Yangon (Fides Service) - There is a community of Indian Catholics in the heart of Myanmar, some 4,000 ethnic Tamils whose ancestors came to Myanmar from southern India as early as the 6th century belong to the parish of St Anthony in central Yangon. Recently the community celebrated the parish's 125th anniversary on the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni. In three days of festivities the faithful Tamil were joined by Catholics from other parishes. Parish priest Fr Arul presided a concelebrated Mass during which homilies were given in Tamil, English and Burmese. An Indian style lunch for all participants followed. UCA News reports that the festivities were appreciated by all as an opportunity for sharing faith and building brotherhood. The feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni has its origin in the Tamil Nadu state of India, where the Blessed Mother appeared to two Hindu children. PA (Fides Service 17/12/2002)