Thousands Converge on St Anthony’s Basilica in Dornahalli, Mysuru for Grand Feast Celebrations
Dornahalli, Mysuru: The annual feast of St. Anthony drew throngs of pilgrims to the historic St. Anthony’s Minor Basilica in Dornahalli, Mysuru, on June 13, 2025. The event, a cornerstone of the Diocese of Mysore, attracted devotees from across Karnataka and neighboring states, all seeking the blessings of the revered saint in a day filled with faith and prayer.
The St. Anthony’s Basilica boasts a rich spiritual heritage that traces back to the 19th century. Legend holds that a farmer unearthed a wooden statue during agricultural work. Subsequent divine visions and the recognition of the figure as St. Anthony of Padua by a Christian priest led to the establishment of a humble shrine. Over time, accounts of miracles and answered prayers fueled the site’s growing popularity among the faithful.
The first formal church structure was erected in 1920, guided by Fr. S D’Silva and supported by Shri Thambu Chetty, Dewan of Mysore Palace, and his brother, Dharmaraj Chetty. As the number of pilgrims swelled, a larger church was commissioned by Fr. I H Lobo and consecrated on June 13, 1969, by Bishop Dr. Matthias Fernandez. A significant milestone was reached on October 17, 2019, when Pope Francis elevated the shrine to a Minor Basilica, a designation formally announced during a Thanksgiving Mass led by Bishop Dr. K A William on June 9, 2020.
This year’s feast commenced at dawn with the first Mass, celebrated in Kannada at 5:00 a.m. by Rev. Fr. David Sagaya Raj, the Rector of the Basilica. Masses were held throughout the day in Kannada, English, and Tamil, reflecting the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the attendees. Rev. Fr. Robert Gregory Monteiro, Principal of Sacred Heart School from the Kolkata Diocese, officiated the 6:00 a.m. Kannada Mass, followed by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Alexander, Financial Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore, who celebrated the 7:00 a.m. English Mass.
Rev. Fr. Rohan, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Yadavagiri, presided over the 8:00 a.m. Kannada Mass.
The highlight of the day was the Festive High Mass at 10:00 a.m., celebrated in Kannada by Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore. He was joined by Bishop Emeritus Cyprian Monis of the Diocese of Asansol, West Bengal. The presence of these esteemed religious figures, along with numerous clergy and religious, amplified the solemnity and spiritual significance of the celebration, filling the hearts of the faithful with joy and gratitude.
The Tamil-speaking community participated at 11:30 a.m. Mass offered by Rev. Fr. Valentine Rajendra Kumar J of St. Peter’s Church, Bogadhi, succeeded by the 1:00 p.m. English Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Oswald Crasta OCD, Rector of Pushpashrama, Mysuru.
The afternoon continued with devotion, as Rev. Fr. Mari Raj, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Mandya, led the 3:00 p.m. Kannada Mass. At 4:00 p.m., Rev. Fr. Arogya Swamy R of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Srirampura, celebrated Mass. Fr. Arogya Swamy, recognized for his instrumental role in the shrine’s elevation to a Minor Basilica, was specially honored during the event for his dedicated service and contribution to the Church.
The final Mass of the day took place at 5:30 p.m., celebrated in Kannada by Rev. Fr. Yesu Prasad, Assistant Financial Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore. The day culminated in a grand Eucharistic procession, uniting thousands in prayer and praise, followed by the benediction of the Holy Eucharist – a profound moment of unity and spiritual contemplation.
Throughout the day, free meals were generously provided to all pilgrims, courtesy of supportive donors. This act of charity embodied the true spirit of the feast, fostering love, compassion, and community amongst all participants.
The Basilica administration conveyed sincere gratitude to local MLA Ravi Shankar and all government departments for their invaluable cooperation and support. Special appreciation was extended by Fr. David Sagaya Raj, the Rector, and Fr. Praveen Pedru, the Administrator, to all clergy, religious, volunteers, and the faithful who contributed to the spiritually enriching and well-organized celebration.
As the pilgrims departed, they carried with them renewed hope, peace, and the blessings of St. Anthony. The Minor Basilica at Dornahalli continues to stand as a beacon of faith, healing, and divine grace for countless individuals each year.