Udupi, 13 Jun 2013: The annual titular feast of St. Antony was celebrated at Pakala-Manjarplake near Belman on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 10.30 am. The Chancellor of the Udupi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca was the chief celebrant of the fest mass along with other 14 priests. More than 3000 people including non-Catholics attended the feast mass. After the mass snacks and coffee were served to the people who attended the feast mass.
The Shrine Committee has purchased 21 cents of land this year behind the shrine which along with the original land makes two acres. Thus, there is enough land to expand the shrine in future.
Mr. Gregory Menezes, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council of Belman and Mr. Alwyn Ageira, Secretary of the Shrine Committee assured the people that next year arrangements will be made for providing lunch to all the devotees of St. Antony who will be attending the annual feast mass.
Fr. Lawrence D’Souza, parish priest of Belman thanked all the devotees who attended the feast mass.