Religion & Beliefs

The dutch period was one of bitter persecution for the catholic community in sri lanka. Toward the latter part of this persecution catholic priests of the oratorian congregation of goa, came in stealthily and ministered to the catholics. One of these priests, by the name of antonio, disguied himself as a merchant and ministered secretly to the catholic sin colombo. the dutch having discovered this sought to apprehend him. The priest fled north along the seashore. on his way he met some fishmen and begged them to protect him. they agreed and helped him, but requested that he in turn pray to god that the sea erosion menacing them be stopped since it interfered with their boats and laying of nets. The priest erected a cross at the spot and prayed fervently on his knees. the sea receded over 100 yards and the beach surfaced. in thaksgiving he built near the cross, a small chapel with the help of the people, and named it after his patron saint anthony, the land was later gifted to the church by a dutch governor  himself. the church in kochchikade is today the most popular in sri lanka.