Annual Feast of St. Anthony at Katchatheevu Draws Over 12,000 Devotees

01-Mar-2026

.

The annual feast of St. Anthony at Katchatheevu was celebrated with the participation of more than 12,000 devotees from Sri Lanka and India. Approximately 3,094 pilgrims arrived from India for this year’s event.

The festival began with the hoisting of the flag on February 27 and concluded with a solemn concelebrated Mass.

The Mass was led by senior clergy from the Jaffna Diocese and the Sivaganga Diocese in India, along with priests from both countries.

In his homily, the Jaffna diocesan leader thanked the Sri Lankan government for facilitating the event and acknowledged the Indian government’s support in enabling Indian participation.

Addressing ongoing political discourse in India regarding Katchatheevu, he stated that geographically the island belongs to Sri Lanka, but spiritually it belongs to all.

He also reflected on the rapid global embrace of artificial intelligence, warning of a future where humanity could become subordinate to its own creations, and urged vigilance regarding technological developments.

The celebration concluded with a special blessing, prayers for both nations, and expressions of gratitude to the Sri Lankan government, Navy, Indian High Commission, and security personnel for their support.

Among those present were Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Chief Justice P. Padman Surasena, Northern Province Governor N. Vedanayagam, District Secretary Pradeepan, Indian Consul General Sai Murali, and numerous clergy from both Sri Lanka and India.