Hyderabad: Fervor Marks St Anthony's Feast

Hyderabad: Cardinal Poola Anthony led the Holy Mass while celebrating the annual feast of St Anthony of Padua at the St Anthony’s Shrine in Mettuguda, Secunderabad, on Thursday. Devotees started attending the Holy Mass from the early hours of the day.

St Anthony, known for performing miracles, is revered by Catholics. The Cardinal greeted all those named Anthony during the Holy Mass.

According to the Parish Priest, Fr Selvakumar Aloysius, "A small chapel was built on the land and dedicated to St Anthony of Padua, which became very popular in the twin cities. A devotee named Clara Peters donated the present shrine land to build a church."

The procession of the statue of St Anthony started in the evening and went around parts of Mettuguda, with devotees participating by singing hymns while standing in queue to honour the saint.

Derik Tornton, who was part of the team on the tabla, said, "This is an annual festival. We feel it is a privilege to be part of this celebration."