The largest pilgrimage site in Bangladesh came alive with prayer and devotion as the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua was celebrated at Panjora village, under Nagari St. Nicholas of Tolentino Church in Kaliganj, Gazipur district, central Bangladesh, on February 6.
Following nine days of novena prayers and Eucharistic celebrations, thousands of devotees—from children to the elderly—gathered at Panjora to take part in the annual pilgrimage, offering prayers and fulfilling vows in honor of Saint Anthony.
Two solemn Holy Eucharistic celebrations marked the feast day. The first Mass, held at 7:00 a.m., was presided over by Bishop Francis Shorot Gomes of the Diocese of Sylhet, while the second Mass at 10:00 a.m. was celebrated by Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze of Dhaka, joined by other bishops. Numerous priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the country participated in the celebration.
In his homily, Archbishop D’Cruze highlighted the spiritual example of Saint Anthony. “Saint Anthony had a deep and burning desire to find Jesus,” he said. “If we live our lives according to the teachings of Saint Anthony, our lives as Christians will be fulfilled.”
He described the saint as “simple, God-loving, and compassionate,” adding that Saint Anthony consistently helped people experience God’s mercy. “With a compassionate heart, he proclaimed God’s divine love to the poor and sinners,” the Archbishop noted.
Many pilgrims shared personal testimonies of faith.
One devotee said, “I come every year because through Saint Anthony’s intercession I once recovered some very important lost documents. Since then, Saint Anthony has been my favorite saint, and I come with my family to express gratitude.”
Panjora of Nagari is regarded as the largest pilgrimage site in Bangladesh, with a tradition believed to date back to 1663. According to local tradition, a farmer discovered a statue of Saint Anthony in a bush. When the statue was taken to the parish church, it mysteriously returned to the same spot several times. Eventually, a grotto was built at the site, and the statue was placed there, becoming the focus of devotion.
Over the centuries, pilgrims have continued to gather at the shrine, many reporting answers to their prayers. Saint Anthony is especially invoked for help in recovering lost items, and devotees—Christians and people of other faiths alike—bring offerings in thanksgiving for favors received.
Regardless of caste, creed, or religion, thousands of pilgrims from within Bangladesh and abroad participate in the annual feast, making vows and offering prayers of gratitude through Saint Anthony’s intercession.
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, Saint Anthony spent most of his ministry in Padua, Italy, and died at the age of 39. Devotion to him continues to grow in Bangladesh, as witnessed each year at Panjora, where faith, tradition, and hope converge in a powerful expression of popular devotion.
