Mangaluru: Evolution of St Anthony’s Charity Institutes, Jeppu – succor to 400 destitute

By John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 08 Feb: It was on June 12, 1898 – Monsignor M P Colaco, assistant vicar of Milagres Church started novena to St Anthony. On the following day, June 13, the feast of St Anthony was celebrated solemnly. Thereafter, Monsignor Colaco started celebrating Holy Mass on every Tuesday at the altar of Saint and continued novena prayers. The response from the people was beyond all expectations, not only the parishioners of Milagres, but many faithful from parishes in and around Mangaluru and from beyond the town limits began to attend Tuesday devotion.  

 

All those who come to the feet of St Anthony, never returned empty handed. Even to this day, thousands come to him seeking his favors and no one goes back disappointed.

 

From 1899, the feast of Relic (Tongue) of St Anthony began to be celebrated on February 15. The beautiful statue of St Anthony adorning the entrance of the shrine was blessed by Pope Leo XIII and brought all the way from Italy in 1900 and installed on 1902.

 

The devotees of St Anthony used to make their ‘Thanksgiving Offerings’ in cash and kind with a grateful heart for the favors received through the intercession of St Anthony. The collection made through such offerings was used initially in the form of ‘Almsgiving’ to feed the poor, the sick and destitute and wipe away their tears. Thus began the work of ‘St Anthony’s Bread’ in Mangaluru. In 1911, some houses were put up near Milagres Church to accommodate the waifs, the orphans, the old and the disabled and those who have no one to take care of.  These houses were known as ‘St Anthony’s Poor Home.’ Its said that during 2 World Wars, where there were extreme scarcity of food, hundreds of poor used to wait in queues at Milagres Church, to satiate their hunger and ‘St Anthony’s Bread’ provided meals for all of them.

 

As the need to house the destitute increased and the space available in the city was limited; 28 acres of land belonging to Britto’s of Jeppu was purchased in auction for Rs 45,000 in 1934. In 1936, St Anthony’s Poor Homes was shifted from Milagres to this place, presently known as St Anthony’s Charity Institutes. At the moment, 400 destitute (residents) live at the institute. Those once admitted are taken care of till they complete their journey of this earthly life. All their needs are met free of cost.

 

 

Medical Care

The medical needs of the residents are met at Father Muller Hospital, Kankanady and District Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru.

 

Kitchen

Tasty and nutritious food is cooked in the central kitchen and from there its distributed to different houses.

 

Prayer

Thrice a day all the residents come together for community prayer and to pray for the intentions of the benefactors.

A Miracle in itself………

Though it’s not quite possible to pinpoint exactly when it all started or feast was being celebrated is known of St Anthony, on June 13 of several years at the altar of St Anthony in the church of Our Lady of Miracles, Milagres, Mangaluru. However, there were no other special devotion of such in his honor.

 

St Anthony is known for his 13 miracles. But everyday, he performs a number of miracles for his devotees. St Anthony’s Charity Institute, Jeppu is a living proof to his miracle. St Anthony provides shelter and peaceful living at the institute to 400 destitute who are unwanted in the society. If this is not a miracle, what else is? St Anthony does this miracle through his devotees. You are welcome to join homes in continuing forward this miracle.

 

Fruit of their labour

Vegetables and fruits grown here with the help of the residents the year and harvested throughout and are used for their consumption.

Talent pooling

The Institute provides apprentice training to make use of their talent and ability, as the use of their skills feel them worthy.

Tailoring unit

It takes care of the clothing needs of the institutes.

 

Candle making unit

Quality candles produced in this unit are sold on every Tuesday at the Shrine.

 

Workshop

It takes care of repairs and maintenance of Institutes.

 

Dairy farming

It has dairy farm that provides milk and dairy products for the Institutes.

 

Location

St Anthony’s Shrine, Milagres, Mangaluru is 2 furlongs from the Central Railway Station, 1 kilometer from City Bus Stand and 13 kilometers from Mangaluru International Airport.

 

St Anthony’s Charity Institutes, Jeppu is 2 kilometers from Central Railway Station, 4 kilometers from City Bus Stand and 16 kilometers from Mangaluru International Airport.

 

At St Anthony’s Shrine, Milagres – devotion on every Tuesday - Holy Mass at 8.15am and 6.00pm followed by novenas.

 

You can send your petitions/offerings to: The director, St Anthony’s Charity Institutes, Jeppu, Mangaluru – 575 002

Tel: 0824-2418065/2417065

E-mail: sasjepppu@gmail.com

www.stanthonysshrinemangalore.com

Pl note: Cheques, DDs or money order to be made in favor of St Anthony’s Charity Institutes

 

St Anthony’s Charity Institutes is led by director Fr Onil D’Souza and assistant director Fr Roshan D’Souza.