The Internet is the latest and in many respects most powerful in a line of media.It has a number of striking features. It is instantaneous, immediate, worldwide, decentralized, interactive, endlessly expandable in contents and outreach, flexible and adaptable to remarkable degree.It is egalitarian, in the sense that anyone with the necessary equipment
and modest technical skill can be an active presence in cyberspace, declare his or her message to the world, and demand a hearing. It allows individuals to indulge in anonymity, role-playing, and fantasizing and also to enter into community with others and engage in sharing. According to users’ tastes, it lends itself equally well to active participation and to passive absorption. It can be used to break down the isolation od individuals and groups or to deepen it.(Ethics in Internet,Vatican Document from Pontifical Council
for Social Communications).
Own website is a landmark in the history of St.Antony’s Major Shrine, Uvari. It gives me immense joy to know that St.Antony’s Major Shrine, Uvari, is launching a website in order to widen its horizon of relationships even outside the territory of Uvari. The website is the outcome of tremendous toil, dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of the priest, the parishioners and the Shrine Finance Committee.May this new venture not only disseminate the liturgical events and happenings of the Shrine to every nook and corner of the world, but also continue to serve as a web among the parishioners and the pilgrims to know, love and care for each other like the Early Christian Community.My hearty congratulations to all those who worked hard to make the dream come true.
St.Antony’s Major Shrine, Uvari, is a Diocesan Pilgrim Centre, specially dedicated to St.Antony of Padua.We all know that a lot of people visit this God’s dwelling place seeking His abundant blessings.It has been accepted that through the intercession of St.Antony, many get relief from their sickness and all kinds of bondages.From my boyhood, Whenever I visited this sacred place along with my parents, Kith and kins, I had personally witnessed the mighty outpouring of the Power of Jesus in healings and unbelievable miracles through the powerful intercession of St.Antony, the Miracle Worker. May we honour more and more St.Antony of Padua in Uvari and receive God’s abundant blessings through his Powerful Intercession.
St.Antony’s shrine at Uvari (Obeer Pattanam) is one of the oldest Shrine in South India. Ever since the establishment of the Shrine, a strong devotion has grown up here to this great saint of God and is specially fostered by the non-christians, i.e., Hindus, Muslims and others. As a result of great favours and extra-ordinary graces that have been and are being granted at the Shrine, Devotees from various part of India as well as foreign countries like Sri Lanka, have placed themselves under the care of St.Antony of Padua.
During the Annual feast, devotees flow to the church to realise the power of intercession of the wonder worker, St.Antony. The miraculous statue is adorned with golden jewels during the feast days. It is strange to notice that the large number of Hindus visits the Shrine and pays homage to the Saint during the festival days. The number of people rises up to lakhs during the feast days. Thousands of people make use of the occasion for confession. Thousands receive spiritual and material blessings through the powerful intercession of St.Antony of Padua.
I take much pleasure in inviting all the devotees, readers, well-wishers to this graceful Shrine. May the powerful intercession of St.Antony of Padua remains with all of you in your sorrows and joys. Devotees who wish to offer their mass intentions, donations and any other offerings are welcome to approach the shrine office. I am happy and much pleased to invite you to this historical and sacred sanctuary to pray and to receive the showers of Blessings. Being the Parish Priest and the Rector of this Shrine, I welcome all of you to pay a visit and pray to God through the great saint of Antony of Padua.
With Prayerful Wishes,
Fr.Dominic Arul Valan.
