An Exclusive interview with Msgr. Brian Udaigwe, new Apostolic Nuncio in THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY OF Sri Lanka will be published in the Christmas issue next week “REGISTERED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS OF SRI LANKA” UNDER NO. QD /74/NEWS/2020 Sunday December 13, 2020 Vol 151 No 42 16 Pages Rs: 50.00 Registered as a newspaper BCI Campus, Raised to Degree Awarding Status Education, Right of

Every Child - ducation is a right Institute), the brainchild ment- BBM (Hons) of every child living of His Eminence, under- and Information Tech- Ein this country, scored the right of every nology – BSc. (Hons). irrespective of whether child to have a good edu- they are rich or poor, cation that ensures them take will commence in what class or caste, creed a good future. JanuaryThe 2021. �irst student in- and ethnicity. This is the Rev. Fr. Quintus view upheld and accepted Fernando, - BCI by all, His Eminence thatAt the the BCI media Campus brie�ing, has Campus, Prof. Ajantha Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, beenit was grantedof�icially theannounced Degree Dharmasiri, Chairman/ Archbishop of Awarding Status by the Director – Board of said. Education Ministry. The Management, Post Presiding over the relevant Extra-ordinary Graduate Institute Gazette (2201/4) has of Management, the Archbishop's House been duly published on Lalith Senevirathne, recentlyMedia brie�ing to announce held the at 9th of November 2020. Group CEO- Sri Lanka and Housing and Dr. W. were also present at the said that through the new Degree programmes The Campus now of- Telecom, Nimal Perera, Hilary E. Silva, Senior BCI institution, the of the BCI Campus Negom- fers degree programmes Secretary- Ministry Lecturer - University of Continuing his ad- Church hopes to cater to bo (Benedict XVI Catholic in Business Manage- of Urban Development Sri Jayewardenepura dressmedia brie�ing. his Eminence ➢ CONTD ON PG. 13 Look For Child Of Bethlehem Among Those Af�licted By Covid-19 Christmas: Deeply Spiritual And Transformative Event - Cardinal Ranjith States In His Pastoral Letter “We cannot celebrate Christmas with joy when lots in his pastoral Letter . of our fellow human beings suffer deprivation, poverty, His Eminence as the Chief Shepherd addressing his

down as much as possible on external signs of celebra- is Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith greets leheminsecurity among and all fear. those At whothis timehave speci�ically been particularly Christmas af- tion�lock and in his make Letter Christmas says: “Everyone an occasion is encouraged to pray for to one cut Hmost Ven. Udugama Sri Dhammananda Thero, fectedshould by lead the us Covid-19 to a deep nightmare” desire to �ind states, the HisChild Eminence of Beth- Chief Incumbent of the Isipathanaramaya Rajama- Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo issu- campaigns of material assistance to those in lockdown ha Viharaya, Polonnaruwa and Chief Prelate of the zones,another, Homes especially for Elders, the af�licted Children’s ones Homes and and to organize numer- North Central Province on his 81st birthday at the Colombo. ous, such institutions that care for others. I encourage temple premises when the Cardinal visited as the ing Underscoringa Pastoral Letter the factto his that �lock “Christmas in the Archdiocese is not just the of all Priests to organize the distribution of dry ra- special invitee. celebration with its liturgical and religious trappings, tions on Christmas day to families that have no means (pic by T. Sunil Fernando and Roshan Pradeep) nor the external manifestations of joy and festivity with of a regular income ”, the letter states. gifts, decorations, memorabilia, etc., but it is a deeply While stressing the importance of Family level cel- spiritual and transformative event”. says His Eminence ebrations, His Eminence invites urges new cardinals to ➢ CONTD ON PG. 13 stay on the Lord’s road ( Please refer the Centre page for the full text of the Pastoral Letter by His Eminence)

VATICAN NEWS: Annual Feast of Christ the King Church, Hingurakgoda Messenger His Holines Pope Christmas issue Francis recently by W. Anthony held the 7th ordi- is Lordship Rt. Reserve your copy nary public con- Rev. Dr. Norbert early! sistory of his pon- HAndradi OMI, Look out for the Bishop of Anuradhapura 13 new cardinals was the Chief Celebrant Messenger Special ti�icate to create who come from at the Annual Feast of Christmas issue 8 nations of the Christ the King Church, requested the gathering to Repairing of the church on next Sunday Hingurakgoda celebrat- continue prayers in order roof was completed be- the cardinal’s birretta (red hat), the ring and the title. (20th December) world. He shared a re�lection before bestowing on them ed recently. Rev. Fr. Jude to expedite the ongoing fore the annual feast. ➢ CONTD ON PG. 13 Saparamadu, Parish Priest renovation of the church.

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, ..... (John 1:6-7) 2 2 TheMessenger Messenger December December 13, 2020 13, 2020 Keep in mind: No Secular Notice State - Archbishop The mid-night Mass and Christmas Masses are to be celebrated strictly A modern trend across invitee on the occasion Dhamma preached by the according to the guidelines of the health authorities. the world is to live with- of the 81st birthday of Buddha, was the respon- out any adherence to Most Ven. Udugama Sri sibility of all, the Arch- Mid-night televised Masses religions and religious Dhammananda, the Chief bishop opined. - In Sinhala over Rupavahini - the Archbishop of Colombo from beliefs. There are those, Priest of the Polonnaruwa Addressing those pres- St. Sebastian’s Church, Kandana ent at the ceremony His living in our own coun- Isipathanarama Raja Maha - In Sinhala over Derana TV - Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, Auxiliary try as well, who oppose Vihara and the Chief Prel- Eminence said, Buddhism, that nourished our coun- Bishop of Colombo from Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Kimbulapitiya religions and religious ate of the North Central try, our lives have been - In Sinhala over Sirasa TV - Rt. Rev. Dr. J. D. Anthony, Auxiliary practices. It is impossible Province. coming down for well over Bishop of Colombo from St. Sebastian’s Church, Moratuwa to create a secular state His Eminence ob- 2600 years and it was the - In Tamil over Shakthi TV - Rt. Rev. Dr. Anton Ranjith, Auxiliary in Sri Lanka, and it is the served that Buddhism live-wire, breath of all liv- Bishop of Colombo from St. Sylvester’s Church, Ettukala, Negombo duty of all religions to was our breath of life and ing in this country. - In English over Verbum TV - His Excellency Brian Udaigwe, unite and build a just soci- we should protect it. All His Eminence was ac- ety based on all their reli- should join companied by Rev. Fr. Apostolic Nuncio at All ’ Church, Borella. gious values. hands with adherents of Deninton Subasinghe, This was stated by other religions and faith Secretary (Administra- Very. Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict OMI, His Eminence Malcolm to uphold the common tion) of the Archdiocese Cardinal Ranjith deliver- value of Buddhism. Pro- of Colombo. Jaffna Province Provincial Superior ing a speech as a special tecting Buddhism, the T. Sunil Fernando and Roshan Pradeep Mannar on October 10, graduated in Moral 1997, and was ordained Theology in 2011 from the a priest at the Church of Our Lady of Presentation, in , New Jesuit Priest for the Thandavanveli, Batticaloa Italy.‘–‹ϐ‹ ƒŽ He also ‹˜‡”•‹–› served the ‘ˆ Province of Sri Lanka on May 2, 1998. local Church in Sri Lanka Upon receiving his as Episcopal Councillor, Fr. Rajitha Wass, born Commerce and then to Diocesan Director of on July 11, 1985, is the Loyola College in Chennai Delegation of Pakistan, Family Apostolate, son of Mr. Nimal Wass where he obtained a heϐ‹”•– worked ‘„‡†‹‡ ‡ in various–‘ –Š‡ National Secretary and Ms. Malini Silva Bachelor’s Degree in parishes in the Punjab of Family Apostolate, of Ethgala, Welihena, Philosophical studies. Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Region and in Quetta National Secretary of the Kochchikade. He com- In the year 2017 he was Benedict OMI was Prefecture. In 2001, Fr. Forum of Moral Theology pleted his primary sent to Hekima University installed recently as Benedict received from (CFSL), The Editor – education at Ethgala College, Nairobi, Kenya the New Provincial Most Rev. Fr. Steckilng, Neerodai – the Diocesan Kanishta Vidyalaya and where he completed of the Congregation then Superior General, Bulletin, Diocesan Director secondary education the Bachelor’s degree of the Oblates of Mary presently serving as a for Migrants - Health at St. Anne’s Maha in Sacred Theology. On Immaculate, Jaffna Bishop, a new obedience Care Workers - Tourists Vidyalaya, Dankotuwa. Deacon Rajitha Sudhar- February 22, 2020 he Province of Sri Lanka. The to the then Vice-Province - Prisons and sea farers. He joined the Society of shana Waas SJ was was ordained a Deacon Provincial of a Province is of Jaffna. He was appointed He was a member of ordained a priest of Jesus in the year 2006 and by Rt. Rev. Kamau, the legal representative as the Director of Jesuit Diocesan Senate and he God on December on the completion of his Auxiliary Bishop of the of OMI Superior General Relief Service, called JRS was the President of (RRU) 3 by His Lordship Novitiate at Daham Sihila, Most. Rev. Louis Lougen in Jaffna in 2007 in the Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Archdiocese of Nairobi. Regional Religious Unit. Dalugama, Kelaniya, he OMI. midst of Civil War- 2008 Wickramasinghe, Bishop We offer him our Fr. Eugene is not new was sent to St. Aloysius’ Very Rev. Fr. Eugene and in Trincomalee in of Galle at the Church College, Mangalore, congratulations and to the Administration of of St. Cajetan, Welihena, prayerful wishes for a Benedict was born on 2008 -2009. He too served the Province for he has India where he obtained October 29, 1970, in Kochchikade. fruitful priestly ministry. for many years as Parish been serving as one of a Bachelor’s Degree in Mutur, Trincomalee. Priest in Haputale and in the Provincial Councillors He entered the Sacred Lunugala parishes in the and secretary at the Heart Oblate Novitiate in Diocese of Badulla, and First Holy Communion - SJDB Thalangama Administration of Fr. S. M. The students of St.John Dal Bandarawela, at the age was serving as an acting Edwin Vasantharasa OMI, Bastone Sunday School, 22 , in September, 1992, Parish Priest for few Thalangama received First where he professed his years in Batticaloa and the outgoing Provincial, Holy Communion recently. First Profession as a Trincomalee Dioceses, from 2014 up to the Photographed here religious on September and as Superior of the present. along with the 23 stu- 8, 1993. He continued community of ‘Amala We welcome our new dents are Rev. Fr. Anthony his studies at the Oblate Uthayam’ in Tricomalee, Provincial. Fernandopulle (Parish Scholasticate in Jaffna until his appointment to Priest), Rev. Fr. Amila Jay- and Kandy, Sri Lanka, the service as Provincial. Rev. Fr. Jegankumar atillaka (Assistant Parish Fr. Eugene Benedict Coonghe, OMI Priest), and teachers who Professed Final Vows in prepared the students for the sacrament. Pic by Errol Johnson About 43 Catholic priests have died in Italy’s Feast of Our Lady Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni 2nd wave of coronavirus Queen of Peace Rome: Forty-three Italian D’Alise of the Diocese of I have been able to priests died in November Caserta died at age 72. experience the humanity, Munhena after contracting the Cardinal Gualtiero the competence, the care coronavirus, as Italy Bassetti, President of put in place every day, with The Feast of Our Lady experienced a second the Italian bishops’ tireless concern, by all the Queen of Peace was wave of the epidemic. conference, was critically personnel,” Bassetti said celebrated at Munhena- According to ill with COVID-19 in a message to his diocese Maggona, recently. The L’Avvenire, the newspaper earlier this month. He is dated November 19. Chief Celebrant was Rev. of the Italian bishops’ continuing to recover after Italy is currently Fr. Subash Fernando, conference, 167 priests testing negative last week. experiencing a second Director, St. Vincent’s have lost their lives due Bassetti, the wave of the virus, with Archbishop of Perugia- Home, Maggona. to COVID-19 since the more than 795,000 Città della Pieve, spent start of the pandemic in positive cases, according to After the Holy Mass 11 days in intensive care February. the Italian health ministry. the statue of Our Lady in a hospital in Perugia, Almost 55,000 people have One Italian bishop Queen of Peace was taken before being transferred died from the virus in the also died on November. A in procession. The feast The Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni was celebrated at to Rome’s Gemelli country since February. was organized by the the Diyalagoda parish recently. Rev. Fr. Dilup Kamal, retired Auxiliary Bishop Hospital to continue his In April, bishops across parishioners under the Parish Priest of Diyalagoda celebrated the Festive Holy of Milan, Marco Virgilio convalescence. Italy visited cemeteries to guidance of Rev. Fr. Lanka Mass. Ferrari, 87, died November “In these days that pray and offer Mass for 23 from the coronavirus. Deshpriya TOR, Parish The picture shows the statue of Our Lady of Vellank- have seen me go through the souls of those who At the beginning of Priest, Maggona. anni being taken in procession. the suffering of the had died from COVID-19, October, Bishop Giovanni contagion from COVID-19, including priests. D. Anselm Fernando D. A. Fernando

..... so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. (John 1:7-8) 2 Messenger December 13, 2020 3 December 13, 2020 The Messenger Messenger December 13, 2020 3

Keep in mind: No Secular SINCE FEBRUARY 1869 when we have a deep desire to discern and do God’s and do God’s will in small matters, God will give us Notice will. He will then give us inner revelation and insights, the power to discern His will in major issues of our EDITORIAL meaning creative and imaginative ideas or thoughts lives. Again this comes through prayer. St. Luke’s State - Archbishop The mid-night Mass and Christmas Masses are to be celebrated strictly Email:[email protected] Website:colomboarchdiocesancatholicpress.com that are beyond our expectations, imaginations, or Gospel refers to at least nine occasions where Jesus A modern trend across invitee on the occasion Dhamma preached by the according to the guidelines of the health authorities. Telephone: 011 2695984 Fax: 2692586 / 2670100 understanding. withdrew to a mountain or some quiet place to the world is to live with- of the 81st birthday of Buddha, was the respon- December 13, 2020 In one of his letters, St. Paul tells us, “rejoice always, communicate with the Father and He prayed from out any adherence to Most Ven. Udugama Sri sibility of all, the Arch- Mid-night televised Masses pray constantly and give thanks in all circumstances for evening till early morning. Catholic Bible scholars say religions and religious Dhammananda, the Chief bishop opined. - In Sinhala over Rupavahini - the Archbishop of Colombo from this is the will of God in Christ for you.” (1 Thessalonians beliefs. There are those, Priest of the Polonnaruwa Addressing those pres- St. Sebastian’s Church, Kandana Doing God’s will: He will 5:16-18) God’s unconditional love so that He could continue to ent at the ceremony His living in our own coun- Isipathanarama Raja Maha - In Sinhala over Derana TV - Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, Auxiliary Doing God’s will bring us eternal life. As Christ Jesus love–Šƒ–Š”‹•– ‡•—•™‡–‹–‘’”ƒ›‡”–‘„‡”‡ϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹–Š the people who were rejecting or ridiculing Him Eminence said, Buddhism, try as well, who oppose Vihara and the Chief Prel- make all things beautiful told Martha near the tomb of His friend Lazarus, “I am that nourished our coun- Bishop of Colombo from Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Kimbulapitiya despite all the miracles He performed. religions and religious ate of the North Central try, our lives have been - In Sinhala over Sirasa TV - Rt. Rev. Dr. J. D. Anthony, Auxiliary the Resurrection and the Life. Those who believe in Me St. Ignatius tells us that when we pray to discern practices. It is impossible Province. in His time coming down for well over Bishop of Colombo from St. Sebastian’s Church, Moratuwa and do God’s will, will live forever, though they die.” to create a secular state His Eminence ob- 2600 years and it was the - In Tamil over Shakthi TV - Rt. Rev. Dr. Anton Ranjith, Auxiliary ith the Covid-19 pandemic still spreading in (John 11:25). conscience whether what we want to do is for our self- in Sri Lanka, and it is the served that Buddhism The founder of the Jesuit Order St. Ignatius in his interest. ‘†ǯ• ™‹ŽŽ If our ‹ ƒŒ‘”conscience ‹••—‡• tells ™‡ us •Š‘—Ž† there is ϐ‹”•– self-interest ƒ• ‘—” live-wire, breath of all liv- Bishop of Colombo from St. Sylvester’s Church, Ettukala, Negombo Wmost parts of the world, we enter into the third duty of all religions to was our breath of life and ing in this country. week of Advent and we need to pray more for three thesis tell us ‘How to discern God’s will. Many miracles then we should drop the matter because God is - In English over Verbum TV - His Excellency Brian Udaigwe, unite and build a just soci- we should protect it. All His Eminence was ac- great spiritual virtues—faith, hope, and love. We need and wonderful things happen when we do God’s will. It absolutely and all the time other-centred. While most Apostolic Nuncio at All Saints’ Church, Borella. ety based on all their reli- Christians should join companied by Rev. Fr. to deeply and sincerely repent for the many times we is not an easy or comfortable way. The Prophet gious values. hands with adherents of Deninton Subasinghe, have failed or faltered. After the Lord’s Prayer which tells us, “for as the heaven is above the earth, so our we wear a Sunday mask to cover up our hypocrisy. This was stated by other religions and faith Secretary (Administra- Christ Jesus taught us, He says, “ask any time for the God’s plans are much higher than our plans.” (Isaiah ‘ˆ—•‘•–‘ˆ–Š‡–‹‡ƒ”‡•‡Žϐ‹•Š‘”•‡ŽˆǦ ‡–”‡†–Š‘—‰Š tion) of the Archdiocese Very. Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict OMI, His Eminence Malcolm to uphold the common Holy Spirit and you will receive His power.” 55:9). we need to surrender the issue to God and through of Colombo. Cardinal Ranjith deliver- value of Buddhism. Pro- Jaffna Province Provincial Superior It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the power of Christ Jesus always practised what He preached and events,˜‡‹ˆ™‡ϐ‹†–Šƒ––Š‡”‡‹•‘•‡ŽˆǦ‹–‡”‡•–‹˜‘Ž˜‡† circumstances, or through some person, God ing a speech as a special tecting Buddhism, the T. Sunil Fernando and receiving from the Father the priceless virtues of Mannar on October 10, graduated in Moral preached only what He practised unlike the religious will show us His will. We also need to meditate on Roshan Pradeep trusting faith, abiding hope, and love that is unending, 1997, and was ordained Theology in 2011 from the leaders of His time, who imposed hundreds of man- Bible passages connected to the issue, seek guidance unfailing, unlimited, unmerited, ever forgiving, a priest at the Church of made laws on the people but they themselves as from experienced counsellors and wait with patience merciful and compassionate. As we freely receive Our Lady of Presentation, Thomas Aquinas in Rome, religious leaders did not practice what they imposed on for God to reveal His will. New Jesuit Priest for the these virtues from God, we need to ask for the power Thandavanveli, Batticaloa Italy.‘–‹ϐ‹ ƒŽ He also ‹˜‡”•‹–› served the ‘ˆ others. That is why Christ Jesus slammed them as white- As we sing in the inspiring hymn, “In His time, in His of the Holy Spirit to give them freely to others so that Province of Sri Lanka on May 2, 1998. local Church in Sri Lanka washed sepulchers, hypocrites and sanctimonious time, He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, Upon receiving his as Episcopal Councillor, humbugs. That was why they somehow found a way to please show me every day, as You are teaching me Your Fr. Rajitha Wass, born Commerce and then to Christ Jesus gives to us, “Love one another as I love Diocesan Director of way, That you do just what You say in Your time: In on July 11, 1985, is the Loyola College in Chennai you.”–Š‡› (John ‘—Ž† 15:12) ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ –Š‡ ‘‡ ‰”‡ƒ– ‘ƒ†‡– –Šƒ– Delegation of Pakistan, Family Apostolate, Pilate to give the order after a mock trial. Your time, in Your time, You make all things beautiful son of Mr. Nimal Wass where he obtained a heϐ‹”•– worked ‘„‡†‹‡ ‡ in various–‘ –Š‡ National Secretary The Bible’s faith chapter Hebrews 11 tells us that, ‰‡–Š”‹•– ‡•—• ”— ‹ϐ‹‡†„›˜‹”–—ƒŽŽ›ˆ‘” ‹‰ ‘˜‡”‘”When Christ Jesus was baptized by in Your time. Lord, my life to You I bring, with its winter and Ms. Malini Silva Bachelor’s Degree in parishes in the Punjab of Family Apostolate, “faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the in the Jordan River, the skies opened up, the Holy Spirit and its spring, may I fathom everything in Your time: of Ethgala, Welihena, Philosophical studies. Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Region and in Quetta National Secretary of the certainty of what we can’t see.” (Hebrews 11: 1). This Kochchikade. He com- In the year 2017 he was Benedict OMI was Prefecture. In 2001, Fr. Forum of Moral Theology chapter also tells us that without trusting faith, it is descended on Jesus Christ and from heaven, a voice said: There’s a time, there’s a time both for sowing and for pleted his primary sent to Hekima University installed recently as Benedict received from (CFSL), The Editor – impossible to journey with God. It refers to the faith “This is my beloved Son, I am well pleased with Him.” reaping there’s a time. Time for losing, time for gain, education at Ethgala College, Nairobi, Kenya the New Provincial Most Rev. Fr. Steckilng, Neerodai – the Diocesan of , , and others while Christ Jesus is (Matthew 3:17). When Christ Jesus came to be fully time for joy and time for pain, every purpose under Kanishta Vidyalaya and where he completed of the Congregation then Superior General, Bulletin, Diocesan Director described as the pioneer and the perfection of our faith. aware of this, He left everything behind and allowed the heaven has a time: There are times, there are days, secondary education the Bachelor’s degree of the Oblates of Mary presently serving as a for Migrants - Health Christ Jesus said: “My food is to do the will of the Holy Spirit to lea weeks and months we cannot understand God’s ways. at St. Anne’s Maha in Sacred Theology. On Immaculate, Jaffna Bishop, a new obedience Care Workers - Tourists Father.” (John 4:34). He also says that He does only and Resurrection which opened the way for us to have If for years we fail to scan what is His eternal plan, We Deacon Rajitha Sudhar- Vidyalaya, Dankotuwa. February 22, 2020 he Province of Sri Lanka. The to the then Vice-Province - Prisons and sea farers. what the Father wants Him to do and says only what Eternal Life in the† ‹—’–‘–Š‡’‘‹–‘ˆ ‹•”— ‹ϐ‹š‹‘ Kingdom of God. That is why we need will remember that He can, all the time.” shana Waas SJ was He joined the Society of was ordained a Deacon Provincial of a Province is of Jaffna. He was appointed He was a member of the Father wants Him to say. This deep desire to do the to keep our focus on the eternal life that God offers us ordained a priest of Jesus in the year 2006 and by Rt. Rev. David Kamau, the legal representative as the Director of Jesuit Diocesan Senate and he Father’s will come mainly through constant or regular even at times when we go through crises, trials and God on December on the completion of his ‡ƒ†’‡‘’Ž‡”‡ ‡‹˜‡‘”‡ϔŽ‘™‡”• Auxiliary Bishop of the of OMI Superior General Relief Service, called JRS was the President of (RRU) prayer and contemplative communication with the tribulations such as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, 3 by His Lordship Novitiate at Daham Sihila, Most. Rev. Louis Lougen in Jaffna in 2007 in the Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Archdiocese of Nairobi. Regional Religious Unit. Father. and economic consequences where millions of people than living ones because regret is Dalugama, Kelaniya, he OMI. midst of Civil War- 2008 Wickramasinghe, Bishop We offer him our Fr. Eugene is not new In the Beatitudes, Christ Jesus also tells us that are struggling to provide food for their families or send was sent to St. Aloysius’ Very Rev. Fr. Eugene and in Trincomalee in of Galle at the Church congratulations and to the Administration of “those who have a pure heart will see God.” (Matthew their children to school. stronger than gratitude College, Mangalore, Benedict was born on 2008 -2009. He too served of St. Cajetan, Welihena, prayerful wishes for a the Province for he has 5:8). Bible scholars say we will have a pure heart St. Ignatius tells us that when we desire to discern India where he obtained October 29, 1970, in Kochchikade. fruitful priestly ministry. for many years as Parish been serving as one of a Bachelor’s Degree in Mutur, Trincomalee. Priest in Haputale and in the Provincial Councillors He entered the Sacred Lunugala parishes in the and secretary at the Heart Oblate Novitiate in Diocese of Badulla, and First Holy Communion - SJDB Thalangama Administration of Fr. S. M. Advent within the Pandemic The students of St.John Dal Bandarawela, at the age was serving as an acting Edwin Vasantharasa OMI, Bastone Sunday School, 22 , in September, 1992, Parish Priest for few we were before the virus. The pandemic also the outgoing Provincial, ”‡ϔŽ‡ –‹‘„›‡˜Ǥ ”ǤƒŒ‹Ž˜ƒ Thalangama received First where he professed his years in Batticaloa and became an opportunity for us to join hands to from 2014 up to the Holy Communion recently. First Profession as a Trincomalee Dioceses, he Advent cry from the Prophet Isaiah holds present. defend lives and ensure that we do not fall victims Photographed here religious on September and as Superior of the new meaning for our times and greater urgency We welcome our new T of the virus. It is also an opportunity for a new along with the 23 stu- 8, 1993. He continued community of ‘Amala because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In the face Provincial. form of solidarity to emerge. dents are Rev. Fr. Anthony his studies at the Oblate Uthayam’ in Tricomalee, of such extreme suffering and heartache as a result Fernandopulle (Parish until his appointment to Scholasticate in Jaffna of COVID-19, as well as the economic, political, social Priest), Rev. Fr. Amila Jay- the service as Provincial. Rev. Fr. Jegankumar our roles and responsibilities in building a just and and Kandy, Sri Lanka, unrest and uncertainty across our world, together with atillaka (Assistant Parish Fr. Eugene Benedict Coonghe, OMI equitableŠ‡‡ƒ•‘‘ˆ†˜‡–‹˜‹–‡•—•–‘”‡ϐŽ‡ –‘ society which would give the possibility Priest), and teachers who Professed Final Vows in the devastating impact of climate change on our planet prepared the students for for each and every one of us to live in dignity and in harmony with Mother Earth. As Christians, our the sacrament. Pic by Errol Johnson comfort you and your communities in your waiting, About 43 Catholic priests have died in Italy’s relationship with the environment can never be hopingƒ†‘‘—”Ž‹˜‡•ǡ™‡Š‘’‡ƒ†’”ƒ›–Š‹•”‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‘™‹ŽŽ and longing! 2nd wave of coronavirus In these months in which our globalised world has isolated from our relationship with others and Feast of Our Lady “Be watchful” was the slogan at the very Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, we Queen of Peace Rome: Forty-three Italian D’Alise of the Diocese of I have been able to commencement of the Season of Advent. Our “waiting, with God, and COVID-19 must be for us a call to respect priests died in November Caserta died at age 72. experience the humanity, became aware of our shared human nature and how our common home. Munhena hoping and longing” is not different from the call to “be after contracting the Cardinal Gualtiero the competence, the care watchful”. However, the waiting, hoping and longing interconnected the political, economic, social, spiritual As reminded us during his catechesis Bassetti, President of coronavirus, as Italy put in place every day, with had been misinterpreted in the past, especially during and cultural dimensions are. We realized how unjust on August 26th, this home was given by God to the whole The Feast of Our Lady experienced a second the Italian bishops’ tireless concern, by all the Advent, as the preparation for a material Christmas. It systems created the environment for the spread of human race, and as stewards of creation, we are called Queen of Peace was wave of the epidemic. conference, was critically personnel,” Bassetti said is not necessary to describe this type of preparation in diseases, how fragile our lives are, and how vulnerable to ensure that its fruits, are in fact shared by all. But celebrated at Munhena- According to ill with COVID-19 in a message to his diocese detail, for we know how we waited, hoped and were unfortunately the reality that we observe every day Maggona, recently. The L’Avvenire, the newspaper earlier this month. He is dated November 19. doing our work alongside local communities around Chief Celebrant was Rev. of the Italian bishops’ continuing to recover after Italy is currently longing for so much during this season in the past. We the world is far from this. Local communities are the Fr. Subash Fernando, conference, 167 priests testing negative last week. experiencing a second were not “watchful” in the way Jesus called us to be. Director, St. Vincent’s have lost their lives due Bassetti, the wave of the virus, with The present pandemic has caused all these for a Archbishop of Perugia- Home, Maggona. to COVID-19 since the more than 795,000 home and today they are asking us for targeted and Città della Pieve, spent start of the pandemic in positive cases, according to longing for is a cure: a divine intervention in the healing immediateϐ‹”•–˜‹ –‹•‘ˆ–Š‡ˆƒ‹Ž—”‡–‘•ƒˆ‡‰—ƒ”†‘—” ‘‘ action, especially concerning food security, After the Holy Mass 11 days in intensive care February. the Italian health ministry. of•‹‰‹ϐ‹ ƒ– those affected Šƒ‰‡ǣ by ™Šƒ–the virus ™‡ and ƒ”‡ ™ƒ‹–‹‰ǡdivine providence Š‘’‹‰ ƒ† in access to water and ecosystem preservation. the statue of Our Lady in a hospital in Perugia, Almost 55,000 people have One Italian bishop “O that today you would tear the heavens and come Queen of Peace was taken before being transferred died from the virus in the its eradication from mother earth. also died on November. A in procession. The feast The Feast of Our Lady of Velankanni was celebrated at to Rome’s Gemelli country since February. As followers of Christ, we share a common role down to us, O God; come be with us; Behold, you are was organized by the the Diyalagoda parish recently. Rev. Fr. Dilup Kamal, retired Auxiliary Bishop Hospital to continue his In April, bishops across as stewards of God’s creation, and our well-being is angry, and we are sinful: all of us have become unclean parishioners under the Parish Priest of Diyalagoda celebrated the Festive Holy of Milan, Marco Virgilio convalescence. Italy visited cemeteries to linked to the well-being of our mother earth. It is also people. guidance of Rev. Fr. Lanka Mass. Ferrari, 87, died November “In these days that pray and offer Mass for a moment of renewing our hearts and minds, and in Be not so very angry Lord, keep not our guilt 23 from the coronavirus. Deshpriya TOR, Parish The picture shows the statue of Our Lady of Vellank- have seen me go through the souls of those who rebuilding our relationship with Mother Earth, we are forever in mind look upon us Lord, for we are all your At the beginning of the suffering of the Priest, Maggona. anni being taken in procession. had died from COVID-19, restoring our relationship with God. people.” (Isaiah 64) October, Bishop Giovanni contagion from COVID-19, including priests. D. Anselm Fernando D. A. Fernando

..... so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. (John 1:7-8) And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites (to him)... (John 1:19) 4 4 TheMessenger Messenger December December 13, 2020 13, 2020 December 13, 2020 Messenger 5 A voice crying in the wilderness! A Meaningful Advent for a Christmas with a (The Third Sunday of Advent - Year B) Marian Spirituality for 2020 ith the appearance of John the Baptist in the the Coming One, in whom the Kingdom of Heaven was John the Baptist, though the greatest man born Wwilderness, the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were individualized. The word Heaven was very often used of a woman, is also the most humble and the most dvent is a time when we prepare our hearts and troubled with regard to the identity of John the Baptist. instead of “God” to avoid unduly familiarizing the ear retiring. By the side of Christ, he saw himself only as minds to welcome Jesus, the Word made Flesh. Rev. Fr. Eymard Fernando Therefore they sent priests and levites to question with the sacred name of God. a shadow cast by the light of Christ. At the suggestion AAlthough we observe this holy season every year, him. John the Baptist clearly, without any ambiguity The Kingdom of Heaven was the great message of the emissaries from Jerusalem that he might be the yet the question remains as to how it has contributed to as a blessing in disguise, where confessed that he was not the Messiah but only a “Voice of John the Baptist. The Old Testament idea of the Messiah, he recoiled in utter self-abasement saying that our giving Jesus a worthy welcome! How is it possible our humble acceptance of our crying in the wilderness; Make straight the way of the Kingdom of Heaven implied three ideas: universality, for us to adequately prepare ourselves so that we may own unworthiness like St. John Lord.” The understanding of the role and importance of heavenliness, and permanency. God’s dominion shall Though /Christ gave him the title of the Prophet - –Š‡ ƒ’–‹•–ǡ ™‘—Ž† •‘‘ ϔ‹† Š‡™ƒ•‘–ϐ‹–‡˜‡–‘†‘–Š‡‡‹ƒŽŒ‘„‘ˆƒ•‡”˜ƒ–Ǥ John the Baptist is helpful to understand Jesus. not be restricted to one people - the Israelites; rather Come-Back, he denied such a privilege. He claimed only for His second, and welcome Him into our hearts anew our God, Who is ever-loving, it shall embrace the whole humanity: it shall be as holy to be a ‘Voice’ announcing the Kingdom of Heaven and this„‡ƒ†‡™‘”–Š›–‘ ‡Ž‡„”ƒ–‡ ‹•ϐ‹”•– ‘‹‰ǡ‰‡–”‡ƒ†› Christmas? It is a tall order, and we know that even far from getting satisfaction calling the people to repentance. 1) John’s attire and attitude as heaven compared to earth, and it shall triumphantly the best preparation is only a pittance compared to out of our suffering, only Shade and shadows must give way to reality. Once John appeared in the wilderness, like Prophet endure till the end of time. what Jesus has done and continues to do for us and our allows it because He sees in Christ appeared on the scene, John made the way for Elijah (2 King1:8). Wearing a garment of hair and a The Kingdom of Heaven, which is manifested in and salvation. it a chance of great good for Him and disappeared. He was convinced that Christ leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild through Christ, will triumph at His Second Coming and The good news is that God can do amazing things must increase and he must decrease. In Jesus, God had us – if we sincerely cooperate? honey. Poorly clad in a prophet’s raiment and sparingly will reach perfection in the world to come. John the with our pittance. When we approach Advent with faith, Thus, is it not that He alone Baptist came to call Israel to submit to the reign of God, ultimately revealed Himself. Now all focus must be on Christ. “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many hope, and repentance, we can work toward making “can write straight on crooked Elijah. The image of John the Baptist commanded about to be manifested in Christ. He preached inward and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days straight the path of the Lord as St. John the Baptist says: lines”, clearly testifying to the respect‘—”‹•Š‡†ǡ and awe. ‘Š The –Š‡ attire ƒ’–‹•– and ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ‡†attitude of –Š‡ the ‹••‹‘ man were ‘ˆ repentance and renewal of life as the preparation for the he has spoken to us by the Son appointed heir of all “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, inspiring words of St. Thomas true and real. He was not a reed shaken by the wind, coming of the Kingdom of God. His call to repentance is things, through whom He created the worlds. He is the ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’, as the prophet More: “Earth has no sorrow not only a call of turning away from the past but, also, a Isaiah said” (Jn.1:23). need of our help, so that we may ever be ready for that Heaven cannot heal”…? not ambitious or self-seeking, but self-effacing with turning towards Christ in the newness of mind. Advent and Christmas in 2020 are going to be the coming of the Lord no matter when His second a„—– single-minded —„‡†‹‰Ž› mission ϐ‹” ‹ of †‡‡’ being ƒ† the •‡––Ž‡† precursor ‘˜‹ –‹‘Ǣ of the very being, and He sustains all things by His powerful word””‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‘‘ˆ ‘†ǯ•‰Ž‘”›ƒ†–Š‡‡šƒ –‹’”‹–‘ˆ ‘†ǯ• (Hebrew 1-3). very different, as they come to us in a time of a global coming takes place…? 4. FOURTH WEEK – Messiah. Convinced by his message, he had no regard 3) John’s Mission pandemic. The entire globe has been stopped by a Mother Mary was willing to say, “Fiat” (Yes) to God’s for any man. All that mattered was to give a call to The appearance of John the Baptist in the Prayer virus. It is ridiculous to think a lifeless and an invisible 2. SECOND WEEK – call undoing the “No” of Eve. everybody to repent and prepare for the coming of the wilderness in a prophet’s garb broke the four-century Father, through John the corona virus has shattered the rhythm of daily life in When the appeared to Mother Mother Mary made the best of what she had in the Messiah. Proclaiming the same message everywhere, silence of the prophets in Israel. He was not only a Baptist, you tried to prepare your our global village. It has caught the world unprepared, Mary at the Annunciation, she was just a young girl Plan of Salvation. he travelled along the winding banks of the river Jordan. prophet but greater than any other prophet of old. He people for the coming of Jesus. ill-equipped and untrained. Our world, with its leading of fourteen years of age. She was certainly a person of The familiar Christmas story tells us that there not only came with a message like the other prophets Prepare our hearts and minds that scientists, has not yet found any medicine for cure or was no room at the inn when it was time for Jesus to 2). John’s message: but also had the unique and the sole privilege of we may know what to look for in the vaccine up to the time of penning these few lines. The Mother Mary, as a young , being puzzled over John with a deep sense of earnestness, be born, and so Mother Mary had to give birth to Jesus pointing out Christ to the people. The other prophets by Rev. Fr. Athanasius coming of Jesus Christ into our world. virus, which takes our immune system into its control God’s‰”‡ƒ–ˆƒ‹–Šǡƒ†Š‡”Ž‹ˆ‡™ƒ•ƒŠ‘Ž›‘‡Ǥ ‡”‡™‡ϐ‹† Will for her. She had been inspired at a very young announced that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand Samarasinghe only prophesied about the Messiah, but John had the May we show the joy of the Advent even misleading and confusing the good soldiers T- and among the animals and lay Him in a manger. This was age to dedicate her virginity to God. She, therefore, and the people had to prepare themselves for it. singular prerogative of preparing the way for Him and Message in our lives day by day, B-cells, so that they themselves begin to destroy the certainly not an easy way to give birth to a child, and questioned the Archangel on this point. If she is to be Through admonitions and warnings, he directed all to later pointing Him out to the people. through Him Who came at Christmas time. Amen. good cells in lungs instead of saving them, has forced thus welcome the Messiah into the world. Yet Mother a mother, does that mean that she is to conceive in the thousands and thousands across the world breathe Mary never uttered a word of complaint, and by doing normal way, and if so, what of her resolution or vow? Electronic and Print Media Personality Fr. Benedict their last. Also, some other millions of people are left so, she thus made the site of Jesus’ Birth into one we In the words of the Archangel, what made Mother Mary on ventilators or in home-quarantine or in isolation. It remember today in the beauty of the Crib. Despite not embarrassed was not the sublime greatness of the is a proven fact that Covid-19 attacks the weaker side of having much, Mother Mary persevered in her faith and majesty announced to her, but rather the way in which a person, the same way sin does. Joseph celebrates Golden Jubilee of Priesthood made the best out of it, resulting in a gift that continues such a maternity might be realized (cf. Stefano Manelli, In a situation of this nature, Advent and Christmas ev. Father Benedict Joseph, the writer, the TV and to the present day. All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed, pgs. 137-140). Radio and Print Media personality celebrates the in 2020 can be looked at as a wakeup call to all of us to R Francis Madiwela Why then, do we not understand the present Here she is made to realize that her Maternal Sharing Golden Jubilee of his priesthood on December 19th experience a real ‘metanoia’ (radical change), making in the Life of Jesus Christ, her Son, in a way, matches this year. Tele-drama Script Committee and the Advertisement every possible attempt to experience a new birth and crisis as a trial that God has foreseen and allowed, her Vocation to Virginity (cf. Pope John Paul II, His Eminence late Thomas Cardinal Cooray OMI, Inquiry Board of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. a fresh start bidding farewell to our own weaker side measured and limited to our strength to bear it; a Redemptoris Mater, no. 39). Another cause for her (Now ) ordained Fr. Benedict on He was a member of the Panel of the Programme which keeps us away from God and His Holy Will for trial for our correction and salvation? Here, is it not bewilderment, though we can be quite sure it did not December 19th, 1970, as a priest of the Previewers of the Independent Television Network each and every one of us. better for us to understand the fact that if at all God at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena. make Mother Mary at all slow to answer, is the fact that (ITN) and a member of the Sri Lanka Kala Mandalaya. In this regard, we have a wonderful model in the is not changing the situation, it is simply because He Since then he has served as a TV, Radio, Cinema, and He was the Chief Media Coordinator during the visit of she was intimately familiar with the prophecies about person of the Blessed Virgin Mary to prepare for the wants the situation to change us? Since ultimately, Print Media personality in Sri Lanka. At present, he is the Holy Father, St. John Paul II to Sri Lanka in the year “Everything works together for the good of those who the Messiah like: working as a lecturer and a consultant at the Aquinas 1995. Fr. Benedict produced a movie and a serialized love God” (Romans 8:28), is it not clinging on to God “He was despised and rejected by others; a man College of Higher Studies, Colombo 8. teledrama on the Life of St. Joseph Vaz, the Apostle of Birth of Jesus, Mother Mary prepared herself with ‘ˆ •—ˆˆ‡”‹‰ ƒ† ƒ “—ƒ‹–‡† ™‹–Š ‹ϐ‹”‹–›Ǣ ƒ† ‘‹‰ ‘ˆ ‡•—•Ǥ —”‹‰ –Šƒ– ϐ‹”•– †˜‡– „‡ˆ‘”‡ –Š‡ in the midst of this trying situation, the sole solution He is a treasure trove of media experience and Communication Media. He also wrote two books unmatched faith, grace, and love. Here are four aspects, as one from whom others hide their faces; he was to overcome it, as Mother Mary’s patient endurance knowledge in overall social communications media, Mass in Sri Lanka and the person who introduced the appreciating the contributions made to the history of which we can learn during these four weeks of our despised, and we held him of no account” (Isaiah whether in print, radio, television, and cinema. He is bi-monthly”‹ƒƒǤ ‡‹•–Š‡ϐ‹”•–’‡”•‘–‘’”‘†— ‡ƒ•–—†‹‘ TV program “Supuwatha” which touched Christian hymns and songs composed and with music with no single word of complaint prepared a straight 53:3). consulted by many media personalities both in Sri on current national and international events in the by the late Rev. Fr. Marceline Jayakody OMI, the late Advent. They give us a very strong spiritual stamina to path for the site of Jesus’ Birth into one we remember According to such prophecies, His loving mother Lanka and Asia. During the short interview, I had with Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Moses Perera, and the late Music Maestro Sunil make‘„•‡”˜ƒ ‡‘ˆ†˜‡–ǡˆ”‘Š‡”ƒ –‹‘•†—”‹‰–Š‡ϐ‹”•– the best out of the upcoming Christmas of the and revere to this day and ever more in the beauty of would, therefore, certainly be a Mother of Sorrows, Fr. Benedict, his colleagues from a variety of media Santha. He compiled a souvenir to commemorate the the Crib…? sharing in all the sufferings of her loving Son. It is outlets called him for consultation and advice. a member of the teaching staff at St. Aloysius’ Minor year 2020 amidst this time of severe disturbance. visit of Pope St. John Paul II in the year 1995 in Sinhala undoubtedly to these, that she said, “Fiat” (Yes), without Seminary, ‹•ϐ‹”•–ƒ’’‘‹–‡–ƒˆ–‡”Š‹•‘”†‹ƒ–‹‘™ƒ•–‘„‡ Borella. His Eminence Thomas Cardinal called “Eda Meda Tura”. 3. THIRD WEEK – a second thought, in the words: Media Personality Cooray had the policy to place his best priests in the Born on 16th December, 1942, in a remote village 1. FIRST WEEK – ‘–Š‡”ƒ”›‰Ž‘”‹ϔ‹‡† ‘†‹‡˜‡”›–Š‹‰Ǥ “Let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). During his long career as a media personality and seminaries, where the future priests are formed. Fr. of Tarala, Pugoda, Fr. Benedict Joseph is the son of Mother Mary looked for the little ways she could help Mother Mary also taught us a great lesson of a teacher he has served as the Editor of Gnanartha Benedict had the opportunity of working for six years the late W. A. Don Thomas, an Ayurveda Physician others. Why then, do we not interpret the present situation Pradeepaya, the oldest Sinhala newspaper in Sri in his capacity as a teacher at the Minor Seminary and S. M. Dona Anna. He had his primary education at At the Annunciation, Mother Mary learned of that we are going through as an invitation to place our Lanka, the Director - Catholic Press and the Social with Fr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando as the Rector the Holy Cross Catholic School, Tarala and continued another miraculous pregnancy: that of her cousin, have been tempted beyond doubt to puff herself up a complete Communication Centre (SCC) at Borella. who succeeded Cardinal Cooray as the Archbishop of Š—‹Ž‹–› ƒ† •‡ŽˆǦ†‡‹ƒŽ –Šƒ– ϐ‹”•– †˜‡–Ǥ Š‡ ™‘—Ž† his secondary education entering the Borella Minor Elizabeth. Elizabeth was much older and was believed bit as she has just been given the news that she is to sincere and childlike disposition as Mother Mary did at At present many Catholic television and radio Colombo. Fr. Benedict also used his teaching experience –”—•– ƒ† ‘ϐ‹†‡ ‡ ‹ ‘† ‹ ƒ Š—„Ž‡ǡ Seminary, in January 1956. to have been barren before she carried St. John the become the Mother of God. But Mother Mary did just the Annunciation, understanding our own fragileness programmes are produced at the SCC. In his capacity in inculcating media principles to the seminarians at and limitations and learning that we are nothing before He recalls with gratitude his former Rectors, vastly Baptist in her womb. When Mother Mary heard the opposite of what the devil would have suggested to as the media coordinator of the Catholic Church, he the National Seminary in Kandy and the students of responsible for making him a priest and his own an all powerful Creator-God…? about her cousin, she immediately rushed to help her. her. She recognized that it was God Who was working had also organized the annual OCIC Film Awards, and Aquinas College of Higher Studies. personality what he is today. At St. Aloysius minor Mother Mary, our Spiritual Mother who unceasingly Journeying far away to help a relative would itself be in her. Her understanding of it is clear in the beautiful was directly responsible for the Catholic Television and seminary he had two illustrious Rectors the late Rev Fr. prays and intercedes for us, our Mother of beauty and a challenge for anyone, but it was especially more Radio programmes over the Rupavahini, ITN, SLBC, Dedicated Pastor W.L.A. Don Peter and Rev. Fr. Frank Marcus Fernando, sweetness and love, not only takes our hand and leads and Radio Veritas (RV) Manila. Radio Veritas is an ” (Luke 1:46), Besides his apostolate to media activities he also had later Bishop of Chilaw, who had guided him from his challenging for a young, pregnant woman who had Dz›•‘—Žƒ‰‹ϐ‹‡•–Š‡‘”† us to her Son but brought Him forth into the world for us Asian Catholic Radio channel which broadcasts to the served as a pastor of three Churches in the Archdiocese ’”ƒ›‡”‘ˆ–Š‡ƒ‰‹ϐ‹ ƒ–ǡ‹™Š‹ ŠŠ‡‡š Žƒ‹•ǣ tender years. Frs. Fred Sackett OMI, Dalston Forbes just received an extraordinary vocation from God. Yet and goes on to proclaim: and for our salvation. Thus, the Motherhood of Mother whole of Asia from the Philippines in different Asian of Colombo. He was appointed the Parish Priest of the OMI, and James Cooke OMI were the Rectors of the Mary is the origin and crux of celebrating Christmas in languages. All Saints’ Church, Borella, in January 1995. From the National Seminary of Our Lady of Sri Lanka, Ampitiya, was to help someone in need. “For the Mighty One has done great things for me, its real sense! Also, this particular call of hers entailed Fr. Benedict represented Sri Lanka at several year 2002, he was the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church, Kandy, during his time of priestly formation in this ‘–Š‡”ƒ”›†‹†‘––Š‹‘ˆŠ‡”•‡ŽˆǦŠ‡”ϐ‹”•––Š‘—‰Š–Why then, do we not understand the present and holy is His Name” (Luke 1:49), Catholic international, worldwide media conferences. Dehiwela, and subsequently he was appointed as the an unthinkable burden on this Young Jewish Girl from revered institution. situation as an invitation to introspect and manifest and praise all His works. He has lost count of the media conferences that he had National Director - Social Communications Centre a backwater town in a conquered distant territory of Fr. Benedict Joseph remains a humble, helpful and our altruism in helping someone who is greatly in Why then, do we not understand the present situation attended. The writer tried to trigger his memory and in the year 2008. In the year 2014, Fr. Benedict was unassuming priest in spite of his fame and all the the Roman Empire. However, she not only accepted we counted more than 18 conferences. During such transferred as the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church, national and international awards he has won for his this burden, but transformed it into a song of love and conferences, he had shared his media experiences in Sri Eldeniya, Kadawatha. It was during his tenure that service to uplift the social communications media. He Liturgical Calendar Year B - 13th Dec. - 20th Dec. 2020 joy for God by her faithfulness and her actions. Let us, Lanka with a world-wide audience and learned from the Eldeniya Parish was elevated to the level of a self- is a serene and tranquil person, kind and courteous to Sun: Third Sunday of Advent Wed: Is. 45: 6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Lk. 7: 19-23 therefore, imitate her example of unwavering faith in his colleagues in Asia, Europe, and South America. supporting Parish of the Archdiocese of Colombo. He everyone who comes in contact with him. He is ready to Is. 61: 1, 2a, 10-11; 1 Th. 5: 16-24; Thu: Gen. 49: 1-2, 8-10; Mt. 1: 1-17 this time of trial and tribulation, “sending up our sighs” During the 1980s and the 1990s, Fr. Benedict Joseph got his present appointment as a lecturer at Aquinas give a helping hand irrespective of the fact whether the Jn. 1: 6-8, 19-28 Fri: Jer. 23: 5-8; Mt. 1: 18-24 to her “mourning and weeping in this valley of tears”, so was a member of the Sinhala Dictionary Advisory University College in June 2018. Sat: Jdg. 13: 2-7, 24-25a; Lk. 1: 5-25 person is rich or poor, Catholic or non-Catholic. He has Mon: Memorial of St. John of the Croos, Priest & Doctor that through her Maternal Intercession, we may soon Committee, Catholic-Christian Advisory Committee He wrote a book on the Church Social Media, Sun: Fourth Sunday of Advent Num. 24: 2-7, 15-17a; Mt. 21: 23-27 and Committee for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, still in use as a valuable handbook for the pupils of 2 Sam. 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; see a ray of hope which is the most awaited gift at this long years. Ad Multos Annos! Tue: Zeph. 3: 1-2,9-13; Mt. 21: 28-32 •‡”˜‡†Š‹•ƒ•–‡”ǡŠ”‹•– ‡•—•ǡƒ† ‹•’‡‘’Ž‡ˆ‘”ϐ‹ˆ–› Rom. 16: 25-27; Lk. 1: 26-38 Christmas!!! .... to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Messiah.” ( John 1:19-20) ‘–Š‡›ƒ•‡†Š‹ǡDzŠƒ–ƒ”‡›‘—–Š‡ǫ”‡›‘—Ž‹ŒƒŠǫdz†Š‡•ƒ‹†ǡDz ƒ‘–ǤdzǤǤǤǤȋ ‘Šͷǣ͸ͷȌ 4 Messenger December 13, 2020 5 December 13, 2020 The Messenger Messenger December 13, 2020 5 A voice crying in the wilderness! A Meaningful Advent for a Christmas with a (The Third Sunday of Advent - Year B) Marian Spirituality for 2020 ith the appearance of John the Baptist in the the Coming One, in whom the Kingdom of Heaven was John the Baptist, though the greatest man born Wwilderness, the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem were individualized. The word Heaven was very often used of a woman, is also the most humble and the most dvent is a time when we prepare our hearts and troubled with regard to the identity of John the Baptist. instead of “God” to avoid unduly familiarizing the ear retiring. By the side of Christ, he saw himself only as minds to welcome Jesus, the Word made Flesh. Rev. Fr. Eymard Fernando Therefore they sent priests and levites to question with the sacred name of God. a shadow cast by the light of Christ. At the suggestion AAlthough we observe this holy season every year, him. John the Baptist clearly, without any ambiguity The Kingdom of Heaven was the great message of the emissaries from Jerusalem that he might be the yet the question remains as to how it has contributed to as a blessing in disguise, where confessed that he was not the Messiah but only a “Voice of John the Baptist. The Old Testament idea of the Messiah, he recoiled in utter self-abasement saying that our giving Jesus a worthy welcome! How is it possible our humble acceptance of our crying in the wilderness; Make straight the way of the Kingdom of Heaven implied three ideas: universality, for us to adequately prepare ourselves so that we may own unworthiness like St. John Lord.” The understanding of the role and importance of heavenliness, and permanency. God’s dominion shall Though /Christ gave him the title of the Prophet Elijah- –Š‡ ƒ’–‹•–ǡ ™‘—Ž† •‘‘ ϔ‹† Š‡™ƒ•‘–ϐ‹–‡˜‡–‘†‘–Š‡‡‹ƒŽŒ‘„‘ˆƒ•‡”˜ƒ–Ǥ John the Baptist is helpful to understand Jesus. not be restricted to one people - the Israelites; rather Come-Back, he denied such a privilege. He claimed only for His second, and welcome Him into our hearts anew our God, Who is ever-loving, it shall embrace the whole humanity: it shall be as holy to be a ‘Voice’ announcing the Kingdom of Heaven and this„‡ƒ†‡™‘”–Š›–‘ ‡Ž‡„”ƒ–‡ ‹•ϐ‹”•– ‘‹‰ǡ‰‡–”‡ƒ†› Christmas? It is a tall order, and we know that even far from getting satisfaction calling the people to repentance. 1) John’s attire and attitude as heaven compared to earth, and it shall triumphantly the best preparation is only a pittance compared to out of our suffering, only Shade and shadows must give way to reality. Once John appeared in the wilderness, like Prophet endure till the end of time. what Jesus has done and continues to do for us and our allows it because He sees in Christ appeared on the scene, John made the way for Elijah (2 King1:8). Wearing a garment of hair and a The Kingdom of Heaven, which is manifested in and salvation. it a chance of great good for Him and disappeared. He was convinced that Christ leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild through Christ, will triumph at His Second Coming and The good news is that God can do amazing things must increase and he must decrease. In Jesus, God had us – if we sincerely cooperate? honey. Poorly clad in a prophet’s raiment and sparingly will reach perfection in the world to come. John the with our pittance. When we approach Advent with faith, Thus, is it not that He alone Baptist came to call Israel to submit to the reign of God, ultimately revealed Himself. Now all focus must be on Christ. “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many hope, and repentance, we can work toward making “can write straight on crooked Elijah. The image of John the Baptist commanded about to be manifested in Christ. He preached inward and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days straight the path of the Lord as St. John the Baptist says: lines”, clearly testifying to the respect‘—”‹•Š‡†ǡ and awe. ‘Š The –Š‡ attire ƒ’–‹•– and ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ‡†attitude of –Š‡ the ‹••‹‘ man were ‘ˆ repentance and renewal of life as the preparation for the he has spoken to us by the Son appointed heir of all “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, inspiring words of St. Thomas true and real. He was not a reed shaken by the wind, coming of the Kingdom of God. His call to repentance is things, through whom He created the worlds. He is the ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’, as the prophet More: “Earth has no sorrow not only a call of turning away from the past but, also, a Isaiah said” (Jn.1:23). need of our help, so that we may ever be ready for that Heaven cannot heal”…? not ambitious or self-seeking, but self-effacing with turning towards Christ in the newness of mind. Advent and Christmas in 2020 are going to be the coming of the Lord no matter when His second a„—– single-minded —„‡†‹‰Ž› mission ϐ‹” ‹ of †‡‡’ being ƒ† the •‡––Ž‡† precursor ‘˜‹ –‹‘Ǣ of the very being, and He sustains all things by His powerful word””‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‘‘ˆ ‘†ǯ•‰Ž‘”›ƒ†–Š‡‡šƒ –‹’”‹–‘ˆ ‘†ǯ• (Hebrew 1-3). very different, as they come to us in a time of a global coming takes place…? 4. FOURTH WEEK – Messiah. Convinced by his message, he had no regard 3) John’s Mission pandemic. The entire globe has been stopped by a Mother Mary was willing to say, “Fiat” (Yes) to God’s for any man. All that mattered was to give a call to The appearance of John the Baptist in the Prayer virus. It is ridiculous to think a lifeless and an invisible 2. SECOND WEEK – call undoing the “No” of Eve. everybody to repent and prepare for the coming of the wilderness in a prophet’s garb broke the four-century Father, through John the corona virus has shattered the rhythm of daily life in When the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mother Mother Mary made the best of what she had in the Messiah. Proclaiming the same message everywhere, silence of the prophets in Israel. He was not only a Baptist, you tried to prepare your our global village. It has caught the world unprepared, Mary at the Annunciation, she was just a young girl Plan of Salvation. he travelled along the winding banks of the river Jordan. prophet but greater than any other prophet of old. He people for the coming of Jesus. ill-equipped and untrained. Our world, with its leading of fourteen years of age. She was certainly a person of The familiar Christmas story tells us that there not only came with a message like the other prophets Prepare our hearts and minds that scientists, has not yet found any medicine for cure or was no room at the inn when it was time for Jesus to 2). John’s message: but also had the unique and the sole privilege of we may know what to look for in the vaccine up to the time of penning these few lines. The Mother Mary, as a young virgin, being puzzled over John with a deep sense of earnestness, be born, and so Mother Mary had to give birth to Jesus pointing out Christ to the people. The other prophets by Rev. Fr. Athanasius coming of Jesus Christ into our world. virus, which takes our immune system into its control God’s‰”‡ƒ–ˆƒ‹–Šǡƒ†Š‡”Ž‹ˆ‡™ƒ•ƒŠ‘Ž›‘‡Ǥ ‡”‡™‡ϐ‹† Will for her. She had been inspired at a very young announced that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand Samarasinghe only prophesied about the Messiah, but John had the May we show the joy of the Advent even misleading and confusing the good soldiers T- and among the animals and lay Him in a manger. This was age to dedicate her virginity to God. She, therefore, and the people had to prepare themselves for it. singular prerogative of preparing the way for Him and Message in our lives day by day, B-cells, so that they themselves begin to destroy the certainly not an easy way to give birth to a child, and questioned the Archangel on this point. If she is to be Through admonitions and warnings, he directed all to later pointing Him out to the people. through Him Who came at Christmas time. Amen. good cells in lungs instead of saving them, has forced thus welcome the Messiah into the world. Yet Mother a mother, does that mean that she is to conceive in the thousands and thousands across the world breathe Mary never uttered a word of complaint, and by doing normal way, and if so, what of her resolution or vow? Electronic and Print Media Personality Fr. Benedict their last. Also, some other millions of people are left so, she thus made the site of Jesus’ Birth into one we In the words of the Archangel, what made Mother Mary on ventilators or in home-quarantine or in isolation. It remember today in the beauty of the Crib. Despite not embarrassed was not the sublime greatness of the is a proven fact that Covid-19 attacks the weaker side of having much, Mother Mary persevered in her faith and majesty announced to her, but rather the way in which a person, the same way sin does. Joseph celebrates Golden Jubilee of Priesthood made the best out of it, resulting in a gift that continues such a maternity might be realized (cf. Stefano Manelli, In a situation of this nature, Advent and Christmas ev. Father Benedict Joseph, the writer, the TV and to the present day. All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed, pgs. 137-140). Radio and Print Media personality celebrates the in 2020 can be looked at as a wakeup call to all of us to R Francis Madiwela Why then, do we not understand the present Here she is made to realize that her Maternal Sharing Golden Jubilee of his priesthood on December 19th experience a real ‘metanoia’ (radical change), making in the Life of Jesus Christ, her Son, in a way, matches this year. Tele-drama Script Committee and the Advertisement every possible attempt to experience a new birth and crisis as a trial that God has foreseen and allowed, her Vocation to Virginity (cf. Pope Saint John Paul II, His Eminence late Thomas Cardinal Cooray OMI, Inquiry Board of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. a fresh start bidding farewell to our own weaker side measured and limited to our strength to bear it; a Redemptoris Mater, no. 39). Another cause for her (Now Servant of God) ordained Fr. Benedict on He was a member of the Panel of the Programme which keeps us away from God and His Holy Will for trial for our correction and salvation? Here, is it not bewilderment, though we can be quite sure it did not December 19th, 1970, as a priest of the Catholic Church Previewers of the Independent Television Network each and every one of us. better for us to understand the fact that if at all God at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena. make Mother Mary at all slow to answer, is the fact that (ITN) and a member of the Sri Lanka Kala Mandalaya. In this regard, we have a wonderful model in the is not changing the situation, it is simply because He Since then he has served as a TV, Radio, Cinema, and He was the Chief Media Coordinator during the visit of she was intimately familiar with the prophecies about person of the Blessed Virgin Mary to prepare for the wants the situation to change us? Since ultimately, Print Media personality in Sri Lanka. At present, he is the Holy Father, St. John Paul II to Sri Lanka in the year “Everything works together for the good of those who the Messiah like: working as a lecturer and a consultant at the Aquinas 1995. Fr. Benedict produced a movie and a serialized love God” (Romans 8:28), is it not clinging on to God “He was despised and rejected by others; a man College of Higher Studies, Colombo 8. teledrama on the Life of St. Joseph Vaz, the Apostle of Birth of Jesus, Mother Mary prepared herself with ‘ˆ •—ˆˆ‡”‹‰ ƒ† ƒ “—ƒ‹–‡† ™‹–Š ‹ϐ‹”‹–›Ǣ ƒ† ‘‹‰ ‘ˆ ‡•—•Ǥ —”‹‰ –Šƒ– ϐ‹”•– †˜‡– „‡ˆ‘”‡ –Š‡ in the midst of this trying situation, the sole solution He is a treasure trove of media experience and Communication Media. He also wrote two books unmatched faith, grace, and love. Here are four aspects, as one from whom others hide their faces; he was to overcome it, as Mother Mary’s patient endurance knowledge in overall social communications media, Mass in Sri Lanka and the person who introduced the appreciating the contributions made to the history of which we can learn during these four weeks of our despised, and we held him of no account” (Isaiah whether in print, radio, television, and cinema. He is bi-monthly”‹ƒƒǤ ‡‹•–Š‡ϐ‹”•–’‡”•‘–‘’”‘†— ‡ƒ•–—†‹‘ TV program “Supuwatha” which touched Christian hymns and songs composed and with music with no single word of complaint prepared a straight 53:3). consulted by many media personalities both in Sri on current national and international events in the by the late Rev. Fr. Marceline Jayakody OMI, the late Advent. They give us a very strong spiritual stamina to path for the site of Jesus’ Birth into one we remember According to such prophecies, His loving mother Lanka and Asia. During the short interview, I had with Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Moses Perera, and the late Music Maestro Sunil make‘„•‡”˜ƒ ‡‘ˆ†˜‡–ǡˆ”‘Š‡”ƒ –‹‘•†—”‹‰–Š‡ϐ‹”•– the best out of the upcoming Christmas of the and revere to this day and ever more in the beauty of would, therefore, certainly be a Mother of Sorrows, Fr. Benedict, his colleagues from a variety of media Santha. He compiled a souvenir to commemorate the the Crib…? sharing in all the sufferings of her loving Son. It is outlets called him for consultation and advice. a member of the teaching staff at St. Aloysius’ Minor year 2020 amidst this time of severe disturbance. visit of Pope St. John Paul II in the year 1995 in Sinhala undoubtedly to these, that she said, “Fiat” (Yes), without Seminary, ‹•ϐ‹”•–ƒ’’‘‹–‡–ƒˆ–‡”Š‹•‘”†‹ƒ–‹‘™ƒ•–‘„‡ Borella. His Eminence Thomas Cardinal called “Eda Meda Tura”. 3. THIRD WEEK – a second thought, in the words: Media Personality Cooray had the policy to place his best priests in the Born on 16th December, 1942, in a remote village 1. FIRST WEEK – ‘–Š‡”ƒ”›‰Ž‘”‹ϔ‹‡† ‘†‹‡˜‡”›–Š‹‰Ǥ “Let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). During his long career as a media personality and seminaries, where the future priests are formed. Fr. of Tarala, Pugoda, Fr. Benedict Joseph is the son of Mother Mary looked for the little ways she could help Mother Mary also taught us a great lesson of a teacher he has served as the Editor of Gnanartha Benedict had the opportunity of working for six years the late W. A. Don Thomas, an Ayurveda Physician others. Why then, do we not interpret the present situation Pradeepaya, the oldest Sinhala newspaper in Sri in his capacity as a teacher at the Minor Seminary and S. M. Dona Anna. He had his primary education at At the Annunciation, Mother Mary learned of that we are going through as an invitation to place our Lanka, the Director - Catholic Press and the Social with Fr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando as the Rector the Holy Cross Catholic School, Tarala and continued another miraculous pregnancy: that of her cousin, have been tempted beyond doubt to puff herself up a complete Communication Centre (SCC) at Borella. who succeeded Cardinal Cooray as the Archbishop of Š—‹Ž‹–› ƒ† •‡ŽˆǦ†‡‹ƒŽ –Šƒ– ϐ‹”•– †˜‡–Ǥ Š‡ ™‘—Ž† his secondary education entering the Borella Minor Elizabeth. Elizabeth was much older and was believed bit as she has just been given the news that she is to sincere and childlike disposition as Mother Mary did at At present many Catholic television and radio Colombo. Fr. Benedict also used his teaching experience –”—•– ƒ† ‘ϐ‹†‡ ‡ ‹ ‘† ‹ ƒ Š—„Ž‡ǡ Seminary, in January 1956. to have been barren before she carried St. John the become the Mother of God. But Mother Mary did just the Annunciation, understanding our own fragileness programmes are produced at the SCC. In his capacity in inculcating media principles to the seminarians at and limitations and learning that we are nothing before He recalls with gratitude his former Rectors, vastly Baptist in her womb. When Mother Mary heard the opposite of what the devil would have suggested to as the media coordinator of the Catholic Church, he the National Seminary in Kandy and the students of responsible for making him a priest and his own an all powerful Creator-God…? about her cousin, she immediately rushed to help her. her. She recognized that it was God Who was working had also organized the annual OCIC Film Awards, and Aquinas College of Higher Studies. personality what he is today. At St. Aloysius minor Mother Mary, our Spiritual Mother who unceasingly Journeying far away to help a relative would itself be in her. Her understanding of it is clear in the beautiful was directly responsible for the Catholic Television and seminary he had two illustrious Rectors the late Rev Fr. prays and intercedes for us, our Mother of beauty and a challenge for anyone, but it was especially more Radio programmes over the Rupavahini, ITN, SLBC, Dedicated Pastor W.L.A. Don Peter and Rev. Fr. Frank Marcus Fernando, sweetness and love, not only takes our hand and leads and Radio Veritas (RV) Manila. Radio Veritas is an ” (Luke 1:46), Besides his apostolate to media activities he also had later Bishop of Chilaw, who had guided him from his challenging for a young, pregnant woman who had Dz›•‘—Žƒ‰‹ϐ‹‡•–Š‡‘”† us to her Son but brought Him forth into the world for us Asian Catholic Radio channel which broadcasts to the served as a pastor of three Churches in the Archdiocese ’”ƒ›‡”‘ˆ–Š‡ƒ‰‹ϐ‹ ƒ–ǡ‹™Š‹ ŠŠ‡‡š Žƒ‹•ǣ tender years. Frs. Fred Sackett OMI, Dalston Forbes just received an extraordinary vocation from God. Yet and goes on to proclaim: and for our salvation. Thus, the Motherhood of Mother whole of Asia from the Philippines in different Asian of Colombo. He was appointed the Parish Priest of the OMI, and James Cooke OMI were the Rectors of the Mary is the origin and crux of celebrating Christmas in languages. All Saints’ Church, Borella, in January 1995. From the National Seminary of Our Lady of Sri Lanka, Ampitiya, was to help someone in need. “For the Mighty One has done great things for me, its real sense! Also, this particular call of hers entailed Fr. Benedict represented Sri Lanka at several year 2002, he was the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church, Kandy, during his time of priestly formation in this ‘–Š‡”ƒ”›†‹†‘––Š‹‘ˆŠ‡”•‡ŽˆǦŠ‡”ϐ‹”•––Š‘—‰Š–Why then, do we not understand the present and holy is His Name” (Luke 1:49), Catholic international, worldwide media conferences. Dehiwela, and subsequently he was appointed as the an unthinkable burden on this Young Jewish Girl from revered institution. situation as an invitation to introspect and manifest and praise all His works. He has lost count of the media conferences that he had National Director - Social Communications Centre a backwater town in a conquered distant territory of Fr. Benedict Joseph remains a humble, helpful and our altruism in helping someone who is greatly in Why then, do we not understand the present situation attended. The writer tried to trigger his memory and in the year 2008. In the year 2014, Fr. Benedict was unassuming priest in spite of his fame and all the the Roman Empire. However, she not only accepted we counted more than 18 conferences. During such transferred as the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church, national and international awards he has won for his this burden, but transformed it into a song of love and conferences, he had shared his media experiences in Sri Eldeniya, Kadawatha. It was during his tenure that service to uplift the social communications media. He Liturgical Calendar Year B - 13th Dec. - 20th Dec. 2020 joy for God by her faithfulness and her actions. Let us, Lanka with a world-wide audience and learned from the Eldeniya Parish was elevated to the level of a self- is a serene and tranquil person, kind and courteous to Sun: Third Sunday of Advent Wed: Is. 45: 6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Lk. 7: 19-23 therefore, imitate her example of unwavering faith in his colleagues in Asia, Europe, and South America. supporting Parish of the Archdiocese of Colombo. He everyone who comes in contact with him. He is ready to Is. 61: 1, 2a, 10-11; 1 Th. 5: 16-24; Thu: Gen. 49: 1-2, 8-10; Mt. 1: 1-17 this time of trial and tribulation, “sending up our sighs” During the 1980s and the 1990s, Fr. Benedict Joseph got his present appointment as a lecturer at Aquinas give a helping hand irrespective of the fact whether the Jn. 1: 6-8, 19-28 Fri: Jer. 23: 5-8; Mt. 1: 18-24 to her “mourning and weeping in this valley of tears”, so was a member of the Sinhala Dictionary Advisory University College in June 2018. Sat: Jdg. 13: 2-7, 24-25a; Lk. 1: 5-25 person is rich or poor, Catholic or non-Catholic. He has Mon: Memorial of St. John of the Croos, Priest & Doctor that through her Maternal Intercession, we may soon Committee, Catholic-Christian Advisory Committee He wrote a book on the Church Social Media, Sun: Fourth Sunday of Advent Num. 24: 2-7, 15-17a; Mt. 21: 23-27 and Committee for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, still in use as a valuable handbook for the pupils of 2 Sam. 7: 1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; see a ray of hope which is the most awaited gift at this long years. Ad Multos Annos! Tue: Zeph. 3: 1-2,9-13; Mt. 21: 28-32 •‡”˜‡†Š‹•ƒ•–‡”ǡŠ”‹•– ‡•—•ǡƒ† ‹•’‡‘’Ž‡ˆ‘”ϐ‹ˆ–› Rom. 16: 25-27; Lk. 1: 26-38 Christmas!!! .... to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Messiah.” ( John 1:19-20) ‘–Š‡›ƒ•‡†Š‹ǡDzŠƒ–ƒ”‡›‘—–Š‡ǫ”‡›‘—Ž‹ŒƒŠǫdz†Š‡•ƒ‹†ǡDz ƒ‘–ǤdzǤǤǤǤȋ ‘Šͷǣ͸ͷȌ 6 The Messenger December 13, 2020

The Lord is Close At Hand Leave everything in God’s hands our hands. That also includes making plans to get back What the nearness of God means Someone from New York said the city’s bars and It means that we are not now, and never will be, restaurants have been deeply wounded by the pan- business, seek new employment, resume school, etc. alone. It means that everything that causes us to fear on our feet once the storm has passed: jump-start our demic, and the list of permanently closed establish- For the rest, we will pray and beg the Lord to end this and feel anxious is under God’s vigilant watch. It means ments is still growing. As you visit places to eat and global catastrophe! that His plan is taking its course, even if we are not able drink, whether you are staying there or taking your A safe rule of thumb is to do whatever is in our pow- order to go, you will not fail to notice the hospitality er and leave the rest in the hands of God. Rest assured sin that Jesus has not overcome for us in His death and industry’s trauma. they are in good hands. Resurrection.to see it. It means It means there that is no in dif�iculty,Him we conquer no danger, every- no In the local scenario, the government has widened thing. It means there is no reason to be afraid. curfews in parts of Colombo, and some areas in West- God is at hand But it also means that we must pay attention to ern province, where two clusters caused the COVID-19 Whatever our apprehension may be —real or imag- His nearness. If the reign of God is at hand, if our God cases to spike beyond the 24,000 level in the past few ined— it somehow helps to know that someone is near. comes with vindication if the coming of the Lord is at weeks. More than a dozen villages in different parts of Having friends and family within earshot, experienc- hand, if God is with us, if the evidence of God’s pres- the country have also been isolated to curb the spread. ing their encouragement and support, our loads are ence is everywhere, then we should take notice; and “The pandemic is a unique, perhaps once-in-a-life- our lives should be different than they would be if God time experience for most of us. COVID-19 has brought Archbishop Sartain. were nowhere to be found. lightened and we �ind the strength to forge ahead, says the world to a standstill and has raised big questions In a more profound level, Advent teaches that Not that our behaviour should be different out of in our lives,” observes Fr. Henry. We are wondering, Someone is indeed near. “The reign of God is at hand!” fear, as kids in a classroom hush and quit their foolish- “How long is this going to last? What happens to my John the Baptist announces in the Gospel of Matthew ness because the teacher is just outside the door. Far to business or work? And the schooling of my children? the contrary, our changed behaviour helps us discover Is it going to be safe out there when the lockdown is God. If we live by faith, we will hear Him, recognize (3:1-3). Him, and welcome Him through the Word of God, the lifted? After all these, what’s the ending balance, what’s fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication… “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, people, and incidents of everyday life. my future?” It was their attentiveness to the nearness of God It is normal to mull over events that directly affect sorrow and mourning will �lee,” prophesies Isaiah (cf. that kept Mary and Joseph from hiding in fear and con- our lives. We naturally worry about future uncertain- 35:4,10). fusion when confronted with surprising circumstances, ties. Anything that poses a threat, alters our routine, “Make your hearts �irm, for the coming of the Lord and it enabled them instead to place their lives trusting changes our lifestyles, or limits our freedom tend to The angel tells the confused and anxious Joseph in is at hand,” writes James (5:8). in God’s hands, saying, “Let all things come about ac- agitate us and throws us off balance. a dream, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,” It cording to your will.” The inability to realize our plans can trigger anger, is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been con- frustration, discouragement, or rebellion. It is not sur- ceived in her.” Just as Isaiah had prophesied, reveals the The season of Advent prising that we react, what is wrong is we could over- angel, “The virgin shall be with child and bear a son, “Happy new year!” Those were the opening remarks react. An anxious mind blows up the crisis and conjures and they shall name him Emmanuel,” a name which of a speaker in a series of talks on Advent pilgrimage. up all sorts of bleak scenarios. “What if I get infected?” He was not kidding since the liturgical year really start- “What if the vaccine fails?” “What if I run out of mon- “Go and tell John what you hear and see,” Jesus says means “God is with us” (cf. Matthew 1:20-23). ey?” And a thousand other “what ifs” that cripple us to the followers of John the Baptist. “The blind regain joyful expectation for the Messiah. and drain our energy. their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the ed onIt isthe important �irst Sunday to knowof Advent. what We Advent began isa season really allof Of course, we need to be prudent and that includes deaf hears, the dead are raised, and the poor have the about, and what God expects from us. We have to wearing a mask, keeping social distance, and washing Contd on Pg 13 3rd Sunday of Adventgood news – Gospel proclaimed Meditation to them” (Matthew (John 11:5). 1:6-8, 19-28) – Year B

Rev. Fr. Nilindra Gunesekera the coming of John who would point out the Messiah to with water; but among you stands one whom you do Israel and bear witness to the incarnate Word of God, not know, even he who comes after me, the thong of n the third Sunday of Advent called Gaudete was also the work of God. John was the great witness Sunday, a pink-coloured candle is lit and it is Did you know that the task of untying the sandal was called the Shepherds' candle. It represents joy. O givenwhose only sandal to the I am least not and worthy most to unimportant untie’ (John servant?”1:24-27). who gave weighty testimony before of�icial Judaism Vishwa says, ‘No’. God,(John but 1:19-28), witness before is needed all Israel because (John faith 1:31), is aand response before Then I ask, ‘But, why did John baptize?’ Shimon an- plan?’Today’s In Gospel our meditation narrates we of theplace signi�icance ourselves atof the John scene the tohis testimony. own disciples Witnessing (John 1:35). occurs Indeed, in the faith service is a gift of faith.from ofBaptist. the Gospel, Ask yourself to re-live ‘What it, and is yourto be signi�icance nourished and in God’s chal- swers, ‘John’s baptism must be understood in terms of The object of faith is Jesus, who is the light come into lenged by it, today. We picture ourselves in Palestine. his own unworthiness to untie the sandals of the Son of the world because He is Son of God. Through the wit- We are in the Judean desert visiting the site where ness of John, faith is aroused and helped, a faith which John the Baptist lived. Our tour guide, Shimon tells us, unworthiness of the recipient (proselyte), to welcome is directed to the light. Witnessing is indispensable to God. John’s baptism was a cleansing which signi�ied the ‘There was a man sent from God, whose name was John’ the one who comes after him (Son of God). Hence, re- the Johannine notion of faith because the incarnate pentance was needed. But the Pharisees’ situation was Son of God does not, as such, display openly His nature John’s name. So I ask, ‘Who was he?’ Shimon replies, (John 1:6). Shimon bows reverently as he pronounces and His dignity. So He must be attested by witnesses who stood amongst them. Do you know the gravity of worse. They did not know the ˋlightˊ, the Son of God, this?’ I reply, ‘No’. Shimon continues, ‘Divine revelation ‘He was the greatest of all prophets (Matthew 11:11), of witnessing before the ancient community of salva- tion,or testimony. Israel, to John whom the he Baptist presented �irst performed the Messiah the (John task was being withheld from them. They were profoundly Then,hence, Shimonafter having smiles described and adds him emphatically, as ˋa man sent ‘That from is estranged from God due to their moral opposition to the howGodˊ, peopleI mentioned must speakhis name of you!solemnly But letand me reverently’. continue stated in the Gospel, they sent priests and Levites from with the story of John. It is written that John came for Jerusalem1:31). But of�icialto ask John, Judaism ‘Who did are not you?’ know So, this John and the as Bap- it is 21). They were estranged from the very God whom testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might tist confessed; he did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not ˋlightˊ because they were blinded by malice (John 3:19- believe through him. He was not the light, but came to the Christ’. And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you lest you also become like them; else you too will die in Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not’. Again they asked, ‘Are you they religiously af�irmed (John 7:28). So, be vigilant, My friend Vishwa an acknowledged rationalist asks, your sin’. Then pointing westward, Shimon says, ‘The bear witness to the light’ (John 1:7-8). the prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No’. They said to him events I have described took place in Bethany beyond ‘How can anyone witness to the light?’ Shimon replies, then, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those ‘The role of John the Baptist can only be understood in who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, As we walk back to our safari jeep, I say to Vishwa, terms of the role of Christ. Apart from Jesus, no one else the Jordan, where John was Baptizing’ (John 1:28). in the Johannine Gospel is described as having been sent ‘All this makes me wonder whether it is Christ I bear sent ‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ˋMake witness to in my life?’ Vishwa asks ‘Why?’ I reply, ‘By to bear witness to the light’. Vishwa asks, ‘Why do you thestraight Pharisees, the way and of they the asked Lordˊ, John as the the Prophet Baptist, Isaiah‘Then habitually judging others and criticizing them, do I not keepby God. referring John was to Jesus part ofas the light?’divine Shimonplan: he says, was “The whysaid’ are(John you 1:19-23). baptizing, These if you envoys are neither had been the Christ, sent from nor act as if I am even greater than Christ? It was not so in image of light describes the work of the Son of God. But Elijah, nor the prophet?’ He answered them ‘I baptize the life of John the Baptist’.

..... “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer... (John 1:21-22) 7 The Messenger December 13, 2020 Process Servant of God, Cardinal Cooray OMI clergy of other religions. He worked towards promot- by: Fr. Leopold Ratnasekera OMI ing inter-religious harmony and strongly supported he tenth anniversary of the initiation of the the establishment of social justice and respect for hu- process of canonization of the Servant of God, man rights. He was known to be a person of gentle TThomas Benjamin Cardinal Cooray OMI fell at demeanor, an icon of simplicity and compassion, and the end of the month of October this year. On 28th Oc- one who could bear the burdens of others. As a true tober 2010, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith as the promotor patriot, he exulted in the democratic way of life spon- of the cause launched the diocesan phase of inquiry sored in the life of the nation and carefully watched the relating to this canonical process with a solemn Lit- constitutional changes that came over the country in urgy at the Tewatte basilica. A canonization committee 1972 which made him very sensitive to consequences that issued with the change of the national constitu- were held every three months and the postulator was tion. In the Servant of God, Thomas Cardinal Cooray was formed with its formal of�icials, regular meetings entrusted with the task of compiling the “PositioHis- OMI we see God’s providential hand in the sending of torica”, a historical study of the life and heroic virtue a shepherd to carry the Church forward into the post- independent era in which he guided and led his people ing of catechists in Negombo and inviting numerous to the Congregation of Saints in Rome. This document for thirty long years. Cardinal Cooray will always be re- of the Servant of God: a study needed to be presented religious orders of priests and religious to begin new apostolates in the archdiocese. His interest in integral education is seen in his effort to establish Borella’s only to the Church as a saintly shepherd but also to the pages.ran into Any 650 incidents pages ofof textmiracles annexed are being in addition referred with for membered as a historical �igure that brought fame not Aquinas University College and the ‘Subodhi” center in reviewreference and material study to running a team ofto assignednearly over doctors. another 600 Piliyandala. He continued to send his priests for stud- The aim of the document mentioned above was to nation as a patriot and signi�icant spiritual leader. portray the life of the Servant of God as one of heroic reinforce the apostolate. He also encouraged local ar- virtue and the fact that after his death there has been chitectureies abroad in to the specialize building inof churches. various pastoral Everyone �ields knows to public attestation to his sanctity and veneration of the his great achievement to be the erecting of the National pray and seek his intercession. The presentation had A true development process tofaithful be corroborated as witnessed by with people the recording�locking to ofhis evidence grave to byBasilica Archbishop of Our Masson Lady of to Lanka Our Lady which for tookhaving 25 saved years the to from witnesses such as bishops, priests, and laity. Its countrycomplete from and pursuedthe ravages as the of Worldful�illment War ofII awhen vow madeJapa- needed preparation took nearly four years of research needed nese bombs fell over Colombo and later Trincomalee consultations at the Secret Archives of the Vatican, that on that particular Easter Sunday of April 1942. It is Car- he Present Government is now talking about how of Propaganda Fide, Synod Secretariat, archives of the to develop the country thats for the future. All Oblate General House in Rome and material are drawn in the north-central province, a Buddhist stronghold, Tis good but stop talking and implement the de- dinal Cooray who in 1955 launched a missionary zone velopment plans correctly without wastage and corrup- from the Archdiocesan archives of Colombo and that of with the Oblates backing him to the hilt, to cater to the tion. The development process happens with the public the Oblates in Sri Lanka. This document is now in Rome scatteredCatholics in its interior villages. His mission- money. to study and awaits the approval of the congregation ary training as an oblate helped in good stead to embark Recently an educated writer said that after for Saints, which will help declare Cardinal Cooray as a 1977 there were lot of wastage in Government money on this venture beyond the con�ines of his archdiocese. worth billions. He also said that with this money we ing a miracle through his intercession approved also ary adventure of the Oblates in this vast region. should have developed the country. This happened be- Today it is a full-�ledged diocese thanks to the mission- by“Venerable”: Rome. This the Roman stage phase preceding requires beati�ication a postulator follow- resi- The greatest moments of trial, pain, and anxiety in cause those who were involved in politics wasted this dent in Rome and accordingly, with the authorization his life resulted from the event of the state take-over money by various means to divert among themselves from the said congregation, the OMI Postulator General and their close followers. in charge of causes will take over this responsibility. lose a great number of schools that were under Catho- People are fed up of this situation for years and of all assisted schools in 1960 which made the Church are hoping for better work by the leaders. First make now is a miracle for which we all have to pray ardently to the end. This tragedy was made worse by the fact the development a true one. Now is the time to stop lic administration. He strived to �ight this bitter battle throughoutIn view of hastening the archdiocese. the beati�ication, the crucial need corruption. We ask the leaders, Ministers and members from abroad to run some of the best schools that he representing the people in Parliament to think about the hadthat opted he had to run to begto ensure continually a solid forCatholic �inancial formation support of the well planned economic development. bornCardinal on the Cooray 28th ofwas December the �irst 1901native atArchbishop Periyamulla of our youth. A second issue that had to be fought was the country Majority�irst and ofmake the it people better into thislive countryand also likeabout to Colombo and Sri Lanka’s �irst-ever cardinal. He was refusal of visas to foreign priests and religious to stay live in peace. on and with orders to leave even as a tax was levied an- He entered the Minor Seminary of Borella at the age of Christopher Ranasinghe twelve,(Negombo) studying as the at last St. Joseph’schild of aCollege devout and family later of earn- �ive. nually for those who stayed. The third was the negative spill-over of Vatican II with quite a number of priests seminarian to do so. Deciding to become an Oblate either leaving for ministry abroad or leaving priest- ing a B.A. from the University of London, the �irst-ever hood altogether. It wounded his sensitive heart to see Prayer for a Happy this regrettable episode staining the Church. A fourth ofhe exceptionaljoined the novitiatevirtue was making sent tohis Rome �irst vowsto further in Janu- his challenge he faced in his shepherding task was the is- Home religious,ary 1925 andpriestly, known and to missionary be gifted in formation. intelligence He and re- sue of the youth insurrection of 1971 when he had to turned home with two doctoral degrees in plead with the errant youth over state media not to be O God of all mankind, and Theology and after being ordained a priest in June led by miscreants and to eschew all forms of violence Keep us in your protection, 1929. Receiving his appointments in the archdiocese, and destruction of life. It is on record that he person- Increase the Joys and Companionship that Father, Mother and Children he joined the staff of St. Joseph’s, then becoming war- ally assisted in the rehabilitation of such youth follow- may live in harmony with den of the Catholic hostel of the university students ing this struggle. His efforts to better the situation of Devotion to one another. and later for eight long years, the superior of the Ob- late seminary. He was known to be a priest of gentle the daily labourers and farmers are well known in the the �isherfolk, especially the migrant groups as well as Help us to live in Peace demeanor, confessor, spiritual director, preacher of re- and Unity without Contention treats, all the while working as a professor at the major and savings. As a person deeply involved in the spiritu- Give us the means of livelihood various associations he helped form for their bene�it seminary of St. Bernard’s in Borella, doing the work of al formation of the youth, he had chaplains appointed to maintain our family. priestly formation. and even proposed to provide a chaplaincy in London for the Ceylonese studying in the UK. Cardinal Cooray’s May our Love admit no Archbishop Jean-Marie Masson whom he succeeded impact was not only limited to Sri Lanka. He was in- Seperation between Husband in JulyIn January1947 as 1945the sixth he wasarchbishop appointed of the Co-adjutor metropoli- to volved in many church projects in Asia such as the for- tan See of Colombo, following the sudden demise of mation of an Asian Conference of Bishops (FABC) and Reward, in the Companionship and wife and �ind its his predecessor. Archbishop Cooray soon set to work the launching of Radio Veritas in Manila for beaming of our Children. programmes to the whole of Asia. As a cardinal, he was May our whole family be for creating an indigenous clergy, helping the opening much involved as a member of various Vatican depart- United in love which gives on his shepherding work �irst by laying the foundation ments dealing with churches, evangelization, and re- of a national seminary in Kandy for the dioceses, en- Peace to all Society and form of Church’s Canon Law. larging the number of parishes and establishing insti- obtain your grace. tutions and buildings needed for the social apostolate As a religious leader he won much respect in this like SEDEC, opening a large lay apostolate center in the country not only by the Catholics but by religious lead- Naomi Croos DaBrera heart of Colombo, inaugurating a center for the train- ers of all other Christian denominations as well as the

... to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: .... (John 1:22-23) 88 TheMessenger Messenger December 13, 2020 December 13, 2020 9 Messenger December 13, 2020 Christmas Pastoral Letter of His Eminence 2020 Advent is a period for devout and joyful expectation

Beloved brethren, the world, Ignatius Press, San Francisco 2002, p.213]. It is a time of inner peace and the humble discovery of Emmanuel – God with us – which calls for a profound assistance to those specially in lockdown zones, homes “Attend Christmas religious –•Š‘—Ž†ǡƒ†–Š‹••‘•’‡ ‹ϐ‹ ƒŽŽ›Ȃƒ––Š‹•–‹‡ǡŽ‡ƒ†—• –Š‡ƒˆϐŽ‹ –‡†‘‡•ƒ†–‘‘”‰ƒ‹œ‡ ƒ’ƒ‹‰•‘ˆƒ–‡”‹ƒŽ We have entered the WISDOM OF THE HUMBLE sense of self emptying and faith in God. We need to go those who have been particularly affected by the Covid-19 for elders, children’s homes and other such institutions services without too many external Liturgical season looking for the babe of Bethlehem in the company of the nightmare.–‘ƒ†‡‡’†‡•‹”‡–‘ϐ‹†–Š‡Š‹Ž†‘ˆ‡–ŠŽ‡Š‡ƒ‘‰ƒŽŽ We cannot celebrate a Christmas with joy that care for others. I encourage all parish fathers to of Advent and as told about Jesus’ birth are the lowly shepherds, not Herod lowly shepherds and the adoring wise men and in deep when lots of our fellow human beings suffer deprivation organize the distribution of dry rations on Christmas day trappings and merry making and the general norms in hisŠ‡‘’‡–Š‡‰‘‡•‘–‘‡š’Žƒ‹–Šƒ––Š‡ϐ‹”•––‘„‡ royal splendour who actually knew nothing about faith which made Mary experience wonder at this child and poverty, insecurity and fear. to families that have no means of a regular income. following strictly the guidelines for the Liturgical it. The Pope states: “They [the shepherds] are the ones and Joseph yearn to protect and cherish Him. We are And so it is with this consideration in mind that I indicated by the health authorities” year specify, it is the who are open enough and ready to go there. Together appeal to you all, our dearly beloved brethren in the faith, 4. We would like to request the Government to cut season which “has a with Mary and Joseph, with Simon and Anna, Elizabeth the Messiah. We cannot follow Herod who wanted to to render humble homage to Jesus born in the manger by down on all external decorations, ceremonies, etc., for twofold character: as and Zechariah, they represent the poor ones of Israel” exploit ƒŽŽ‡†–‘Œ‘‹–Š‡Š—„Ž‡•Š‡’Š‡”†•™Š‘ϐ‹”•–†‹• ‘˜‡”‡† the baby Jesus for his own self-preservation. celebrating this Christmas spiritually. This could take the Christmas and to allocate those funds for the care of those a season to prepare [ibid p.214]. The wise men too, from the East, are listed form of attending to Christmas religious services without in the lockdown zones, specially by providing them with “We need thus to look for today’s for Christmas, when among those who came to worship the King of Kings and centered and “other” centered. too many external trappings and merry making and dry rations for their subsistence. Emmanuel in the midst of the poor, Š”‹•–ƒ• ‹• –Š—• ’”‘ˆ‘—†Ž› •‡ŽϐŽ‡•• ƒ† †‡‡’Ž› ‘†Ǧ Š”‹•–ǯ• ϔ‹”•– ‘‹‰ the Lord of Lords, born however in the stable and lying And so, today more than at any other time in known following strictly the guidelines indicated by the health the hungry and lonely, the sick to us is remembered in a manger. The Pope states further: “the simple folk history, we are called upon to celebrate this birth in 5. Family level celebrations are encouraged but and the suffering and among the and as a season when ƒ‡ϔ‹”•–ǡ„—––Š‡™‹•‡ƒ”‡‘–‡š Ž—†‡†ǤŠ‡›Šƒ˜‡ƒ that spirit of concern for the lowly ones - the anawim in by this pandemic and to plead specially with the Blessed always keeping in mind the families of neighbours who hundreds of families deprived of that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await real and unique wisdom, which makes a person open the challenging circumstances of the worldwide Covid Motherƒ—–Š‘”‹–‹‡•Ǥ –‹•‹’‘”–ƒ––‘’”ƒ›ˆ‘”ƒŽŽ–Š‘•‡ƒˆϐŽ‹ –‡† who stands closely near the manger by her Divine suffer from want and hunger. the means to sustenance due to this Christ’s second coming at the end of time. Advent is for Christ” [ibid p.215]. They however are not touched 19 pandemic helplessness. This pandemic has brought Son and St. Joseph, to bless and protect all human beings thus a period for devout and joyful expectation” [Ordo by human pride and ambition as was King Herod, who immense suffering, pain and a sense of desperation to from this disaster. 6. Seth Sarana, our Archdiocesan Caritas Centre, pandemic” 2020/21 P (1)]. And so what is clear is that, at Christmas, unlike them desired to worship Jesus motivated rather by millions of human beings, including those in our own In order to live this Christmas most meaningfully as has a plan to distribute dry rations to all those families motherland, Sri Lanka. It has caused havoc to our normal Catholics in the Archdiocese of Colombo, I appeal to you who have been placed under lockdowns. Those of you project our lives to become worthy to receive Him when Beloved brethren, the noisy din in the town of way of life. Many human beings here are surrounded all to follow these indications faithfully: who wish to contribute to this effort in cash may do so by crediting their donations to the following bank account. “We would like to request the he™‡ would ‘‡‘”ƒ–‡ come in glory ‹• one ϐ‹”•– day. ‘‹‰ ƒ‘‰ —• ƒ† •‘ Bethlehem,•‡Žϐ‹•Šƒ†—Ž–‡”‹‘””‡ƒ•‘•Ǥ and the Inn that had no place for the Lord, with by panic, fear and severe restrictions on their freedom. Others may even send their contributions in kind to the Government to cut down on all external so many prominent men and women coming there for the 1) Kindly make your Christmas celebrations more a Seth Sarana Centre at Archbishop’s House, Colombo 8. decorations, ceremonies, etc., for LOVE: BECOMING HUMBLE census ordered by the Governor, could not recognize the homes, deprived of the normal necessities of life, fearful matter of the spiritual than external. ƒ›‘ˆ‘—”„”‘–Š‡”•ƒ†•‹•–‡”•ƒ”‡ ‘ϐ‹‡†–‘–Š‡‹” Christmas and to allocate those funds for Unlike in that second coming which He assured Saviour born in their midst. But the poor and the lowly of others and are being closely watched. They are - Prepare spiritually with a good confession deprived of many freedoms they enjoyed before. Contact: Rev. Fr. Lawrence Ramanayake, the care of those in the lockdown zones, would be glorious, Jesus chooses to appear in silence and the wise, who were open to the promptings of the - Priests to organize penitential services in Tel: No. 0761404611. and in humility at Bethlehem in what happened to be specially by providing them with dry Lord, were able to worship the Lord and to experience parishes with individual confession Name: Seth Sarana Caritas Colombo the glad tidings announced by the Angel: “Fear not, for CHRISTMAS AND THE PANDEMIC - The mid-night Mass and Christmas Masses to rations for their subsistence. It is in this background that Christmas and its inner Bank Name: Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, The stable in Bethlehem becomes the expression of God behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be be celebrated strictly according to the guidelines of the –Š‡•ƒŽŽ‡•–ƒ†–Š‡‘•–‹•‹‰‹ϐ‹ ƒ–Ž‘ ƒ–‹‘‘‡ƒ”–ŠǤ meaning need to be understood. Christmas is all about Borella Branch assuming human helplessness. As Pope Benedict XVI for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the health authorities. explained what is so surprising yet so true of this birth the search for the Christ child in the cave of Bethlehem, Bank A/c No. 1000324998 city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord” - Mid-night televised Masses - is the fact that God chose “the earth as His theater of poor, unacclaimed, nowhere to lay His head except on a Swift Code: CCEYLKLX [Lk. 2:10-11]. - In Sinhala over Rupavahini - the Archbishop action, this grain of dust in the universe”; and Israel, “a manger, no royal robes but swaddling cloths and in the –‹•‹’‘”–ƒ––‘’”ƒ›ˆ‘”ƒŽŽ–Š‘•‡ƒˆϐŽ‹ –‡† from St. Sebastian’s Church, Kandana virtually powerless people” on this earth to become the cold winter air of the cave. We need thus to look for HAVE A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS by this pandemic and to plead specially with DEEPLY SPIRITUAL - In Sinhala with Derana TV - Bishop Maxwell Silva vehicle for His action and then “a completely unknown today’s Emmanuel in the midst of the poor, the hungry Beloved brethren, Christmas, if it is celebrated faithfully, the Blessed Mother who stands closely near And so, Christmas is this good news that God continues from Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Kimbulapitiya village, Nazareth” making it His home and Bethlehem, an and lonely, the sick and the suffering and among the which means, more as a moment of profound interior the manger by her Divine Son and St. Joseph, to be with us and yearns for our salvation making Jesus - In Sinhala with Sirasa TV - Bishop J D Anthony hundreds of families deprived of the means to sustenance conversion to God and a spirit of welcome into the to bless and protect all human beings from His only son the expression of His endless love and mercy from St. Sebastian’s Church, Moratuwa what one would call, a most unlikely place, an abandoned due to this pandemic. manger of our hearts to the Babe of Bethlehem, especially this disaster. for us. But, as it is clear, only those who are lowly and - In Tamil with Shakthi TV - Bishop Anton Ranjith stable.‹•‹‰‹ϐ‹ ƒ–Ž‹––Ž‡˜‹ŽŽƒ‰‡ǡ™Š‹ Š ‡ Š‘•‡ˆ‘” ‹•„‹”–Š‹ All of this is consistent. Says the Pope, “God sets We should never forget these challenging words humble can recognize Him and allow themselves to be from St. Sylvester’s Church, Ettukala, Negombo against human pride a universal measure, namely of Jesus: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was divine joy, a joy that cannot be found in any simple merry ennobled and transformed in Him like the shepherds - In English by Verbum TV - His Excellency Brian ‹†‡–‹ϐ‹‡†‹–Š‡’‘‘”‹–™‘—Ž†Š‡Ž’—•–‘ϐ‹ŽŽ‘—”•‘—Ž•™‹–Š love. Pride is at the heart and is the content of every thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and making and external joy. May this Christmas be a humble Udaigwe at All Saints' Church, Borella. form of sin, in the sense of wanting to be God oneself. you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I and deeply spiritual search for that joy, a joy that comes May this Christmas be a humble and would happen at the second coming, the birth of Jesus in Love, on the contrary does not exalt itself, but stoops was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you from giving rather than taking, from loving rather than deeply spiritual search for joy that comes Bethlehemƒ†–Š‡ˆƒ‹–Šϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹•‡‡ˆ”‘–Š‡ƒ•–ǤŽ‹‡™Šƒ– is so poignantly meek and humble. Thus my 2. Christmas Masses will be arranged by the Parish down. Love shows that, stooping down in that way, is came to visit me… Truly I say to you, as you did this to being loved, from believing rather than being with a heart from giving rather than taking, from loving dear brethren, as one can surmise clearly, Christmas is Priests according to the needs of each parish following the truly exalted thing. That we are sublime when one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me” (Mt. rather than being loved, from believing a profoundly spiritual event – a call to experience God’s the health guidelines. we come down low, when we become simple, when 25: 35–40). Christmas then is not just the celebration rather than hoarding and from serving rather than lording. rather than being with a heart that is love manifested in Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem, and be –Šƒ–‹•ϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹–Š— ‡”–ƒ‹–‹‡•ƒ††‘—„–•ǡˆ”‘•Šƒ”‹‰ we bend down to the poor and the lowly. God makes with its liturgical and religious trappings, nor the ϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹–Š— ‡”–ƒ‹–‹‡•ƒ††‘—„–•ǡˆ”‘ 3. Everyone is encouraged to cut down as much Himself little in order to bring puffed-up man back transformed in Him. It is not so much a matter of the external manifestations of joy and festivity with gifts, sharing rather than hoarding and from as possible on external signs of celebration but make ƒ››‘—”Š”‹•–ƒ•„‡ϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹–Š•— ŠŒ‘›Ǩ into the proper measure. Thus we see that becoming externals as much as of the realms of our soul – to go decorations, memorabilia, etc. It is a deeply spiritual and #Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith serving rather than lording. Christmas an occasion to pray for one another, especially small is the rule, the model of how God acts.” [God and looking for Jesus with lowliness and faith. transformative event. Archbishop of Colombo WHAT ARE INDULGENCES? HOW TO OBTAIN THEM? also through the offering of our physical and mental ‘Indulgence’ means ‘remission of temporal If the sin is so grave and the sinner is unrepentant, the such, but forgiveness or taking away or remission of the have not paid the penalty for the loss we have caused by Prepared by Rev. Fr. B. Anselm Shiran sufferings. punishment due to sin.’ see Mt 25:41; Mk 9:43- temporal punishment given (cf. 2 Cor 2:6-8, 10-11). Here, stealing. That compensation falls under the category of 48; Jn 5:28-29). The book of the Maccabees speaks about even though the sin was not committed directly against redeemed us from eternal punishment and gave us eternal temporal punishment. ’—‹•Š‡–™‘—Ž†„‡‡–‡”ƒŽϐ‹”‡ȋ ȈŽ‡ƒ”›ƒ†ƒ”–‹ƒŽ †—Ž‰‡ ‡• An indulgence is a remission before God of the an instance in which they made supplications for a sin the him, he advises the Church to act as God’s representative life. We can have that privilege through the Sacraments of The faithful who receives God’s forgiveness is not temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already dead have committed so that their punishment may be to relax the penalties. This accounts for the function of left alone to pay up his due on his/her own. The entire Baptism and of Penance. There are, in general, two kinds of indulgences, namely, been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly atoned: Judas Maccabees and his men, who found on the the Church as the authentic representative of God to community of believers – hence, the Church – comes to When a person commits a sin, there remains a just plenary and partial. If the indulgence remits all temporal disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions bodies of the dead soldiers some superstitious amulets relax or completely remit the penalties due to sin. the assistance of those who have to do so. As a collective punishment for the evil consequences of that sin. Even if punishments due to sin, it is a plenary indulgence; if the through the action of the Church which, as the minister (a sign of idolatry), turned to God in prayer “beseeching contribution to this end, the Holy Church draws from the we are forgiven of our sins, justice demands that we be indulgence remits only part of the temporal punishments of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the that the sin which had been committed might be wholly Ȉš’Žƒƒ–‹‘‘ˆ–Š‡‘ –”‹‡ inexhaustible treasury of merits she has accumulated punished for the bad consequences of sin itself. These due to sin, it is a partial indulgence. treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints. blotted out” (2 Mac 12:42); Then, he “took up a collection punishments can be termed as temporal punishments. through the merits of Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Virgin (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1471) among all his soldiers to the amount of two thousand Indulgence is the taking away of the temporal For example, when we make a mistake, the consequences Mary and of all the saints in order to help the souls here Ȉ—”‰ƒ–‘”›ƒ† †—Ž‰‡ ‡• drachmas of silver and sent it to Jerusalem to provide for punishment due to sin. Sin can have two possible of that mistake can last a long time. Perhaps those wrong Ȉ‹„Ž‹ ƒŽ‘‘–• a sin offering. In doing this he made atonement for the consequences: the eternal punishment which is the remit their temporal punishments. This assistance given consequences can persist even after our death. Just as it Since the doctrine holds that all temporal punishments dead that they might be delivered from their sin” (2 Mac eternal separation from God, (that is the hell); and the to‘‡ƒ”–Šƒ†‹–Š‡•–ƒ–‡‘ˆ’—”‹ϐ‹ ƒ–‹‘‹—”‰ƒ–‘”›–‘ remit the temporal punishments due to sin is called due to sins are to be paid in full in order to enter heaven The entire doctrine is founded on the biblically sound 12:43, 46). temporary or temporal punishment due to sin. Jesus Christ each of those mistakes, these punishments also spiritually indulgence. premise that all sins merit punishment of some sort, In 2 Cor 2:5-11 St. Paul speaks about a person who had paid the price for the eternal consequence due to sin and cleanse‹•Œ—•–‹ϐ‹ƒ„Ž‡–‘”‡ ‡‹˜‡•‘‡–‡’‘”ƒ”›’—‹•Š‡–ˆ‘” us. Take, for example, the sin of stealing. If we The punishment due to sin is to be paid in this world which have to be paid in full in order to attain eternal life. caused pain to him and to the community of believers, liberated us from it once and for all, enabling us to have have committed any theft, we have not done justice to the or in the afterlife by the faithful who are destined to ƒ••‘‡‘‡’—”‹ϐ‹‡†ǡ–Š‡”‡‹•–Š‡’‘••‹„‹Ž‹–›ǡ‹ˆ‹–‹•‘– This can be paid either here on earth or after death. for which, he had been given a punishment. St. Paul was continuous access to the Father and his mercy. Only God enter heaven. Temporal punishment is expiated in the error caused by the theft until the loss is restituted. We the•ƒ–‹•ϐ‹‡† purgatory. Š‡”‡ ‘ ‡ƒ”–Šǡ –Š‡ –Š‹• ‘„Ž‹‰ƒ–‹‘ ‘–‹—‡• Gen 3:16-19; Lk 19:41-44; Rom 2:8-6; 1 Cor 11:29-30; now asking the community to forgive this punishment. can liberate us from this eternal consequence. Through his may have been forgiven of that sin of steeling by God and most noble manner through the sacraments, especially ‹–‘ ƒˆ–‡” †‡ƒ–Šǡ ‹ ™Š‹ Šǡ –Š‹• ‘„Ž‹‰ƒ–‹‘ ‹• ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ‡† ‹ Gal 6:8 are some examples of how sins merit punishment. The reference there is not about the forgiveness of sins as Paschal Mystery (Passion, Death and Resurrection), Jesus the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance, as well may have been saved from eternal punishment, but we (To be continued) as through our prayers and other acts of mercy, and

.... “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” (John 1:23) 8 Messenger December 13, 2020 9 9 Messenger The Messenger December December 13, 2020 13, 2020 Christmas Pastoral Letter of His Eminence 2020 Advent is a period for devout and joyful expectation

Beloved brethren, the world, Ignatius Press, San Francisco 2002, p.213]. It is a time of inner peace and the humble discovery of Emmanuel – God with us – which calls for a profound assistance to those specially in lockdown zones, homes “Attend Christmas religious –•Š‘—Ž†ǡƒ†–Š‹••‘•’‡ ‹ϐ‹ ƒŽŽ›Ȃƒ––Š‹•–‹‡ǡŽ‡ƒ†—• –Š‡ƒˆϐŽ‹ –‡†‘‡•ƒ†–‘‘”‰ƒ‹œ‡ ƒ’ƒ‹‰•‘ˆƒ–‡”‹ƒŽ We have entered the WISDOM OF THE HUMBLE sense of self emptying and faith in God. We need to go those who have been particularly affected by the Covid-19 for elders, children’s homes and other such institutions services without too many external Liturgical season looking for the babe of Bethlehem in the company of the nightmare.–‘ƒ†‡‡’†‡•‹”‡–‘ϐ‹†–Š‡Š‹Ž†‘ˆ‡–ŠŽ‡Š‡ƒ‘‰ƒŽŽ We cannot celebrate a Christmas with joy that care for others. I encourage all parish fathers to of Advent and as told about Jesus’ birth are the lowly shepherds, not Herod lowly shepherds and the adoring wise men and in deep when lots of our fellow human beings suffer deprivation organize the distribution of dry rations on Christmas day trappings and merry making and the general norms in hisŠ‡‘’‡–Š‡‰‘‡•‘–‘‡š’Žƒ‹–Šƒ––Š‡ϐ‹”•––‘„‡ royal splendour who actually knew nothing about faith which made Mary experience wonder at this child and poverty, insecurity and fear. to families that have no means of a regular income. following strictly the guidelines for the Liturgical it. The Pope states: “They [the shepherds] are the ones and Joseph yearn to protect and cherish Him. We are And so it is with this consideration in mind that I indicated by the health authorities” year specify, it is the who are open enough and ready to go there. Together appeal to you all, our dearly beloved brethren in the faith, 4. We would like to request the Government to cut season which “has a with Mary and Joseph, with Simon and Anna, Elizabeth the Messiah. We cannot follow Herod who wanted to to render humble homage to Jesus born in the manger by down on all external decorations, ceremonies, etc., for twofold character: as and Zechariah, they represent the poor ones of Israel” exploit ƒŽŽ‡†–‘Œ‘‹–Š‡Š—„Ž‡•Š‡’Š‡”†•™Š‘ϐ‹”•–†‹• ‘˜‡”‡† the baby Jesus for his own self-preservation. celebrating this Christmas spiritually. This could take the Christmas and to allocate those funds for the care of those a season to prepare [ibid p.214]. The wise men too, from the East, are listed form of attending to Christmas religious services without in the lockdown zones, specially by providing them with “We need thus to look for today’s for Christmas, when among those who came to worship the King of Kings and centered and “other” centered. too many external trappings and merry making and dry rations for their subsistence. Emmanuel in the midst of the poor, Š”‹•–ƒ• ‹• –Š—• ’”‘ˆ‘—†Ž› •‡ŽϐŽ‡•• ƒ† †‡‡’Ž› ‘†Ǧ Š”‹•–ǯ• ϔ‹”•– ‘‹‰ the Lord of Lords, born however in the stable and lying And so, today more than at any other time in known following strictly the guidelines indicated by the health the hungry and lonely, the sick to us is remembered in a manger. The Pope states further: “the simple folk history, we are called upon to celebrate this birth in 5. Family level celebrations are encouraged but and the suffering and among the and as a season when ƒ‡ϔ‹”•–ǡ„—––Š‡™‹•‡ƒ”‡‘–‡š Ž—†‡†ǤŠ‡›Šƒ˜‡ƒ that spirit of concern for the lowly ones - the anawim in by this pandemic and to plead specially with the Blessed always keeping in mind the families of neighbours who hundreds of families deprived of that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await real and unique wisdom, which makes a person open the challenging circumstances of the worldwide Covid Motherƒ—–Š‘”‹–‹‡•Ǥ –‹•‹’‘”–ƒ––‘’”ƒ›ˆ‘”ƒŽŽ–Š‘•‡ƒˆϐŽ‹ –‡† who stands closely near the manger by her Divine suffer from want and hunger. the means to sustenance due to this Christ’s second coming at the end of time. Advent is for Christ” [ibid p.215]. They however are not touched 19 pandemic helplessness. This pandemic has brought Son and St. Joseph, to bless and protect all human beings thus a period for devout and joyful expectation” [Ordo by human pride and ambition as was King Herod, who immense suffering, pain and a sense of desperation to from this disaster. 6. Seth Sarana, our Archdiocesan Caritas Centre, pandemic” 2020/21 P (1)]. And so what is clear is that, at Christmas, unlike them desired to worship Jesus motivated rather by millions of human beings, including those in our own In order to live this Christmas most meaningfully as has a plan to distribute dry rations to all those families motherland, Sri Lanka. It has caused havoc to our normal Catholics in the Archdiocese of Colombo, I appeal to you who have been placed under lockdowns. Those of you project our lives to become worthy to receive Him when Beloved brethren, the noisy din in the town of way of life. Many human beings here are surrounded all to follow these indications faithfully: who wish to contribute to this effort in cash may do so by crediting their donations to the following bank account. “We would like to request the he™‡ would ‘‡‘”ƒ–‡ come in glory ‹• one ϐ‹”•– day. ‘‹‰ ƒ‘‰ —• ƒ† •‘ Bethlehem,•‡Žϐ‹•Šƒ†—Ž–‡”‹‘””‡ƒ•‘•Ǥ and the Inn that had no place for the Lord, with by panic, fear and severe restrictions on their freedom. Others may even send their contributions in kind to the Government to cut down on all external so many prominent men and women coming there for the 1) Kindly make your Christmas celebrations more a Seth Sarana Centre at Archbishop’s House, Colombo 8. decorations, ceremonies, etc., for LOVE: BECOMING HUMBLE census ordered by the Governor, could not recognize the homes, deprived of the normal necessities of life, fearful matter of the spiritual than external. ƒ›‘ˆ‘—”„”‘–Š‡”•ƒ†•‹•–‡”•ƒ”‡ ‘ϐ‹‡†–‘–Š‡‹” Christmas and to allocate those funds for Unlike in that second coming which He assured Saviour born in their midst. But the poor and the lowly of others and are being closely watched. They are - Prepare spiritually with a good confession deprived of many freedoms they enjoyed before. Contact: Rev. Fr. Lawrence Ramanayake, the care of those in the lockdown zones, would be glorious, Jesus chooses to appear in silence and the wise, who were open to the promptings of the - Priests to organize penitential services in Tel: No. 0761404611. and in humility at Bethlehem in what happened to be specially by providing them with dry Lord, were able to worship the Lord and to experience parishes with individual confession Name: Seth Sarana Caritas Colombo the glad tidings announced by the Angel: “Fear not, for CHRISTMAS AND THE PANDEMIC - The mid-night Mass and Christmas Masses to rations for their subsistence. It is in this background that Christmas and its inner Bank Name: Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, The stable in Bethlehem becomes the expression of God behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be be celebrated strictly according to the guidelines of the –Š‡•ƒŽŽ‡•–ƒ†–Š‡‘•–‹•‹‰‹ϐ‹ ƒ–Ž‘ ƒ–‹‘‘‡ƒ”–ŠǤ meaning need to be understood. Christmas is all about Borella Branch assuming human helplessness. As Pope Benedict XVI for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the health authorities. explained what is so surprising yet so true of this birth the search for the Christ child in the cave of Bethlehem, Bank A/c No. 1000324998 city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord” - Mid-night televised Masses - is the fact that God chose “the earth as His theater of poor, unacclaimed, nowhere to lay His head except on a Swift Code: CCEYLKLX [Lk. 2:10-11]. - In Sinhala over Rupavahini - the Archbishop action, this grain of dust in the universe”; and Israel, “a manger, no royal robes but swaddling cloths and in the –‹•‹’‘”–ƒ––‘’”ƒ›ˆ‘”ƒŽŽ–Š‘•‡ƒˆϐŽ‹ –‡† from St. Sebastian’s Church, Kandana virtually powerless people” on this earth to become the cold winter air of the cave. We need thus to look for HAVE A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS by this pandemic and to plead specially with DEEPLY SPIRITUAL - In Sinhala with Derana TV - Bishop Maxwell Silva vehicle for His action and then “a completely unknown today’s Emmanuel in the midst of the poor, the hungry Beloved brethren, Christmas, if it is celebrated faithfully, the Blessed Mother who stands closely near And so, Christmas is this good news that God continues from Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Kimbulapitiya village, Nazareth” making it His home and Bethlehem, an and lonely, the sick and the suffering and among the which means, more as a moment of profound interior the manger by her Divine Son and St. Joseph, to be with us and yearns for our salvation making Jesus - In Sinhala with Sirasa TV - Bishop J D Anthony hundreds of families deprived of the means to sustenance conversion to God and a spirit of welcome into the to bless and protect all human beings from His only son the expression of His endless love and mercy from St. Sebastian’s Church, Moratuwa what one would call, a most unlikely place, an abandoned due to this pandemic. manger of our hearts to the Babe of Bethlehem, especially this disaster. for us. But, as it is clear, only those who are lowly and - In Tamil with Shakthi TV - Bishop Anton Ranjith stable.‹•‹‰‹ϐ‹ ƒ–Ž‹––Ž‡˜‹ŽŽƒ‰‡ǡ™Š‹ Š ‡ Š‘•‡ˆ‘” ‹•„‹”–Š‹ All of this is consistent. Says the Pope, “God sets We should never forget these challenging words humble can recognize Him and allow themselves to be from St. Sylvester’s Church, Ettukala, Negombo against human pride a universal measure, namely of Jesus: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was divine joy, a joy that cannot be found in any simple merry ennobled and transformed in Him like the shepherds - In English by Verbum TV - His Excellency Brian ‹†‡–‹ϐ‹‡†‹–Š‡’‘‘”‹–™‘—Ž†Š‡Ž’—•–‘ϐ‹ŽŽ‘—”•‘—Ž•™‹–Š love. Pride is at the heart and is the content of every thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and making and external joy. May this Christmas be a humble Udaigwe at All Saints' Church, Borella. form of sin, in the sense of wanting to be God oneself. you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me. I and deeply spiritual search for that joy, a joy that comes May this Christmas be a humble and would happen at the second coming, the birth of Jesus in Love, on the contrary does not exalt itself, but stoops was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you from giving rather than taking, from loving rather than deeply spiritual search for joy that comes Bethlehemƒ†–Š‡ˆƒ‹–Šϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹•‡‡ˆ”‘–Š‡ƒ•–ǤŽ‹‡™Šƒ– is so poignantly meek and humble. Thus my 2. Christmas Masses will be arranged by the Parish down. Love shows that, stooping down in that way, is came to visit me… Truly I say to you, as you did this to being loved, from believing rather than being with a heart from giving rather than taking, from loving dear brethren, as one can surmise clearly, Christmas is Priests according to the needs of each parish following the truly exalted thing. That we are sublime when one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me” (Mt. rather than being loved, from believing a profoundly spiritual event – a call to experience God’s the health guidelines. we come down low, when we become simple, when 25: 35–40). Christmas then is not just the celebration rather than hoarding and from serving rather than lording. rather than being with a heart that is love manifested in Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem, and be –Šƒ–‹•ϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹–Š— ‡”–ƒ‹–‹‡•ƒ††‘—„–•ǡˆ”‘•Šƒ”‹‰ we bend down to the poor and the lowly. God makes with its liturgical and religious trappings, nor the ϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹–Š— ‡”–ƒ‹–‹‡•ƒ††‘—„–•ǡˆ”‘ 3. Everyone is encouraged to cut down as much Himself little in order to bring puffed-up man back transformed in Him. It is not so much a matter of the external manifestations of joy and festivity with gifts, sharing rather than hoarding and from as possible on external signs of celebration but make ƒ››‘—”Š”‹•–ƒ•„‡ϐ‹ŽŽ‡†™‹–Š•— ŠŒ‘›Ǩ into the proper measure. Thus we see that becoming externals as much as of the realms of our soul – to go decorations, memorabilia, etc. It is a deeply spiritual and #Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith serving rather than lording. Christmas an occasion to pray for one another, especially small is the rule, the model of how God acts.” [God and looking for Jesus with lowliness and faith. transformative event. Archbishop of Colombo WHAT ARE INDULGENCES? HOW TO OBTAIN THEM? also through the offering of our physical and mental ‘Indulgence’ means ‘remission of temporal If the sin is so grave and the sinner is unrepentant, the such, but forgiveness or taking away or remission of the have not paid the penalty for the loss we have caused by Prepared by Rev. Fr. B. Anselm Shiran sufferings. punishment due to sin.’ see Mt 25:41; Mk 9:43- temporal punishment given (cf. 2 Cor 2:6-8, 10-11). Here, stealing. That compensation falls under the category of 48; Jn 5:28-29). The book of the Maccabees speaks about even though the sin was not committed directly against redeemed us from eternal punishment and gave us eternal temporal punishment. ’—‹•Š‡–™‘—Ž†„‡‡–‡”ƒŽϐ‹”‡ȋ ȈŽ‡ƒ”›ƒ†ƒ”–‹ƒŽ †—Ž‰‡ ‡• An indulgence is a remission before God of the an instance in which they made supplications for a sin the him, he advises the Church to act as God’s representative life. We can have that privilege through the Sacraments of The faithful who receives God’s forgiveness is not temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already dead have committed so that their punishment may be to relax the penalties. This accounts for the function of left alone to pay up his due on his/her own. The entire Baptism and of Penance. There are, in general, two kinds of indulgences, namely, been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly atoned: Judas Maccabees and his men, who found on the the Church as the authentic representative of God to community of believers – hence, the Church – comes to When a person commits a sin, there remains a just plenary and partial. If the indulgence remits all temporal disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions bodies of the dead soldiers some superstitious amulets relax or completely remit the penalties due to sin. the assistance of those who have to do so. As a collective punishment for the evil consequences of that sin. Even if punishments due to sin, it is a plenary indulgence; if the through the action of the Church which, as the minister (a sign of idolatry), turned to God in prayer “beseeching contribution to this end, the Holy Church draws from the we are forgiven of our sins, justice demands that we be indulgence remits only part of the temporal punishments of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the that the sin which had been committed might be wholly Ȉš’Žƒƒ–‹‘‘ˆ–Š‡‘ –”‹‡ inexhaustible treasury of merits she has accumulated punished for the bad consequences of sin itself. These due to sin, it is a partial indulgence. treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints. blotted out” (2 Mac 12:42); Then, he “took up a collection punishments can be termed as temporal punishments. through the merits of Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Virgin (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1471) among all his soldiers to the amount of two thousand Indulgence is the taking away of the temporal For example, when we make a mistake, the consequences Mary and of all the saints in order to help the souls here Ȉ—”‰ƒ–‘”›ƒ† †—Ž‰‡ ‡• drachmas of silver and sent it to Jerusalem to provide for punishment due to sin. Sin can have two possible of that mistake can last a long time. Perhaps those wrong Ȉ‹„Ž‹ ƒŽ‘‘–• a sin offering. In doing this he made atonement for the consequences: the eternal punishment which is the remit their temporal punishments. This assistance given consequences can persist even after our death. Just as it Since the doctrine holds that all temporal punishments dead that they might be delivered from their sin” (2 Mac eternal separation from God, (that is the hell); and the to‘‡ƒ”–Šƒ†‹–Š‡•–ƒ–‡‘ˆ’—”‹ϐ‹ ƒ–‹‘‹—”‰ƒ–‘”›–‘ remit the temporal punishments due to sin is called due to sins are to be paid in full in order to enter heaven The entire doctrine is founded on the biblically sound 12:43, 46). temporary or temporal punishment due to sin. Jesus Christ each of those mistakes, these punishments also spiritually indulgence. premise that all sins merit punishment of some sort, In 2 Cor 2:5-11 St. Paul speaks about a person who had paid the price for the eternal consequence due to sin and cleanse‹•Œ—•–‹ϐ‹ƒ„Ž‡–‘”‡ ‡‹˜‡•‘‡–‡’‘”ƒ”›’—‹•Š‡–ˆ‘” us. Take, for example, the sin of stealing. If we The punishment due to sin is to be paid in this world which have to be paid in full in order to attain eternal life. caused pain to him and to the community of believers, liberated us from it once and for all, enabling us to have have committed any theft, we have not done justice to the or in the afterlife by the faithful who are destined to ƒ••‘‡‘‡’—”‹ϐ‹‡†ǡ–Š‡”‡‹•–Š‡’‘••‹„‹Ž‹–›ǡ‹ˆ‹–‹•‘– This can be paid either here on earth or after death. for which, he had been given a punishment. St. Paul was continuous access to the Father and his mercy. Only God enter heaven. Temporal punishment is expiated in the error caused by the theft until the loss is restituted. We the•ƒ–‹•ϐ‹‡† purgatory. Š‡”‡ ‘ ‡ƒ”–Šǡ –Š‡ –Š‹• ‘„Ž‹‰ƒ–‹‘ ‘–‹—‡• Gen 3:16-19; Lk 19:41-44; Rom 2:8-6; 1 Cor 11:29-30; now asking the community to forgive this punishment. can liberate us from this eternal consequence. Through his may have been forgiven of that sin of steeling by God and most noble manner through the sacraments, especially ‹–‘ ƒˆ–‡” †‡ƒ–Šǡ ‹ ™Š‹ Šǡ –Š‹• ‘„Ž‹‰ƒ–‹‘ ‹• ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ‡† ‹ Gal 6:8 are some examples of how sins merit punishment. The reference there is not about the forgiveness of sins as Paschal Mystery (Passion, Death and Resurrection), Jesus the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance, as well may have been saved from eternal punishment, but we (To be continued) as through our prayers and other acts of mercy, and

.... “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” (John 1:23) 10 The Messenger December 13, 2020 At Christmas, young called to share the 'Gift of wisdom' of elderly online The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life is launching a campaign to invite young people to spread the "virtual hugs" exchanged with the elderly online with the initiative "The elderly are your grandparents".

oung people are being called upon to share "vir- climate in which we are living, there is an opportunity tual hugs" online through the gifts they have for young people to receive a special gift. Because of Yreceived from elderly people thanks to the "The the pandemic, there are more elderly people who live elderly are your grandparents" campaign launched last alone. We can create bonds with each of them – this is summer by the Dicastery for the laity, the family and a treasure waiting to be discovered! Following the suc-

At the Angelus, Pope Francis invited young people ents”, in which we collected virtual hugs sent by many lifeto "toto follow perform up on a gesture the July of26 tendernessappeal of Pope towards Francis. the youngcess of peopleour campaign: to both “Thetheir elderlyown grandparents are your grandpar- and to elderly, especially the loneliest, in their homes and in “adopted grandparents,” the Dicastery for Laity, Family, residences, those who have not seen their loved ones and Life now invites boys and girls from all over the for many months. Dear young people, each one of these world to send a message to the elderly and to receive in elderly people is your grandparent! Do not leave them return the gift of their wisdom, #aGiftOfWisdom.” by themselves. Use the inventiveness of love, make telephone calls, video calls, send messages, listen to still overshadowed by the pandemic, we are propos- them and, where possible, in compliance with health- ing "Today,that young in the people dif�icult post circumstances on social media of a aChristmas memory, care regulations, go to visit them too. Send them a hug. a piece of advice, or a “gift of wisdom” they have re- They are your roots.” ceived from one of the elderly people with whom they The same Dicastery is now launching the campaign have formed a bond in recent months. Unfortunately, in grandparents and the elderly on social media using the “A Gift of Wisdom At Christmas, let’s listen to grandpar- many cases, because of the health regulations in force, hashtag #aGiftOfWisdom. Some of the best posts will ents and the elderly”. visiting can only take place remotely, via telephone, be shared on the social media accounts of the Dicastery “We are approaching Christmas, when Jesus is videocalls, and messaging. But it is possible to par- for Laity, Family, and Life @laityfamilylife.” born within our families. This year, in the particular ticipate in this campaign by posting the wise words of Vatican City (AsiaNews)

The Stories Behind Our Most Prepare Your Heart for Christmas Beloved Christmas Carols Slow down and truly experience this special season centered around family, joy, giving, Silent Night and most importantly—Jesus. “Silent Night” was penned in 1818 by a young Aus- trian priest who asked the church organist to write It is hard to believe that we are only a few days away a melody to be played on the guitar. Why would an from Christmas. The holidays can come and go before organist, who barely knew how to play guitar, use you know it. This year, slow down and truly experience that instrument for Christmas Mass? It would seem this special season centered around family, joy, giving, the church organ was out of commission. Whether and most importantly—Jesus. Here are a few ideas to help you prepare your heart for Christmas. is unknown, but the result is a simple, touching songit was that damaged has become by �looding one ofor thehungry most church frequently mice 1. Re�lect. Take note of the many reasons you have to Remember. recorded Christmas carols. We have an American be thankful this Christmas. Spend time thanking Episcopal priest to thank for translating it into Eng- 6. our sins. Thank Re�lect Him on for the His fact willingness that our Saviourto enter wasthis messy,born speci�ically broken, hopeless so that He world. would Rejoice one day in thedie Fa-for God speci�ically for ways He has provided for you— for His goodness, grace, and faithfulness in all sea- Hark,lish in the1859. Herald Angels Sing spiritually, relationally, �inancially, etc. Praise Him sons of life. only Son to pay the price for sin—our sin. Remem- The cheery tune of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” berther’s what love, He re�lecting went through on the on reality the cross that to He save sent us. His was not the author’s idea. Charles Wesley, one of the 2. Gather. Spend uninterrupted time with the people founders of Methodism, requested a slow, somber you love. If necessary, limit the activities and par- 7. Enjoy. Christmas is a beautiful season—sparkling melody when he wrote the song in 1739, but appar- ties you commit to so that you can focus on time Christmas lights, decorations hung with care, mem- ently it was not terribly popular that way. In 1840, a with your family instead. We often rush through our orable moments with family. Appreciate the little new collection of carols featured a melody adapted busy Christmas schedules and miss time to really be moments. Slow down long enough to delight in the from a cantata by Felix Mendelssohn. The cantata present in the moments we are together with our beauty all around. was, interestingly, originally written to commemo- loved ones. Make memories together as you cel- rate the four hundredth anniversary of Gutenberg’s ebrate Christmas. 8. Read. Study the story of Christ’s birth. Instead of invention of the printing press—a rather unlikely rushing through the reading of Matthew 1 or Luke source for a Christmas carol. 3. Sing. 2, take time to meditate on the words. Read the pas- time singing your favourite Christmas songs aloud. sages slowly, taking note of the details you may have O, Holy Night This may seem a little silly at �irst, but spend Pay close attention to the words, thanking God for missed before. Ask the Lord to help you notice new The hauntingly beautiful “O, Holy Night” was an in- His incredible gift of our Saviour. Sing these tradi- things as you read the story with fresh eyes. stant hit, but was banned by the French church soon tional carols as worship songs to the Lord. thereafter. In 1847, a French parish priest asked a 9. Pray. Lift up those who do not know Jesus in prayer. local poet to write a Christmas carol, even though 4. Celebrate. Jesus, the One who holds all things togeth- Pray for the lost and hurting. Ask God to open your the poet’s church practice was a bit shaky. The poet er, chose to enter the world in the humblest form—a eyes to opportunities to share the Gospel with those wrote the beautiful lyrics and asked a composer small, helpless baby. Jesus’ birth is the greatest gift around you—with family, friends, and even strang- ers. Pray for those who are all alone this Christmas; quickly spread throughout France, however, the lo- to celebrate! Embrace the joy found in the birth of calfriend Church to create soon thediscovered music. Thethat magni�icentthe author was carol a we will ever receive and that is de�initely a reason Immanuel—God with us. One who loves them and will never leave them. socialist and the composer Jewish, and banned the pray they will encounter Jesus and �ind hope in the song for a time. But the people continued to sing it, Listen. Practice the art of truly listening to others as 10. Worship. Christmas is the perfect opportunity for and in 1871, on Christmas Eve during the Franco- you gather with family and friends. Whether you are worship. Worshipping God encompasses so much Prussian War, a French soldier ran out of his trench 5. having dinner, opening presents, or sitting around more than simply singing. Worship is a way of life. unarmed and began to sing this carol. Silence fell and catching up with those you have not seen in a This Christmas, seek to honour Him with the way while, pay attention to what is said instead of think- you live. Speak words to others that breathe life, not German soldier came out and sang a favourite Ger- ing about how you will respond. Truly listening is discouragement. Love the people in your life self- across the battle�ield, and when he was �inished, a one of the best ways to show your loved ones that lessly. Humbly serve your family. Praise God with the (Ascension Press) you care. little moments in your daily life. (familylife.com) man carol. A Christmas cease�ire followed.

Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?” (John 1: 24-25) 11 December 13, 2020 The Messenger Messenger December 13, 2020 11 Memoir of a Priestly journey - REV. FR. CHRISPIN LEO It was an interesting and He was dressing up for the Ceremony. Then He It has been estimated that the number of persons journey that made me told me, “Child, get ready to go to Rome, and Fr. Clinton aged 60 years and above is expected to be more than experience my own would let you know what to do”. double by 2050 with the proportion of the Asian weaknesses and the love, I had a fantastic time in Rome and I am so grateful geriatric population transformed from today to be mercy, and compassion of to God. At the College in Rome, I had Rev. Brothers more than 25% by 2050. I consulted Dr. Hilary Cooray, a Loving God. Kingsley Jayamanne, Claver Perera, Benedict Mendis, former President of the Dental Association, member of It is also said that our Cecil Fernando, Patrick Olivelle, and Henry Silva the Catholic Doctors’ Guild on how we could assist the Blessed Mother has a soft- needy over the age of 55 years. Dr. Hilary Cooray because corner for Priests and Archdiocese of Colombo. I had some others from Kandy, of his generosity and social commitment volunteered I can only say that she Trincomalee,™Š‘Œ‘‹‡†—•ǡ‹‘—”ϐ‹ƒŽ›‡ƒ”Ǥ‡ƒŽŽ™‡”‡ˆ”‘–Š‡ Jaffna and Galle as my companions from to give us dentures at a very nominal sum. He offered upheld me many a time Sri Lanka and many others from about 40 nations all to lend a hand by sparing his time on Saturdays to treat when human weaknesses over the World. the patients free of charge. It is noteworthy to mention dragged me down. Our College Propaganda Fidei in Rome, situated I still have a great on the hill called Gianiculo overlooking the St. Peter’s free of charge. We have been able to give 274 Dentures devotion to MATER MISERICORDIAE, THE MERCIFUL Basilica and the St. Peter’s Square. Pope’s window from–Šƒ–‹–‹•–Š‡ϐ‹”•––‹‡‹”‹ƒƒ†‡–—”‡•™‡”‡‰‹˜‡ the inception in 2018. The project is coordinated MOTHER in front of whose picture one could pray in where He gives His Blessings was right opposite our by Stephnie Rodrigo, she visits the Dental Clinic every the side chapel of the College of Propaganda Fide. A ‘Belvidere’ a place in the garden of our College. Saturday. I recall these with a lot of Nostalgia and Praise to I had my ups and downs in the Priestly life. In all College, Colombo 4. God. When St. Pope John XXIII was breathing His last instances, I felt that the Lord accompanied me through ‘’›‘ˆ–Š‹•„‡ƒ—–‹ˆ—Ž’‹ –—”‡‹•‹›‘ˆϐ‹ ‡ƒ––Ǥ‡–‡”ǯ•I mention these experiences so that my brother breath, we were on the College rooftop, gazing at His Mary our Mother, His saints, and angels. He made me Priests –Young and Old too may be inspired and room window which was lit up. I have to express my experience the reality of life through my three cardiac gratitude and love to the late Thomas Cardinal Cooray interventions. In my failures, He confronted me with pitfalls and prayerful intercessions of others for us OMI, whom I see as an embodiment of God’s love, God’s Word and challenged me to be faithful to my which‡’‘™‡”‡†„›–Š‡‹”‘™”‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‘•‘–Š‡‹”’”‹‡•–Ž› we often take for granted. mercy, and compassion. priestly vocation. Through my parents and siblings, He molded and fashioned me. My friends, especially the ORDINATION ON 6th OF JANUARY 1966 MY MINISTRY IN SRI LANKA priests, provided me with strength and courage, vision It was a cold winter morning in January 1966 in Once I returned to Sri Lanka in September 1966, and vigour to persevere. They became a light unto my Rome. Sixty-two deacons, including me, were boarded after my Priestly Ordination I worked in the vineyard feet and a lamp unto my path. into luxurious Italian buses to be taken to the Vatican of the Lord in various capacities. If somebody asks me what advice I could give to the State as Pope Paul VI had extended an invitation to 62 younger priests I would say that they should have priest REBIRTH OF YOUNG CHRISTIAN STUDENTS friends and meet them often. You got the vocation at Fide, Vatican City to be ordained by Him at St. Peter’s MOVEMENT (YCS) home, therefore, go home and enjoy the company of Basilica‘ˆ—•ǡ‡ƒ ‘•‘ˆ–Š‡‘–‹ϐ‹ ƒŽ‘ŽŽ‡‰‡‘ˆ”‘’ƒ‰ƒ†ƒ in Rome on 6th of January 1966. I initiated the Young Christian Students Movement It was a special occasion because, after many years, (YCS) in 1975 at St. Joseph’s College. with Him and then He sent you to your missions. So be a Pope decided to ordain priests in St. Peter’s Basilica. In 1977, I was invited to Thailand for a YCS Seminar connected›‘—”’ƒ”‡–•ƒ†‹–Šƒ†‹Ǥ ‡•—• Š‘•‡›‘—ϐ‹”•––‘„‡ with the Lord. If you are in a community, the and they requested me to help them re-establish Superiors should see that the members pray together eight other Deacons from various parts of the world, YCS. In 1979, the then Archbishop Nicholas Marcus and interact together and provide facilities for them for had ǡ–‘‰‡–Š‡”™‹–Š–Š”‡‡‘–Š‡”•ˆ”‘”‹ƒƒǡƒ†ϐ‹ˆ–›Ǧ the opportunity of being ordained by Pope Paul VI Fernando invited me formally to be the YCS Chaplain confession and advice from others. Each Parishioner who is now a Saint. and to commence YCS in the Diocese. We expanded YCS or each one of those who come into contact with you So began my priestly life and today with God’s in the Archdiocese and initiated it in Chilaw with Fr. should be considered as another Jesus, coming to you mercy and prayers of thousands of people I am what David Wijethunga and in Kandy at the Good Shepherd’s wrapped in different packages. Be kind to them and Convent. Later from the year 2006 to 2009, I, was respect them. Be quicker to listen than to speak. Be VI was canonized on 14th October 2018, and I had the appointed by Rome to be the YCS Asian Chaplain and sincere to yourself and remove your masks that can privilege ƒƒ•ƒ”‹‡•– ‘’Ž‡–‹‰ϐ‹ˆ–›Ǧϐ‹˜‡›‡ƒ”•Ǥ‘’‡ƒ—Ž of being present at St. Peter’s Square. I was posted to Manila, in the Philippines. I was in create wrong impressions. Let your night prayer be a charge of 12 Asian countries and organized Regional soul-searcher daily. Consider the Mass and the Breviary, GOING BACK TO THE ROOTS and International YCS seminars both for students and confession, and rosary as essential in your networking If I am to go down the memory lane no one would Animators of YCS. with Jesus. have thought that I would be a priest. In fact, the day In the year 1987, I was appointed Vice-Rector of St. Trust in the amazing grace of the Lord who is always when I came to my Native village Neluwattuduwa, Joseph’s College where my friend, the late Fr. Stanley there to raise you up when you are down and out. When Abeysekera, was Rector. In July 1989 I was asked to troubles come he will help you to climb mountains he never expected me to be a priest but he thought that succeed Very Rev. Msgr W.L.A. Don Peter as Rector of and cross stormy seas and realize that you are on the myƒ‰ƒǡˆ”‘‘‡ˆ‘”–Š‡ϐ‹”•––‹‡ǡƒ–‡ƒ Š‡”•ƒ‹†–Šƒ– brother would become a priest. Aquinas College of Higher Studies. I had the opportunity Shoulders of the Lord. I have been beaten by both my father and the in 1989 September to attend a Conference organized I would like to say a big thank you to my students teachers at Don Bosco. My father was a school principal by the Catholic International Universities and Higher in the YCS and University CSM, as they molded my and my mother was a housewife. They brought up Educational Institutes in Rome. I met Pope John Paul character and behavior through their criticism and ten children and I am the fourth and the second boy. I II who attended it. I also had the privilege of attending observations. Needless to say that sometimes it was the Canonization ceremony of Pope John XXIII and John humiliating and frustrating. Their expressions were to bring us up. When one child falls sick all others too Paul II on 27th April 2014. rude, rough, and repulsive. Well as Chaplain we have to bear all these, for they are students coming from get‡š’‡”‹‡ ‡†–Š‡†‹ˆϐ‹ —Ž–‹‡•›’ƒ”‡–•™‡––Š”‘—‰Š sick. various backgrounds and sometimes they think no Today we have over sixty nephews and nieces be the longest Rector of Aquinas. During that period, end of themselves as they are in Advanced Levels and including great-grandchildren. My father was a with  ™ƒ•God’s ‡ –‘” grace, ˆ‘”I managed ͳ͹ ›‡ƒ”• to ƒ† put “—ƒŽ‹ϐ‹‡†up the Millennium ›•‡Žˆ –‘ in Universities. In other words, they are proud and musician and his talents have trickled down to some and Jubilee buildings at Aquinas with the generous consider themselves to know everything. So I had to of our children. I have a sister who is a nun and two assistance of the Italian Bishop’s Conference. This was have patience and humility and even seek forgiveness. nephews who are priests. Our praise and thanksgiving I am happy today that many of my former students do to God and our Blessed Mother for all the blessings we and catering to many more students. In the year 2000, appreciate me and they are with me. Recently a Lawyer ™‹–Šƒ˜‹‡™‘ˆ‰‡––‹‰ƒˆϐ‹Ž‹ƒ–‹‘•–‘ˆ‘”‡‹‰—‹˜‡”•‹–‹‡• have received. I went on a Preaching Mission to the USA to collect and Principal of a School came and said that it was a money for Aquinas. privilege for them to have a priest come and discuss LIFE IN THE MINOR SEMINARY I got Aquinas College of Higher Studies the status of various life situations. They regretted that their own Thanks to the late Rev. Fr. Lucien Schmidt OMI, a Degree Awarding Institute in December 2004. children do not have this opportunity. the then Parish Priest of Hanwella, I was given the In 2006 I requested a transfer and Archbishop Let me mention once again with gratitude my opportunity to enter the Minor Seminary in the year Emeritus Oswald Gomis, sent me to St. Peter’s College Rectors and Spiritual Directors, my Bishops, and 1953. Colombo 4, to join its staff. Superiors for their guidance and advice. So, Jesus is As the Chaplain of University Students I had the Emmanuel, which means that God is with us. I strive LIFE IN THE MAJOR SEMINARY opportunity of meeting Catholic Doctors, Professionals, to experience this spiritual reality and power and my Life in the Major Seminary was a real change and and Graduates. This helped me to meet Dr. M.P.M. message to you is “Trust in the Lord and surrender I worked hard to be genuine and authentic in my Cooray who was the President of the Catholic Doctors yourself to the Lord who is yearning to be with you and behaviour and as a result, I was selected as a candidate Guild of Ss. Luke, Cosmos, and Damian. Last year was me, to be a companion in life.” to be sent to Rome for higher studies. I got the Silver its Diamond Jubilee Year (1944-2019). This Memoir saw the light of day because of the Medal for the best student in Philosophy. We had a good gathering of Doctors making us realize support and encouragement of Stephnie Rodrigo. the importance of the Doctors’ Guild. I continued to be B.Th., S.T.L. (Rome), PROPAGANDA FIDEI COLLEGE IN ROME the Spiritual Director appointed by the Archbishop and Rev. Fr. W. D. G. Chrispin Leo - In September 1962, we had Priestly Ordination of M.Sc London, Diploma in Social Planning – (LSE), Ph.D., a Senior Batch of Brothers of the Ampitiya National Conference. The Guild continued to do Social Projects UK Spiritual Director of Catholic Doctors’ Guild of St. Seminary at the Cathedral of St. Lucia’s, Kotahena. likeŽƒ–‡”›’‘•–™ƒ• ‘ϐ‹”‡†„›–Š‡ƒ–‹‘ƒŽ‹•Š‘’•ǯ providing Water by sinking agricultural wells at Luke and Ss. Cosmas and Damien; Catholic Graduates We, the Choir were getting ready to sing for the Allagollawa, Annual Medical Clinics, and Christmas and Professionals and YCS Alumni Association / Priest-in- Procession and Mass. Then I got a message from the Charge of London A/L and Counselor / Spiritual Director then Archbishop Thomas Cooray OMI, to see him places in Anuradapura, Ratnapura, Chilaw, Avissawella, at St. Peter’s College / Former Asian and National YCS immediately. It disturbed me a little. I went to see Him and‰‹ˆ–Ǧ•Šƒ”‹‰™‹–Š–Š‡‘–•‘ƒˆϐŽ—‡– Š‹Ž†”‡‹˜ƒ”‹‘—• Colombo. Chaplain and National University Chaplain.

John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,.... (John 1:26) 1212 TheMessenger Messenger December December 13, 2020 13, 2020 APPRECIATION The 25th Death Anniversary - Bishop of Galle His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Don Sylvester - A Missionary with a Vision ‘If there are wise or learned for taking up arms against the political establishment persons among you, let of the time. ‡˜Ǥ ”‹ Šƒ‡ŽƒŒ‡†”‡ƒ† them show it by their good Most of the detentions were extra-judicial and Sudharman Perera lives, with humility and arbitrary where the detainees themselves found it Grandpass is recalled with great appreciation to date by wisdom’. (James 3:13-18) lucky to be alive after going through arbitrary killing by those living in the area Bishop Sylvester was a graduate These words describe the state. On that day there were around 700 of them in Pastoral Theology and had a diploma in Religious well how late Bishop cramped into a small hall where His Lordship celebrated Education from the ‘Lumen Vitae Institute’ in Belgium. of Galle Rt. Rev. Dr. the Eucharist. In his homily, he touched on the life of He held the Post of National Director for Catechetical Weliwitavidanelage Jesus a revolutionary and emphasized the importance Mission in Sri Lanka for several years. Don Sylvester was of bringing about change via non- violence means and He pioneered the use of audio-visual aids in religious known and remembered made also reference to Mahathma Gandhi as a model. education and oversaw the distribution of visual aids to in the Galle Diocese After the Eucharistic Service, sipping a cup of tea,we almost all the churches around the country at a time and beyond. He was had a very brief discussion with the Brigadier in charge when communication aids were a rare commodity. of the detention camp. Bishop Sylvester spoke about In humility and wisdom Bishop Sylvester united generosity, an inspirer of hope and generosity in the Rehabilitation Programme and the time frame of others.ƒ ƒ ‘ˆ ‹†‡••ǡ ‘ϐ‹†‡– ‹ Š‹• ˜‹•‹‘ ƒ† releasing them back to the society. ecumenical zeal while making his presence, stamp and Born on 26th November 1927 in Niripola- Hanwella, Bishop Sylvester had a very sombre journey back and sealŠ‹• ϐŽ‘ among ™‹–Š them ƒŽŽ with –Š‡ the ’‡‘’Ž‡• exercise ‘ˆ of ‘–Š‡” Christian ˆƒ‹–Š• charity ‹ ƒ wanted me to develop a programme to visit them every he had his early education at St. Mary’s School, Niripola, and understanding. The full record of his good deeds weekend. The permission needed was granted for us St. John Bosco College, Kaluaggala and then at St. is known to God, but what we do know to visit not only the youth at the Boossa camp but also Joseph’s College, Colombo. He was ordained a priest gratitude and hope. thousands of youth in the open air prison at Koggala. on 23rd March 1956. Later, he was appointed the He touched the lives of many people from ƒϐ‹ŽŽ—•™‹–Š every-walk At every opportunity, Bishop Sylvester was available Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Colombo. Then Fr. of life. Whoever you were- whatever demographics you to travel to both Boossa and Koggala camps and Sylvester moved to Galle as the 4th Bishop of Galle on encouraged me all the time to provide relief to the youth 137 Mission- centres; – most of them were in Estates. 11th December 1982. and this was one of many examples of how passionate ϐ‹–‹–‘ǡŠ‡ ƒ”‡†ˆ‘”›‘—ǤŠ‡‹‘ ‡•‡‘ˆ ƒŽŽ‡–Š‡Šƒ†The Estate Apostolate was in the fore front of his Having served the Diocese well over 10 years, he he was to care for the welfare of the youth of the day. missionary endeavour. He dedicated his time and energy entered his Eternal Rest on 09th November 1995. We He wanted revolution in a non –violent way that commemorate the 25th Anniversary of his demise this witnessed Christian charity. Through education and mostly visiting the Estate people both in Southern and year. The memories are still alive and his missionary training and certainly not through violent means. That Sabaragamuwa provinces and was particularly fond zeal is prevalent to this day. pastoral example still moves and inspires me. of visiting 27 estates in Deniyaya, some 18 estates in Starting his life as a Cooperative Inspector and While serving as a priest of the Archdiocese Ratnapura, Daraniyagala, Malimboda, Rakwana and thenresponding to the call of God, he dedicated his of Colombo, his missionary endeavour was well Kahawatta – Balangoda parishes and their estate churches. whole life without reservation to the mission which he exhibited in His untiring efforts shown in and around During his tenure as the Bishop of Galle, he built willingly embraced. Pannipitiya, Maharagama, Athurugiriya and Battaramulla many chapels in the estates, convents, nursery schools. I remember in the twilight of an evening, in in the suburbs of Colombo. He created evangelizing We all have the memories of the warmth, genuineness communities and built places of worship to God for the care, compassion encountered in this man of God. His and asked me join him for a Religious Service at new communities established in those suburbs. desire and unwavering efforts to build a bridge across the‡ ‡„‡” infamous ͳͻͻͲǡ Boossa ‹• ‘”†•Š‹’ Detention ƒŽŽ‡† Camp ‡ (near –‘ Š‹• Galle) ‘ˆϐ‹ ‡ He founded Christ the King College at Pannipitiya the river at Hiniduma Calvery Shrine for an easy pas- where the young insurgents were detained after the that had given great men and women to serve in sage for the pilgrims joining the Way of the Cross, insurrection of 1987/89.These detainees were kept in showed his sheer dedication to a purpose he thought arbitrary detention pending the hearing of their cases the marginalized communities at Sedawatta and in apt at the time. (Contd on Pg 13.) ƒ› ϐ‹‡Ž†• ‘ˆ ‡š ‡ŽŽ‡ ‡ ‹ ”‹ ƒƒǤ ‹• ‹••‹‘ –‘

Very Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos a palace and the old king got attracted to them and Third Sunday in Advent requested one of them to stay back in order to succeed Thessalonica. St. Paul wants the Thessalonians to see him as the king. The monk said “What better way to the will of God in the whole incident so that they will First Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11 Prophet Isaiah declares what he is called for. He is remain faithful to the Lord amidst all suffering. become the king? I would not be a true Buddhist if I called to proclaim about the freedom that was awaiting While we survive all hardship by accepting them as did‹ϐŽ—‡ ‡ not accept –Š‡ ’‡‘’Ž‡ this opportunity ‘ˆ –Š‹• ‘—–”› for serving ˆ‘” ‰‘‘† the –Šƒ cause –‘ the will of God and remain faithful to Him, we also have of our Religion.” So he too dropped out. Another time him to be a prophet of God. to see the grace of God calling us to carry on His mission. they came across an orphan, a young girl who’s parents –Š‡‡š‹Ž‡† •”ƒ‡Ž‹–‡•Ǥ ‡ƒŽ•‘‰Ž‘”‹ϐ‹‡•–Š‡‘”†ˆ‘” ƒŽŽ‹‰ In the First Reading Prophet Isaiah is so happy that were killed by the leader of the neighbouring village, Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5 : 16-24 a bandit. Her father had given the leadership to the St. Paul advises the Thessalonians before he was seems as if he is fully aware about his mission and he is village. Next morning they were preparing to leave. At Š‡ ‰Ž‘”‹ϐ‹‡• –Š‡ ‘”† ˆ‘” ƒŽŽ‹‰ Š‹ ƒ• ƒ ’”‘’Š‡–Ǥ – forced to leave Thessalonica. He wants the people to see that time one monk said “I shall stay back and look after to go out as a powerful missionary force in order to save the will of God even in that disheartening incident. The the girl and give the leadership and protection to this theƒŽŽ‘—––‘ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽŠ‹•‹••‹‘Ǥ ‡‹• ‘‹––‡†Ǥ ‡‹•”‡ƒ†› people who are still living in sin. Similarly we too as faithful should continue to love and serve the Lord. poor village. I would not be a true Buddhist if I did not Christians are called through our baptism to carry on practice Compassion.” The remaining two came to a Gospel: John 1: 6-8, 19-28 Buddhist village and to their horror found that all had The Gospel passage is about John the Baptist his this mission. Š‹•‹••‹‘ǤŠ‡”‡ˆ‘”‡Ž‡–—•‰Ž‘”‹ˆ›–Š‡‘”†ƒ†ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽThere are certain things that we have to keep in mind abandoned their religion and was now under the way of mission and his position with regards to Jesus Christ a Hindu Guru. One of the monks said “I owe it to these the Saviour whom the Jews were expecting at the time. poor people and to the Lord Buddha to stay on here and John is the precursor, the one who prepares the way for must always keep in mind that it is the Lord who called ™Š‡™‡–”›–‘ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ–Š‡‘”†ǯ•‹••‹‘Ǥ ‹”•–‘ˆƒŽŽ™‡ win them back to the true religion.” He was the last to the Lord. of another. Not even our own. During this mission we are—•Ǥ Š‡ǡonly mediators. ‹– ‹• –‘ ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ We only ‹• ‹••‹‘do it on ƒ†behalf, ‘– and ƒ ‹••‹‘ for the great Lama of the South was right after all. ‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‘ †”‘’‘—–ǤŠ‡ϐ‹ˆ–Š‘‡˜‡–—ƒŽŽ›‰‘––‘–Š‡ƒƒǤŠ‡ Last Sunday we were invited in a very special Lord. The Lord should be seen as the light and we as just manner to prepare ourselves to welcome the Lord our f this light. This is seen quite clearly in the Aid Story 2 A woman in a coma was dying, suddenly had feeling Saviour to our lives. The message was nothing but the mission of John the Baptist. He is very true when he says preaching of John the Baptist; a call for repentance and thatƒ”‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‘‘ he is not Christ. He is the precursor, the one who that she was taken up to heaven and stood before the change of life. As we prepare ourselves to celebrate prepares the way of the Lord. We too ought to be quite judgement seat. “Who are you?” A voice said to her. “I Christmas we ought to mend our ways and change our open and truthful in our mission. am the wife of the Mayor,” she replied. “I did not ask you lives in order that the rest of the mankind would also Therefore let us all heed and preach the Good news whose wife you are, but who you are?” “I’m the mother be saved. First of all the Saviour has to be born in our of repentance lest we all perish. of four children.” “I did not ask you whose mother you lives. He has to survive all hardships and temptations in are? But who you are?” “I’m a school teacher.” “I did not our lives. The question is what are we going to do to our Aid Story 1 ask you what your profession is? But who you are?” And lives in order to welcome the Lord, our Saviour? In response to a call for a wise and a holy monk to so it went. No matter what the reply, she did not seem Today’s question is. How are we going to give birth to initiate the Novices in the spiritual life from the North to give a satisfactory answer to the question. “Who are the Lord in order that the rest of the mankind would also you?” “I am a Christian.” “I did not ask you what your be saved? First of all the Saviour has to be born in our , he said “We will religion is? But who you are” “I’m the one who believed lives. He has to survive all hardships and temptations in ”‡ƒ– ƒƒǢ –Š‡ ‘—–Š ”‡ƒ– ƒƒ •‡– ϐ‹˜‡ ‘•Ǥ in you, went to church every day, lived a good Christian our lives; only then could we give birth to the Lord for Š‡“—‡•–‹‘‡†ƒ•–‘™Š›Š‡•‡–ϐ‹˜‡ life, bore witness to you, and always helped the poor and„‡Ž— ›‹ˆ‘‡‘ˆ–Š‡ϐ‹˜‡ϐ‹ƒŽŽ›‰‡–•–‘–Š‡ƒƒǤdzŠ‡ said that the village monk had died and that they and the needy, broke no commandment and committed for us? needϐ‹˜‡™‡”‡‘–Š‡™ƒ›™Š‡ƒ‡••‡‰‡” ƒ‡”—‹‰ someone to take care of the spiritual needs. One no sin.” “Very well, so you may then enter now.” –Š‡„‡‡ϐ‹–‘ˆ‘—”‡‹‰Š„‘—”Ǥ ˆ‘–™Š‘‡Ž•‡ ‘—Ž††‘‹–In the Second Reading St. Paul gives courage to the got attracted and said “I will not be a true Buddhist if I Thessalonians in order to protect their faith amidst do not heed this call,” and stayed in the village to take SAYING: EVEN if I let YOU DOWN. DO NOT let ME DOWN the reaction of the Jews. The Jews made St. Paul leave the place of the monk. Some days later they stayed in LORD.

.... the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:27) 12 Messenger December 13, 2020 1313 The TheMessenger Messenger December December 13,13, 2020 2020 Contd. from Pg. 1 which emphasizes on developing students with profes- mented by a team of support staff who ensure perfectly APPRECIATION sional/ academic knowledge and skills whilst mentor- BCI Negombo Campus, ... ing them to uphold their dignity and integrity as true Modern facilities of the campus provide the stu- The 25th Death Anniversary - Bishop of Galle students coming from Negombo and the suburbs, and human beings. dentsef�icient with operations. all the tools, technology, and resources they to all students the institute was committed to provide “We are determined to produce world-class gradu- need to succeed. In fact, the buildings and surrounding His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Don Sylvester - A Missionary with a Vision the maximum facilities with the best of hope to obtain ates equipped with the right knowledge and skills to environment are designed to provide a holistic com- a good education, sans their social status and econom- meet the evolving demands of the market. But most munity of learning, fellowship, and wellbeing. ‘If there are wise or learned for taking up arms against the political establishment ‡˜Ǥ ”‹ Šƒ‡ŽƒŒ‡†”‡ƒ† ic background. importantly they will also be humane with quality and The campus offers a world-class facility, which persons among you, let of the time. is endowed with gorgeous natural gardens, recently Sudharman Perera His Eminence also announced that the intention of great values instilled in them. In this regard, BCI Cam- them show it by their good Most of the detentions were extra-judicial and launched BRIDGE, a special pre-university bridging the institute was to offer scholarships to economically pus is turning a new leaf in the country’s higher educa- lives, with humility and arbitrary where the detainees themselves found it Grandpass is recalled with great appreciation to date by Programme recommended by the Higher Education poor students to pursue their higher studies. tion, Fr. Quintus said. wisdom’. (James 3:13-18) lucky to be alive after going through arbitrary killing by those living in the area Bishop Sylvester was a graduate Ministry and includes plenty of greenery. This, in turn, “Our sole intention is not to amass wealth or to be The BCI Campus has been offering several higher These words describe the state. On that day there were around 700 of them in Pastoral Theology and had a diploma in Religious guarantees a locality with the right ambiance, which an economically very rich institute. But to operate it education programmes in English, IT, and Professional well how late Bishop cramped into a small hall where His Lordship celebrated Education from the ‘Lumen Vitae Institute’ in Belgium. encourages a mind-set open to knowledge and pro- as a dedicated – service oriented institute providing of Galle Rt. Rev. Dr. the Eucharist. In his homily, he touched on the life of He held the Post of National Director for Catechetical motes personal growth. good education to everyone who enroll as students of dents since its inception six years ago. A visit to the campus will also give you an oppor- Weliwitavidanelage Jesus a revolutionary and emphasized the importance Mission in Sri Lanka for several years. this institute”, the Cardinal said. Quali�icationsThe BCI Campus and hasfocuses served also well on providing over 17,200 students stu- tunity to see the university’s comprehensive, purpose- Don Sylvester was of bringing about change via non- violence means and He pioneered the use of audio-visual aids in religious Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando - Rector of BCI Campus with more than just academic opportunities as the in- built facilities, and amenities which incorporate state- known and remembered made also reference to Mahathma Gandhi as a model. education and oversaw the distribution of visual aids to explained to the media about the new degree pro- stitute is dedicated to shaping well-rounded, responsi- of-the-art technology. in the Galle Diocese After the Eucharistic Service, sipping a cup of tea,we almost all the churches around the country at a time grammes. As enrolment of students for these programmes has and beyond. He was had a very brief discussion with the Brigadier in charge when communication aids were a rare commodity. of the detention camp. Bishop Sylvester spoke about who can excel anywhere in the world in their chosen commenced. Students, as well as parents, are invited to In humility and wisdom Bishop Sylvester united vocation.ble, knowledgeable, To accomplish con�ident, this BCI and is ethicalstaffed individuals by a team visit the BCI for further information or initiation. generosity, an inspirer of hope and generosity in the Rehabilitation Programme and the time frame of stone in BCI’s journey as the Institute now becomes a UGC Fr. approved Quintus degreesaid: ‘this awarding occasion Institute’. marks a major mile- Students and parents can also obtain more infor- others.ƒ ƒ ‘ˆ ‹†‡••ǡ ‘ϐ‹†‡– ‹ Š‹• ˜‹•‹‘ ƒ† releasing them back to the society. ecumenical zeal while making his presence, stamp and The BCI Campus was inaugurated six years ago with years of experience and dedication to teaching that Born on 26th November 1927 in Niripola- Hanwella, Bishop Sylvester had a very sombre journey back and sealŠ‹• ϐŽ‘ among ™‹–Š them ƒŽŽ with –Š‡ the ’‡‘’Ž‡• exercise ‘ˆ of ‘–Š‡” Christian ˆƒ‹–Š• charity ‹ ƒ wanted me to develop a programme to visit them every a unique and holistic approach to higher education augursof highly well quali�ied beyond education the classroom. professionals, They are with comple- many he had his early education at St. Mary’s School, Niripola, and understanding. The full record of his good deeds weekend. The permission needed was granted for us mation via www.bci.lk or calling us on 0312035100 / St. John Bosco College, Kaluaggala and then at St. is known to God, but what we do know to visit not only the youth at the Boossa camp but also 070 6035100 Joseph’s College, Colombo. He was ordained a priest gratitude and hope. Contd. from Pg. 1 rations, ceremonies, etc., for Christmas and to allocate more as a moment of profound interior conversion to thousands of youth in the open air prison at Koggala. on 23rd March 1956. Later, he was appointed the He touched the lives of many people from ƒϐ‹ŽŽ—•™‹–Š every-walk those funds for the care of those in the lockdown zones, God and in a spirit of welcoming into the manger of our At every opportunity, Bishop Sylvester was available Look For Child Of Bethlehem ... Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Colombo. Then Fr. of life. Whoever you were- whatever demographics you especially by providing them with dry rations for their to travel to both Boossa and Koggala camps and Sylvester moved to Galle as the 4th Bishop of Galle on everyone to be mindful of those families around their subsistence.” encouraged me all the time to provide relief to the youth 137 Mission- centres; – most of them were in Estates. neighbourhood who immensely suffer due to lack of ba- joyhearts that the cannot babe be of foundBethlehem, in any especially simple merrymaking identi�ied in and the 11th December 1982. and this was one of many examples of how passionate ϐ‹–‹–‘ǡŠ‡ ƒ”‡†ˆ‘”›‘—ǤŠ‡‹‘ ‡•‡‘ˆ ƒŽŽ‡–Š‡Šƒ†The Estate Apostolate was in the fore front of his sic needs. “Family-level celebrations are encouraged but to the Blessed Mother for Maternal protection. “ It is externalpoor it would joy. help us to �ill our souls with divine joy, a Having served the Diocese well over 10 years, he he was to care for the welfare of the youth of the day. missionary endeavour. He dedicated his time and energy always keeping in mind the families of neighbours who His Eminence has also called upon His �lock to pray “May this Christmas be a humble and deeply spir- entered his Eternal Rest on 09th November 1995. We He wanted revolution in a non –violent way that commemorate the 25th Anniversary of his demise this witnessed Christian charity. Through education and mostly visiting the Estate people both in Southern and suffer through want and hunger ” the letter added. demic and to plead especially with the Blessed Mother itual search for that joy, a joy that comes from giving important to pray for all those af�licted by this pan- year. The memories are still alive and his missionary training and certainly not through violent means. That Sabaragamuwa provinces and was particularly fond The Letter also draws the attention of the Heads of who stands near the manger by her Divine Son and St. rather than taking, from loving rather than being loved, zeal is prevalent to this day. pastoral example still moves and inspires me. of visiting 27 estates in Deniyaya, some 18 estates in the State and calls upon those responsible to reduce Joseph and to bless and protect all human beings from from believing rather than being with a heart that is Starting his life as a Cooperative Inspector and While serving as a priest of the Archdiocese Ratnapura, Daraniyagala, Malimboda, Rakwana and the money spent on external decoration and divert that this disaster.” thenresponding to the call of God, he dedicated his of Colombo, his missionary endeavour was well Kahawatta – Balangoda parishes and their estate churches. The Pastoral Letter ends wishing everyone a joyful er than hoarding and from serving rather than lording. whole life without reservation to the mission which he exhibited in His untiring efforts shown in and around During his tenure as the Bishop of Galle, he built request the Government to minimize all external deco- Christmas, “if it is celebrated faithfully, which means, �illed with uncertainties and doubts, from sharing rath- willingly embraced. Pannipitiya, Maharagama, Athurugiriya and Battaramulla many chapels in the estates, convents, nursery schools. money to those severely af�licted. “We would like to We all have the memories of the warmth, genuineness May your Christmas be �illed with such joy!” I remember in the twilight of an evening, in in the suburbs of Colombo. He created evangelizing During the consistory, the cardinals-designate pro- care, compassion encountered in this man of God. His Contd. from Pg. 1 Contd. from Pg. 6 communities and built places of worship to God for the fessed the creed together and approached Pope Fran- desire and unwavering efforts to build a bridge across Pope urges new cardinals... and asked me join him for a Religious Service at new communities established in those suburbs. cis one by one who placed the red biretta on each one The Lord is... ‡ ‡„‡” ͳͻͻͲǡ ‹• ‘”†•Š‹’ ƒŽŽ‡† ‡ –‘ Š‹• ‘ˆϐ‹ ‡ the river at Hiniduma Calvery Shrine for an easy pas- the infamous Boossa Detention Camp (near Galle) He founded Christ the King College at Pannipitiya The Pope commented on a passage from Mark’s of them, giving them the cardinal’s ring and the title sage for the pilgrims joining the Way of the Cross, overcome our tendency to take these things for granted, where the young insurgents were detained after the that had given great men and women to serve in Gospel where Jesus speaks about His humiliation, and rank. showed his sheer dedication to a purpose he thought just going through the motions of doing what more or insurrection of 1987/89.These detainees were kept in passion, death and Resurrection while approaching Cardinals, who are the Pope’s closest collaborators, less is expected of us in this period of the liturgical year. arbitrary detention pending the hearing of their cases the marginalized communities at Sedawatta and in apt at the time. (Contd on Pg 13.) Jerusalem. Meanwhile, James and John urge Jesus wear the colour red, which symbolizes their readi- ƒ› ϐ‹‡Ž†• ‘ˆ ‡š ‡ŽŽ‡ ‡ ‹ ”‹ ƒƒǤ ‹• ‹••‹‘ –‘ True, it is different this time since we will miss the in- for a place of privilege when He is in glory. But Je- spiring Christmas Carol services. Fewer imported items their own blood” in the service of the Successor of Pe- Very Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos a palace and the old king got attracted to them and will be available at the stores. But then again, Jesus suffer and be a servant of others like the Son ter.ness Even to sacri�ice though themselvesthey live in their“to the own point countries, of shedding each requested one of them to stay back in order to succeed comes to us regardless. Third Sunday in Advent Thessalonica. St. Paul wants the Thessalonians to see ofsus Man. tells the two brothers they must �irst be ready to cardinal is assigned a titular Church of Rome. This is him as the king. The monk said “What better way to Since Advent is the beginning of another liturgical the will of God in the whole incident so that they will The Pope said that the road to Jerusalem is the road of symbolic of the cardinals being part of the Diocese of First Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11 year, we have to understand then that this season im- remain faithful to the Lord amidst all suffering. life and salvation, which is travelled with Christ and which Prophet Isaiah declares what he is called for. He is become the king? I would not be a true Buddhist if I plies that we have to learn how to begin again well in While we survive all hardship by accepting them as did‹ϐŽ—‡ ‡ not accept –Š‡ ’‡‘’Ž‡ this opportunity ‘ˆ –Š‹• ‘—–”› for serving ˆ‘” ‰‘‘† the –Šƒ cause –‘ leads to the paschal mystery of Jesus. “The cross and the Bishop of Rome, St. Peter. called to proclaim about the freedom that was awaiting the context of the liturgy. What is presumed is that we the will of God and remain faithful to Him, we also have of our Religion.” So he too dropped out. Another time Resurrection are part of our history; they are our “to- Rome,The whose consistory bishop of is November the Pope, successor 28 has taken of the place �irst have a good look at our life by doing a deeper examina- to see the grace of God calling us to carry on His mission. they came across an orphan, a young girl who’s parents day” but also and always the goal of our journey.” Je- in an extraordinary time. Given the growing number him to be a prophet of God. tion of conscience in order to discover what is not in –Š‡‡š‹Ž‡† •”ƒ‡Ž‹–‡•Ǥ ‡ƒŽ•‘‰Ž‘”‹ϐ‹‡•–Š‡‘”†ˆ‘” ƒŽŽ‹‰ In the First Reading Prophet Isaiah is so happy that were killed by the leader of the neighbouring village, sus, who is not indifferent to the amazement and fear of Covid-19 infections worldwide and the mandatory a bandit. Her father had given the leadership to the of his disciples, prepares them for the trials to come so health protocols, the consistory had a limited congre- Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5 : 16-24 sensuality, unforgiving, etc. Then we approach the Sac- St. Paul advises the Thessalonians before he was seems as if he is fully aware about his mission and he is village. Next morning they were preparing to leave. At that they could always be with Him on His road. gation. Š‡ ‰Ž‘”‹ϐ‹‡• –Š‡ ‘”† ˆ‘” ƒŽŽ‹‰ Š‹ ƒ• ƒ ’”‘’Š‡–Ǥ – ramentkeeping of with Penance. the love of God: pride, self-love, arrogance, forced to leave Thessalonica. He wants the people to see that time one monk said “I shall stay back and look after James and John, he said, instead want to take “not Because of the health emergency, Asia’s two new to go out as a powerful missionary force in order to save Advent tries to arouse in us a longing for Christ, who the will of God even in that disheartening incident. The the girl and give the leadership and protection to this Jesus’ road, but a different one”. “All of us love Jesus, all cardinals, Bishop Cornelius, Apostolic Vicar of Brunei theƒŽŽ‘—––‘ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽŠ‹•‹••‹‘Ǥ ‡‹• ‘‹––‡†Ǥ ‡‹•”‡ƒ†› people who are still living in sin. Similarly we too as should not be just a historical character buried in the faithful should continue to love and serve the Lord. poor village. I would not be a true Buddhist if I did not of us want to follow Him,” the Pope said, “yet we must and Archbishop Jose Advincula of Capiz, Philippines, Christians are called through our baptism to carry on past. He is God who lives in eternity and thus is also liv- practice Compassion.” The remaining two came to a always be careful to remain on the road.” were unable to come to Rome for the consistory. They ing even up to now. He is always a contemporary of ev- Gospel: John 1: 6-8, 19-28 Buddhist village and to their horror found that all had The Pope said the road of Jesus and that of the dis- followed the ceremony that was streamed live from the this mission. ery one of us, irrespective of what era we pass through The Gospel passage is about John the Baptist his abandoned their religion and was now under the way of ciples cannot meet. “Only the Lord, through His cross Vatican. They will be handed their biretta, ring and title Š‹•‹••‹‘ǤŠ‡”‡ˆ‘”‡Ž‡–—•‰Ž‘”‹ˆ›–Š‡‘”†ƒ†ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽThere are certain things that we have to keep in mind this world. mission and his position with regards to Jesus Christ a Hindu Guru. One of the monks said “I owe it to these and Resurrection, can save His straying friends who later in their respective countries. Advent should also arouse in us a sense of nostal- the Saviour whom the Jews were expecting at the time. poor people and to the Lord Buddha to stay on here and risk getting lost.” Pope Francis announced the names of 13 new car- John is the precursor, the one who prepares the way for must always keep in mind that it is the Lord who called gia for heaven, where God awaits us. We have to under- ™Š‡™‡–”›–‘ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ–Š‡‘”†ǯ•‹••‹‘Ǥ ‹”•–‘ˆƒŽŽ™‡ win them back to the true religion.” He was the last to “We too, Pope and Cardinals,” the Pope said, “must dinals during the midday “Angelus” prayer on Sunday, the Lord. stand that our life here on earth is just a brief test, to of another. Not even our own. During this mission we see if what God wants of us is also what we want for great Lama of the South was right after all. It is a sharpened sword; it cuts, it proves painful, but of age and hence are not eligible to vote for a new pope are—•Ǥ Š‡ǡonly mediators. ‹– ‹• –‘ ˆ—Žϐ‹ŽŽ We only ‹• ‹••‹‘do it on ƒ†behalf, ‘– and ƒ ‹••‹‘ for the ourselves, i.e. to live in communion with Him. Let us be ‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‘ †”‘’‘—–ǤŠ‡ϐ‹ˆ–Š‘‡˜‡–—ƒŽŽ›‰‘––‘–Š‡ƒƒǤŠ‡ italways also heals,see ourselves liberates re�lected and converts in this us.”word Conversion, of truth.” inOctober the case 25. of Four a conclave. of these cardinals With the are consistory above 80 of years No- Last Sunday we were invited in a very special Lord. The Lord should be seen as the light and we as just very close to Mary and Joseph, who will guide us these Aid Story 2 concluded, means to pass “from being off the road to vember 28, the total number of cardinals in the world manner to prepare ourselves to welcome the Lord our f this light. This is seen quite clearly in the days along our spiritual journey towards Bethlehem. A woman in a coma was dying, suddenly had feeling rises to 229, of which 101 are 80 or above. Saviour to our lives. The message was nothing but the mission of John the Baptist. He is very true when he says journeying on God’s road”. preaching of John the Baptist; a call for repentance and thatƒ”‡ϐŽ‡ –‹‘‘ he is not Christ. He is the precursor, the one who that she was taken up to heaven and stood before the change of life. As we prepare ourselves to celebrate prepares the way of the Lord. We too ought to be quite judgement seat. “Who are you?” A voice said to her. “I Contd. from Pg. 12 even in the midst of resistance from his own. That was Christmas we ought to mend our ways and change our open and truthful in our mission. am the wife of the Mayor,” she replied. “I did not ask you ogy ‘LOGOS’ and used the Sinhala word ‘Wakyano’, as the Bishop Sylvester, the man of God. whose wife you are, but who you are?” “I’m the mother The 25th Death...... lives in order that the rest of the mankind would also Therefore let us all heed and preach the Good news itstranslate Sinhala the equivalent right word in theto re�lectBible. the Greek terminol- Today, I want to express our collective thanks to God of repentance lest we all perish. of four children.” “I did not ask you whose mother you be saved. First of all the Saviour has to be born in our We have a tangible example of his work in commu- I remember when I visited him in hospital in Co- as Catholic Church of Sri Lanka for many graces espe- lives. He has to survive all hardships and temptations in are? But who you are?” “I’m a school teacher.” “I did not nity building in establishing the Secular Institute of Our lombo immediately prior to his untimely death, he cially the grace and joy of knowing Bishop Sylvester our lives. The question is what are we going to do to our Aid Story 1 ask you what your profession is? But who you are?” And Lady of Lanka (SIOLL) at Battaramulla,his brainchild. lives in order to welcome the Lord, our Saviour? In response to a call for a wise and a holy monk to so it went. No matter what the reply, she did not seem seemed to know immediately and could easily have a Today’s question is. How are we going to give birth to initiate the Novices in the spiritual life from the North to give a satisfactory answer to the question. “Who are The SIOLL Institute was his vision to encourage lay conversation about life. I will always be very grateful In the words of the Psalmist, we thank God for the and that for the love in his life shown to his �lock. the Lord in order that the rest of the mankind would also you?” “I am a Christian.” “I did not ask you what your participation in ecclesiastical work. He undertook the that in my last visit with Him lying in hospital was as ‘wonder of his being, for all he meant and means to those be saved? First of all the Saviour has to be born in our , he said “We will religion is? But who you are” “I’m the one who believed ambitious project to establish a press at SIOLL at a time easy, comforting and normal as ever. he loved and those who love him’. Today, however you lives. He has to survive all hardships and temptations in ”‡ƒ– ƒƒǢ –Š‡ ‘—–Š ”‡ƒ– ƒƒ •‡– ϐ‹˜‡ ‘•Ǥ in you, went to church every day, lived a good Christian when information technology and large scale printing He asked about the parish, my apostolate and stud- may have known him, we remember him with our love, our lives; only then could we give birth to the Lord for Š‡“—‡•–‹‘‡†ƒ•–‘™Š›Š‡•‡–ϐ‹˜‡ life, bore witness to you, and always helped the poor was rare. ies and such was the concern he had for those under his and to accompany him in our prayer as far as we our- and the needy, broke no commandment and committed and„‡Ž— ›‹ˆ‘‡‘ˆ–Š‡ϐ‹˜‡ϐ‹ƒŽŽ›‰‡–•–‘–Š‡ƒƒǤdzŠ‡ said that the village monk had died and that they He undertook the printing of the Sinhala Bible ecclesiastical care. But perhaps most importantly for us selves can go- to the very edges of the next life, handing for us? no sin.” “Very well, so you may then enter now.” needϐ‹˜‡™‡”‡‘–Š‡™ƒ›™Š‡ƒ‡••‡‰‡” ƒ‡”—‹‰ someone to take care of the spiritual needs. One which was a challenging task and was proud to ensure today- as our source of true hope and real consolation him gently into the eternal, merciful, all encompassing, –Š‡„‡‡ϐ‹–‘ˆ‘—”‡‹‰Š„‘—”Ǥ ˆ‘–™Š‘‡Ž•‡ ‘—Ž††‘‹–In the Second Reading St. Paul gives courage to the got attracted and said “I will not be a true Buddhist if I this task see the light of day. – are not the memories but the great human quality of love of God Himself. Thessalonians in order to protect their faith amidst do not heed this call,” and stayed in the village to take SAYING: EVEN if I let YOU DOWN. DO NOT let ME DOWN the reaction of the Jews. The Jews made St. Paul leave the place of the monk. Some days later they stayed in LORD. One of his trade mark strikes of the pen was to compassion and understanding was always in his sight

.... the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:27) This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:28)