Preparing for the feast of St Anthony in Chinchinim, South Goa

SAINT OF LOST THINGS

St Anthony of Padua is venerated by Catholics as the saint of lost and found things. In moments of desperation, devotees turn to him, seeking his intercession.

CHAPEL OF ST ANTHONY

Each year in June, the feast of the beloved saint is celebrated with solemn devotion and festive grandeur in the Chapel of St Anthony, located in Deussua, Chinchinim (South Goa).

THIRTEEN MIRACLES

Located near a serene pond, this site commemorates the thirteen miracles attributed to St Anthony.

TUESDAY SCENES

Rain or shine, devotees flock to the chapel every Tuesday — either to attend mass or simply to offer silent prayers before the outdoor statue.

NOT A 'NOVENA'

While 'novena' comes from the Latin word novem (meaning 'nine'), the devotion to St Anthony involves thirteen masses before his feast day, earning it the unique name, trezena, instead of novena.

THIS YEAR'S TREZENA

This year, the spiritual preparations for the feast of St Anthony began with the maddi on June 2, followed by the first of thirteen masses on June 3. The grand feast will be celebrated on June 15, 2025.

UNIQUE CELEBRATIONS

At this chapel, the trezena begins with the playing of drums, followed by a prayer service before the Blessed Sacrament. This is then followed by the mass, which is centered on a unique theme each day.

LITTLE CHERUBS

At the end of the mass, a heartwarming ritual, called saal, is held, during which children, dressed as angels, walk towards the statue of the saint, singing along the way.

A walk through forgotten details at Our Lady of Rosary Church, Old Goa