Statue of St. Anthony on the roads of Colombo to bless the devotees

The annual feast of St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, Colombo 13 was held on June 13th 2006. After the trilingual mass, the statue of St. Anthony was taken on procession on Colombo roads on the final day, while blessing the devotees. The procession started at dusk and ended in the night.

The feast started with the flag hoisting on June 3rd 2006, at the St. Anthony's Church. The St. Anthony's feast is celebrated on June 13 th all over Sri Lanka. A lot of Non- Catholics believe in St. Anthony.

St.Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, Colombo 13 celebrates its annual feast

The flag hoisting of St.Anthony's Church was held on June 03rd 2006

Devotees from Colombo and suburbs participated in the annual feast

It's a rare occasion that the St.Anthony's feast falls on a Tuesday, which is St.Anthony's day

"I am a born Muslim. But I believe in St.Anthony. I have been selling "Pori" (which is offered to the St.Anthony) for the past five years, during the feast time. I come around 3.30pm to the spot on the feast day, and start selling it.I earn a lot by the time the feast is over. St.Anthony is very powerful" says Mohamed Raheem (42) of Colombo 12.

The Reverend Sisters and Reverend Brothers are praying for peace

St.Anthony's Mawatha in Colombo 13 was flocked by devotees

The residents of Kochchikade worship from their houses, while the procession moves on the road

"Panangatti Kuttan" (Palmyrah Sugar) from Mannar for sale in Colombo 13, during the St.Anthony's feast.