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Fishermen leave for Katchatheevu church festival

By Our Staff Reporter

RAMANATHAPURAM, MARCH 29. About 100 fishermen led by Fr. Amal Raj, attached to Velankanni Matha Church at Pamban, left for Katchatheevu in three country boats today to attend a three-day festival of St. Antony's church, which will commence tomorrow.

According to sources, the Island comes to life just once a year, for three days in March when pilgrims from India and Sri Lanka flock to the shrine and light up candles.

This is not a solemn religious occasion, for it is also an occasion when friends and relatives in India and Sri Lanka meet without having to go through the formalities of passports, permits etc.

The origin of St.Antony's church is a matter for conjecture. About 60 years ago Kuppu of Ramanathapuram ventured into sea in a country boat. While waiting for a catch after casting the net near Katchatheevu, his boat capsized when a giant wave hit his boat. However, he was able to reach the shore from Katchatheevu with difficulty. As a token of gratitude, he built this shrine in honour of St.Antony, the Patron of Saint Travellers.

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