Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen together at the feast of Saint Anthony

The celebrations were held on the island of Katchchateevu over the weekend and was attended by more than 2,000 worshipers from Tamil Nadu. The Mass was presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Colombo, Msgr. Anton Ranjith Pillainayagam.

Colombo () – A few days ago the annual feast of Saint Anthony of Padua was celebrated on the island of Katchchateevu, with the participation of almost 3,000 faithful from Sri Lanka and more than 2,000 Indian pilgrims. Many fishermen and members of the clergy were present, according to the Indian Embassy in Colombo. “The event -says the note- recalls the strong ties between India and Sri Lanka and paves the way for close interaction between the fishing communities of the two neighboring maritime countries”.

On the occasion of the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, a figure much loved by fishermen, the mass was presided on March 4 by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Colombo, Msgr. Anton Ranjith Pillainayagam, together with the Vicar General of the diocese from Jaffna, Pathinathan Josephdas Jebaratnam.

From the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu – Rameswaram, Thangachchimadam, Karaikkaal and Nagapattinam – 2,198 worshipers arrived on the island in 72 fishing boats, while about 2,900 people from Jaffna, Mannar, Thalaimannar, Chilaw and Negombo traveled by ferry or by boat. their own boats to take part in the celebrations.

Douglas Devananda, Fisheries Minister, welcomed the pilgrims as they arrived on March 3 to participate in special prayers and an evening mass.

In the last two years, the Saint Anthony festival in Katchchateevu had been suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stalls displaying and selling handicrafts from Indian and Sri Lankan pilgrims were also set up in the surrounding area, adding liveliness to the festivities, which were attended by the Consul General of India in Jaffna, Raakesh Natraj, and other officials.

The Indian embassy reported that its government had provided financial assistance for the organization of the event, while the Sri Lankan Navy, which has a permanent presence on the island, collaborated with some essential services, such as drinking water, temporary tents and electricity.

The small island of Katchchateevu is located 24 km from Rameshwaram and 70 km from Jaffna. India ceded this territory to Sri Lanka in the 1974 Maritime Boundary Agreement, which gives Indian fishermen the right to fish in the area; pilgrims can also visit St Anthony’s Church without the need for a Sri Lankan visa or permit. The church was born as a small chapel in 1806 and was later enlarged in 1828.