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Church consecration today
ST. ANTHONY'S shrine, a church in honour of St. Anthony, a 13th Century Christian priest, has been built in Palavakkam.
St. Anthony was born in Padua, Italy. It is believed that he had the ability to exorcise the evil spirit. So, he was also called a `wonder worker'. He was a great lover of nature and according to legend he even communicated with fish and trees.
The image of St. Anthony is seen holding lilies, a bible and a child. Lilies symbolise purity and his love for nature. The bible depicts his love for preaching. The child symbolises Jesus Christ. The shrine of St. Anthony has been built on 18 grounds. The foundation stone was laid on December 8, 2000.
The altar will have an image of the crucifix in the centre and will be flanked by the images of St. Anthony and Our Lady. The shrine also has a large multipurpose hall for holding retreats, spiritual meetings, marriages and other functions. Anthony Sebastian, parish priest, said,
"The church plans to reach out to the community by organising blood donation camps, offering scholarships for poor children and giving pension to elderly destitute women."
The shrine will be consecrated by Anthony Devotta, Bishop, Diocese of Tiruchi and Amalanathar, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Tuticorin at 5 p.m. on April 2.
The Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, Arul Das James, and Lawrence Pius, Auxiliary Bishop of Madras-Mylapore will preside over the function.
A. ASHOK
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