Colombo Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Shrine Festival Begins with Flag Hoisting
The 192nd annual feast of the St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade in Colombo commenced today (Wednesday, 3rd) morning with the traditional flag hoisting ceremony.
Prior to the flag hoisting, Holy Masses were conducted at 6.00 a.m. in both Tamil and Sinhala languages.
Following the flag hoisting, the nine-day novena prayers will be held daily at 6.00 p.m. until the 11th of this month.
On the 12th, a Eucharistic Adoration service will be held at 7.00 p.m. under the leadership of Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.
On the feast day, the 13th, Holy Masses will be celebrated at 4.00 a.m. (Tamil), 5.00 a.m. (Sinhala), and 6.00 a.m. (Tamil).
The main festive Masses will be conducted at 8.00 a.m. in Tamil under the leadership of Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo Most Rev. Anton Ranjith, at 10.00 a.m. in Sinhala under Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev. Maxwell Silva, and at 12.00 noon in English under Auxiliary Bishop Most Rev. J.D. Anthony.
The procession carrying the statue of St. Anthony will begin at 5.00 p.m. from St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena, and is expected to reach the shrine by around 8.00 p.m., concluding with Benediction and blessings of the Blessed Sacrament and the statue of St. Anthony.
