A tiny piece of St Anthony’s tongue rests here. Right inside St Anthony’s Shrine Kochchikade. Can you believe it?
This isn’t just any church. This is St Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo Sri Lanka. A place steeped in history faith and yes even a little bit of miracle. It stands as a testament to resilience and devotion. For centuries St Anthony’s has been a beacon of hope for the faithful. Its story begins in the shadows of Dutch colonial rule.
Back then Catholicism was forbidden. Priests conducted secret sermons. Father Antonio a courageous priest disguised himself. He found refuge among the fishing community at Mutwal. Legend says this community asked for his help. The relentless sea threatened their village. Father Antonio planted a cross prayed and the sea receded. The community converted to Catholicism. The Dutch surprisingly gave him land. He built a simple mud brick chapel dedicated to St Anthony of Padua. Father Antonio himself is buried within the very church we stand before today.
In 1806 the chapel expanded. In 1822 a precious statue of St Anthony arrived from Goa. It still resides on one of the altars. A new church was built in Neoclassical style. It was consecrated on June 1 1834. The church wasn’t done growing. In 1938 it underwent significant improvements. A chorister’s gallery wings a mission house and meeting room were added. It was reconsecrated in 1940.
St Anthony’s Shrine isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to faith. It’s a place where prayers have been answered and miracles whispered about. It also carries the scars of tragedy. On Easter Sunday 2019 a devastating suicide bomb attack struck. At least 93 lives were lost. The Sri Lankan Navy rebuilt the church. The church reopened on June 12 2019. It remains a potent symbol of hope and perseverance.
Look around you. Feel the weight of history. This is St Anthony’s Shrine. A place of faith resilience and enduring spirit. A place that’s survived persecution expansion and tragedy. Its story is a testament to the power of belief and the unwavering devotion of its people. Remember this place. Remember its story.