On February 13, 2020, the relics of St. Anthony of Padua came to the State of Kerala, India, to begin a pilgrimage tour.
The saint’s relics were displayed first at St. Joseph’s Church in the city of Cochin, where they received a very warm welcome, both in terms of the atmospheric temperature and the affection of the faithful. The relics were celebrated in the Siromalabaric Rite and a solemn and lively procession took place, complete with abundant fireworks and flowers. Inside the church, a Mass was offered with catechesis; prayers were recited from the “Tredicina” [a thirteen day ‘novena’ to St. Anthony of Padua]; and more. The faithful venerated the relics until late in the evening, filling the church with many colors, songs and prayers.
The pilgrimage continued the following day in the city of Coimbatore.
Friars Egidio CANIL and Christy KALLUPALATHINKAL.
