MARGAO
The St Anthony Capuchin Province Goa has invited the faithful to experience and venerate St Anthony of Padua as his relics will be brought to the state for the first time at Monte de Guirim, Mapusa and Padre Pio Chapel, Navelim, between March 2 and 4.
While devotees can venerate the relics, consisting of the Saint’s bust (flesh) and a rib at Alverno Friary, Monte de Gurim on March 2 (morning to evening) and March 3 (morning to afternoon), the relics will be exposed for public veneration at the Padre Pio Friary, Moddi-Navelim on March 3 (afternoon to evening) and on March 4, between morning to afternoon.
Addressing the media, Fr Domnic Ferrao said the faithful are indeed overjoyed and thrilled to have St Anthony’s relics in Goa at Monte de Guirim and at Navelim. “I invite the people of Goa to experience the Saint, venerate him, feel him and thank God for giving us the great saint,” he said, saying that Goa is getting warmed up to welcome the relics in the state.
St Anthony’s relics, which have been brought to India for veneration, are presently in the Bengalaru province and will first come to Monte de Guirim on March 2 afternoon. Fr Domnic said the people can use the Monte de Guirim ground for parking of their vehicles and walk up the hill to venerate the saint.
Similarly, faithful heading to Padre Pio Chapel at Moddi-Navelim from South are requested to park their vehicles at Blasco Executive, while vehicles from South will be asked to use the Dramapur village road for parking.
Since the relics is the property of the Italian government, the Goa police will provide security to secure these
while in Goa.
A committee headed by South Goa Additional Collector, Agnelo Fernandes, is working out various arrangements, including security and traffic, during the two days when the relics will be in Goa.
At the Padre Pio Friary, the relics will be exposed for veneration after a sacred ceremony on March 3 afternoon at 3 pm. The relics will be exposed for veneration till 9 pm on March 3.
On March 4, the ceremony will begin with the earlier Sunday mass at 6.30 am. The veneration will continue till 2.45 pm and the ceremony will culminate with an Eucharistic celebration at 3 pm.
