On 1st May 2026 the 28th national gathering of Sri Lankans in Italy took place in Padua at the Basilica of Saint Anthony. It attracted over 15,000 people from all over Italy, both Catholic and non-Catholic, who came to pay homage to and thank Saint Anthony of Padua for the many graces received.

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The solemn thanksgiving mass was presided over by His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and concelebrated by Very Rev. Msgr. Pierpaolo Felicolo, Director General of the Migrantes Foundation of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI), by Very Rev Fr. Sanjeewa Mendis, National Coordinator for the Pastoral Care of Sri Lankans in Italy, by Very Rev. Msgr. Neville Joe Perera, chaplain of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome and by the Sri Lankan chaplains serving throughout Italy.

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During his homily, the bishop recalled how in 1955 Pope Pius XII wanted to establish the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1st to provide a model of a silent and active worker, a symbol of dignity and honest labour.

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“Saint Joseph is mentioned two or three times in the Gospels, and in him we see an example of life: he works diligently, loves and protects his family […] and you who have come to Italy seeking work for a better life, I ask you to imitate him, follow him, and he will lead you to Jesus Christ,” said the bishop.

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A heartfelt moment was the procession with the relics of St. Anthony from the main altar across the churchyard to the “Loggia delle Benedizioni” for the blessing.

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In his vote of thanks speech, Rev. Fr. Mendis thanked the Migrantes Foundation, represented by Msgr. Felicolo, Fr. Antonio Ramina, the rector of the basilica, and all the chaplains.

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Article by Riccardo Nelumdeniya

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