Thousands of pilgrims from India and Sri Lanka participate in St. Anthony’s Church festival at Katchatheevu in Sri Lanka on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: L. BALACHANDAR
A total of 3,464 pilgrims who participated in the two-day annual St. Antony’s Church festival held in Katchatheevu islet returned to Rameswaram on Saturday.
The pilgrims sailed from Rameswaram to the islet in 100 boats on March 14 (Friday) after a thorough check by authorities.
The church was established in the islet by fishermen, who worship St. Antony as their protector. They offer prayers at the church as a mark of thanksgiving. The new church, funded by the Sri Lankan Navy, was constructed next to the old church in 2016.
On March 14, the St. Antony’s Church festival started around 4 p.m., with flag hoisting. It was followed by the ‘Way of the Cross’ procession and a car procession carrying the statue of St. Antony around the church. The pilgrims from India and Sri Lanka have been visiting the church and offering special prayers.
Priests from India and Sri Lanka presided over the ceremonies. On March 15 (Saturday), the second day of the festival, special prayers were conducted in the church which was followed by other celebrations. The pilgrims returned to Rameswaram around 4 p.m.
Published – March 15, 2025 05:50 pm IST