Navy facilitates Palaitheevu St Anthony's feast

St. Anthony's feast

The Palaitheevu St. Anthony's Church annual feast was held successfully from March 9 to 11 under the direction of the Defence Ministry and supervision of the Navy Commander.

Sri Lanka Navy facilitated the conduct of the annual feast which was attended by over 14,000 devotees.

The Northern Naval Command provided infrastructure facilities for the pilgrims and priests including the installation of sanitary and drinking water facilities in Palaitivu island in the northern waters. A makeshift pier was placed connecting it to the existing temporary jetty to facilitate safe embarkation and disembarkation. Special SLN patrols were conducted around the island and life saving and medical teams were deployed to ensure the safety of devotees attending the annual festival dedicated to St. Anthony, the patron-saint of seafarers.

The Sri Lanka Navy also provided breakfast for the priests on the final day as a gesture of goodwill.

The main mass was conducted in the presence of a large number of devotees by Parish Priest of Valaipadu Rev. Fr. A Sylvester with the attendance of about 60 priests.

Courtesy Navy Media