SINCE FEB 11,1869 THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY O F

EPIPHANY OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD THE LORD 8TH JAN 2011 “REGISTERED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS OF SRI LANKA UNDER NO. QD / 11 / NEWS / 2012” 9TH JAN 2011

Sunday 08th Jan 2012 Vol 142 No 02 16 Pages Rs: 20.00 Registered as a newspaper Closing celebrations for Tercentenary of Apostle of Sri Lanka, Bl. Joseph Vaz

The celebrations will be National Shrine of Blessed be held at Pimmaduwa held with the Joseph Vaz, Ampitiya, on Church which is dedicated to participation of January 15th and on Bl. Joseph Vaz, while Badulla of the respective Saturday, January 14th an Diocese will hold a Retreat dioceses. exhibition on Bl. Joseph Vaz for priests and decide on the In the Archdiocese of will be held at the Shrine. date for the celebration. Colombo, celebrations will Vespers service will also The rest of the dioceses be held at the Infant Jesus take place on Saturday. will hold the celebrations Church, Kalamulla with the As part of the on January 15. participation of the celebrations the Diocese of Meanwhile, Chairman Auxiliary elect, Galle is to organise an of the Bl. Joseph Vaz Msgr. Maxwell Silva as the exhibition and competition Secretariat, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney chief celebrant. on Sunday, January 29th. Fernando Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney lessed Joseph Vaz A book providing Celebrations in the Fernando, Bishop of Kandy BNational Secretariat liturgical material in all Diocese of Chilaw will take requests the faithful to pray will hold a closing three languages published place in Wattakkeliya and for the speedy canonization celebration for the by the Archdiocesan, the Diocese of of Bl. Joseph Vaz, Apostle of Tercentenary of the Committee of Bl. Joseph Vaz will hold its celebration on Sri Lanka. Heavenly Birth of Blessed will be distributed to all January 16th Monday at Joseph Vaz at diocesan parishes of the Archdiocese. Maha Galgamuwa. Rev. Fr. Anthony and parish level on The celebration in The celebration in the Fernandopulle. Sunday, January 15, 2012. Kandy will be held at the Anuradhapura Diocese will Secretary Leading artistes in special Passion Play Over 1000 Christians n the lines of the Viharadhipathi, Yalegoda targetted and killed in 2011 Ofamous Anuruddha Thero, The Vatican’s news agency says more than two dozen Oberammergau Passion Sandalankawa priests, nuns and lay Catholics were killed worldwide Play of Germany, several Gangaramawasi, in 2011.The Fides news agency announced that at leading Sri Lankan �ilm Karadagalle Samanaratana least 26 Catholic Pastoral Workers were killed in and teledrama artistes Thero. violence this year. are preparing for a The ceremony passion play to be staged was held under the Latin America recorded the highest murder during the Lenten period patronage of Very Rev. Fr. rate for pastoral workers for a third straight year, with at St. Bruno’s Church, Piyal Janaka, (Episcopal 13 priests and two others killed in 2011.Six church grounds, in Kurunegala. Vicar, Diocese of workers were killed in Africa, four in Asia and one The Passion Play Kurunegala) and National priest was murdered in Europe this year. which is a concept of Director of Catechetics and The news agency says 25 church workers were Parish Priest of St. Bruno’s Bible Apostolate. killed worldwide in 2010 compared to 37 in 2009. Church, Rev. Fr. Stanley directed by Peter Almeida. the oil lamp to begin Meanwhile over 1000 Christians have been (Text and Pic: Pieris, will be produced by Picture shows screen idol rehearsals. Also in the targeted and murdered worldwide by Islamists in 2011. Prem Fernando and Sanath Gunatillake lighting picture are Sandalankawe Cecil Danicius) Christian Unity Week 18-25 January: Conversion of St. Paul “I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their Word. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.”(John 17: 20-21) Pope to elevate Depicting new cardinals in February ? the Epiphany Pope Benedict XVI will breaching the limit of 120 of convene a consistory in cardinal-electors. February and elevate as Several Christ many as 15 new archbishops currently following members to the College occupy leadership posts in the of Cardinals, according the Roman Curia that are traditional to a report from the I ordinarily reserved for Kandyan Media news agency. cardinals; these prelates wall Vatican-watchers would be among the most painting have been expecting a likely candidates to style consistory sometime in receive red hats. The (oil on 2012. There are currently Italian daily L’Espresso canvas). 192 cardinals, of whom offered a listing of the 109 are below the age of prelates most likely to be 80 and thus eligible to named cardinals. By participate in a papal Although it is entirely Marian election. Hence Pope speculative, the list does Casiechetty Benedict could name 11 provide background on nee David new cardinals without the prominent candidates. 2 The Messenger 08th January 2012 'Day for Sick and Elderly' Christmas Carols by York The innocent vindicated Congratulations! St. Gerard Majella (SVP) Conference of Kala- Four New Priests to Congregation The Attorney created such wide spread mulla Parish held a 'Day for Sick and Elders' at Katu- International School General’s Department interest and in many cas- kurunda Convent Hall under the patronage of Parish of the Rosarian had cleared Rev. Sr. Eliza es outright condemnation Priest, Rev. Fr. Maurice Namal Perera. of Prem Niwasa and the clearly point to the fact Holy Mass commenced at 9.00 a.m. with the Institute of which she is how much the services of participation of 60 sick and elderly persons, who were Four Deacons namely, pleted his philosophical Lady of Lanka. He was or- Mary's Church, Navanthu- blessed during the Mass. Rev. Bro. S. Balendarn, and theological studies dained a deacon on 06th rai, Jaffna on 16th January, the head, of any illegal ac- the Missionaries of Chari- Refreshments were served soon after the Mass Rev. Bro. S.Jebathasan, at the National Seminary 2012 at 8.30 am. tivity on 15th December ty are being valued by the which was followed by a musical drama organised by Rev. Bro.M.Pio Marisu- of Our Lady of Lanka. He charistic Celebration will 2011. Yet the dust, the general public irrespec- the Church choir group with the assistance of the Parish than and Rev. Bro. P. was ordained a deacon beAugust at St. 2011. Mary's His first Church, Eu- arrest and detention had tive of narrow religious Priest and Asst. Parish Priest. Venus Sebastian of the on 06th August 2011. His Navanthurai, Jaffna on caused has not yet settled Lunch was served to every one present and lat- Christmas Carols presented by the York Inter- Congregation of the Ro- 16th January, 2012 at 8.30 down. charisma of the found- er, Prof. Anton Meemana delivered a speech pertaining national School, Wattala, was held at St. Mary's Church, sarians will be ordained tion will be at St. Nicholas' am. We, the Confer- eraffiliations. of the Congregation, True to the to the charitable work of this Apostolate. Bags of provi- Nayakakanda, Hendala, under the patronage of the Par- priests By His Lordship Church,first Eucharistic Navanthurai, Celebra- Jaff- ence of Major Religious Blessed (Mother) Teresa, sion items with textiles to the sick and the elderly were ish Priest Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunathilaka, Chairman of Most.Rev.Dr.Thomas Sa- na on 14th January 2012 Superiors of Sri Lanka, Sr. Eliza whole heartedly also distributed. the School, Mr. Rohan Perera was also present. vundaranayagam Bishop at 8.30 am. The day's programme ended with a prayer. as a collective body of forgave the authorities of (Pic. Nimal Perera) of Jaffna, at the Cathedral leaders of all religious their illegal and indecent (Rufus Fernando) of St. Mary, Jaffna on the congregations, strongly act, proving that an act of 12th of January 2012 at We wish Anne Shalika Jayamanna, Staff condemn the manner in forgiveness when one is 9.30 a.m. Colombo Catholic Press and Dinesh Chandana Annual Report 2010/11 of the Sri Lanka Movement which the arrest and re- wronged is the Christian mand has been carried way. Jayaruwan, who entered Holy Matrimony on 17 for Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Bro. M. Pio Marisuthan December 2011, a Very Happy Wedded Life. (Modi�ied as at 2nd November 2011) CR is the son of Mr. An- out, especially when oth- The incident had er options had been there. proved, in the eyes of the May the love that brought you together, thonipillai Mariathas and 1) The spirit and commitment to- SONS LEARNT AND RECONCILIA- to the President and Minister of Ed- We also equally condemn law that the Sisters carry grow and mature with each passing year! wards work for Justice and Peace TION COMMISSION ucation in this regard. Mrs. Mariathas Martham- the irresponsible media out much needed yeomen Preparatory work in re- 7) We are requesting the State Au- ma of Navanthurai , Jaffna. that gave such adverse service to the people of Sri was a source of strength, inspite of gard to the above was a major task thorities, and Religious and Civil So- Bro. M. S. Jebathasan CR He was born on 03rd Sep- publicity even when full Lanka in full conformity of from most of the office - bearers undertaken by a special working ciety leaders for appropriate action is the son of Mr. Alexander tember 1980. He entered the Rosarian Minor Semi- investigations have not the law. As such services countered in carrying forward the unit which took a lot of pain and to deal with the political violence Sebamalai and Mrs. Mary Christmas get-together at nary in Jaffna in 1995 and financial and other difficulties en- Bro. P. Venus Sebastian Katpalangari of Navanthu- been carried out. are carried out by many objectives of the Movement. care in drafting appropriate repre- which is mainly affecting the mar- completed his philosophi- Dehiowita Parish 2) The work mainly centered sentations keeping in line with the ginalised sector of our society. CR is the son of Mr. An- rai, Jaffna. He was born on While legal opin- religious congregations, thonipillai Packiyanathan 21st January 1980. He en- cal and theological studies ions seem clearly to point both men and women, in around problems and issues per- terms of reference of the Presiden- at the National Seminary and Mrs. Packiyanathan tered the Rosarian Minor taining to both Sinhala and Tamil tial Commission. and other problems encountered of Our Lady of Lanka. He out that the arrest and the country, we appeal to Bro. S. Balendran CR is Mary Matilda of Navan- Seminary in Jaffna in 1995 communities, particularly the mar- The Commission respond- during8) In focusing the last attention three years, to financial we re- was ordained a deacon remand was illegal and the concerned authori- the son of Mr. Sebastian- thurai, Jaffna. He was born and completed his philo- ginalised in the country. ed positively in regard to all matters alised that closer understanding on 06th August 2011. His hence the NCPA acted ties that in carrying out 3) PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIA- presented by our delegation. and active collaboration with the pillai Santhiapillai and on 18th September 1979. sophical and theological in violation of the law of their duties they respect Mrs. Santhiapillai Francis- He entered the Rosarian studies at the National MENTARY ELECTIONS 5) Problems encountered by the Episcopal Commission for Justice. tion will be at St. Mary's the land, one cannot but the principal of natural ca of Navanthurai, Jaffna. Minor seminary in Jaffna Seminary of Our Lady of Programme of conscienti- Archdiocese due to the inordinate Peace and Human Development, is Church,first Eucharistic Navanthurai, Celebra- Jaff- wonder whether there justice, human rights and He was born on 07th April in 1995 and completed Lanka. He was ordained sation of Presidential Candidates delay in the appointment of addi- a requirement to achieve optimum na on 16th January, 2012 had been other reasons fundamental freedom. 1979. He entered the Ro- his philosophical and a deacon on 06th August as to their duties and responsibili- tional Auxiliary Bishops were pre- progress in activating projects and at 8.30 am. for acting in such a high sarian Minor Seminary in theological studies at the ties was undertaken. Also, the le- sented to the Apostolic Nuncio. The programmes of the Movement. To- Rev. Fr. Samantha handed manner. However, Fr. Jeyaraj Rasiah SJ gitimate grievances of the Catholic Apostolic concerns and services to wards this end, it is necessary to Jaffna in 1994 and com- National Seminary of Our Celebration will be at St. Cooray CR the fact that the incident President of the CMRS 2011. His first Eucharist community, particularly in respect the Catholic community, is a wider consider (i). Change the name to Sri interest of the Movement, as the Lanka Movement for Truth Justice Pope stresses value of anointing worship, were presented to the can- Archdiocese provides miscella- and Reconciliation. Distribution of school items for deserving children Dehiowita St. Anthony's Church, Christmas didates.of fisheries, Steps education were also and takenreligious to neous services to the majority of the (ii) Appropriate amendments to be on World Day of the Sick VATICAN CITY (CNS) - get-together was held at the newly-constructed stage educate the voters as to their duties Catholic population in Sri Lanka. effected to the Constitution, in the Distribution of school books and Anointing of the sick is not a mi- on Boxing day. There was a large gathering to witness and responsibilities. Similar action 6) Widespread violence in the process of re-organisation, and equipment for the children of low income nor sacrament, said Pope Bene- various cultural activities. was taken during the time of the country, particularly, against chil- (iii). Appointment of trustworthy families was held at Weliamuna, Hendala dict XVI, but one that "deserves The chief guest was Mr. Nilantha Gunasinghe, a General Election. Some of the above dren from the poorer sector of so- under the patronage of Rev. Fr. Mahendra greater consideration today" businessman who being a Buddhist, supports all church programmes of work were activat- ciety was evident in the past years. ed and committed to the tasks en- Gunathilaka, Parish Priest, St. Mary's Church activities. The events were organised by the Parish Priest ed in collaboration with Caritas Sri A crime perpetrated on a child in trustedoffice-bearers to them. who will be dedicat- Nayakakanda, Hendala recently. to both minister and recipient. Rev. Fr. Piyal Fernando, assisted by Rev. Fr. Emil Danish Lanka - SEDEC. the Matara District was especially Former Minister of Christian Af- because The of Pope's its spiritual words appeared benefits Fernando, in charge of the Bulutota English Academy. 4) REPRESENTATIONS TO LES- shocking. We made representations (Andrew Samaratunge) Picture shows the children being attracted by fairs, John Amaratunge, Former Minister of in a message for the 2012 World Santa Claus. National Laity Commission Meeting Western Provincial Council, Lawrence Madi- Day of the Sick, released by the (Text & Pic. J. Antony) wala who sponsored the project and for- Vatican on January 3. The day Meeting of the National Laity Commission mer member of Wattala Pradeshiya Saba, itself is celebrated annually Feb. 11, the feast of Our was held at Lankarama, Balcombe Place, Borella, re- Charles Ranmuthu were also present. Lady of Lourdes. House for needy family cently with the participation of Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston (Nimal Perera) Pope Benedict noted that the sacrament, Fernando sss, Chairman, National Laity Commis- formerly known as extreme unction, may be admin- sion and Rt. Rev. Dr. Cletus Chandrasiri Perera, Vice istered in "various human situations connected with Chairman. illness, and not only when a person is at the end of Picture shows the meeting in progress. Also his or her life." present were Rev. Fr. Tony Martyn, Mr. Nimal Perera Anointing with olive oil recalls the "dou- and Mr. Shiran Maitri, National Treasurer (Laity ble mystery of the Mount of Olives," the Pope said, Commission) as both the location of the Garden of Gethsemane, (Theobald Samaratunge) where Jesus confronted his passion, and the place where he ascended into heaven. Oil thus acts "as God's medicine ... offering strength and consolation, Con�irmation Service by Apostolic Nuncio yet at the same time (pointing) beyond the moment rection." at Sacred Heart Church, Rajagiriya of the illness Pope toward Benedict the said definitive that anointing healing, ofthe the resur- sick is one of the Church's two "sacraments of healing," On 22nd October 2011, His Excellency the Ap- Chiara Luce Badano, a 20 year old girl, who in the midst together with the "medicine of confession," pen- ostolic Nuncio was welcomed by the Parish Priest and of intense physical suffering, inspired all those who vis- ance. the Parishioners of Sacred Heart Church Rajagiriya for ited her, including the Bishops. She was declared blessed When a sick person confesses sins to a The Vincent De Paul Society, Parent Associa- by the Holy Father last year. Being saints means living priest, "a time of suffering, in which one could be tion and Youth Society, of Diyalagoda Parish recently the life to the full, change the society and relationships.” tempted to abandon oneself to discouragement and the Confirmation of 140 children of the parish. It was constructed a house for a needy family of the Parish. highest number of children present from the parish to May you accept the gift of the Holy Spirit and share it hopelessness, can thus be transformed into a time of His Excellency’s first Confirmation Service with the Picture shows Rev. Fr. Thusith Pradeep Fernan- receive this sacrament. with an open heart and change the world around you.” grace," the Pope said. do, Parish Priest Diyalagoda declaring open the house. The Nuncio in his homily, said that these young said the Nuncio. Both penance and the sacrament of the sick (Pic. D. Anselm Fernando) Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Fernandopulle the Epis- "have their natural completion in Eucharistic Com- copal Vicar of Colombo East and Very Rev. Fr. Leonard munion," Pope Benedict said. "Received at a time CATHOLIC PRESS WEBSITE of illness," Communion associates the "person who people will be confirmed in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Ranasinghe OSB, the Conventual Prior of the Benedic- partakes of the body and blood of Christ to the of- www.colombocatholicpress.lk burningwho was off often the impurities. represented The by Holy tongues Spirit of burnsfire. Just away as tine Fathers were also present at this ceremony. Email: [email protected] fire gives light, warmth and security, it also purifies by fering that he made of himself to the Father for the all that leads us away from Jesus and helps us to see the The Benedictine Fathers presented a souvenir salvation of all." [email protected] Risen Lord in our hearts and in our midst. Accordingly, the Pope said, parishes should Telephone: 2695984, 2678106, 4899611 He challenged the young people to become vice. ensure that the elderly and the sick enjoy the "pos- Fax: 2692586 saints and placed before them the example of Blessed to His Excellency as it was (Rajagiriyahis maiden Confirmation Correspondent ser- ) sibility of frequently receiving Holy Communion."

3 The Messenger 08th January 2012 'Day for Sick and Elderly' Christmas Carols by York The innocent vindicated Congratulations! St. Gerard Majella (SVP) Conference of Kala- Four New Priests to Congregation The Attorney created such wide spread mulla Parish held a 'Day for Sick and Elders' at Katu- International School General’s Department interest and in many cas- kurunda Convent Hall under the patronage of Parish of the Rosarian had cleared Rev. Sr. Eliza es outright condemnation Priest, Rev. Fr. Maurice Namal Perera. of Prem Niwasa and the clearly point to the fact Holy Mass commenced at 9.00 a.m. with the Institute of which she is how much the services of participation of 60 sick and elderly persons, who were Four Deacons namely, pleted his philosophical Lady of Lanka. He was or- Mary's Church, Navanthu- blessed during the Mass. Rev. Bro. S. Balendarn, and theological studies dained a deacon on 06th rai, Jaffna on 16th January, the head, of any illegal ac- the Missionaries of Chari- Refreshments were served soon after the Mass Rev. Bro. S.Jebathasan, at the National Seminary 2012 at 8.30 am. tivity on 15th December ty are being valued by the which was followed by a musical drama organised by Rev. Bro.M.Pio Marisu- of Our Lady of Lanka. He charistic Celebration will 2011. Yet the dust, the general public irrespec- the Church choir group with the assistance of the Parish than and Rev. Bro. P. was ordained a deacon beAugust at St. 2011. Mary's His first Church, Eu- arrest and detention had tive of narrow religious Priest and Asst. Parish Priest. Venus Sebastian of the on 06th August 2011. His Navanthurai, Jaffna on caused has not yet settled Lunch was served to every one present and lat- Christmas Carols presented by the York Inter- Congregation of the Ro- 16th January, 2012 at 8.30 down. charisma of the found- er, Prof. Anton Meemana delivered a speech pertaining national School, Wattala, was held at St. Mary's Church, sarians will be ordained tion will be at St. Nicholas' am. We, the Confer- eraffiliations. of the Congregation, True to the to the charitable work of this Apostolate. Bags of provi- Nayakakanda, Hendala, under the patronage of the Par- priests By His Lordship Church,first Eucharistic Navanthurai, Celebra- Jaff- ence of Major Religious Blessed (Mother) Teresa, sion items with textiles to the sick and the elderly were ish Priest Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunathilaka, Chairman of Most.Rev.Dr.Thomas Sa- na on 14th January 2012 Superiors of Sri Lanka, Sr. Eliza whole heartedly also distributed. the School, Mr. Rohan Perera was also present. vundaranayagam Bishop at 8.30 am. The day's programme ended with a prayer. as a collective body of forgave the authorities of (Pic. Nimal Perera) of Jaffna, at the Cathedral leaders of all religious their illegal and indecent (Rufus Fernando) of St. Mary, Jaffna on the congregations, strongly act, proving that an act of 12th of January 2012 at We wish Anne Shalika Jayamanna, Staff condemn the manner in forgiveness when one is 9.30 a.m. Colombo Catholic Press and Dinesh Chandana Annual Report 2010/11 of the Sri Lanka Movement which the arrest and re- wronged is the Christian mand has been carried way. Jayaruwan, who entered Holy Matrimony on 17 for Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Bro. M. Pio Marisuthan December 2011, a Very Happy Wedded Life. (Modi�ied as at 2nd November 2011) CR is the son of Mr. An- out, especially when oth- The incident had er options had been there. proved, in the eyes of the May the love that brought you together, thonipillai Mariathas and 1) The spirit and commitment to- SONS LEARNT AND RECONCILIA- to the President and Minister of Ed- We also equally condemn law that the Sisters carry grow and mature with each passing year! wards work for Justice and Peace TION COMMISSION ucation in this regard. Mrs. Mariathas Martham- the irresponsible media out much needed yeomen Preparatory work in re- 7) We are requesting the State Au- ma of Navanthurai , Jaffna. that gave such adverse service to the people of Sri was a source of strength, inspite of gard to the above was a major task thorities, and Religious and Civil So- Bro. M. S. Jebathasan CR He was born on 03rd Sep- publicity even when full Lanka in full conformity of from most of the office - bearers undertaken by a special working ciety leaders for appropriate action is the son of Mr. Alexander tember 1980. He entered the Rosarian Minor Semi- investigations have not the law. As such services countered in carrying forward the unit which took a lot of pain and to deal with the political violence Sebamalai and Mrs. Mary Christmas get-together at nary in Jaffna in 1995 and financial and other difficulties en- Bro. P. Venus Sebastian Katpalangari of Navanthu- been carried out. are carried out by many objectives of the Movement. care in drafting appropriate repre- which is mainly affecting the mar- completed his philosophi- Dehiowita Parish 2) The work mainly centered sentations keeping in line with the ginalised sector of our society. CR is the son of Mr. An- rai, Jaffna. He was born on While legal opin- religious congregations, thonipillai Packiyanathan 21st January 1980. He en- cal and theological studies ions seem clearly to point both men and women, in around problems and issues per- terms of reference of the Presiden- at the National Seminary and Mrs. Packiyanathan tered the Rosarian Minor taining to both Sinhala and Tamil tial Commission. and other problems encountered of Our Lady of Lanka. He out that the arrest and the country, we appeal to Bro. S. Balendran CR is Mary Matilda of Navan- Seminary in Jaffna in 1995 communities, particularly the mar- The Commission respond- during8) In focusing the last attention three years, to financial we re- was ordained a deacon remand was illegal and the concerned authori- the son of Mr. Sebastian- thurai, Jaffna. He was born and completed his philo- ginalised in the country. ed positively in regard to all matters alised that closer understanding on 06th August 2011. His hence the NCPA acted ties that in carrying out 3) PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIA- presented by our delegation. and active collaboration with the pillai Santhiapillai and on 18th September 1979. sophical and theological in violation of the law of their duties they respect Mrs. Santhiapillai Francis- He entered the Rosarian studies at the National MENTARY ELECTIONS 5) Problems encountered by the Episcopal Commission for Justice. tion will be at St. Mary's the land, one cannot but the principal of natural ca of Navanthurai, Jaffna. Minor seminary in Jaffna Seminary of Our Lady of Programme of conscienti- Archdiocese due to the inordinate Peace and Human Development, is Church,first Eucharistic Navanthurai, Celebra- Jaff- wonder whether there justice, human rights and He was born on 07th April in 1995 and completed Lanka. He was ordained sation of Presidential Candidates delay in the appointment of addi- a requirement to achieve optimum na on 16th January, 2012 had been other reasons fundamental freedom. 1979. He entered the Ro- his philosophical and a deacon on 06th August as to their duties and responsibili- tional Auxiliary Bishops were pre- progress in activating projects and at 8.30 am. for acting in such a high sarian Minor Seminary in theological studies at the ties was undertaken. Also, the le- sented to the Apostolic Nuncio. The programmes of the Movement. To- Rev. Fr. Samantha handed manner. However, Fr. Jeyaraj Rasiah SJ gitimate grievances of the Catholic Apostolic concerns and services to wards this end, it is necessary to Jaffna in 1994 and com- National Seminary of Our Celebration will be at St. Cooray CR the fact that the incident President of the CMRS 2011. His first Eucharist community, particularly in respect the Catholic community, is a wider consider (i). Change the name to Sri interest of the Movement, as the Lanka Movement for Truth Justice Pope stresses value of anointing worship, were presented to the can- Archdiocese provides miscella- and Reconciliation. Distribution of school items for deserving children Dehiowita St. Anthony's Church, Christmas didates.of fisheries, Steps education were also and takenreligious to neous services to the majority of the (ii) Appropriate amendments to be on World Day of the Sick VATICAN CITY (CNS) - get-together was held at the newly-constructed stage educate the voters as to their duties Catholic population in Sri Lanka. effected to the Constitution, in the Distribution of school books and Anointing of the sick is not a mi- on Boxing day. There was a large gathering to witness and responsibilities. Similar action 6) Widespread violence in the process of re-organisation, and equipment for the children of low income nor sacrament, said Pope Bene- various cultural activities. was taken during the time of the country, particularly, against chil- (iii). Appointment of trustworthy families was held at Weliamuna, Hendala dict XVI, but one that "deserves The chief guest was Mr. Nilantha Gunasinghe, a General Election. Some of the above dren from the poorer sector of so- under the patronage of Rev. Fr. Mahendra greater consideration today" businessman who being a Buddhist, supports all church programmes of work were activat- ciety was evident in the past years. ed and committed to the tasks en- Gunathilaka, Parish Priest, St. Mary's Church activities. The events were organised by the Parish Priest ed in collaboration with Caritas Sri A crime perpetrated on a child in trustedoffice-bearers to them. who will be dedicat- Nayakakanda, Hendala recently. to both minister and recipient. Rev. Fr. Piyal Fernando, assisted by Rev. Fr. Emil Danish Lanka - SEDEC. the Matara District was especially Former Minister of Christian Af- because The of Pope's its spiritual words appeared benefits Fernando, in charge of the Bulutota English Academy. 4) REPRESENTATIONS TO LES- shocking. We made representations (Andrew Samaratunge) Picture shows the children being attracted by fairs, John Amaratunge, Former Minister of in a message for the 2012 World Santa Claus. National Laity Commission Meeting Western Provincial Council, Lawrence Madi- Day of the Sick, released by the (Text & Pic. J. Antony) wala who sponsored the project and for- Vatican on January 3. The day Meeting of the National Laity Commission mer member of Wattala Pradeshiya Saba, itself is celebrated annually Feb. 11, the feast of Our was held at Lankarama, Balcombe Place, Borella, re- Charles Ranmuthu were also present. Lady of Lourdes. House for needy family cently with the participation of Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston (Nimal Perera) Pope Benedict noted that the sacrament, Fernando sss, Chairman, National Laity Commis- formerly known as extreme unction, may be admin- sion and Rt. Rev. Dr. Cletus Chandrasiri Perera, Vice istered in "various human situations connected with Chairman. illness, and not only when a person is at the end of Picture shows the meeting in progress. Also his or her life." present were Rev. Fr. Tony Martyn, Mr. Nimal Perera Anointing with olive oil recalls the "dou- and Mr. Shiran Maitri, National Treasurer (Laity ble mystery of the Mount of Olives," the Pope said, Commission) as both the location of the Garden of Gethsemane, (Theobald Samaratunge) where Jesus confronted his passion, and the place where he ascended into heaven. Oil thus acts "as God's medicine ... offering strength and consolation, Con�irmation Service by Apostolic Nuncio yet at the same time (pointing) beyond the moment rection." at Sacred Heart Church, Rajagiriya of the illness Pope toward Benedict the said definitive that anointing healing, ofthe the resur- sick is one of the Church's two "sacraments of healing," On 22nd October 2011, His Excellency the Ap- Chiara Luce Badano, a 20 year old girl, who in the midst together with the "medicine of confession," pen- ostolic Nuncio was welcomed by the Parish Priest and of intense physical suffering, inspired all those who vis- ance. the Parishioners of Sacred Heart Church Rajagiriya for ited her, including the Bishops. She was declared blessed When a sick person confesses sins to a The Vincent De Paul Society, Parent Associa- by the Holy Father last year. Being saints means living priest, "a time of suffering, in which one could be tion and Youth Society, of Diyalagoda Parish recently the life to the full, change the society and relationships.” tempted to abandon oneself to discouragement and the Confirmation of 140 children of the parish. It was constructed a house for a needy family of the Parish. highest number of children present from the parish to May you accept the gift of the Holy Spirit and share it hopelessness, can thus be transformed into a time of His Excellency’s first Confirmation Service with the Picture shows Rev. Fr. Thusith Pradeep Fernan- receive this sacrament. with an open heart and change the world around you.” grace," the Pope said. do, Parish Priest Diyalagoda declaring open the house. The Nuncio in his homily, said that these young said the Nuncio. Both penance and the sacrament of the sick (Pic. D. Anselm Fernando) Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Fernandopulle the Epis- "have their natural completion in Eucharistic Com- copal Vicar of Colombo East and Very Rev. Fr. Leonard munion," Pope Benedict said. "Received at a time CATHOLIC PRESS WEBSITE of illness," Communion associates the "person who people will be confirmed in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Ranasinghe OSB, the Conventual Prior of the Benedic- partakes of the body and blood of Christ to the of- www.colombocatholicpress.lk burningwho was off often the impurities. represented The by Holy tongues Spirit of burnsfire. Just away as tine Fathers were also present at this ceremony. Email: [email protected] fire gives light, warmth and security, it also purifies by fering that he made of himself to the Father for the all that leads us away from Jesus and helps us to see the The Benedictine Fathers presented a souvenir salvation of all." [email protected] Risen Lord in our hearts and in our midst. Accordingly, the Pope said, parishes should Telephone: 2695984, 2678106, 4899611 He challenged the young people to become vice. ensure that the elderly and the sick enjoy the "pos- Fax: 2692586 saints and placed before them the example of Blessed to His Excellency as it was (Rajagiriyahis maiden Confirmation Correspondent ser- ) sibility of frequently receiving Holy Communion."

4 The Messenger 08th January 2012 Catholic Church Unveils New Home for Ex-Episcopalians

EDITORIAL Opening its doors more widely to seeking to convert, something they say they 8 January 2012 disaffected Episcopalians, the Roman Catho- have long dreamed about. lic Church has established the equivalent of a “I’m excited about the opportunity for nationwide diocese in the United States that those who, for the most part, are already with The Church and the Signs former Episcopal priests and congregations can the Catholic Church in their hearts,” Cardinal of the Times enter together as intact groups, the Vatican has Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, said announced. in an interview. The cardinal supervised plan- In his novel "The Brave New World" Aldous Huxley Converts who join the new entity will ning of the ordinariate. Since the Vatican’s grant of an exemp- modern life. So Secularism has gathered momentum in the legiance to the Pope and oppose contraception tion from celibacy in 1980, scores of Episcopal Westernpredicted World. that falsificationThe Church wouldis denied be its the role decisive as the elementproclaimer of andbe full-fledged abortion. But Catholics, they will expected be allowed to show to pre- al- priests have joined the Catholic priesthood, of the only truth. Instead it is argued that the State should be serve revered verses from the Book of Common remaining married. The new ordinariate will secular and that there is no single truth. Prayer. And, in what one Catholic leader called allow priests and their existing congregations “an act of generosity,” priests who are married to switch en masse, establishing new parishes Truth is said is relative. What you believe is the truth is truth will be exempted from the Catholic require- for you and what I believe as truth is truth for me. There is no ment of celibacy, though they may not become priests who join the ordinariate will not be al- difference. Some philosophies even say that man is not capable bishops. lowedwith an to Anglican marry later flavor. on. Unmarried Anglican of knowing absolute truth. But viewed in this way man would The new grouping, called the Personal So far, more than 100 priests and not be capable of ethical values either. There is no objective or absolute moral code either. So they say there is nothing unethical Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, will have its groups of members totaling more than 1,320, about homosexuality or gay marriages or in abortion. In this set headquarters in Houston and be led by Jeffrey including six congregations of 70 or more, have up what the majority may believe is what counts. But the world N. Steenson, a former Episcopal bishop and asked to join the ordinariate, said Father Scott has seen the havoc caused by destructive majority ideologies like father of three who left the church in 2007 and Hurd, a Catholic priest in Washington, D.C., and Nazism and Communism, all of which stood against the truth as became a Catholic priest in 2009, under an a former Episcopalian who helped design the proclaimed in Christianity. Secularists point to the wars fought in existing exemption for converting Anglicans. new system. the name of religion and argue that banishing religion altogether With the title of ordinary, Father Steenson will Father Steenson said he expected more from the State and even society is the best way to achieve be a member of the United States Conference of former Episcopalians to join after they saw tolerance of differences in society. It is true that Christians have Catholic Bishops and will report directly to the how the new group operated. He said that he proclaimed the truth in a manner which was intolerant and even personally had always longed for closer ties brutal. But the Church which includes all Christians cannot fail to Catholic leaders and some former with the Catholics, a feeling that only inten- proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ that he suffered and died for EpiscopaliansVatican, church are officials celebrating said. the announce- sinners, that our God is a God of Love who will forgive sinners ment as a small but notable event in an often tradition on female priests and acceptance of if they believe in him and live according to his commandments. sified as the Episcopal Church broke with This is the great truth we are called upon to proclaim in love and tortuous history of relations between the Vati- homosexuality, dividing the churches further. charity but not in an intolerant spirit. God is Emmanuel and He can and the Anglican Church, which includes But he is also overjoyed to preserve elements will live in our hearts and minds and in the world at large if we the Episcopalians, after their break in the 16th of the Anglican liturgy, he said. The expecta- live by his commandments. century. tion is that this parallel structure will continue The Episcopal Church is the main Some think that after 2000 years, Christianity has played itself American branch of the , When the Vatican authorized creation out just as other major cultures and religions in the history of a loose global body whose symbolic head is the ofindefinitely. these entities in 2009, some Anglican lead- Archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Church ers, especially in England, expressed concern religion in the western world this may look so. But if we look at of England. It has been shaken by discord from that it was trying to take advantage of their thecivilization. world at If large we lookand evensuperficially at the movements at the prevailing among practice the young of conservatives who object to the ordination turmoil. In England, where a similar group- in the West itself we note that Christianity is developing a new of female priests, the acceptance of bishops ing was formed last year, about 60 priests and creativity based on genuine faith and service. Man is from time to time reverting to paganism because of his original sin. As St with homosexual partners and changes in the more than 1,000 members have joined so far. Augustine wrote, world history is a battle between the two forces liturgy. But Cardinal Wuerl and Father Hurd said that of Love - love of self to the point of destroying the world and While it involved only a small fraction the system was developed in response to a love of others to the point of renouncing oneself. The role of the of the Episcopal Church in the United States, growing demand. Church is to produce a group of people, undoubtedly a minority which has more than 7,000 priests and two “There have been Anglican groups who will stand for truth and justice and struggle against evil in million members, dozens of entire parishes requesting this for 30 years,” Father Hurd said. the world. They will resist evil and condemn its manifestations. have broken away to join alternative Anglican “This is not an effort at poaching or sheep- In this battle truth and justice will triumph however great the branches. Many do not want to become Catho- stealing.” opposition. Dictators who oppose God and the spread of his lics but a share of disaffected Episcopalians are (Catholic News Service) teachings will fall. Faith includes history and God has sent signs from time to time in history to encourage us to believe that He is with us even unto the end of the world. The Point of Nothingness So what does 2012 hold for us? Last week the Washington Times newspaper carried an editorial with the caption "Being a Christian Absolute Poverty/Pure Truth is a death sentence" and urged that America needs to give shelter At the centre of our being to persecuted believers from Muslim lands. Christians are facing is a point of nothingness which is untouched by sin and by illusion, a churches on Christmas night and over 40 persons were killed; point of pure truth, a point or spark insevere the Middlepersecution East inin Nigeria, Egypt, Syria,where Iraqbombs and were in Pakistan, exploded notin five to which belongs entirely to God, which mention China where only a local national Church is tolerated. is never at our disposal, from which God disposes of our lives, which is in- The famous Third prophecy of Fatima holds hope for us. It was not accessible to the fantasies of our own revealed until 2002. The text spoke of a bishop clothed in white will. This little point of nothingness collapsing and this was interpreted as the attempted assassination and of absolute poverty is the pure of Pope John Paul II. But Pope Benedict has stated that the Fatima glory of God in us. It is, so to speak, prophecy is not complete. The Church will continue to suffer but His name written in us, as our pov- the eventual triumph of the Church is assured according to this erty, as our indigence, as our depen- prophecy. God will punish severely those who do not believe in dence, as our sonship. It is like a pure him, those who despise him and those who did not have time for diamond, blazing with the invisible him. The prophetic message said, "I call upon all of you to come light of heaven. It is in everybody, to my son Jesus Christ. God will help the world, but all of those and if we could see it we would see these billions of points of light com- ing together in the face and blaze of a Sowho we do should not show not fidelitybe afraid and for loyalty God iswill with be destroyed!"us. Here in our own sun that would make all the darkness country we saw the bigoted hostility of our enemies in the arrest and cruelty of life vanish completely... and remanding of the Sister Eliza of the Missionaries of Christ. I have no program for this seeing. It is We may have to face more such persecutions. But we know that only given. But the gate of heaven is God will triumph. But being Christian will not be enough unless everywhere. (Thomas Merton) we live the teachings of Our Lord. (Footprints Magazine) 5 The Messenger 08th January 2012 A marvel of Timing (This is a true story. Only the names have been changed)

The 21st of March on this very day! He was born door opened and she came remarked "I mean your coming declined the invitation and was a special day in our family in the very hour in which I had out of the house, carrying this out and bumping into her just left after partaking of some circle. It was my birthday - and seen the light of day so many bag with her. She introduced as she passed by." refreshments. my second son's as well. It was years ago! Thereafter the birth- herself and asked me whether "God must have been Had the housemaid also the day of the Summer day became a double occasion. I would like to have some reli- behind that chance meeting," Equinox, when day and night My reminiscence were gious books absolutely free of my sister said. earlier or late than she actually were equal. cut short when the gate opened charge. I was quite surprised. The housemaid took did,left theshe house would only have five missed minutes my That Saturday morn- and my sister came walking I inquired about the owner of out the books and laid them on ing I reclined in my armchair up the drive. She was accom- the books and why he wanted the dining table, and I began sister completely and the books in the verandah while my wife panied by an elderly lady who to dispose of them." to examine them one by one. wouldn't have reached me, I busied herself in the kitchen. was dressed in a saree. This "The owner is actually There were two or three ver- It was my sixtieth birthday lady carried a leather bag with Mr. Webster's wife," the house- sions of the Holy Bible, valu- timing and I am certain that the and my three sons who were maid interrupted." A little while able. Lordreflected. was behindIt was a it miracle all. For ofdoes all married and lived far away "It's so nice to see ago she handed over this set of Commentaries and not God's Word say that "It is would come home for lunch. you!"some Idifficulty. said, rising to my feet books to me and asked me to other books on the Bible and not in man who walks to direct Their birthday cards had all "Happy birthday, aiya!" she get rid of them or present them two books on the end-time his steps?" arrived. My sister (who was a greeted me with a kiss. I looked to somebody as she had no use happenings. Most of the books It was a birthday nun in a Convent in Negombo inquiringly at the bag which for them. So I left the house were de-lux editions and were present sent to me by the Lord itself) would turn up too. As her companion carried. "A carrying these books with me. in almost mint condition. But Himself, I felt, and in the very I sat there I thought of some birthday present for me?" The moment I came outdoor, one thing puzzled me. None of choice of the present there was of my past birthdays that had "It could be that," my I saw this Sister passing by. those books carried the own- an unmistakable message for been memorable in some way sister replied enigmatically. At What better person to receive er's name written on them. or another. the sound of their voices my religious books than a nun, I At the sight of those priceless me. Unquestionably it was the My 21st birthday was wife came out of the kitchen. thought to myself. So I spoke to treasures, what happened to most splendid birthday present quite memorable since it was She welcomed them cordially her and asked her whether she Pavlov's dogs also happened to I had received in all those 59 on this day that I joined the and we all walked into the hall would like to have them. She me... years. I bowed my head and Local Government Service by and seated ourselves. jumped at the idea. She said I thanked both of them thanked the Lord from the bot- taking up duties in an Urban "Aiya, this lady is a that she was on her way to your and requested my sister to take tom of my heart. And the glow Council. housemaid employed in that birthday and that being a book- for herself any books that she of joy that the present of books I also thought of American Engineer's house lover you would like nothing fancied. She contented herself ignited in me was to remain for my 25th birthday when God over there," my sister began. better as a present. She invited with only three books out of many days to come.... blessed me in a special manner. "Just as I was passing by that me to come along with her." the lot. And though we pressed For my second son was born house on my way here, the "This is amazing!" I them to stay for lunch, they Joe Jayasuriya The 'wow' factor WOW!" said the new Duchess of Cambridge Love-a-duck!" (1898), stemming from "Lord" and as she walked on to the "Lord love me': And then there is a whole string of balcony at Buckingham "Holy" "formations, including "Holy mackerel!" record- Palace. "Wow! Wow!" said ed (or invented) by George Ade in 1899, and possibly a Irish President Mary McA- euphemistic variant on "Holy Mary'. leese, as the Queen spoke in Sadly, all these colourful expressions are going Gaelic at that historic State the way of the typewriter ribbon. Is anything replacing banquet in Dublin. them? Recent dictionaries offer only Bart Simpson's ''Wow!'' is an excla- "Ay Caramba!" (according to Wikipedia a minced ver- mation expressing Surprise sion of a Spanish slang word for penis) and the excit- and delight, ideal for well - brought-up people since it mon in text-speak and online. able "omigod!'; first recorded in 1961 and now com contains nothing that can (Courtesy: The Tablet) offend. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) tells us that the Word is Scottish, Today dating back to the sixteenth century. Aside from aston- ishment and admiration, it originally also expressed Our daily life is a gift from God tend to use the obvious taboo much in use among our carters and aversion, sorrow, commiseration Not in Years but a Day at a time, words relating to bodily functions. lowest people'. and any kind of emphatic assertion. The Lord has made this day for us If they don't do that, they might Even the schoolboy's By the end of the nine- say "God!" or ''Jesus!'' or perhaps, And planned it to be the most important teenth century, 'Wow!" had spread if they're trying to be funny, "Jesus in 1931, is a corruption of "God!'; day of our life. as far as America, where the enthusiastic "Cor!'; first recorded H. Christ!'; a variant supposedly in probably arriving via "Corblimey!" Yesterday is gone, never to return use since before 1850 and based or "Gorblimey!" (1896), ellipti- Ade used it in his 1896 novel, Artie, Only Today is ours, dedicated slang-truffier George on the Greek monogram IHS or cal versions of "God blind me': IHC. "Gorblimey!" also gave us "Gordon As each day arranged by in Chicago. Artie tells his friend, Taking the Lord's name our Heavenly Father Miller,the story about of a a young variety office show worker he has in vain has not always been as exclamation in a novel of 1937, just seen: prevalent as it is now. James I made theBennett!'; man in first question recorded being as James an "The girls - Wow!" "Beauties, eh?" His gift, swearing illegal, a prohibition that Gordon Bennett, a world-famous With infinite wisdom and goodness is Where "Wow!" came from only fell into abeyance in the mid journalist-turned playboy. As an act of His love for us is anyone's guess. The OED sug- eighteenth century. For Jesus is coming, His coming is near. gests it might be related to another But it was frowned upon Scots exclamation, 'Vow!'; as in this In our daily thanksgiving until late in the twentieth cen- in 1826)"Christ!" and "Cripes!" was modified (1910), to example: "Hech me! but it's lang Let us offer the gifts of ourselves, tury. Hence we have a plethora of whilebecome "Jesus!" "Crikey!" gave (first us two recorded Ameri - since I saw you, and vow! ye're To Jesus in the Holy Eucharist euphemistic or "minced" variants can exclamations, "Gee!" (from grown gaudy and grand." "Vow" of the religious words. "God!" was 1895) and ''Jeepers!': Meanwhile, Our prayers, works, joy and sufferings. here is an elliptical version of "I replaced by "Goodness!" (Shake- "Jehoshaphat!" or "Jumping Je- vow': Unfortunately 'Vow!" is not Anton Selemberam speare), "Goodness gracious me!" hoshaphat!" (1866) may replace recorded until nearly three centu- (Dickens' of 1841), ''Jesus!': ries after "Wow!. "Gosh!" (1757) and "Golly!'; noted Other long-gone exclama- The golden age of excla- by the naturalist Gilbert White in tions include "Lawks!" (1780s), mations has passed. People today 1775 as being an "asseveration "Lumme!" (1898) and "(Lord) 6 The Messenger 08th January 2012 ents preferred to have a child to full term. They male child than a female. safeguard the life of the According to Indian law innocent child. They have the medical professionals promised such women to ccording to pro- are legally prohibited to keep their pregnancy se- Abortion divulge the sex of the foe- cret. They give the mother Aare over 1000 abor- pitals or clinics run by the tus before they are born. the option of keeping the tions jected performed figures in there Sri State-run National Health Christians regard- baby or giving the child for Lanka a day. Service up to six months of ed abortion as a grievous adoption after the birth. Though abortion pregnancy. crime as early as in the These homes are is illegal there are many In the seventies Didache, an part of the Christian tradi- abortion clinics operat- I happened to attend a - tion geared towards safe- ing in different parts of presentation of Blessed tianfirst century.document says that guarding innocent human the island. They are in the Mother Teresa of Calcutta abortionancient first is tantamountcentury Chris to lives as well as to help inno- business of terminating on abortion. There were infanticide. The Second cent victims of rape, incest pregnancies. Due to the many gynaecologists, pae- Vatican Council document and the women who are illegality of the procedure diatricians, moral theo- Lumen Gentium condemns ignorant of human sexual- many of these clinics are logians and news media abortion as murder of the ity and reproduction. The clandestine and unhy- personnel attending this innocent. Blessed Pope non-Christian or State Or- gienic. There are lots of John Paul II in his encyclical ganizations cannot under- young females treated for Madi Evangelium Vitae categori- stand the commitment and the complications of sep- cally condemns abortion as the dedication of these reli- tic abortions in the State deliberate killing. “I declare gious not only to safeguard hospitals in this country. home for adoption. She that direct abortion, that is, innocent human lives but There are no statistics of Bits and Pieces appealedso that they to can the find audience, a safe abortion willed as an end also to keep the anonymity these victims. “Give me these babies. I or as a means, always con- of these mothers who are In some countries of Charity, for unwedded - stitutes a grave moral dis- guiltless victims of a soci- such as the United King- presentation. Her message pregnant women or any- day the same principle is order, since it is deliberate ety devoid of religious eth- dom abortion is legally was simple. She reiterated one who has an unplanned carriedwill find out them by hera home.” sisters To in killing of an innocent hu- ics and moral values. permitted for therapeutic the moral teaching of the or an unwanted pregnancy. every part of the world to man being.” It is the duty of reasons up to 24 weeks of Catholic Church and said She mentioned that safeguard the life of the in- Based on these the State Organizations pregnancy. The reasons in- that abortion at any stage there are tens of thousands nocent victims of abortion. teachings of the Church, such as the Departments clude rape and incest. They of foetal development is of couples who are longing Abortion is illegal Catholic religious orders of Education and Health to also have included men- tantamount to murder of to adopt these babies. in India. At the later stages have established homes to teach the teenagers about tal health reasons such as an innocent person who She urged such of pregnancy a Cat Scan help the victims of rape or human sexuality and re- depression and anxiety cannot defend himself/ mothers to visit her con- can detect the sex of the incest and also to help the production. This has to be caused by an unwanted herself. She mentioned that vents and go through their child in the womb. There females who are having done before they fall into pregnancy. In other words there are many safe havens pregnancy till full term were so many instances of “unwanted or unplanned the traps of promiscuous abortion is available on in Asia run by her congre- and voluntarily give their abortion of female foetus, pregnancies.” They help sexual practices and pre- demand in any of the hos- gation, Missionary Sisters babies to these convents because the Indian par- the mothers to carry the marital pregnancy. Why is the world as it is? The world is you, conditioned by the priest, the great web”. The Fourth Wise Man S. Jeganayagam and what you are the world the politician, the religious So beware, there Long, long time ago is. Is this a conundrum, or institutions and their rites, is agreat web that has en- A man full of ego a mere facetious statement rituals and ceremonies. trapped you, and if you streams, the seas and the Longed to see the king of all lands or logical sophistry? You You are conditioned by want to be free, you must, rivers, the forests and the So, planned to sail to far lands are the world. If you are custom, by tradition, by ambitions, envious, cruel, the environment and the in this web. the birds, as God made Prompted by a shiny star hateful, self-seeking, vio- people around you. Can first be awareAlso realisethat you that are themflowers all. theBut animalsman has andbe- Wasted not a single hour lent and insensitive, you you break away from the we live in an illusionary spoiled them, by his greed, Only taking some stones precious hold of the past? You can. world, and all that we cov- and violence and exploited To be given to the king gracious all this. The world be- et so valuable and impor- and polluted - the beauti- will findYou that arethe world the re is- comes what it does. You tant are in fact empty and ful and bounteous world Tiresome journey pository of millions of become what you do. devoid of substance. When of God. It truly is a mad Weakened not his passion ages of the accumulated Marcus Aurelius, writes these are seen, the illu- brutal world. Wearisome body consciousness of mankind. “Whatever befalls you is sion of the material world The way out then Told not ‘No’ to his mission You have inherited the part of the destiny of the melts away. This is what is is in giving up the material residue of the past and in Universe, ordained for you enshrined in the words of sense of existence for the Among the nobles he searched fact you are conditioned from the beginning. All Jesus, “My Kingdom is not spiritual consciousness, In mansions and places he sought by the past. You are also that befalls you is part of of this world.” (Jn 8:36) which is the essence of the Among the wise and learned he searched “God spirit and they that teaching of Jesus Christ. In learning centres he sought worship him must wor- The great lesson, Making Sunday Beautiful ship him in spirit and in man has to learn, is the Searched and searched again and again truth” (Jn 4:24) human experience of Je- All seemed but vain and vain Sunday is never complete without being a The true world sus, who was betrayed by Nothing left but pain and pain part of its celebration in my very own parish church. is what of the spirit and his disciple Judas, is not to As many a grey hair he gained and gained Saying a hello or a friendly smile to that fa- when one realises this, trust man whose breath is miliar face. A sense of belonging and closeness is felt ‘The World as it is’, is in his nostrils, not to place Evening of his life soon came within. understood. The world as any trust or faith in the Leaving for him no more time This is the place where memorable events it is, is man made and not material world, but to turn Soon he found himself in tiny cells have taken place in my life. Marriages and our chil- God made. The world of inwards into the world of Caring for the people with decaying cells God has been supplanted the spirit. dren’s baptisms to name a few. And now as I see my For him came the day to say daughter doing the Reading at the podium in the by the world of man. For then, “Thou True, there are wilt keep him in perfect Good bye to the world feeling gay Sanctuary. the mountains and the val- peace, whose mind is Deep down him full of dismay How I thank My Lord. leys, the meadows and the strayed on thee.” (Is 26:3) For his failed dream remained to that day Many of my dear friends opt for different churches instead of their own parish church. So called Before he breathed his last reasons being “It’s lively and interesting.” Take time for a minute of The king he searched came at last Let’s ask ourselves as to how we have con- humour - smile! No silver or gold was left now to offer tributed in making the service more meaningful. All that left was tears bitter “Once a poor young man, now It reminds me of the words of Mahatma Gandhi. has become a wealthy old man” The king smiled and said in lower voice “You must be the change you wish to see in said the Psychiatrist to the de- Already you paid the homage to me world” How very true. You and I can certainly make a pressed man. “Silver in the hair, With your service to others in glee difference. The so called boring serman would carry a Gold in the teeth, Stones in the For all that is done for them is done for me message for you and me from the Lord. kidney, Sugar in the blood, Lead in the feet, Iron So let’s not be critical rather adopt a positive in the arteries, And an inexplicable supply of nat- Would you like to be the fourth wise man in the crib approach by making our own parish church a dwell- ural gas!” He never knew that he’d accumulated at this Christmas??? ing place for our Saviour by our participation. such a wealth. Rev. Fr. Fraccid Anthony Fernando O.M.I. Bro. Clariyan Fernando Shiromi Thomas 4th Year Theology 7 The Messenger 08th January 2012 The story behind seasonal stamps hristmas’ is a popular theme for thematic stamp perseverance by stamp collector and enthusiast Rev. Fr. Noel collecting. In most countries around the world Elmo Perera who later become the Bishop of Galle and Rev. ‘CChristmas stamps are issued to mark the season and for the use Dr. Oswald Gomis emeritus Archbishop of Colombo, who of seasonal mail to be used in the posting of Christmas cards. was at that time the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of The designs on these stamps vary from religious images of the Colombo and in charge of Christian Cultural Affairs. Nativity, to secular images of Christmas Compiled by: Kishani S. Fernando trees, wreaths, Santa Claus etc. The 56 stamps to date have included the art of The fi rst Christmas stamp in renown artists like David Paynter (1996), Sybil Wettasinghe the world is the Canadian map stamp (2001), Kala Booshana S.S. Silva (1993, 1994), Sri Lal of 1898 which bears an inscription Nanayakkara (1999, 2000) and the youngest stamp artist ‘XMAS 1898’. The inspiration for Minura Ranathunaga of Grade 1 Kingswood College, Kandy this fi rst stamp however is said to (2006). have been more by coincidence than They have marked important pilgrim shrines and by special design. This was actually The fi rst stamp with the Christmas connection (Canada) , churches like Our Lady of Madhu (1985), Our Lady of issued to mark the inauguration of and the fi rst stamp with a Nativity scene (Hungary) Matara (1985), St. Anthony’s Wahakotte (2006) St. Mary’s the Imperial Penny Postage rate. The Bolawatte (2004), Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Kalaoya Christmas connection was reported to It is said that after getting approval for issuing of this fi rst Anuradhapura (2011). St. Mary’s Cathedral, Galle (2008), have been the result of a quick thinking set of Christmas stamps, Bishop Elmo took upon himself the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Badulla (2009), St. Mary’s Church, Postmaster William Mulock who had responsibility of looking for an artist to carry out this historic Kegalle (2010). proposed that the stamp be issued on task. An art competition was held without satisfactory results. They have featured historic artefacts like the 9 November, to “honour the Prince” He was then informed of an 18-year-old artist seminarian Nestorian Cross (1995), the Cross of Bl. Joseph Vaz at (meaning the Prince of Wales), but Priyantha Silva who produced a fi tting art work for the Galgamuwa (2005) and architectural monuments like St. when Queen Victoria asked, “What purpose. The seminarian who was later ordained a priest, James Church, Mutwal (2007), the Cathedral Church, Galle

Prince?” in a displeased manner, Mulock realized the was at that time the youngest to design a stamp and went (2008) and one of the fi rst churches depicting indigenized danger, and answered “Why, the Prince of Peace, ma’am.” on to produce 12 more Christmas stamps for Sri Lanka. All architecture St. Philip Neri’s Church, Katukurunda (2003). these stamps that Fr. Priyantha Silva produced were focused They have commemorated illustrious Catholic Thereafter in 1937, Austria issued two ‘Christmas on indigenization of Christian art or making Christian art in priests like Rev. Fr. Jacome Gonsalvez and the Rt. Rev. Dr. greeting stamps’ featuring the rose and zodiac signs. In this case the nativity scene and related scenery look more Edmond Peiris (2004) 1939, Brazil issued four semi-postal stamps with designs Sri Lankan. And they have celebrated church anniversaries like featuring the three kings and a star, an angel and child, The design of the fi rst set of Christmas stamps in the 150th anniversary of the Anglican the Southern Cross and a child, and a mother and child. In 1980 showed the Holy Family and the Magi who came to and Colombo (1995). visit the family on the birth of the infant Jesus. The theme

1941 Hungary issued a semi-postal with an additional fees beautifully coincided with the Church’s dedication of that to pay for “soldiers’ Christmas”. The fi rst stamps to depict year to the family. These stamps were unique because they The stamps reproduced here were provided the Nativity was the Hungary issue of 1943. These were indigenized the Christmas scenes with carefully selected by stamp collectors Keerthi Sri Perera, Sanath Rohana all one-time issues, more like commemorative stamps than local art motifs, colours, and other features which were Wickramasinghe and Bede Nihal Perera. regular issues. introduced into the picture to give them a more local touch. The stamps bore the denominations of 35 and Rs. 3.75. Thereafter Christmas stamps have been produced In Sri Lanka annually except on four years for various reasons. Today In Sri Lanka the fi rst Christmas stamps were issued Christmas stamps have become an annual issue in the form in 1980 by the Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts of a souvenir sheet. of Sri Lanka. This was the result of years of negotiations and 8 The Messenger 08th January 2012 Christmas tales of the Middle Ages

he word Christmas is derived feast day came in Advent (6 December), from the Middle English us- but he did not play his part in Christmas Tage "Christ's Mass," and central as Santa Claus until after the Reforma- to the celebration of the Nativity was tion. Also important in the celebra- tion of Christmas was the banquet, which necessarily varied in sumptu- osness with the resources of the cel- ebrants. Churches and houses were decorated with ivy, mistletoe, holly or anything green, which remained up until the eve of Candlemass. The gift- giving of the season was represented by the New Year Gift, which contin- ued a tradition of Roman origin. The later Christmas present was not part of a Medieval Christmas. The Christmas cycle of the mys- tery plays was a part of late Medieval urban entertainment in different parts of England. The Shepherd's

It was superstition that the day of the which were offered to the priest as part carol-dancePlay from Wakefield sang a verse would of bethe a carol, week upon which Holy Innocents' Day of the parochial duties of the faithful. andspecific a ring example. of dancers The respondedleader of the with fell would be unlucky for the coming Other candles were blessed and taken the chorus. Carol-dances were often year. away by the faithful to be used for such suggestive of their pagan ancestors There was no absolute stan- things as giving comfort during thun- where, for instance, holly and ivy had dard about ending the Christmas season der storms or while sick or even dying. the liturgical activity which had been fertility associations with male and fe- with Epiphany, and many carried it Such candles were thus important for established by the year 600, and did not male. Further music for the celebration through to forty days after Christmas, giving people a light of solace in the face change in the Middle Ages. In Medi- of the season was provided by the Latin the date of an ancient pagan festival on of hostile forces and stressful events. eval England there were, in fact, three hymns of the Church. 2 February. This is now celebrated as And thus Candlemas was a closure Masses celebrated on Christmas Day. A medieval Christmas celebra- for the long season commencing with tion was not over in a tion of the Virgin, or alternatively as the Advent that drew Medieval Christians day, but continued until PresentationCandlemas, or of the the Feast Infant of Jesus the Purifica- in the to concentrate on the miraculous gift to 6 January (the Egyptian winter solstice), the Feast of the Epiphany on the 12th day after Christmas Day. Epipha- ny celebrated the visit of the wise men, the Magi, around whom many layers of legend accu- mulated as they came to be conceptualized as three oriental kings who visited the infant Christ at Bethlehem in Judea. Epiphany also symbol- ized the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. The Monday after Epiphany was called midnight (the Angel's Mass), catching Plough Monday, and it was then that upThe the first notion and most that thecharacteristic light of salvation was at ploughing began. appeared at the darkest moment of the The day after Christmas darkest date in the very depth of winter. recalled St. Stephen, the martyr men- The second Christmas Mass came at tioned in the New Testament book of dawn (the Shepherd's Mass), and the Acts. The following day was that of John third during the day (the Mass of the the Apostle and Evangelist (not to be Divine Word). The Season of Advent, the confused with John the Baptist), and 28 forty days of leading up to Christmas, December was Holy Innocents' Day or was being observed in the Western Childermas Day, commemorating the Church by the year 500. St. Nicholas was male children killed by Herod, who was a very popular medieval saint, and his king of the Jews when Jesus was born. Temple. In one of the most elaborate humanity of Christ, and the promise of processions of the year, all parishioners salvation, while leaving at the same time came to Mass with a penny and a candle space for fun, feasting, and socializing. blessed before the procession, both of Sent by Anton Paaris "I do not worship matter; I worship the creator of matter who became matter for my sake, who willed to take His abode in matter; for our lives: To pray well we need to find the following who worked out my salvation a permanent place, through matter. a permanent time, Never will I cease honouring the matter a personal Bible, which wrought my salvation. and a notebook and pen in order to I honour it, but not as God." write what the Lord is talking to us (St. John of Damascus on the Holy Icons, i.16) on that day through the Word of God. 9 The Messenger 08th January 2012 nary bleari- This way of comprehending longing set him searching, and beauty ness of life beauty encompasses all forms of the wrests him from the contentment of ev- had sudden- authentically beautiful. A person can be eryday life. It makes him suffer." ly refocused, beautiful physically because of the "truth Ratzinger points out that beauty and I had and goodness" of his or her proportions. has an element of longing that reminds g l i m p s e d And he or she can also be beautiful in us of the perfection for which we were the beauty his or her moral life, in other words, the made. Our experience of beauty is like a of the tiny truth and goodness of his or her acts and scene from Lois Lowry's futuristic novel things of intentions. Internal beauty eventually is The Giver. The inhabitants of a sheltered, life: A drop manifested on the external features of a controlled community have lost the ca- of sky, a person. If the external beauty is there, pacity to see colour. All is shades of grey. well-cooked but the internal is lacking, the external is One day, however, the protagonist sees pea. I won- damaged or lost. In The Portrait of Dorian something different in an apple as he dered why Grey, Oscar Wilde gives a compelling de- tosses it to a playmate. He glimpses its I could not scription of how vice destroys beauty. ence. He feels that he is seeing things p e r c e i v e However, beauty is not merely redness.the right He way, is the mystified way they by the should experi- be. the incred- the smell of a heady blend of truth and He tries to repeat the experience: he ible wonder goodness. Beauty, says the document steals the apple, takes it to his room, and of life like passes it from one hand to another, hop- her. And it's ture's 2006 Plenary Assembly, "means ing to see colour. But when he forces the funny: On moreconcluding than thethe truthPontifical or the Council good. onTo Cul- say conditions, he sees only grey. The apple's the way to that something is beautiful is not only colour escapes him. As the novel pro- the car, it to recognize it intelligible and therefore gresses, however, the protagonist gradu- seemed like lovable, but also, in specifying our knowl- ally learns to recognize colour. Lowry the noise edge, it attracts us, or captures us with a suggests that his recognition of the true and rush ray capable of igniting marvel. Moreover, colour and of beauty in his world comes, not from a forced experiment, but with s u d d e n l y as it expresses a certain power of attrac- growth in distinguishing right and blinded me tion, beauty tells forth reality itself in the wrong. The Experience to those perfection of its form." In other words, Perceiving beauty is like the moments of beauty reveals that a thing or person has clarity. become what it was made to be. Whether or not we see it, the My friend flashglow of redtruth in anda world goodness of grey. of a thing or asked herself physical level of beauty: The more sym- person is present. However, our experi- of Beauty why this wom- metry a face This has, reflection in other words, is true the on more the ence of beauty comes spontaneously. It an could per- true to what it was made to be, the more gives us pleasure or joy when we recog- nize it. We try to hold on to it, but cannot ome Memories are kneaded into ceive beauty beautiful it is. The perfection of the face (Contd. on Pg. 15) our lives. These memories, re-ap- more clearly than she did. She felt that makes it physically beautiful. On a moral Spear with a smell, colour, or tone of she had seen the beauty of the world as level, this holds even truer. voice that makes them as present to our it really was in that dull hospital room, Pope John Paul II, whose minds as if we were living them again. A and had been almost blinded, she wrote, life was authentically giv- friend of mine recently wrote to me with when she entered back into ordinary en for others, lived in the Where's God's one of those memories: It was an experi- life. It seems to me that this is a common truth of who he was in his ence of beauty. experience. Why? Isn't our world look- words and actions, and he Kingdom? I was in a dull hospital room ing for beauty? Doesn't the quest for the lived by goodness. His en- painted cream and maroon, look- beautiful drive the plastic surgery indus- counters with the faithful Villages, towns, and countries ing at a woman in a green shimmy. try, shopping sprees, and myriad diets? in World Youth Days, gen- have their boundaries for identity. Her face was puffy, her body spread Yes and no. Yes, because we all eral audiences, and other Ages have passed, yet unexplained over the sheets, her wrist marked want to be beautiful, but no, because it large-scale events pro- are the demarkation of God's Kingdom. with a plastic hospital bracelet. voked deep emotion in all She had suffered polio as a child, true beauty in the world around us. who met him, even as his Parables are many which tell and carried the marks through her seems that we do not know how to find body grew weaker. In the us about God's Kingdom but forty years of life. Then cancer had The Experience if Beauty crowds around St. Peter's Where it will be nobody knows - though hit, twice. The day I visited was the Beauty, according to Josef Piep- in the days following his �irst that she had eaten solid food er, is "the glow of the true and good ir- death, I met many people since she had been interned, a week radiating from every ordered state of be- who told me their experi- Goodnessa field as a as paradigm its owner was had told. sown earlier, after a serious reaction to ence of John Paul. They re- seeds for grain, but sprouted. the medicine she was taking. immediate sensual appeal." Pieper, then, called his gaze. In his eyes, amidst them were weeds as seen As I had come up in the el- seesing, and beauty not asin thethe attractionpatent significance of truth and of they had found gratitude, Isn't it the work of the evil one? evator, I did not know what to ex- goodness within an object or person. trust, and hope. They had pect. Of course I wanted to make felt that they were known 'Don't pull them out', was her comfortable and to cheer her derstood with the philosophical sense of and loved, personally. It His advice to the devouts for up. But what would I talk about? truth and This goodness. definition Truth should is threefold. be un- was an experience of beau- What would she say? What would First is truth in being (existential truth)- ty. she look like? And could I cope with an object has an essential nature and ful- So we can say that Such act would defile you too that? beauty shows the perfec- TimeSave them for repentance for repentance is God-given. or final punishment These doubts nagged me down Second, there is truth in words (logical tion of a desirable real- Guide the weak in faith, the strong ones the hospital corridor as I peered at truth):fills that when nature-it we make is "true an assertion to its nature." about ity, both on a physical and Let God's Kingdom come and remain the numbers on the doors. I �inally an object, we point to its participation in moral scale. And beauty Weeding the wicked and evil domain. came to hers, knocked, and walked convinces us by the route in. is truth in action (moral truth). In other of the heart. It attracts us The earth we live in and "Oh, what a nice surprise," she words,its specific an object essential behaves nature. in Third,accord there with to the goodness and truth all creations therein are God's said, and invited me to sit down. its essential nature. that we have encountered Once lost and regained by Jesus And she began to tell me about Goodness is essentially the desir- in a thing or person. There- Awaits His second coming for perfection. her day. What she had for lunch: able, in a metaphysical sense: All things fore, learning to experience "I had peas today; they were well strive for, and thus desire, the good. The beauty becomes a bridge Malcolm Fernando cooked ... just the way I like them. " good for which all things strive is their toward rediscovering truth It was good to have peas. I haven't and goodness. been eating for a fortnight." And perfection. When we speak of goodness How? Why does then her view. She pointed to the infulfillment a moral sense,and completion, we continue that to is,have their in beauty capture us? Joseph window: "What a wonderful day it mind the connection between goodness Ratzinger, commenting on is outside. And I'm so lucky to have and being: A good action is one in which Plato's theory of beauty, a view like this! God is good to me. a person acts in accord with what he or answers this question: Sometimes I see the birds winging she is meant to be as a perfected human "Plato sees the encoun- their way across from one build- ter with beauty as the ing to another, or to the trees that tion with an understanding of his terms, salutary emotional shock I know are down in the garden." I whenperson. he Goingspeaks back of the to glow Pieper's of truth defini- and that snatches man out of looked out the window. I could see goodness irradiating from every ordered himself and 'carries him a dash of sky that banged against state of being, he means that when a away.' Man, he says, has another tall, concrete ward. thing or person is what it is supposed lost the perfection that We talked for a little while to be, or behaves according to what is was originally intended for longer. She grew tired; it was time desirable for its nature in word and ac- him. Now he is forever in for her to sleep. I went back to the tion, that thing or person is beautiful. It pursuit of the healing pri- elevator. I felt as though the ordi- attracts us to itself. mordial form. Memory and 10 The Messenger 08th January 2012 Rev. Fr. Marcus Rupesinghe OMI - A light extinguished The Silver Jubilee of Rev. Sisters Kanthi aud Calistra Rev. Fr. Marcus The Silver Jubilee Rupesinghe OMI passed celebrations of two Domin- from here to eternity on the ican Sisters, Rev. Sr. Kanthi, 18th of November 2011 af- Principal of St. Anne’s Ba- ter having chalked up 88 lika School, Wattala and years and nine months. Rev. Sr. Calistra of Loyala Sixty years of his life was College in Negombo, were dedicated to the service of held in 2011. the Lord as an ardent and As a thanksgiving devoted member of the Ob- an Eucharistic celebration lates of Mary Immaculate. was held at St. John the Baptist Church in Nagoda, Early in life Fr. Rupe was employed and did a short stint in Government Service and worked in the Oil Archbishop Emeritus Os- Control Department. It was then that the Lord took con- waldKandana Gomis. officiated There by were the trol of Fr. Rupe’s life - lamp, oil, wick and all. He lived up many priests, religious to the Motto, ‘Ardere et Lucere’To burn and to shine. Fr. brothers and sisters as Rupe not only did burn and shine, but he dazzled as an well as well wishers who exemplary and holy Priest. It is ironical that the more Fr. graced the occasion. St. Anne’s Balika Vidyalaya, Sr. Calistra began Negombo. Sr. Calistra also Rupe preferred to be backstage, the more he came to the Rev. Sr. Kanthi be- Wattala. For the last eight her carrier as a teacher helps in the pastoral activ- limelight. gan her carrier as a teacher years as Principal at Wat- in Christ the King College, ity of the Nagoda Parish. Fr. Rupe served the Oblate Congregation in in Anuradhapura Alagollawa tala she has been rendering Pannipitiya and then at We appreciate the many capacities - as Provincial Treasurer, Superior, For- Maha Vidyalaya and Ragama a tireless service to improve De Mazanod College, Kan- great service done by these mator and Chaplain. He obtained his Doctorate in Canon Basilika Vidyalaya. She was the education of children dana. Presently she is at- two sisters. May God bless Law (DCL) at the Gregorian University. then appointed Principal of and their well-being. tached to Loyola College in their good work! He was much sought after and consulted by many, particularly by the hierarchy. Yet he was simple and unassuming. Surely and steadily, he grew in wis- dom and age, and he grew old gracefully. The much in- Thoughts of Blessed Mother Teresa. .. frequent physical ailments did not cause him anxiety. I had known Fr. Rupe for almost ten years. He was my “Man is unreasonable Honesty and sincerity make you vulnerable constant guide, counsellor and confessor. illogical and egocentric Never mind, be frank and honest. Fr. Rupe never categorized people as sinners, Never mind, love him. nor did he condemn them. To him, a penitent sinner was What you have built up for years a potential Saint. At the time of his passing away, he was lf you do good, they, may be destroyed in a moment the Confessor and Chaplain to the Corpus Christi Car- will say you did. Never mind, forge ahead. it for egoistical reasons mel at Mattakkuliya. A much saddened Carmelite Nun Give the world the best Never mind, do good. commented: ‘Now, we have a Saint in heaven’. I fully en- of you and they will despise you dorse that. If you realize your ideals you will Never mind, give the best of you.” The Oblate Province in Sri Lanka has lost a Co- find false friends and true enemies You see, in the final analysis, it is Never mind, realise them. We know that Fr. Rupe has given a good account of his between you and God. stewardshiplossus. His demise to his Master. creates Farewell! a void that Dear cannot Fr. Rupe, be in filled. the The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow It was never between you and them anyway. sweet by and by, we shall meet on that Beautiful Shore. Never mind, do good. Sent by. Y. Amarasekera (Russel Fernando) Humble thoughts of you, my dear father… New Provincial Team for Every person may also had the notion that you ent in many ways. Salvatorian Sisters were a hard-hearted per- ! I still feel like you their parents which comes sonality. But that was dur- are alive Thaththi and it fromhave histhe or first her memory childhood of ing my childhood. However, is not easy for me to come and so do I. Now my mind as I grow up I could see the out of the shock that I felt - warmth of your heart and due to your sudden death. ther came back home from the compassion and love Thaththi…. I’m still trying to aflies visit to to1990, the the UK. day Since my myfa combined with so many hu- make up my mind that you mother said that Thaththi man qualities. At a glance are away, especially when I will be coming home, I was you looked like hard as rock see the amount of work you drawing a plane seated in but internally you were a have done and the respon- the hall. Then at once I felt sibilities you have left me. very humble personality. Sr. Dulcie Fernando - Provincial Superior someone come behind and I still can remem- Again I can remember what Sr. Nalini Fernando - Vicaress embrace me with loads of ber how much you and my you used to tell us when- they are only happy to talk Sr. Grace Fernando - Councillor kisses. To see it was my mother worked hard and whomever I meet, I find ever we ask you to reduce positively about you, my Sr. Shiroma Kurumbalapitiya, Councillor beloved father and he was father. There are people the workload that you were Sr. Patricia Sandana Saverey - Councillor with a joyful face. For some our happiness. Of course, still mourning your sudden doing. You said, ”Baba I am - yousacrificed thought your of freedom other chil for- death. I can see this wheth- making the cake for you all We wish them God’s abundant blessings. ment which seems to strike dren too. Isn’t that the sim- er I go to the church, cem- and then after me you can Salvatorian Sisters myreason mind this deeply is the when first mo re- ple reason why you catered etery, temple or even your nicely cut the cake and eat membering my father. to the education industry school. it.” “Thaththi.” - This more than half of your life- Thaththi why I Yes Thaththi .... What Lord Buddha would say word is a very strong word time? Giving knowledge to feel very sad and worried Thank you very much for “If the Buddha were to judge the life and for me. This personality children was the core in- is that I didn’t get a chance every drop of sweat you work of the Catholic nun Mother Teresa, played many roles through- tention in your heart, which to treat you or even care for shed for us in order to give out my life. you could accomplish by you as other parents who us the comforts in life and he would tell us that her heart was on of Though you are my the Denuma Educational In- when they grow old need Thaththi ask God to give loving-kindness, which turned into com- biological father, you were stitute and also the OKI In- the assistance of their chil- us the strength and guid- passionate action, Karuna. Mother Te- my teacher, counselor, ad- ternational School that you dren. Sometimes a question ance we need to follow the resa offered a free joy, the Muditha, and visor, and friend and there correct path in accomplish- established. The children arises in my mind whether lived with equanimity,in Upekkha. She were times I saw you like a I took life for granted and ing your vision. There is no hero Thaththi. Whenever families, who were eager to missed my duties to help doubt and I am very sure was a manifesta- I got discouraged or disap- learnfrom and financially progress, disabled became you in your work. Nev- about it that you are safe tion of divinity that pointed, you pushed me for- the focus of your eye. This ertheless I pacify myself in God’s hands, but still I took on human ward and when I met with was the only reason why thinking that I can compen- would say, form, because you formed a welfare asso- sate if I work towards your Thaththi…..May “Sigithi you should try hard ciation called Denuma La- mission. Although you had you rest in peace! these four attri- anddifficulties, face the you challenges always said, in masarana, in order to give to stop by the 55th mile- Your Sigithi butes are qualities life if you want to achieve a generous hand to those stone of your life, you have of divinity”. a good life.” Like the many deserving children. (Denum Saparamadu) earned enough especially a - A.T. Ariyaratne people in your work place I Wherever I go and vast human base, so differ- 1311 The Messenger 08th January 2012 For with God nothing is impossible –Lk.1:37 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Mt.19:26 Sam Schmid, an if they want to call it a explicably” followed the going to work out,” said Arizona college student modern-day miracle, this doctors’ commands, hold- John Schmid. “The mira- believed to be brain dead is a miracle,” said Regan, cle, to put it bluntly, was and poised to be an organ 59, and a Catholic. “I have - that in a matter of seven donor, miraculously re- friends who are atheists worksing up twoall going fingers. off at the days, we went from organ covered just hours before who have called me and same time,”“It wassaid Spetzler. like fire donation to rehab. What a doctors were considering said, ‘I am going back to Today, Schmid roller coaster it was.” taking him off life sup- church.’” his speech clear and He said his broth- port. Schmid’s doc- sounding upbeat told AB- er’s speech is slow, but he Schmid, a junior tor, renowned neurosur- understands what others and business major at geon Dr. Robert Spetzler, I’m in a wheelchair, but I are saying. Sam Schmid’s the University of Arizona, agreed that his recovery amCNews.com, getting lots “I of feel help.” fine. athleticism as a basketball hailing from a family of was miraculous. coach and snowboard in- devout Catholics, was “I am dumb- * No Memory of the structor probably helped, critically wounded in an founded with his incred- Accident he said. - ible recovery in such a Schmid said he dent in Tucson. short time,” said Spetzler. remembers nothing of * Miraculous October The 19 five-car 21-year- acci “His recovery was really the accident nor coming “Honestly, I am old’s brain injuries were remarkable considering around after being in an at a loss for words,” said so severe that the local the extent of his lethal in- induced coma. “It wasn’t John Schmid. “I am just until I woke up in rehab,” hospital could not treat juries.” so proud of Sam. He’s got he said. “But they told me him. He was airlifted to a strong constitution and about afterwards.” he’s very determined. the Barrow Neurological are crediting Spetzler Schmid was re- But it’s been quite an Institute at St. Joseph’s with havingHospital a “hunch” officials that turning from coaching eye-opener for me a real Medical Center in Phoe- despite an initially dire basketball at his former learning curve. You can’t nix, where specialists per- prognosis, the young man Catholic school when a take anything for grant- formed surgery for a life- would make it. But he said van swerved into his lane. ed.” threatening aneurysm. it was “reasonable” for ! A Physio therapist (right) helps Sam Schmid The Jeep in which he was * Sam Schmid’s surgeon - others to consider with- walk back to his hospital room after a Press riding went airborne, hit agrees. cials began palliative care drawing the patient from Conference at Barrow Neurological Institute in a light pole and landed on “In a way, his re- and broachedAs hospital the subject offi life support. Phoenix, on December 23. 2011. its side. covery was truly miracu- of organ donation with Schmid’s left lous,” he said. “It’s a great his family, Schmid began * A ‘hunch’ see fatal injuries on the areas of the brain had hand and both of his fe- Christmas story.” to respond, holding up “It looked like MRI scan. So he decided turned dark, indicating murs broke and required Ever the scientist, all the odds were stacked to keep Schmid on life brain death. surgery. But the worst Spetzler wasn’t willing to Today he is walking with against him,” said Spet- support longer. “If not, we would were the traumatic head speculate what a coma- thetwo aid fingers of a walker, on command. and his zler, who has performed “There was plen- hang on and keep him on injuries, which were com- tose patient hears. But speech, although slow, has more than 6,000 such ty wrong -- he had a hem- support,” he said. “But I plex and nearly always fa- he admits, “There are so improved. surgeries and trained the orrhage, an aneurysm and didn’t want to give the tal. many things we don’t un- Doctors say he doctor who operated on a stroke from the part of family false hope.” All those in- derstand about the brain will likely have a complete Congressman Gabrielle the aneurysm,” Spetzler Schmid’s mother volved say the support and what happens at the recovery. He even hopes Giffords after she was said. “But he didn’t have a that Schmid got from fam- time someone is near to get a day pass from the shot at the beginning of blood clot in the most vi- asked if her son would be ily and friends and espe- death.” hospital to celebrate the this year. said no one “specifically” tal part of his brain, which a donor, but they “subtly cially the care at Barrow “The whole fam- holidays with his large ex- During surgery, we know he can’t recover talk to you about quality may have made the differ- ily was at his side during tended family. Spetzler clipped the bal- from. And he didn’t have a of life.” ence. His brother John, a the day and at night hov- “Nobody could loonlike aneurysm in massive stroke that would “At some point, 24-year-old IT specialist, ering over him, then to see ever give me a better the blood vessel -- “as if predict no chance of a use- I knew we had to make took a leave of absence there was a chance after Christmas present than I were patching a tire,” a ful existence.” some sort of decision, from his job in Chicago to being ready to let go,” he this, ever, ever, ever,” said procedure that eventually So while the fam- and I kept praying,” said be at his brother’s bed- said. “But I am very much his mother, Susan Regan, worked. ily was given a realistic Regan. side. a big believer that posi- who is vice-president of For days Schmid picture of Schmid’s poor The MRI came “It seems like we tive thoughts and positive the insurance company didn’t seem to be respond- chances for survival, Spet- back with encouraging were being led down a energy in a room can only Lovitt-Touche. ing, but what puzzled his zler ordered one more news during the day and path to plan for the worst help.” “I tell everyone, doctor was that he did not MRI to see if the critical by evening Schmid “in- and that things were not (Yahoo News) ‘Enjoying the journey’ by Anusha Atukorala. A Prayer for 2012 der if a little action is worth it, please be assured it is. A BOOK REVIEW by Therese Motha smile maybe just a smile, but it may make someone’s day. Lord, make me prudent at in planning A kind word may be just one word, but it might cheer up a Courageous in taking risks. Anusha Atukorala has an uncanny knack of see- lonely heart that was yearning for it. Yes a little something ing God’s hand in the world around her. As she says in her is always better than a little nothing. Let me not forget that introduction, God speaks to her in a myriad ways, nudging Make me patient in suffering, if I am faithful in the little things, I can look forward to be- her through mundane events to see the wonder of cre- ing trusted with larger responsibilities for His Kingdom.” ation. How many of us see things the way she does? unassuming in prosperity. I like the way she compares entering a warm Do we stop to marvel at birdsong, or do we just shower to entering into God’s loving presence. And again, take it for granted? Anusha stops to drool over clouds ,and when she says that standing at her kitchen window, she Keep me Lord, attentive at prayer, sees in them, the hand of the Maker. felt that it was almost like a sneak peak of heaven. In the Do we listen to the silence? Temperate in food and drink, humdrum activities of daily life, she sees God everywhere. Reading her book makes one realize “Aren’t we There is a lesson in this for all o f us readers. Her falling short of what God wants us to be? “The author re- Diligent in my work, words inspire us to place more trust upon a loving God. ally makes one think. The book is an embodiment of this dictum I came across Firm in my good intentions Does my neighbour see me as one radiating the recently. “Reach for the moon. If you miss it, you’ll still land love of God? Thank you Father among the stars.” Do we thank God for the blessings showered on Available at ‘Back to the Bible’ Bookshop, 120A, us , which we take so much for granted? attributed to Pope Clement XI Dharmapala Mawatha, Col.07 To quote from the book, “The next time you won- 1214 The Messenger 08th January 2012 IS GOD ENOUGH? I have spent over 15 left the room. While Jesus left years battling with an addiction rut or reaching for sweets and the room each looked in a mir- to sweets and desserts. I would dessertsI would findbecause myself they back provided in the ror and decided to remove the reach out to overindulge when immediate comfort. necklace that Jesus gave and I felt rejected, depressed, angry Luckily, God is patient. replaced it with a necklace that or bored. I had tried to quit often I quite often gave up on myself, they thought was better look- and could even consider myself but God never gave up on me. ing. On entering the room Je- a professional quitter because I Over the last few years, instead sus looked at each person and practiced quitting a few times. I of condemning myself I started asked why they replaced the had even abstained from eating to celebrate the days when I necklace. He asked all “Why my comfort foods for up to a pe- didn’t eat sweets. Later I would am I not enough? Why do you riod of 6 months. keep replacing me with worldly Although I could con- for sweets, I would eat a lot less things?” Of course that mes- sider myself a failure, I decided offind it. that even if I reached out sage spoke to my heart, espe- to concentrate instead on my This time I decided to cially since God had brought the successes. I had many success- venture on a mission of abstain- thought of Him being enough to ful weeks at quitting. I began to ing from desserts and sweets for my mind the week prior. understand what my body went 1,000 days. I wanted to remove I usually attend a con- through each time I quit. The my biggest obstacle from God’s ference at least once a year. This work being done in my life. For time God reminded us of the great love that He has for each withdrewfirst few weeks from would the be comfort tough, admit that I did substitute des- one of us, as we worshipped foodespecially my emotionsday five. As would my body ac- sertsthe first with few hot weeks chocolate. I have Dur- to Him in song, praise, prayer, the tively look for a replacement of ing my Morning Prayer I started Sacrament of Reconciliation and asking myself whether God was the Eucharist. God removed our With nothing put in as a substi- enough. I know intellectually worldly thoughts and replaced the fix that I was accustomed to. that the answer was yes, but them with a heart of love. He irritable. All of my buried issues the way I live my life does not drew me closer to Himself. I felt Jesus aksed: wouldtute I would surface find as myselfwell. Imagine getting loved and safe. me as a grumpy bear. I didn’t I do make God part of my daily God is enough. He is “Why do you necessarily reflect that thought. even like hanging out with living but it’s amazing how more than enough. Jesus loved myself. On day nine my mood many things I allow to block in us to death. The Father showed would begin to climb upwards, that relationship. If I start the keep replacing and I could see God put order morning with anything but my ing His son; He watched His in my life. My house would look prayers, the day becomes so his great love for us by sacrific- beloved Son suffer in agony so Me with more organized and I had more busy that I don’t have time for that we could be cleansed from energy to accomplish my tasks. prayers later. I decided I would our sins in order to dwell with Sugar made me feel lazy. worldly things? Usually after 30 days I enough? the Father. The Father gives us reflect on the thought: Is God His Holy Spirit to live in each would experience great bene- This is day 45, and I am brother knew the heart of the When things get tough and the one of us so that we can walk in committed to accomplishing Father, he would have he pled unexpected happens. I am going dition. During my Prayer time I my 1,000 day journey. This past His ways, learn to be holy and to to reach our for comfort again. seemedfits in withdrawing to be open fromto the my mind ad- Saturday I was at a Christian be united to God. He is love. He wants His prodigal children to But this time it will be in the of God and He would increase conference. One of the speak- is patience. He is mercy. his Father, find his brother. God come home. He wants all of His arms of my God as I kneel down ers was given a vision by Jesus. One of the speakers children to be at home with Him during my Morning Prayer. really do outweigh the addiction In the vision, Jesus had placed at the conference talked about and living in a daily love rela- butmy gift somehow of writing. something The benefits unex- a necklace around each of the the Prodigal Son and the elder tionship with Him. I am going to By: Barbara Mc Conville pected would come my way and attendee’s necks; then Jesus brother. He said that if the elder live the theme “God is enough.” (Canadian Messenger)

Jesus Loves Us A Journey to Supuwath Arana I think Jesus is very happy with us because we prepared well to welcome Fifty-two hours of unending journey to a peace zone Him on His birthday. Every minute of bonding with the unknown On four Saturdays We never knew it was possible to reach such heights we met in Agnes Mawe’s house. Hand in hand, our hearts beating as one She is the mother of our unit. All we asked from Him above was everlasting peace and unity in the second week two; Surrounded by different mother tongues thirdIn the week first weekwe lit we three lit onecandles candle; Like lone wanderers in the desert searching for water and in the fourth week, four candles were lit. We were overwhelmed with the change it caused us We prayed, discussed and sang hymns. From students to leaders, We came to know Jesus better. From girls to women of tomorrow I want to love Him more. Were transformed Jesus bless us throughout the New Year. We will forever tread on the path you showed us How could we leave anything but memories? Trevor Jeremy Pate For everything else from fun to spiritual nourishment Grade 6 is stored in a place St. Joseph’s College, In hearts where it will always stay Grandpass Women’s Youth Camp – 2011 Parish: at Supuwath Arana, Seeduwa Our Lady of Lanka, (10 -12 December 2011) Tewatte. St. Lawrence’s Convent, Colombo 6 GOSPEL 1513 The Messenger 08th January 2012 What it says ..... in What the Lord wants to show is the Readings The Feast of Epiphany that salvation is not limited to a nation or a group but is open to First Reading. Is. 60: 1-6. the Lord revealed himself to the all. It is open to the Jews as well as The prophet here gives a Gentiles. We saw his star as it rose and have to the Gentiles. Therefore, let us ray of hope to the Israelites who There are some who mix make every effort whether Jew or come to do the Lord homage. live in exile. It is about that free- up and at times mess up the love Gentile to sustain it in our lives. (Mt. 2:2) dom which the Lord will bestow of God and the love of the neigh- on them. They are promised a bour. Little knowing that thereby Aid Story. glorious Jerusalem. Other nations they place neighbour before God. On the feast of Christ LITURGICAL - CALENDAR YEAR B will come to them with wealth. At times prominence is given to the King in 1939 Pope Pius XI 8th Jan. - 15th Jan. 2012 love of neighbour over the wor- consecrated in St. Peter’s twelve new Bishops and sent them forth Second Reading. ship of God. This is wrong. But like the twelve Apostles to teach Sun: THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD Eph. 3: 2-3a, 5-6. this does not mean that we could all the nations. They came from Is 60: 1-6, Eph. 3: 2-3a,5-6, Mt. 2: 1-12 St. Paul tells the Gentiles neglect our neighbour. Some even Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, of his own conversion and gives refer to the feast of Epiphany and Mon: Feast of Baptism of the Lord Denmark, Mexico; there was also them the hope of a share in the try to assert that there were four a Chinese, a converted Hindu and Is. 55: 1-11 or 1 Jn.5: 1-9, Mk.1: 7-11 kingdom of God which awaits kings who left home to worship two Negroes, one from Uganda Tue: 1 Sam 1: 9-20, Mk. 1: 21-28 them. He thereby wants to tell the Babe and one of them had and one from Madagascar.It was them that they are equal with the stopped by the way side to show the second month of the second Wed: 1 Sam. 3:1-10, 19-20, Mk. 1: 29-39 Jews in Christ. care and concern to a poor neigh- Great War. Many nations of the Thu: 1 Sam. 4: 1-11, Mk. 1: 40-45 bour. This of course is a dream world were Gospel. Mt. 2: 1-12. story. cause they had thought too much Fri: 1 Sam. 8: 4-7,10-22, Mk. 2: 1-12 The wise men followed As a matter of fact when about nations fighting and races, each and other not be- Sat: 1 Sam. 9: 1-4, 17-19,10: 1, Mk. 2: 13-17 the star to Jerusalem and went to the Lord wants us; we simply have enough about being one family. King Herod. The king inquired as to walk to meet him leaving aside The Holy Father spoke to Sun: SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME to where the Child was born and everything: Self, possessions, the new Bishops, white, brown, 1 Sam. 3: 3-10,19, 1 Cor. 6: 13-15,17-20, wanted them to return and give friends and neighbour. This hap- yellow and black. “Christ took His title of King in the darkest days, Jn. 1: 35-42 him the news. He secretly wanted pens in our vocations. to kill the Child. The wise men The Lord calls some when He stood a prisoner before having worshiped the Lord went when they are young and others Pilate. Happy are those nations along another way as directed in late. But some of us think that which accept the reign of Christ Prayer of the Faithful the dream. late vocations are best and tend and make their laws according to to postpone the call when young. the Gospel, and live in justice and Re�lection. The Lord treats them as vocations freedom. The present event will Response: Guide us to thy perfect light. Today we celebrate the pass. The Catholic Church is not feast of Epiphany, the feast of the ignored. They will not have the vocation any more when they are afraid of time. Mankind is divided For all Christians, that they may follow three kings. It is so called because by greed and hatred and jealousy, the Gospel of the day tells us that old. For God wants us from the Christ unwaveringly, listening to his voice, and re- but the Church of God is for all three wise men or Megai came moment and point of call. When sponding to his gentle call. We pray to the Lord.Re- Jesus called the Apostles they had peoples without distinction of from the East to Jerusalem saying: colour or race. Go out and conquer sponse: Guide us to thy perfect light. to leave everything behind and “Where is He that is born king of the world not with armament but the Jews? For we have seen His follow him immediately. That’s what he said to the young man with the power of truth and love.” For all the human family, that Christ may be star in the East and have come to adore Him.” This feast is of who wanted to follow Him. He the star that will guide us to the Father’s house, our said, “Let the dead bury the dead. Aid Story 2 You go……., anyone who starts to The Nativity play in one restricted to the Jews alone but to of the world Parliaments was not We pray to the Lord. significance. The Saviour is not plough and then looks back……." eternal home where all our longings will be fulfilled. the Gentiles as well. The Gentiles done for the last two years. Response: Guide us to thy perfect light. converts are in par with the Jews Therefore when we have to choose between God and man we have to Reason 1. in the mystical body of Christ, the three Wise Men in there. Church. Earlier the understanding choose God and only then in His For those who are still searching that God name we have to choose man. 2. They could not find will open their eyes to see, their minds to under- was that salvation was only for the in a Virgin in there. Chosen Race, the Jews. But now it Therefore we must not stand, and their hearts to love. We pray to the Lord. get carried away by different 3. TooCouldn’t many find Asses, or bring Rams Response: Guide us to thy perfect light. stories relating to the Epiphany and Bulls in there. in the feast of Epiphany. When Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos. is for all mankind. This is signified specially those made up by men. God has revealed his glory and his love to be with him outside of the circumstances of time and person or thing. For example, we see a painting. We are us, may we meet Him face to face when our pilgrim- place, and that she can, with him, forgive her family's drawn to the colours, the shapes, to the contrast. The age is ended. We pray to the Lord. impression strikes us. Then we look at what is depicted with God. Response: Guide us to thy perfect light. in the painting and we ask: Is this respectful of the sub- murderers. These She storiesfinds the remind beauty us of that her beautysoul at ispeace not ject? Is this respectful of me? Here we come to see the found in circumstances or sensations, be they pleasant The Experience..... or squalid. It is found by going past the categories of the principle, ''beautiful learning." We can judge: This Contd. from Pg. 9 pleasure and pain to discover who we are as human isaction a truly of beautifulthe painter. painting. And then, Or perhapsfinally, we we can have come to say to possess it or control it. That is part of the suffering of persons, and who we are made for. This, says Plato in this is a beautifully arranged painting with a less than beauty. It "wrests us from the contentment of everyday the Symposium, is to step from sensation (beautiful beautiful subject matter. life" because the experience of beauty does not belong bodies) to action (beautiful pursuits and practices) to This is the education of our sense of beauty. to us. It is a promise and a reminder that we are made principles (learning) until the person can reach "Beau- Ideally, it should begin with children, because it is a for an eternally beautiful world. ty itself." slow process. But it is needed to discover the full sense The story of the woman mentioned at the be- To mount for that beauty's sake ever up- of our humanity. As Plato says, only when we know how gining of this article, has the capacity to perceive beauty wards, as by a �light of steps ... from all beauti- despite the limitations of her body, her hospital bed, and ful bodies ... to beautiful pursuits and practices, have begun to recognize beauty more spontaneously, it and from practices to beautiful learnings, so that willto find begin true to beauty surprise will us,"life to [be] jump worth out living."When at us and draw we made sharper and brigher because he was able to focus from learnings he may come at last to that perfect us immediately in to truth and goodness. As Alexander her view. The tiny beauties of her life are magnified and on them as gifts. She was certain that her life had value learning ..... of that beauty itself, and may know at Solzhenitsyn said, when receiving the Nobel Prize for and that the small joys she found were consolations last that which is the perfection of beauty. There literature: from God, signs of God's companionship. in life, and there alone, my dear Socrates ... is So perhaps that ancient trinity of Truth, Another, more dramatic situation: Immaculee life worth living for man, while he contemplates Goodness and Beauty is not simply an empty, faded Ilibagiza, a young Tutsi in Rwanda, whose family has Beauty itself. formula as we thought in the days of our self-con�i- been brutally murdered, hides in the narrow bathroom Practically speaking, how do we mount the of a Hutu's home with six other women. She remains dent, materialistic youth. If the tops of these three steps toward beauty itself? First, says Plato, we let go of there for three months. She has little food and no priva- trees converge, as the scholars maintained, but the our attempt to force our experience of beauty through cy. She must be silent all day, in case the other members too blatant, too direct stems of Truth and Good- "beautiful bodies," through the impressions and phe- of her protector's household discover her presence. The ness are crushed, cut down, not allowed through, Hutu militia is searching for her. Sometimes they enter then perhaps the fantastic, unpredictable, unex- this house, since it was the last place that she was seen, these impressions no longer touch us. It means that pected stems of Beauty will push through and soar nomena that fill our lives. This does not mean that and search it, calling out the evil they will do to her if they touch us, but we are able to discover the fullness to that very same place, and in so doing will ful�ill of what they are and what they mean in our lives. We the work of all three. er he should continue hiding them. He has been swayed judge them by their actions (pursuits and practices) The experience of beauty sometimes surprises. bythey the find constant her. Even propaganda her protector he hearsbegins on to thedoubt radios; wheth- he and say this impression is good, truthful, according to Sometimes it invades. But it always brings us a new clar- wonders if these Tutsis deserve a hiding place. It is a what is desirable for me and for the person (or thing) it ity of vision so that we can see our lives in their true comes from. This leads us to "that perfect learning" of perspective. cumstances, but in the beauty that she is made for. She beauty: how it is a glow of the truth and goodness of a (Courtesy: LOGOS - A Journal of Catholic discoversfoul situation. that Butshe isshe God's finds cherished beauty in daughter, it: not in madeher cir- to Thought and Culture)