Feast of St.Anthony of Padua,Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

The feast of St.Anthony of Padua is celebrated on the 13th June anually.The feast itself is celebrated throughout all the catholic churches around the globe.Who is St.Anthony actually?

Anthony of Padua or Anthony of Lisbon, O.F.M., was a Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. Noted by his contemporaries for his forceful preaching and expert knowledge of Scripture, he was declared a saint almost immediately after his death and proclaimed a Doctor of the Churchin 1946.He is also sometimes/usually referred as the Catholic patron saint of lost items,the poor and travellers. His splendid teaching and preaching of holy Scripture and many miracles that he had performed is the main reason that until now, people flocking to pray to him and attend masses in honour of this saint.

Each and every year, the congregation that attend the feast day of St.Anthony in my church grew in numbers (my church's patron saint is St.Anthony).

This numbers comprises catholics from my parish,nearby parishes,outsiders and non-catholics such as hindus and chinese fellow friends.Some even flocked in by busload of two or three buses.This is because they believe that St.Anthony really perform miracles and answers their humble prayers and intentions.

This year's feast was a special feast for  my church's parishioners as we are led by Father Octavious Adaikalam from India. The reverend's superb sermon and soothing talk are the main reason that made 10 day of novena and feast day turned special. His astounding sermon drew folks dramatically each and every day.

Our special thanks my parish priest Fr.Francis Xavier Selvarajoo who helped us in making this year's feast a special and unforgettable one. Since Fr.Francis been 'assigned' to our church for almost 5 years, he had been performing  many good changes and still doing it in his administration for the benefit of parishioners.

The novena in honour of St.Anthony begans with the flag raising on the 10th of Friday.The theme for the day was St.Anthony,Faithful Servant of God's Word. The flag raising marked the starting of novena in honour of St.Anthony

The second day's theme was St.Anthony,Defender of Innocence.
Third day's theme was St.Anthony,Channel Of The Holy Spirit.
Fourth day = St.Anthony,Restorer of the Lost
Fifth day = St.Anthony,Conquerer of  Impurity
Sixth day = St.Anthony,Generator of Charity
Seventh day = St.Anthony,Instrument of Unity
Eighth day = St.Anthony,Consoler of the Afflicted
Ninth day = St.Anthony,Lover of the Mother of God
Tenth day = St.Anthony,Model of Discipleship through Misson as a Family
Eleventh day = St.Anthony,Glory of Family Life

The tenth day and eleventh day was 'major' hit by pilgrims and congregation as it is considered a big day event. This is due to the fall of these two days on Satuday and Sunday. This enables people to attend the event as these two days is holiday for schooling kids and working adults.
There is fellowship meal after every mass for consecutive 11 days.( i guess thats the main reason many came apart from their own belief in God.. Joking only)

Me and my assistants managed to took some 700 pictures on the event. Its for the church's documentation.

Here is some photos taken on the Saturday event

Inside the church

St.Anthony who is holding infant Jesus is full in garland

Some of pictures that is taken on Sunday (Feast Day)

People joining fellowship lunch

 Based on my calculation, about 3000-4000 people attended the saturday and sunday mass(sorry if the numbers are not really accurate.i failed my maths esp in probability theory :) )

On the last day,the eleventh day, the flag was lowered thus indicating the end of novena and feast day mass.

We welcome you with love for our next year's feast day celebration and novena masses.

Shalom....






p/s : sorry for my grammer mistakes here and there ( i mean in the above posting ).