and looked after free of cost till the end of their life which is a true testimony to show Saint Anthony performs miracles even today amidst us. He then wished well to the production work of the serial. He called on the team which works on the serial to give importance to the message of the serial. He stressed that the people at the end of the day should get some message and the serial should not become just an entertainment. He expressed confidence such work will come out in the Serial on Saint Anthony’s life and miracles.
Greetings from Shri Ramesh Bhat and Ms Asha Latha the Cine Actors who will be acting in the serial were played on the T.V. screen.
Fr Onil D’Souza the director of the Ashram welcomed the dignitaries and the guests. He also spoke on the purpose of producing the serial. Vincent Fernandes the Director of the serial, John M. Permannur the scriptwriter were present on the stage.
Fr Denis Moras Prabhu, Fr Francis D’Souza, Fr Harold Mascarenhas, Fr Peter D’Souza, Fr Ronald D’Souza, Former Mayor Jacintha Alfred, Corporator Appi were present along with artists and a large number of guests. Lavita Menezes compered the programme. Fr Thrishan D’Souza, Asst Director proposed the vote of thanks.
