COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — The Shrine of St. Anthony, one of the most famous landmarks in Colombo, is revered as a place of miracles, and not just for Catholics.

Thousands of Sri Lankans every day — among them Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims from far corners of the diverse nation — find their way to the shrine in a corner of the church, seeking relief from disease, financial troubles or even relationship stress.

But for Sagaya Devi Edison — who stood outside the closed shrine on Sunday morning waiting for a prayer session and vigil, hands clasped and tears running down her cheeks — the miracle was personal.

Ms. Edison and her 23-year-old daughter survived the Easter Sunday attack at the church because, while they were seated all the way in the front, the bomber entered through the rear and detonated his explosives there. The shrine, she reasoned, must have been looking after them.