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The original stone structure of the highly worshiped Passaiyoor St.Anthony's shrine was built between the years 1844-1845,during the period of Rev.Joachaim Gabriel. In the year 1850, this shrine was clean and large enough to house one to two missioneries. (Casinelli report)
In 1906, since it was believed that, the walls of the nave has to be increased in height, a preliminary inspection was done on the foundation of the building. The inspection revealed that the foundation of the existing church was not strong enough to withstand the weight of the proposed new structure.
As a result it was decided that, excepting the alter, the whole church in its entierty be demolished and a fresh structure be built, and the new foundation was dug in the same year.
The current Majestic structure of this church was fully completed in 1911 under Rev.Fr.Deslandes. It is of noteworthy that the St.Anthony's Church Passaiyoor attracts more than a hundred thousand faithful from all parts of Jaffna for its annual feast which falls on the 13th day of June.
Early Day Parish Priests:
| Rev.Joachaim Gabriel. 1844- |
| Rev.Fr.Deslands |
| Rev.Fr.Wassenberg |