Thousand of Sri Lankans venerate relics of St. Anthony

March 15, 2010

Thousands of Sri Lankans have venerated the relics of St. Anthony of Padua since they arrived in the nation’s capital on March 7. The saint has been a favorite saint of Sri Lankan Catholics since the island’s initial evangelization five centuries ago. “People were seen in tears with the arms stretched for the intercession of St. Anthony, some apparently for disappeared family members, some for peace and harmony in this country, and most of them praying for personal and family intentions,” according to a press release from the Archdiocese of Colombo.

7% of the nation’s 20.9 million residents are Catholic; 69% are Buddhist, 8% are Muslim, and 7% are Hindu.

 

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Further information:

• Relics of St Anthony of Padua on Pilgrimage to Sri Lanka (Vatican Radio)
• Massive Crowd Gathers At St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade Amidst The Security Situation For Solemn Procession (Archdiocese of Colombo)
• Thousands flock to venerate saint’s relic (UCA News)
• St. Anthony's Shrine Kochchikade - Colombo