Saint Anthony Ashram Marks Rosary Feast with Candlelight Procession and a Call to Prayer
Saint Anthony Ashram, Jeppu, celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary with prayerful devotion on Wednesday, October 7, bringing together ashram residents and the faithful for an evening of Marian devotion, prayer and a solemn candlelight procession.
Delivering the spiritual reflection, Rev. Fr Meckenzie Mendonsa OP, Assistant Parish Priest of Saint Dominic Church, Ashoknagar, highlighted the importance of the Holy Rosary in contemporary life and encouraged the faithful to remain rooted in prayer and seek the intercession of Mary.
He emphasised that praying the Rosary helps believers draw closer to Jesus and Mary and provides spiritual strength to face the challenges, temptations and addictions of modern society. Reflecting on the Word of God through the Rosary, he said, can lead believers towards deeper faith and genuine conversion.
The highlight of the celebration was a solemn candlelight procession through the vicinity of Saint Anthony Ashram, covering the residences of the ashram community. Women volunteers carried the beautifully decorated statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, while devotees and residents joined the procession with candles, singing Marian hymns and praising God.
Adding to the devotional atmosphere, a live musical band comprising Ashram students accompanied the procession with hymns and music.
The evening programme began with Rev. Fr Praveen Amrith Martis, Administrator of Saint Anthony Ashram, giving a brief historical reflection on the origin and significance of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. This was followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary, led by the Ursuline Sisters of Bolar.
The celebration concluded with the solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Rev. Fr J.B. Crasta, Director of Saint Anthony Ashram, proposed the vote of thanks and expressed appreciation to the volunteers, women, students and residents whose dedicated efforts contributed to the successful celebration.
The feast served as a meaningful reminder of the enduring power of prayer, faith and devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary.
News & Photos
Rev. Fr ANIL IVAN FERNANDES
Director, Canara Communication Center
Diocese of Mangalore
