Golden Threads of Grace: 50 Years of St. Anthony’s Blessings at Watre - 1975 to 2025
Every celebration is an opportunity to thank the Lord for His marvellous blessings. Jubilee celebrations, in particular, are sacred milestones—a time to pause, reflect, and praise God for His wonders. The faithful of Watre have experienced God’s tender love, care, and protection through the powerful intercession of their beloved patron, St. Anthony of Padua. The grace and blessings received over the past 50 years are so abundant that words cannot fully express them.

The Golden Jubilee of St. Anthony’s Chapel, Watre, was celebrated with great joy and solemnity on May 16, 2025, marking 50 glorious years of divine blessings. A series of spiritual, social, and cultural events were organized to make this celebration meaningful and memorable.

Highlights of the Jubilee Celebrations
1. January 6, 2025 – Inauguration Day:
The Jubilee Year was formally inaugurated on January 6 by Fr. Cyprian Fernandes and Fr. Joachim Rodrigues with a solemn procession carrying the statue of St. Anthony from the old chapel to the new one. A festive Holy Eucharist in honour of St. Anthony followed. The Jubilee logo and theme were unveiled: “ಭರ್ವಸ್ಯಾಚೆ ವಾಟೆರ್, ಭೊಗ್ಸಾಣ್ಯಾಚೆ ಸೊಜೆರ್”

2. February 23 to April 13, 2025 – St. Anthony Visits Every Home:
As part of the spiritual preparation, the statue of St. Anthony was taken to all 43 houses in the village. Families gathered around the saint’s portrait to offer prayers of thanksgiving. This time of prayer included the Rosary, the Novena to St. Anthony, and other devotions, helping families grow in faith and unity.

3. April 13, 2025 – Day of Reconciliation:
A Day dedicated to healing, forgiveness, and unity. Fr. Rovel D’Souza, OCD, and his team led a deeply moving spiritual retreat that included adoration, a session on healing and forgiveness, and powerful reflections. Many hearts were touched, and families were renewed in love.

4. February 8 to April 2, 2025 – Jubilee Cricket Tournament:
To share the Jubilee joy beyond the Catholic community, a Cricket Tournament was held, drawing 28 teams from neighbouring villages. It became an event of unity and celebration, where even non-Christians experienced the spirit of the Jubilee.

5. May 4, 2025 – Day of Fun and Fest:
A festive gathering for the entire Watre community, including people of all faiths. Held on the village grounds, the event offered a variety of games and activities for all age groups. It was a day of joy, laughter, and community bonding.

6. May 4, 2025 – Watre People’s Day:
This day was specially dedicated to the residents of Watre. The Holy Mass was presided over by Fr. Alphonse Britto, Provincial Councillor, who delivered an inspiring homily. Following the Eucharist, those who had contributed to the growth of the chapel over the past 50 years were honoured.
• Mr. Ruzar Souza was recognized for his dedicated service as sacristan.
• Mr. James Pereira, Panchayat member, was felicitated along with other community contributors.
The winners of the previously held games were also awarded.

7. May 15, 2025 – Jubilee Eve: A Day for Sponsors and Well-wishers
The eve of the Jubilee began with a grand welcome for the Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial of the Karnataka-Goa Province, and his team. The highlight of the day was the inauguration of the Grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, constructed on the historic village well, symbolizing gratitude for the life-giving water and the spiritual legacy of the Carmelites.

A solemn Eucharistic celebration followed, presided over by Fr. Provincial, and the homily was preached by Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, Vicar Provincial.

Later, Fr. Prakash D’Cunha, Provincial Councillor led the adoration and procession through the entire village, blessing every home.
The stage programme that followed included:
• Honouring benefactors and collaborators.
• Felicitating the parents of local vocations for their generous sacrifices.
• Gifting all 43 families of Watre with a framed picture of St. Anthony as a Jubilee memento.
• The much-anticipated Lucky Draw, which added excitement and joy to the evening.

8. May 16, 2025 – Jubilee Day:
Day of Thanksgiving: The climax of the celebration was the Golden Jubilee Holy Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of the Diocese of Belgaum, in the presence of numerous priests from across parishes and communities.

After the Mass, a felicitation programme was held, during which The Bishop, Provincial Superior, Mr. Vittal Halagekar (Local MLA), parish priests, former and present, and others who had rendered remarkable service were honoured.

As St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus reminds us, “Everything is grace.” With grateful hearts, the faithful of Watre concluded this Golden Jubilee celebration of St. Anthony’s Chapel by giving glory to God, and offering thanks to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Anthony of Padua for their loving presence throughout these 50 blessed years.