Cardiff, Wales: The annual feast of St. Anthony, patron saint and heavenly intercessor of St. Anthony’s Knanaya Catholic Proposed Mission, Wales, was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. The feast ceremonies, held at St. Illtyd’s School Chapel, Cardiff, witnessed a large gathering of faithful and beautifully reflected the spirit and traditions of feast celebrations back home in Kerala.
The celebrations commenced at 9:45 a.m. with the ceremonial flag hoisting by Mission Coordinator Fr. Jins Kandakkattu, followed by the Presudenthi Vazhcha and Litany prayers. The solemn Feast Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Suni Padinjarekkara, UK Coordinator of Knanaya Missions, as the principal celebrant. Fr. Ajoob Thottananiyil and Fr. Jins Kandakkattu served as concelebrants.
In his homily, Fr. Suni reminded the faithful of the importance of passing on the Christian faith and rich traditions of the Knanaya community to future generations, emphasizing the need to remain rooted in Christ-centered family and community life.
Following the Holy Mass, a colorful and prayerful procession was held with the statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Anthony carried in procession. Accompanied by traditional percussion music, decorative umbrellas, and feast flags, the procession created a festive atmosphere reminiscent of parish feasts in Kerala. Fr. Ajoob Thottananiyil led the procession and offered the concluding blessing upon its return to the chapel. Devotees were also given an opportunity to venerate the sacred statues and offer special prayers seeking the intercession of St. Anthony.
As part of the celebrations, members of the mission extended a warm welcome to the “Vazhvu 2026” Snehadeepa Yathra. The official kickoff of entry pass distribution for the “Vazhvu 2026” Family Gathering, scheduled to be held in Birmingham on September 26, was also conducted during the event.
The festivities continued with vibrant Thekkans percussion performances, games, food stalls, and cultural programs, providing an enjoyable and homely experience for all attendees. A sumptuous community feast was served, fostering fellowship and togetherness among the faithful.
On the following day, June 14, a special Holy Mass was celebrated in remembrance of departed members of the community. Fr. Bineesh Mankottil was the principal celebrant. The feast celebrations officially concluded with the lowering of the feast flag by Mission Coordinator Fr. Jins Kandakkattu.
The success of the feast was made possible through the dedicated efforts of various committees formed with the participation of 46 Presudenthis, mission committee members, and parishioners. Feast Committee Convener Thomaskutty Kuzhimattathil expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful celebration.
The feast arrangements were coordinated under the leadership of trustees James Joseph and Alexmon Oravanakkalam, who congratulated all volunteers and participants. The strong presence of faithful from different parts of Wales and the wider Knanaya community highlighted the spirit of faith, unity, love, and fellowship that continues to strengthen the mission.
The feast celebration proved to be a spiritually enriching occasion, bringing together families and community members in prayer, devotion, and joyful fellowship.
