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THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY OF SRI LANKA “REGISTERED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS OF SRI LANKA” UNDER NO. QD /10/NEWS/2021 Sunday March 28, 2021 Vol 152 No 12 16 Pages Rs: 50.00 Registered as a newspaper We have no other alternative but to stand by the people as Shepherds of God’s ﬂ ock By T. Sunil Fernando and together, assured His Em- lives of God’s people. Roshan Pradeep inence Malcolm Cardinal He made these re- Ranjith, Archbishop of marks delivering a spe- e will standby Colombo. cial statement at the end the Easter vic- During the special of the prayer service Wtims and will prayer service held that was held with the never isolate them. What- last Sunday at the participation of a large ever the obstacles and Shrine of Our Lady of number of priests and hardships we may have Lanka, Tewatta, the religious. Thanking the to encounter until jus- Archbishop pointed out Catholic Bishops’ Con- tice is meted out we will that as Shepherds of ference in Sri Lanka be at the forefront of our (CBCSL) for support- people. We shall stand from God, one day they ing the Archdiocese’s arethe �lockaccountable with a for calling the ➢ CONTD ON PG. 13

�irm in our commitment Prayer recited by the Archbishop Con�irmation Service at St. Aloysius' before the Blessed Sacrament at the Special Prayer Service Minor Seminary Lord, render justice to all those who suffered the ravages of this attack on their dignity, which You gave them – take away their pain – help them experience Your love once again. Full prayer on Page 9

Decrees on Holy Week and Easter Celebrations

Messenger this week carries the Decrees on Holy Week and Easter Celebrations issued by the Con- gregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments. Please see page 12 for details. is Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio of HSt. Aloysius’ Minor Seminary, Borella last week. Messenger Easter Edition UnveilingSri Lanka of the was Statue the Chiefof St. CelebrantJoseph to coincideof the Con�irmation with the Year Service of St. heldJoseph at Messenger Special Easter Edition will be also took place after the service. out on April 4th. Picture shows Rev. Fr. William Evans, Rector Minor Seminary welcoming the Reserve your copy today! Nuncio. The homily delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio is on Pg 8 The Statue unveiled Pope on World Water Day: Having the name in the Family book will not ‘Do not waste or pollute’ make one a good Christian ope Francis called aving ones name in the Parish Family Book or for responsibility Hlong hours of prayers will not make one a good Pand care in the use of “sister water”, pointing out with concern for others, leading a life as Christ our that, still today, “access to LordChristian. taught Facing us is true life Christian with courage, discipleship, being said sel�less His safe, drinkable water is not Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of within everybody’s reach,” Colombo. that it is not a “commod- Delivering the homily at the Eucharistic Celebration ity”, and that we need to make haste “to give drink to held to inaugurate the Year of Small Christian Com- the thirsty.” munities at All Saints’ Church, Borella last week, His ➢ CONTD ON PG. 13 ➢ CONTD ON PG. 13

The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were to take place in two days’ time. ... (Mark 14:1) 2 2 TheMessenger Messenger March March28, 2021 28, 2021 March 28, 2021 Messenger 3 by the Holy Spirit, two of the most important fruits we you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a New Convent Building for SINCE FEBRUARY 1869 Episcopal Anniversary messenger greater than the one who sent him. (St.

EDITORIAL on how our Blessed Mother - after the angel proclaimed John 13:1-17) Sisters Email:[email protected] Ǥϐ Website:colomboarchdiocesancatholicpress.com to her that she would conceive the Son of God--travelled His Lordship Telephone: 011 2695984 Fax: 2692586 / 2670100 more than 100 kms across hills and valleys, on a After this wonderful proclamation of servant Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis March 28, 2021 donkey several days and nights on dangerous terrains leadership, the Lord Jesus took the bread, broke it (2005) to be with Elizabeth for about three months. We need “Take me, bless me, and gave it to his disciples saying “Take it and eat issued an order for a census St. Joseph had to travel to Then he took the wine, blessed it and said to the Ǧϔ his birthplace, ϐ Bethlehem. With Ǥ Ǥthe pregnant Blessed ϐ ǳǤ Ad Multos Annos Vivat! break me and give me” disciples, “Take this and drink it for this is the blood Mother seated on a donkey, St. Joseph would have of the everlasting covenant It will be shed for you and also walked about 100 kilometres across dangerous t the end of Lenten season we begin the for many so that sins may be forgiven”(St. Matthew Open Competitive Examination for territory. When they reached Bethlehem, the meek and 26:27-28). Thus the Lord instituted the Sacrament of humble St. Joseph would have pleaded or begged the the recruitment to Grade 3-I (C) of whether the Lenten religious services, the the Holy Eucharist. Therefore, when we also receive A ǡϐ innkeeper to give them some room because the Blessed the Sri Lanka Teachers’ Service for rites and rituals have changed our hearts, minds and Holy Communion, we need to tell the Lord, “Take me, Mother was about to give birth to the Lord Jesus. English Teacher Vacancies in National attitudes and brought us into a deeper relationship bless me, break me and give me to others.” m the priests, religious and people day. Everything that has happened, is due to the plam On Thursday April 1, we celebrate Holy Thursday. In and Provincial Schools and for the with God. If not, after Easter Sunday we go back to living in and around Lunupokuna, Mutwal in my young worked out by God Almighty. Nothing could be done by his Gospel proclamation St. John says, The evening meal ϐ Vacancies in Information Technology, After the mock trial before the High Priest and days gave we courage and a strong backbone to speak our own selves without God”. was in progress, and the devil had already prompted out for justice and fairplay, said, His Eminence Malcolm Very Rev. Sister Robina Paulin, Provincial of the other vices and are guided by worldly values making Roman Governor Pontius Pilate, the Lord Jesus is Home Economics and Aesthetic Subjects ϐǡǦ ǡǡ Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo addressing Sisters’ of Holy Cross expressed her deep gratitude (Art, Music, Dancing) in Northern and knew that the Father had put all things under His power, those present at the Blessing of the chapel and the addressing those present including Very Rev. Fr. Jude whole period of Lent would have been a waste of our message is, “Even if you betray, deny or desert me, ceremonial opening of the new Convent building for Eastern Provinces – 2021 ϐ ǡ and that He had come from God and was returning to Samatha Fernando, Archdiocesan Procurator General, time. even ϐ Ǥ if you whip and strip and kill me on the cross the Sisters’ of Holy Cross, constructed in place of the old Rev.Fr. Gihan Ridley Perera, Administrator Lands and God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer Y Applications are invited from both male and fe- like a criminal of criminals I will still love you building adjoining St.Andrew’s Vidyalaya,Lunupokuna, Properties, Rev. Fr. Srinath Manoj Perera, Director clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After Mutwal. In Palm Sunday’s lengthy Gospel proclamation, because God’s nature is love.” Archdiocesan Constrution Programmes, Rev. Fr. that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash vacancies. The respective application has been we could meditate on some vital issues for growth Speaking further His Eminence said: “I attended Kithsiri Thirimanne, Administrator St Lucia’s Cathedral published ϐ through “Online Applications - Insti- His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was St. Andrew’s Sinhala Vidyalaya upto Grade Four and I Kotahena, cum Dean Colombo North Deanery, Rev. Fr. and maturity in our spirituality. The Gospels tell us tutional Exams” under “Our Service” in www. As expected, God the Father raised the Lord Jesus Gamunu Dias Jayawardene, National Director, Catholic that the Lord Jesus was seated on a donkey when as a student of the same School. I never thought I would doenets.lk website of the Department of Exami- their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his from the dead and through Him opened the door Education along with the Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ranasinghe, He entered Jerusalem for what He knew would be be ϐ a priest one day, when I joined the rest to serve as nations and the applications should be submit- Ǥ ϐ to Heaven and eternal life. God’s love is unending, Parish Priest, Lunupokuna . place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” an altar server. I never dreamt to be a Bishop and I ted only in online method. he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and unfailing, unlimited, and unmerited. Whatever we could never dream or think of becoming a Cardinal one (Pic. T. Sunil and Roshan Pradeep) salvation and eternal life. Normally, kings or other ϐ rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord have done or failed to do, when we exercise our faith Y Subsequent to the online submission, the appli- leaders sit on horseback or travel in chariots. But and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should in the death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus, God cation should be downloaded and printed. Also, the King of kings and the Lord of lords was so meek will open the door for us to enter Heaven and enjoy Legion of Mary Centennial “ACIES” the headings from (3) to (6) should be completed wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that and humble that He entered Jerusalem on a donkey. eternal life where there is only love, love and love. in handwritings and the signature of the appli- you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell

Consecration and Celerbation cant should be attested (7) in the printed copy. The application should be forwarded under reg- ǡϐ Head of the Department (8) if applicable, in or- Good Friday (Bonum Veneris Diem) - The divine Catastrophe der Ǣ ϐ to reach the Commissioner General of Exami- nations, Institutional Examinations Organization Branch, Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka, P. O. Box 1503, Colombo on or before the closing atholics and Christians all over the world but to come to Jesus as bankrupt sinners and repent date of applications. respectfully re-enact the Passion, Death and and receive this wonderful gift of salvation from this CResurrection of Jesus on Good Friday. wonderful Saviour. Jesus is our salvation. Religion Y Keeping a copy of the application would be ben- The cross on which Jesus died means for us cannot save us. We are told that our own righteousness

circumstances, throughout our lives. If Jesus carried Renunciation of earthly desires cannot save us. Our Y ϐ Ǥ“Open Competitive Examination for the Recruit- ϐ ϐ ǯǤ Ǥ ment to Grade 3-I (C) of the Sri Lanka Teachers’ the cross we made for him why should we not carry redeemer Jesus who died on a Good Friday (Bonum The Centennial ACIES Consecration of the Legion of for the Lord through the mediation of the Blessed Service for English Teacher Vacancies in Nation- the cross He gives us together with the strength and Veneris Diem) and rose again on Easter Sunday from Mary was held at the Archdiocesan Lay Apostolic Centre Mother. al and Provincial Schools and for the Vacancies graces to do so. Each ones cross is different and relative the dead is now seated at God’s right hand invites us to at Kotahena on March 13, 2021 under the patronage of They were instructed to form youth, Junior and in Information Technology, Home Economics in time of need. When it happens we must remember come to Him. Rev. Fr. Ponsius Ronnie Perera, Archdiocesan Chaplain Senior men’s and women’s presidia and to get them and Aesthetic Subjects (Art, Music, Dancing) in that Jesus would not ask us to carry that particular The cross is the instrument on which Jesus Northern and Eastern Provinces-2021” should with the participation of a large gathering of Lay to recite the Rosary and consecrate themselves as well cross unless it was absolutely necessary, for our was nailed on Good Friday. The cross today has become be clearly mentioned on top left hand corner of as their families to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the the envelope. salvation. Jesus was a revolutionary. When we label a the common symbol of Christ’s followers the world Immaculate Heart of Mary. ofϐ Ǥ good deeds and words and present them as a person as a revolutionary we think of one who wants to over. Once it was hated by the Jews as it was the form Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and spiritual ϐ bouquet to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They Y Closing date of applications will be 31.03.2021. change society by any means possible, mostly through of execution by the Romans. But today it is venerated Benediction was imparted by the Chaplain at the were appropriately catechized to go in search of the force which results in the shedding of blood. This was throughout the world by more than one Billion conclusion of the celebration. lost souls i.e., Peregrinatio Pro Christo and win them Rev. Fr. Gemunu Dias certainly not Jesus’ way. He began his revolution with Christians as the sign of their salvation. The passion National and Archdiocesan Director of Education the words. “The time has come and the Kingdom of God and the death of Jesus are the focal points of Good General Manager of Catholic Private Schools (W.P.) Beach Way of the Cross Moratuwa Deanery Sunday School teachers Event is close at hand. Repent and believe the Good News.” Friday liturgy. The Gospel accounts of this passion and Archbishop’s House - Colombo 08 Christ proclaimed that the duty of Jews is to the death of Jesus are theologically based on Isaiah’s ϐ respect the Roman regime when He replied to the prophesy on the Suffering Servant of the Lord. (Isaiah Contact No. - 0112699129 Pharisees who tried to entrap Him as a rebel against 52: 13- 52: 12) the Roman Empire. The Jews at that time were subject The chief priest and the scribes found Jesus a Holy Childhood in to the Roman empire. They were expecting a liberator challenge and a threat to their existence. Jesus came who would redeem them from the bondage of Romans. with a new teaching which often went counter to theirs. Wattala Deanery Christ never wanted to oust the Romans and set up Furthermore large crowds followed Jesus. Hence the a Kingdom of His own in this world. Christianity is unfortunate reaction of the religious leaders was to primarily a doctrine of salvation and not a political get rid of Jesus by putting Him to death. Judas who movement. Jesus was called a man of sorrows. He had a great attachment to material goods (John 12: A Way of the Cross along the beach from the Dehiwela suffered much but the agony on the cross is something 4-6) betrayed Jesus. Pilate wanting to save his position Railway Station to the Mount Lavinia Hotel was we will never understand. It was not just the physical condemned Jesus to death knowing well that He was held on Saturday March 20. It was organized by the Jesus. Mary knew what a terrible, mind wracking, heart suffering. The sinless Son of God endured God’s wrath innocent of any crime. The divine catastrophe with A retreat was held for the teachers of Moratuwa Deanery rending torturing experience it was to see her Son the guidance of Rev. Fr. Anton Saman Hettiarachchi, Parish Sunday School during the Lent season at St. Michael the for the collective sins of all mankind. It was the torment blood and tears seem to be a necessary combination for most perfect, the most lovable Son a Mother could have Priest, St. ϐ Anthony’s Church, Mt. Lavinia and with the Archangel’s Church, Koralawella, Moratuwa recently. of the penalty of the accumulated sin of all men. It was salvation, in the blood of Jesus that washes away the ever had being most brutally and cruelly killed before assistance of Rev. Frs. Saman Maximus and Dunstan The retreat was conducted by the Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. Amila Wickrama, the coordinator of the Holy suffering the full punishment of all the guilt of all time. sins of the world yet. The tears of Mary the Mother of Childhood in Wattala Deanery, organized a Spiritual her very own eyes. Undoubtedly Good Friday (Bonum Welikadarachchi O.M.I. Kamal Kumara of St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya. It was the combined sins of all who have offended God, Christ were unmediated pleasing to God as an adjunct to programme for Holy Childhood animators in the dean- Veneris Diem) became a day of a divine catastrophe. Picture shows the faithful participating in the The event was organized by the Director of Moratuwa ery at the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka in Tewatta on which resulted in a divine catastrophe. Way of the Cross held along the beach. Deanery Sunday Schools, Rev. Fr. Ajith Appuhamy. 26th of February 2021. The Programme was conduct by For us, sinners, there is nothing else to do The chemistry of her tears is closely knit to the blood of Chervon De Croos Miran Perera Asika Priyadharshana Rev. Fr. Prashan Dilantha. Ǥ ǯϐǤ

... So the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to arrest him by treachery and put him to death. (Mark 14:1) They said, “Not during the festival, for fear that there may be a riot among the people. (Mark 14:2)

Salesian 2 Messenger March 28, 2021 3 March 28, 2021 The Messenger Messenger March 28, 2021 3 by the Holy Spirit, two of the most important fruits we you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a New Convent Building for SINCE FEBRUARY 1869 Episcopal Anniversary messenger greater than the one who sent him. (St.

Salesian 4 The Messenger March 28, 2021 March 28, 2021 Messenger 5 Holy Week The Nazarene’s Long Historical Sketches Of No. 12 By Very Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos walk to Golgotha PALM SUNDAY them in various disguises. On one By Rev. Fr. Reginald Lucian OMI t was a hot sultry day; the noon-day Universal Church occasion he sun shone in all its parching, piercing Sore-footed, exhausted beyond Aid Story went as a intensity. A dry wind blew across the endurance, the weight of the cross FRANKS AND FRIENDLY ALLIANCES against it and overpowering them at Poitiers, France in I have poor citizen to I and convinced by the lively faith of his Christian wife. 732. He is remembered and honoured by the western bearing Him down He struggled on; His WITH THE CHURCH Queen but remained a pagan, until he was in�luenced told you of a public bath. strands of the shoulder length hair of legs trembling with the effort He made he Roman empire, the glorious and prestigious From the time he overpowered the Romans, victory after world forever for halting and turning back the new Olwin Davis, There in a tiny the Ǧ Nazarene who stood ǡ there; ϐ a crown to keep going. He fell again and again stronghold of Europe over a period of one victory was added to his success. When he overpowered religious power from Europe. Thus, he paved the way T a district cellar he sat of thorns thrust on His forehead, drops but was forced to rise and stumble on. millennium was gradually shaken and weakened in the the Alemanni between 495 and 506, he believed that it for pure Christianized Europe free of any other power as of blood mingled west, when the traditional capital Rome was moved was due to the prayer power of his devout wife and this defender of Christendom. nurse for over down beside with sweat trickling from the western Europe to the city of Byzantine in the was followed by a scene of mass baptism. A faith good The third powerful head of the Franks was twenty years, the man who eastern Europe and later to be known as Constantinople. enough for the king must be good for the army too. At Pippin III who assumed power in 751 and ruled until 768. with fortitude tended the down His face, Since the inauguration of the new capital, Roman Reims, France, the bishop baptized Clovis and some 3000 The greatest contribution of Pippin was the origin of the and patience, furnace. He matting the straying emperor operating from Constantinople entrusted the of his soldiers calmness and talked to strands; draped From the time of Clovis for about 3 centuries peninsula in 1870 under the king Victor Emmanuel II, in the seamless responsibility of administering the western Roman cheerfulness, the lonely man and at meal time Frankish kingdom developed into a powerful monarchy endingpapal state approximately which persisted 1,116 until years the reign uni�ication (AD 754-1870) of Italian garment His mother empire with the commander of Roman army. It was then served the he ate some of his plain food. He the remains of western power of the Roman empire were dominating western Europe, creating Frankish of the papal states, on September 20, 1870, during the had woven for people of Tregenny. But she was visited him often and one day the seized by Germanic-Franks. hegemony and close tie with the Roman Catholic regime of Pope Pius IX and which survives today in the Him.. He stood poorly rewarded and it worried Shah revealed to him his identity. The Romans called the people who lived outside Church. From the day Clovis embraced Christianity, 109 acres of the Vatican City. For his close link with there shouldering a the Roman Empire, barbarians. In Europe there were closely associated with the Church making numerous the Church and supporting St. Boniface the Apostle of me. Although she was much loved Expecting to hear a request for heavy cross, waiting friendly alliances with the Church. Catholic Church not Germany in his missionary activities, he was honoured by the people, her salary was most some expensive gift, he was to undertake His Vandals, Saxons, and Visigoths. They were attracted by only welcomed the rule of Franks under the leadership by the Church with the tittle of “Gratia Rex Francorum” inadequate. One day after a cup surprised when his subject just sat torturous journey- the�ive Romanmajor barbarianempire and tribes, wanted including to capture the Huns,Rome. Franks,Franks of Clovis rather rendered a helping hand for better and meaning, by the grace of God the king of Franks. of tea. “Nurse,” I said. “Why don’t there silently gazing at him in awe the inevitable wise rule. Clovis relied on bishops and counts drawn The period between the 7th and 8th centuries were Germanic people who appeared along the river you make them pay you more? It is and astonishment. Finally he said journey of the cross. from Gallo-Roman aristocracy for decent and diligent of the medieval age was a critical period for the Church, Rhine in 350s advanced gradually into modern Belgium, ridiculous that you should work for respectfully, “You left your palace The mob came administration. By the middle of the 6th century Clovis for she was challenged from all different corners. The western Germany and modern France and from there around, shoving and jostling Him to Some women along the route wept tears endowed the Church with granting away their own barbarian intruders into the Roman empire in search so little.” She raised her eyebrows and your glory to sit with me in when the weakness of the Roman Empire tempted them, proceed. The cross was heavier than He of sympathy. The Nazarene admonished estates and revenues. After his demise in 511 the sons of green pastures always had an eye on the papal state, slightly. But she smiled. “I have this dark place to eat of my coarse pushed themselves toward the south under the guidance could bear. He dragged it along , now them to weep for themselves and their and grand sons following the path of their father and the expansion of new Islamic faith of Arabia towards the enough to get along.” “No really,” I bread, and to care whether my of the powerful leader Clovis and defeated the Roman stumbling, now steadying Himself, the children and not for Him. west via North Africa, Gibraltar, Spain and France became persisted, “you ought to have an heart is glad or sad. You may give army, commanded by Syagrius in 486, near Soissons. men goading Him on with shouts and And so they reached Golgotha- the From 486 onwards Clovis became the founder of the which was a strength to the Church. a new challenge to the Church, gradual deterioration of extra pound a week at least God rich presents to others, but you grandfather, enlarged and forti�ied Frankish kingdom whip lashes while the crowds jeered. place of skull - and there they laid Him Frankish monarchy moving his Capital from Rome to Next to Clovis the powerful Frankish ruler was power of Constantinople and its inability to extend a knows you are worth it.” There was have given yourself to me. Please, Exhausted He fell, the cross on his back on the very cross He had borne, stripped Paris. It is from Franks former Gaul acquired its name, to Charles Martel who defended the kingdom from the new helping hand to the papal state whenever she is in need, a pause. Her smile remained but your majesty never withdraw levelling Him down. They quickly helped of His robe- which the soldiers would be known as France today. threat of Islamic power which encroached into western and the ambitious expectations of the eastern her gaze held gravity, an intensity the priceless gift of your love and Him to rise; not out of sympathy; they gamble for later. They nailed Him to Clovis was married to Bertha the Catholic (Contd on Pg. 15) which startled me. “Doctor!” She friendship from me.” wanted Him to die the shameful death the cross; nails piercing the palms of territories in the 8th century, �ighting a ferocious war said, “If God knows I am worth it, of a criminal on the cross. A sympathetic His out-stretched arms and His crossed Palm Sunday that’s all that matters to me.” EASTER SUNDAY Cyrenean helped Him to carry the cross. feet. He endured the excruciating pain Nay he was commandeered by the mob to Hosanna in the highest, blessed is the one MAUNDY THURSDAY Aid Story lend a hand to the Nazareen so He would was obedient even unto death. They had ϐ Ǥ ǯǤ A rabbi and a soap maker went not die on the way. Whatever it was the dug a hole and jerked the cross into it. who comes in the name of the Lord Aid Story for a walk together. The soap maker Cyrenean helped Him to carry the And there He simply hung like a common 1) Jesus Entered Jerusalem as the Messiah welcome Him as a king but the mode He chose to enter- St. Francis of Assisi resisted said, “What good is religion? Look cross. The Nazarene bestowed on him criminal between two thieves- one riding on an ass showed that He was not a political King a grateful look which would have found cursing and the other repentant “This TSince we all will not be able to do that, our parish Jesus, many a time openly said to the Jews that all suggestions that he should be at all the trouble and misery of he ideal way to spend Holy Week is to �ly to Israel. He was the Messiah, but they would not believe. The but the King of peace. an answering echo in the Cyrenean’s own day shalt thou with me in paradise be” doubles as Our Holy Land! And within the walls of our ordained priest, and in this way the world! It is still there, even church, we are going to create Jerusalem, the Supper Jews once asked Him, “Tell us plainly if you are Christ?” heart. He promised the repentant thief. He was 3) Jesus Entered Jerusalem as the Lamb of God he taught all after years – thousands of years – room, Gethsemane, Calvary and the Tomb. Jesus said to them umpteen number of times that He He rounded a bend on the road, thirsty. They offered Him a sponge dipped Jesus was entering Jerusalem for His Last his followers of teaching about goodness and Gene A. Smith, an American historian authored was the Christ, but they pretended to be unclear in their pursued by the milling, taunting crowds in bitter gall. His mother stood at the foot understanding. Passover and He was entering as the Lamb of God. He how lofty truth and peace. And even after a book, entitled “When The Cheering Stopped”. The book and there encountered His mother. They of the cross. He commended her to His On the Palm Sunday through symbols, Jesus was the Lamb who would be slain on Mount Calvary. and holy the all the prayers and sermons and told of Woodrow Wilson and the events surrounding exchanged looks of mute sympathy beloved disciple John. “Mother behold thy unmistakably showed to the crowds that He was the Truly did John the Baptist point out and said, “Behold: dignity of teachings. If religion is good and World War I. Upon the end of the war, people were and suffering. The one suffering for the son; Son behold thy Mother.” Behold the Messiah. He instructed His disciples to go to the village This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the priesthood true, why should this be?” The other. He was pained to see His mother’s man! the Nazareen. From the cross He optimistic. They believed that the last war had been world (John 1:29). Jesus entered Jerusalem as the Lamb is. Only with rabbi said nothing. They continued anguished face and she to witness her forgave for those who persecuted Him fought. The dream was that the world had at last been no man had yet sat, and to loosen it and bring it to reluctance walking until he noticed a child Son suffer ignominy, shame, humiliation “Father forgive them for they know not made safe. And the way had been paved for democracy Him.and they Jesus would by asking �ind a the colt, disciples a young to ass bring tied, an on ass which that did he allow playing in the gutter. for no fault of His own. it was a heart- what they do.” and freedom everywhere. had never been ridden was aiming to use it for a sacred His life like a lamb - the just for the unjust, for the sinless to be sacri�iced on Mount Calvary. He would lay down breaking moment for both. As the ruddy shades of the evening sky purpose, and not to travel anywhere. An ass according for the sinful. Jesus is the Passover Lamb who by His himself to T hen Veronica a sympathetic woman darkened and the shadows lengthened to Europe, he was greeted by large crowds and was to Prophet Zechariah (9:9) is the beast of the Messiah. death and by His blood atones for our sins and makes us be ordained the rabbi stepped out from this most and unaccountable thunder and lightning When Woodrow Wilson paid his �irst visit Therefore when Jesus entered Jerusalem on an ass, He guiltless before God. a Deacon. One day he said to the cheered at every place he went. In many people’s eyes said, unsympathetic, uncharitable crowd. On rent the air the Nazareen after three was symbolically indicating to the people that He was Thus when Jesus entered Jerusalem, He friars: “If I met an angel and a he was more popular than the greatest war heroes “Look at seeing His sweat-moistened blood- hours of agony gasped forth His last the Messiah. priest together I would salute the throughout the land. He was viewed as an icon of hope. revealed His identity as the Messiah, as the King and that child. moistened visage she wiped it with her breath. In all, the cheering lasted for about a year. as the Lamb of God. When He entered Jerusalem the 2) Jesus Entered Jerusalem as the King. You say towel. He was moved by her gesture, “Father into thy hands I commend my Then it began to slow down to a complete halt. The people cried out: “Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna”. puzzled some of the friars, no doubt that soap the hardihood with which she stepped spirit.” The long hard journey had ended. When Jesus came riding on the ass the disciples ϐǡǳ political leaders throughout Europe were interested placed their outer garments on it and also on the road. Hosanna in the Aramaic language means “Save us, Save because they knew priests were makes forward to extend her sympathy. He “ No greater love than this; that a man more in their own agendas than a lasting peace, and They cut branches and leaves and placed them on the us” As we enter the Holy Week, may our hearts keep on eventually not as holy as angels. So people gratefully left the imprint of His agonized should lay down his life for his people.” the people slowly lost hope. On the home front, Wilson road and they began to sing praises to Jesus. Cutting ringing along with the crowds of Jerusalem. “Jesus save St. Francis explained. I would salute clean, face on her towel. Jeannette Cabraal met opposition in the Senate, and his League of Nations branches and spreading garments on the road are us”, “Jesus save us” – “Jesus Hosanna Jesus Hosanna.” but see symbols of nationalism. It reminds of the Maccabean Liturgical Calendar Year B - 28th March - 4th April 2021 From Today, until the next Sunday, Jesus will although so great, is only Christ’s the dirt began to fail. And in the next election his party lost. victory. When Simon Maccabeus conquered Jerusalem ϐ ǡ be confronted with a mixture of emotions, joy-sorrow, servant, but the priest actually on that youngster. Of what good Woodrowwas never rati�ied. Wilson whoUnder almost tremendous two years stress, earlier his health was citadel (142BC) from the Greeks, the Jews went in Sun: Palm Sunday Thu: Maundy Thursday glory, humiliation, life and death…! Yes, He moves from represents Jesus Christ. is soap? With all the soap in the heralded as a hero, came to his last days as a broken and procession by carrying palms (1 Maccabees 13:51), as Mk. 11: 1-10 or Jn. 12: 12-16 Ex. 12: 1-8, 11-14; an expression of their patriotic pride. the joy of Palm Sunday to pain and death on Good Friday, world, over all these years, the child defeated man. Is. 50: 4-7; Phil 2: 6-11; 1 Cor. 11: 23-26; Jn. 13: 1-15 Similarly when people welcomed Jesus with yet He does not stop there. Death and the tomb could GOOD FRIDAY Mk. 14: 1-15: 47 or Fri: Good Firday palm and branches, they welcomed Him as a King, a not hold Him down from the Resurrection. soap is, after all!” Is. 52: 13-53, 12; started out humbly, rose to great popularity, and came ϐǤ (Mk. 15: 1-39) National Liberator. But Jesus is not a political liberator. Aid Story Heb. 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9; to the end History of their is life�illed in utterwith humiliation.examples of people who The soap maker protested, “But He is not a national liberator. He did not come riding on Prayer:- One of the great monarchs Mon: Is. 42: 1-7; Jn. 12: 1-11 Jn. 18: 1-19, 42 In our celebration today, we see such an rabbi, soap cannot do any good a horse. A war animal; rather He came riding on an ass When Jesus died upon the cross of Persia was known as the Chrism Mass Sat: Holy Saturday example. Jesus, Son of a Carpenter, educated in Nazareth, unless it is used!” - an animal of peace, an animal of docility and humility. He took our sin and shame champion of the common people. Is. 61: 1-3a, 6a, 8b-9; Sun: Easter Sunday one who gained favour with people, one who was Jesus is the King of Peace. He is the King of hearts. His He offers us His righteousness To understand their needs and “Exactly,” replied the rabbi. Rev. 1: 5-8; Lk. 4: 16-21 Acts. 10: 34a, 37-43; cheered and praised, would soon be mocked, scorned, reign is not over the political life of the nations, but over by Rev. Fr. Athanasius A gift for us to claim. Col. 3: 1-4 or 1 Cor. 5: 6b-8; Samarasinghe problems, he would mingle with “Exactly” Tue: Is. 49: 1-6; Jn. 13: 21-33, 36-38 the spiritual life of the people. He allowed the people to and cast aside by the same ones who did the cheering. Wed: Is. 50: 4-9a; Mt. 26: 14-25 Jn. 20: 1-9 or Mk. 16: 1-7

When he was in Bethany reclining at the table in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came with... (Mark 14:3) ... an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, costly genuine spikenard. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it on his head. (Mark 14:3) 5 March 28, 2021 The Messenger Messenger March 28, 2021 5 Holy Week The Nazarene’s Long By Very Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos walk to Golgotha PALM SUNDAY them in various disguises. On one t was a hot sultry day; the noon-day occasion he sun shone in all its parching, piercing Sore-footed, exhausted beyond Aid Story went as a intensity. A dry wind blew across the endurance, the weight of the cross I have poor citizen to I bearing Him down He struggled on; His told you of a public bath. strands of the shoulder length hair of legs trembling with the effort He made Olwin Davis, There in a tiny the Ǧ Nazarene who stood ǡ there; ϐ a crown to keep going. He fell again and again a district cellar he sat of thorns thrust on His forehead, drops but was forced to rise and stumble on. nurse for over down beside of blood mingled twenty years, the man who with sweat trickling with fortitude tended the down His face, and patience, furnace. He matting the straying calmness and talked to strands; draped in the seamless cheerfulness, the lonely man and at meal time garment His mother served the he ate some of his plain food. He had woven for people of Tregenny. But she was visited him often and one day the Him.. He stood poorly rewarded and it worried Shah revealed to him his identity. there shouldering a me. Although she was much loved Expecting to hear a request for heavy cross, waiting by the people, her salary was most some expensive gift, he was to undertake His inadequate. One day after a cup surprised when his subject just sat torturous journey- of tea. “Nurse,” I said. “Why don’t there silently gazing at him in awe the inevitable you make them pay you more? It is and astonishment. Finally he said journey of the cross. ridiculous that you should work for respectfully, “You left your palace The mob came so little.” She raised her eyebrows and your glory to sit with me in around, shoving and jostling Him to Some women along the route wept tears slightly. But she smiled. “I have this dark place to eat of my coarse proceed. The cross was heavier than He of sympathy. The Nazarene admonished enough to get along.” “No really,” I bread, and to care whether my could bear. He dragged it along , now them to weep for themselves and their stumbling, now steadying Himself, the children and not for Him. persisted, “you ought to have an heart is glad or sad. You may give men goading Him on with shouts and And so they reached Golgotha- the extra pound a week at least God rich presents to others, but you whip lashes while the crowds jeered. place of skull - and there they laid Him knows you are worth it.” There was have given yourself to me. Please, Exhausted He fell, the cross on his back on the very cross He had borne, stripped a pause. Her smile remained but your majesty never withdraw levelling Him down. They quickly helped of His robe- which the soldiers would her gaze held gravity, an intensity the priceless gift of your love and Him to rise; not out of sympathy; they gamble for later. They nailed Him to which startled me. “Doctor!” She friendship from me.” wanted Him to die the shameful death the cross; nails piercing the palms of said, “If God knows I am worth it, of a criminal on the cross. A sympathetic His out-stretched arms and His crossed that’s all that matters to me.” EASTER SUNDAY Cyrenean helped Him to carry the cross. feet. He endured the excruciating pain Nay he was commandeered by the mob to MAUNDY THURSDAY Aid Story lend a hand to the Nazareen so He would was obedient even unto death. They had ϐ Ǥ ǯǤ A rabbi and a soap maker went not die on the way. Whatever it was the dug a hole and jerked the cross into it. Aid Story for a walk together. The soap maker Cyrenean helped Him to carry the And there He simply hung like a common St. Francis of Assisi resisted said, “What good is religion? Look cross. The Nazarene bestowed on him criminal between two thieves- one a grateful look which would have found cursing and the other repentant “This all suggestions that he should be at all the trouble and misery of an answering echo in the Cyrenean’s own day shalt thou with me in paradise be” ordained priest, and in this way the world! It is still there, even heart. He promised the repentant thief. He was he taught all after years – thousands of years – He rounded a bend on the road, thirsty. They offered Him a sponge dipped his followers of teaching about goodness and pursued by the milling, taunting crowds in bitter gall. His mother stood at the foot how lofty truth and peace. And even after and there encountered His mother. They of the cross. He commended her to His and holy the all the prayers and sermons and exchanged looks of mute sympathy beloved disciple John. “Mother behold thy dignity of teachings. If religion is good and and suffering. The one suffering for the son; Son behold thy Mother.” Behold the priesthood true, why should this be?” The other. He was pained to see His mother’s man! the Nazareen. From the cross He is. Only with rabbi said nothing. They continued anguished face and she to witness her forgave for those who persecuted Him reluctance walking until he noticed a child Son suffer ignominy, shame, humiliation “Father forgive them for they know not did he allow playing in the gutter. for no fault of His own. it was a heart- what they do.” breaking moment for both. As the ruddy shades of the evening sky himself to T hen Veronica a sympathetic woman darkened and the shadows lengthened be ordained the rabbi stepped out from this most and unaccountable thunder and lightning a Deacon. One day he said to the said, unsympathetic, uncharitable crowd. On rent the air the Nazareen after three friars: “If I met an angel and a “Look at seeing His sweat-moistened blood- hours of agony gasped forth His last priest together I would salute the that child. moistened visage she wiped it with her breath. You say towel. He was moved by her gesture, “Father into thy hands I commend my puzzled some of the friars, no doubt that soap the hardihood with which she stepped spirit.” The long hard journey had ended. ϐǡǳ because they knew priests were makes forward to extend her sympathy. He “ No greater love than this; that a man eventually not as holy as angels. So people gratefully left the imprint of His agonized should lay down his life for his people.” St. Francis explained. I would salute clean, face on her towel. Jeannette Cabraal but see Liturgical Calendar Year B - 28th March - 4th April 2021 although so great, is only Christ’s the dirt ϐ ǡ servant, but the priest actually on that youngster. Of what good Sun: Palm Sunday Thu: Maundy Thursday represents Jesus Christ. is soap? With all the soap in the Mk. 11: 1-10 or Jn. 12: 12-16 Ex. 12: 1-8, 11-14; world, over all these years, the child 1 Cor. 11: 23-26; Jn. 13: 1-15 GOOD FRIDAY Is. 50: 4-7; Phil 2: 6-11; Mk. 14: 1-15: 47 or Fri: Good Firday soap is, after all!” Is. 52: 13-53, 12; Aid Story ϐǤ (Mk. 15: 1-39) The soap maker protested, “But Heb. 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9; One of the great monarchs Mon: Is. 42: 1-7; Jn. 12: 1-11 Jn. 18: 1-19, 42 rabbi, soap cannot do any good of Persia was known as the Chrism Mass Sat: Holy Saturday unless it is used!” champion of the common people. Is. 61: 1-3a, 6a, 8b-9; Sun: Easter Sunday To understand their needs and “Exactly,” replied the rabbi. Rev. 1: 5-8; Lk. 4: 16-21 Acts. 10: 34a, 37-43; problems, he would mingle with “Exactly” Tue: Is. 49: 1-6; Jn. 13: 21-33, 36-38 Col. 3: 1-4 or 1 Cor. 5: 6b-8; Wed: Is. 50: 4-9a; Mt. 26: 14-25 Jn. 20: 1-9 or Mk. 16: 1-7

... an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, costly genuine spikenard. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it on his head. (Mark 14:3) 6 The Messenger March 28, 2021

The Victory We Are Celebrating

What do we celebrate? But Jesus defeated the devil. He continued to love, pit. As in Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with forgive, and obey through it all. And so, He, unlike The walls are too sheer for him to climb. They are people shouting "Hosanna" with Palm branches in Adam, unlike every other person in history, can say too high for him to pull himself out. He is doomed. their hands, this Sunday we too hold in our hands palm with the Prophet Isiah, " I have not rebelled, have not This is Adam. He had been given a mission by God, branches. In the ancient world, palm branches were the turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my to till and cultivate the earth. But lured by the devil, symbol of victory. For the Israelites in the Old Testa- cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did he had abandoned his mission and his God and had ment, the elegance, strength, and simplicity of this tree not shield from buffets and spitting (Isaiah 40:5-6).” thrown mankind into the pit of sin. became a symbol of the just man or woman, the one in Jesus’ obedience is the victory we celebrate. whom God's law triumphed. Adam inside. He cannot save Adam with his arm or It also symbolized victory for the Romans. Palm Saving the Man in the Pit withNow a branch, imagine because another the manwalls �indingare too theslippery pit withand trees were not native to Italy. And so, when the Jesus did not save us from far away. He did not high. So, he climbs down into the pit himself. Now, the Romans started conquering other nations in the crumple up the fallen world like a rough draft, throw it trapped man can climb onto his shoulders, reach the Mediterranean, the soldiers brought palm trees back to into the trash, and start again. No, He came down into edge of the pit, and escape. But the second man has to Rome as souvenirs of their victories. the mess of this sinful world. "He emptied himself, tak- stay behind. So, the crowds waving palm branches as Jesus en- ing the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and This second man is Christ. He came among us and tered Jerusalem were declaring His victory. But what found human in appearance, he humbled himself, be- freely took upon Himself our own sufferings, restoring victory was it? And how did Christ win it? coming obedient to the point of death, even death on our friendship with God and giving us a fresh chance to It is the victory over original sin. Original sin was a cross (Philippians 2:7-8).” He took upon Himself the mankind's disobedience to God and obedience to the suffering and pain that mankind had unleashed through devil. It shattered God's plan, let loose the scourge of its sins, even though He Himself had never sinned. Stayful�ill United our mission. to Christ This is the victory we celebrate. evil, and gave the devil a certain power over earthly Imagine a man carrying an important message Throughout Holy Week, we should give thanks to society. through the jungle. Off the path he sees something Jesus, through His passion, death, and Resurrection, moving through the trees. It shines like gold. He does ing love, and renew our commitment to follow Him. But reversed the disobedience of the original sin by obey- not want to leave the path, because the message is ur- aboveGod for all the this great week, things we should He has stay done, united re�lect to on Christ His sav- our ing His Father's will in spite of all the devil's attempts gent, and the jungle is dangerous - there are tribes of Saviour. to thwart Him. The betrayal of Judas, the abandonment cannibals around. This week we should each be hooked up to Christ of His apostles, the false accusations, the condemna- the way people in the hospital are hooked up to an in- tion, the humiliation, the scourging and crowning with ity is piqued. He wants the gold. He abandons his mis- travenous (IV) tube. We need His strength to come into sion,But leaves then hethe sees path, the and �lashing goes aftergold again.the gold. His curios-He fol- our lives so we can have the courage to live as He wants were the devil's attempts to get Jesus to say "no" to His lows it far from the path. Suddenly he feels the ground us to live. We need to let all the graces He wants to give Father,thorns, justthe tortureas he got of Adamcruci�ixion and Eve - all to of say these "no". sufferings Contd on Pg 13

beneath him give way. It is a trap. He �inds himself in a us this week �low freely into Gospel Meditation on Palm Sunday of Year B (Mark 14:1 – 15:47)

Rev. Fr. Nilindra Gunesekera 14:65). The guards strike Him. Then, the cock crows symbolized sharing in the life of the victim offered. Now again, and Peter remembers Jesus’ words about his de- n our meditation we place ourselves at the scene justrati�ied as Jesus by a sprinklingbreaks one of loaf blood and (Exodus all share 24:5-8) in it, they which all nial and weeps (Mark 14:66-72). of the Gospel, to re-live it, and to be nourished and drink from the one cup too, and this underscores the Next morning they deliver Jesus to Pilate. But Pilate challenged by it, today. As the Gospel narrates while I participation of the disciples in the events symbolized perceives that they have acted out of envy (Mark 15:1- Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as in Jesus’ actions – His passion and death. Jesus prom- 10). Yet, ignoring his wife’s warning (Matthew 27:19), ises to drink of the cup anew only in His kingdom. Since Pilate seeks to please the crowd; for they have been of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the he sat at table, a woman came with an alabaster �lask the prophecy of both betrayal and abandonment is ful- stirred up by the chief priests to demand Jesus' cruci- Gospel story itself, we are assured that who said to themselves indignantly, ‘Why was the oint- the prophecy of drinking new wine in the kingdom will H ment�lask andthus poured wasted? it overFor this his head.ointment But theremight were have somebeen �illed within the adorning�ixion. And H im so, with having a purple scourged cloak, Jesus, and putting Pilate deliverson Him sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to Picture in your mind that after Supper, we too, ac- a im plaited to be crown cruci�ied. of thorns. Then, the They soldiers also strike mock HJesusis head by the poor’. And they reproached her (Mark 14:3-5). companyalso be ful�illed. Jesus to Gethsemane (Mark 14:26). The de- with a reed, and spit upon Him. Then, they lead Him The Gospel scene is ended, but we continue our fections have already begun; Judas is not with us. Then, meditation. Picture in your mind Jesus defending the Jesus the innocent sufferer says to us, ‘Sit here, while I of Cyrene to carry the cross but Jesus refuses the wine woman saying, ‘She has done a beautiful thing to me pray!’, and going on ahead he falls on the ground and mingledto Golgotha with to myrrh be cruci�ied. offered by The them soldiers as an opioid force Simon(Mark prays in anguish (Mark 14:26-41). Jesus has already 15:11-23). Jesus dies with courage! but you do not. She has done what she could; she has At the third hour they crucify Jesus. Passersby mock anointedbecause shemy body knows beforehand the signi�icance for burying. of theseBut what times; do Him saying, ‘Come down from the cross’. By the sixth you do for me?’ (Matthew 14:6-7). Then Jesus says to 13:19-20).entered into Since the we, ˋtestingˊ his disciples - the historicalare so unprepared testing and for hour the earth is covered in darkness. Mary says from His apostles, ‘Thomas, and Thaddaeus must prepare it,the Jesus eschatological urges us to trial pray of that the we ˋgreat do not tribulationˊ enter it now. (Mark By afar, ‘My Son, I offer you to the heavenly Father’. the Upper Room for the Passover’. We accompany them sleeping, we disciples have shown ourselves to be ruled At the ninth hour Jesus cries out, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sa- to Jerusalem. As the Master predicted, we meet the man with the water jar (Matthew 14:13-16). He leads us to failure, Jesus urges us to get up (Mark 14:42) and ac- the Upper Room. The unusual sight of a man with a companyby weak �lesh. Him Yet,as He despite moves our forward persistent to the weakness cross. and manbachthani? was God’s which Son means, (Mark ˋMy 15:24-39). God, my IGod, shall why live hast for water jar, makes Jesus’ foreknowledge all the more im- Suddenly, Judas appears and greets Jesus with a him’.thou Mary abandoned says, ‘This meˊ?’ is Aa holy Centurion day. By says, His blood ‘Truly, does this kiss. Bedlam unfolds as a crowd with swords and clubs, my Son cleanse the earth. The temple curtain is torn; go to His death in ignorance. from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders we have access to God’. pressiveNow, picturewhen the in yourprophecy mind is the ful�illed. scene of Jesus the Lastdoes Sup- not rush towards Jesus and arrest Him. We run for our lives. Late that evening, the women who stood near the per. Seated at table Jesus says twice that one eating As the G cross meet us and ask, ‘Where were you? We remem- with Him will betray Him (Mark 14:18, 20). The double 14:50). Panic strikes; courage fails. Peter returns and ber Jesus quoting Scripture that states, `I will strike the announcement in the context of a meal that celebrates follows, ospelbut at narrates a distance they (Mark all left 14:54). him and His �led failure (Mark is freedom from slavery and the unity of the community, one of courage; not of the heart. that we will all fall away (Mark 14:27). These women stresses the gravity of the betrayal. The betrayer is un- They take Him to the chief priest before whom Je- shepherd, the sheep will be scatteredˊ, and warning us named, and could be any one of us. Then Jesus institutes sus boldly accepts that He is Messiah and Son of the Will the Lord judge us harshly for this betrayal of His the Eucharist at the Last Supper (Mark 14:22-24). The Blessed One (Mark 14:53-64); but Peter denies Jesus have been with the Master at the ˋhourˊ of His passion. bread and wine become bearers of the very presence of Jesus, which inaugurates a new covenant to be fully re- crows twice. Meanwhile, the high priest condemns Inlove? His No,mercy, He He will the not; Lord for will did meet He not us again say ˋAfter to lead I am us alized in the kingdom of God. The covenant of Sinai was Jesusin rapid to death�ire succession for blasphemy. – three Some times spit – before on Him the (Mark cock anew!raised Thisup, I iswill the go Good before News! you to Galileeˊ (Mark 14:28).

There were some who were indignant. “Why has there been this waste of perfumed oil? It could have been... (Mark 14: 4-5) 7 The Messenger March 28, 2021 Jesus' Passion was His Mission Him away to the house of the High Priest Ca- by E. M. Aldons iaphas. Jesus the Messiah The following morning, the Jesus' image, as it emerges from the Gospels Sanhedrin which was biassed against Jesus is His distinctiveness as a rabbi, a teacher of the convicted Him on false charges of blas- Law (John 3:2). Both, disciples and opponents saw phemy and sedition, punishable with death. Him as a self-taught master of the Law. When the Roman soldiers scourged Him with lethal Jewish feast of the Tents was half over, Jesus visited whips which caused severe injuries and the Temple and began to teach. The Jews marvelled bleeding. The loop of thorns they thrust on and said "How is it that he knows scriptures when His head injured His scalp. He was beaten he has had no teacher?" (John 7:15) This Scripture is spat upon and ridiculed. Finally they led testimony that He knew everything He had to teach as it came from His Father in heaven. His teaching far Him. But Jesus who was merciful pleaded surpassed what was taught by the Pharisees. These withHim toHis Mount Father Calvary to forgive where them they as they cruci�ied were people gave little importance to Temple worship and misguided. A few hours later, He offered His strongly insisted on the individual to be saved on his spirit to His Father in heaven and died. own merits, in the eyes of a just God who rewards. here and stay awake with me." (Matthew 26:38) He On that day, a mysterious darkness prevailed in the went"My soul a little is �illed further, with fell sorrow prostrate even on to the death. ground Remain and region from noon. At the time He died, the earth trem- among the people, as He taught a divine doctrine which prayed, "Father if it is possible, take this cup away from bled, rocks cracked and the veil of the Temple tore apart. the What people He failed taught to understand. gave rise to He con�licting soon became views an me. Yet not what I want, but what you want." (Matthew These unusual occurrences were divine responses on enemy of the Pharisees and the elders of the Jewish 26:39) His fear was so intence that His body emitted His death. (Matthew 27: 51-54). The atoning power of community who wanted Him put to death. They did not large drops of blood which fell like sweat on the ground. believe that He was the Son of God and Messiah. At that moment, an angel of God appeared near Him to them the spiritual freedom from sin they had lost due give Him strength and solace to endure His agony and toHis the death folly puri�ied of mankind mankind in Eden. from His sin death and restoredopened for to Jesus' Passion despair. (Luke 22:42-44) It was natural for Him to have them a path to a renewed relationship with God. such phobic fears, as He was a human being. The Passover was a great feast among the Jews as they commemorated the departure of their forefathers from Egypt where they suffered in bondage for over The cruci�ixion 400 years. Jesus too celebrated the Passover with His An eerie quietness prevailed in the moonlit garden, Apostles. It happened to be His Last Supper with them, as the Apostles who were tired and sleepy after their as His enemies were ready to put Him to death. At this days works waited patiently with Jesus, hoping that supper He gave His Apostles bread and wine conse- nothing untoward would happen to Him and even to crated as His Body and Blood, which He asked them to them. But Judas who had received a payment of thirty by Sirohmi Gunesekera commemorate in His name. (Luke 22:19-20). pieces of silver from the Chief Priests to betray Jesus, Thereafter He led His Apostles to the Garden of led a crowd armed with swords and clubs, carrying Gethsemane as He wanted to pray to God, His Father. torches, into the Garden. On seeing Him he walked up Rising Death haunted Him as He knew that His enemies who and said "Good evening Master" and kissed Him, so that were many would succeed in putting Him to death. In as arranged, the men would be able to identify Him. In a state of fear and distress, He said to Peter, James and response, Jesus said "Friend do what you came for." John who were with Him in the interior of the Garden, (Matthew 26:49-50) The men soon seized Him and led Covenant, Company and Conversion he liturgical Seasons of Lent and Easter are a from those we do not want in our life or who are mak- yearly invitation to deepen our relationship with TGod, with others, and with ourselves. Each year Company can mean people, but it can also take vari- we have an opportunity to look at three "C"s in our ing it dif�icult for us to live. lives: covenant, company, and conversion. we invite in our minds and in our hearts. Sometimes “Easter is the most important festival in the The theme of covenant comes to mind since we have thisous forms:is harder we tocan face, re�lect because on the it "company"is more internal and ideas and Christian calendar for Resurrection is the birth of the chance to renew our baptismal promises in a very requires more honesty, humility, and courage on our Christianity” stated the priest. “You mean that Easter is more important than makes us followers of Jesus, and how we are living out member that Jesus was able to make Himself present Christmas?” asked Jean. ourspecial faith way in duringour day-to-day Lent and lives. Easter. In Wemany re�lect parishes on what we amongpart. As His dif�icult apostles as afterthis internal His Resurrection re�lection even may thoughbe, re- “Yes, for we must not forget that Jesus as the Son are even inspired by other adults who are entering they had locked the doors (see John 20:26). What parts of God was born of a human mother on Christmas the process of being baptized or fully initiated into the of you are "locked" from others that you want Jesus to Day. Mary was a virgin and Joseph was a poor car- Catholic Church at Easter. The various Scripture read- enter and heal? Know that He has the power to come penter and there was no room in the inn for Mary to ings we hear proclaimed at Mass have a regular theme into those spaces and bring His light and peace, if we give birth. So they had to go to the stable and Jesus of God making a covenant with His people and keep- only allow Him. The Sacraments of Penance and Eucha- was born amidst the cattle. So we must remember ing that covenant even when they are unfaithful. God's rist are great ways in which we invite Jesus into those that Jesus was born poor and destitute and that is love and mercy are a constant anchor in the midst of spaces. the true message of Christmas. But as an adult He the passing things of this world. Finally, Lent and Easter invite each of us to conver- had to undergo Passion and Death on the Cross to We entered into a covenant relationship with the sion. We know that the heart of Jesus' message is to redeem sinners. Jesus was resurrected on the third Trinity at our Baptism. Through the Holy Spirit, we are repent and change our ways. The Greek word used for day and that is why we celebrate Easter Sunday” ex- able to call God our Father and Jesus Christ our Brother. "repent" is metanoia: a blend of the words meta - "be- plained the priest. The relationship we have with God is not static or sim- yond", and nous -"our mind". Jesus is calling us to get “I think it is also important that Jesus when ply formal but something dynamic and living. How is past our own minds, our own worlds, and remember that relationship with God going for you? Are you open the greater picture. We are invited to be attentive to our to Mary Magdalen. She was shocked and said and honest with God in your prayer? Have you been world, to think of others' needs, and to see how we can “Rabbi”(Master)He had risen from and theran to dead tell Jesus’ He �irst disciples appeared and tossed about by the waves in your life that you need to respond to our current circumstances. Peter and James saw the empty tomb and spoke to I invite you to enter these days with a new set of Him” said Jean, adding “There was also Doubting Thankfully our baptismal covenant relationship can be eyes, to see things a bit differently in your life. Part of Thomas who told the disciples that unless he saw renewedhold on to each the day,anchor giving of God'sus the �idelity chance a to little deepen tighter? our the reason the Church revisits liturgical seasons every the marks of the nails in Jesus’ hands and put his commitment to the Lord. year is to give us a chance to try something that we are hand on the side of Jesus which was pierced by the not used to doing, or to see the same things in our life soldier he would not believe. Then Jesus appeared on the company we keep. My father would always say with another year of experience behind us. How atten- to His disciples when Thomas was with them and to me:During "show these me liturgical your friends, seasons and weI'll canshow also you re�lect your tive can I be in my home, in my parish, in my place of Jesus told Thomas that there are many who believe work, in my neighbourhood? type of person God is calling you to be and how the As we celebrate these great Seasons of Lent and Jesus said. companyhabits." When in your re�lecting life is either on your helping company, you orfocus hindering on the without“I think seeing that Jesus we are in the �lesh.generations "They areof believers blessed" you in that process. Certainly there is some company covenant with God through our Baptism, our company who have believed without seeing the Risen Christ." that is unavoidable (and we need to learn how to toler- toEaster, discern let uswho take helps time us to inre�lect this onChristian these three journey C's: andour chimed in Duncan. ate such people), but a good part of the company we “Then let us offer our faith in the Resurrected keep is our choice. We have the ability to invite certain sion as we move past the limits of our mind. Christ to spread the Good News that Sin and Death people into our life, and we also can distance ourselves who is more of a challenge, and �inallyCamillus our own Femando conver- can be conquered” concluded Jean.

... sold for more than three hundred days’ wages and the money given to the poor.” They were infuriated with her. (Mark 14:5) The Messenger March 28, 2021 88 Messenger March 28, 2021 9 Messenger March 28, 2021 ϐǡ dϐǮǯ THE FIRST WORD scribes and Pharisees who told Pilate "Let his blood Friday on Calvary's gory hill. All eyes were on Jesus The passers - by blasphemed against Him; tossing be upon us and upon our children". Now, standing curse and swear and even blame society for making ϐ their heads "Come now, they said, Thou who wouldst on the hillside, their faces beaming with momentary them Ǥ ǡ ϐ criminal, but this Jesus was different. He was asI if He was a notorious criminal. What was His crime? destroy the temple and build it up in three days, rescue triumph, they chided Him saying. pleading for forgiveness for His enemies who sent Homily delivered by His Excellency Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, Preaching ϐ the divine message of forgiveness and love thyself. Come down from that cross if Thou art the Son "He saved others; he cannot save himself Him to 1death. He was entrusting His beloved mother "love your enemies", He said "do good to them that of God" (Matthew 27: 39 and 40) If he is the king of Israel He has only to come down to the care of His favourite disciple, He was promising ϔ hate you" - healing the sick and the blind, making the They were words of insult and ridicule hurled at from the cross, here 'and now and we will believe paradise to a penitent thief, He was uttering words of Ǥ Ǥ̹ lame walk, cleansing the lepers, raising people from the dying Jesus. We will never be able to comprehend him. Ǥ ǡ the dead, exhorting people to love their neighbours He trusted in God, Let God, if he favours him that His mission of redemption was completed, He Saviour when He heard these insults and affronts. His succour him now. He told them "I am the son of God" commendsǤ ̶ His ϐ̶ǡ spirit to His Heavenly Father, bows the chief priests, the scribes and Pharisees who were only ϐ response was a plea to the Heavenly Father to (Matthew 27: 42 and 43) His head gracefully and passed away. Meanwhile, a Greetings exploiting ǡ the poor and prostituting religion ϐ for forgive them for they did not know what they were This is typical of some people in the world who are veil of unusual darkness had fallen over the earth and their personal gain, and proclaiming that He was the doing. Even in His moments of terrible agony. He was always asking, for proof of the divinity of Jesus. They everything was disconcertingly gloomy. At His death, oday we celebrate the Solemnity of are so blind and intoxicated with prejudice that no Messiah, the Son of God. Divinity itself was hanging on making excuses for all mankind. "They do not know all nature revolted. There was an earthquake, thunder Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary (cf. the cruel cross to pay for these so - called crimes while amount of proof will satisfy them. It is said that "to, T what they are doing." rumbled wildly in the air and lightning rent the clouds. Matthew 1:16.24; Luke 1:27), Foster the world looked on. those who believe in God no explanation is necessary?, This had never happened before. The Centurion and Legal father of Jesus (Matthew On the hillside watching the proceedings was a THE SECOND WORD to those who do not believe in God no explanation is 13:35; Mark 6:3; Luke 4:22; John 6:42) motley collection of people. There were passers - possible". Or to put it in another way. "Indeed, this was the Son of God" (Mark 15:39). and Patron of the Universal Church. by looking on with confused minds, some believers, Jesus and said - "Save thyself and us too, if thou art the "A man convinced against his will is of the same ǡϐǡ ǤCommenting on the Centurion's reaction, Bishop You appropriately put the unveiling of some unbelievers, some tottering between belief and Christ" ϐ (Luke 23: 39). opinion still". his statue on this particular day and on unbelief. There were the holy women always faithful All that this thief was interested in was to save Fulton Sheen wrote - this year that is dedicated to him (the to Jesus who were crying from their hearts, there were himself from the cross even though he deserved "Indeed, THE FIFTH WORD "The cross was beginning to bear fruit. A Jewish Year of Saint Joseph, 8.12.20 – 8.12.21). others standing at a safe distance, sorry for their Master, In a feeling of abandonment, Jesus cried out- thief had already asked for and received salvation and With Saint Aloysius, he intercedes but living in fear of the Jews, who were ready to run the world who are concerned only about themselves "Eloi, Eloi Lama , sabachthani", which means "My now a soldier of Caesar had bowed in adoration of and watches over your seminary in a away at the least sign of trouble. There were the Chief regardless Ǥ of the sufferings of others. ϐ God, my God why hast Thou forsaken me". the Divine sufferer. That strange combination which special way. priests and their sychopants, their faces beaming with Hearing this, by foolishness or design, some of was everywhere in the public life of Our Lord is now As Pope Francis wrote in the revengeful smiles. There was the Centurion and his THE THIRD WORD them who stood-by said - to take Mary home as his wife, because Christ and more perfect members of manifest cross - Humiliation and Power. While others Apostolic Letter, on the 150th The attitude of the thief on the right was quite "Why, he is calling upon Elias she had conceived by the Holy Spirit His Church. You will receive the power Close to the cross were Mary, the mother of Jesus, condemned Him of blasphemy, a Roman Centurion anniversary of the proclamation of different. When he heard what the thief on the left Let us see whether Elias will come and save him" (cf. Matthew 1:20). Joseph did not ask of Christ’s Spirit and the Sign of the His ϐǤ disciple John and of course Mary Magdalene, the said, he rebuked him saying - worshipped him as the Son of God". Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal (Mark 15: 34 to 36). any question. He simply did what the Cross on your forehead. You must be repentant sinner. All of them represented a microcosm "Don't you fear God? You received the same Church, Patris Corde, “After Mary, the Their hearts were so cold that even this sad cry did Angel of the Lord had told him to do witnesses before the entire world to of society then, and even today. sentence as he did. Ours is only right because we are Mother of God, no saint is mentioned (Matthew 1:24). He acted in a similar His suffering, death, and Resurrection. not move them. Instead, they continued to mock him. Co Even in His dying moments Jesus spoke seven getting what we deserve for what we did. He has done As we meditate on the Cross during this Season more frequently in the Papal way on all the other occasions the Angel Your way of life should at all times words of forgiveness and love, promised heaven to no wrong". of Lent, let us turn the searchlight inwards and ask Magisterium than Joseph…. Blessed of the Lord had directed him in dreams. SIXTH WORD the penitent thief, committed his bereaved mother Then turning to Jesus he said - ourselves the question - If we were standing that day Pius IX declared him ‘Patron of the Hence, he gives us an example of self- Now it was the turn of the soldiers. to the care of John, his favourite disciple, gave vent to "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into thy at the foot of Calvary, would we have been with the Catholic Church’ [8th December 1870], abandonment and perfect allegiance to Holyϐ Ǥ Spirit, whose action pervades his feeling of abandonment, triumphantly announced The soldiers too mocked Him when they came and kingdom". detractors or those who were slow to believe or those Venerable Pius XII proposed him as the Will of God. As Pope Francis wrote the whole person and ϐ all his life, as that His work of redemption was completed, and The response from Jesus was immediate - "I offered vinegar, saying. "If thou art the king of the Jews who fearlessly proclaimed that Jesus was indeed the ‘Patron of Workers’ [1st May 1955] in the aforementioned Apostolic Letter is manifested through the seven gifts committed His soul to His Heavenly Father. These promise you today you will be in Paradise with me" save thyself." Son of God? Our salvation depends on the answer to and Saint John Paul II as ‘Guardian of , “In every situation, Joseph of the Holy Spirit. The seven gifts of seven words were the shortest sermons in the (Luke 23 - 39 to 43). What else could have been expected from a set of Patris Corde that question. the Redeemer’ [15th August 1989]”. declared his own ‘ ’, like those of the Holy Spirit that you receive in history of mankind whose meaning and depth would What a heart - warming scene amidst the gathering soldiers who had divided his bloodstained garments Saint Joseph is the Guardian of Mary at the Annunciation and Jesus in reverberate through the corridors of time, beaming a darkness and grief. A thief writhing in agony asks for among them and upon his vesture, they cast lots. the Redeemer. Hence, he is Guardian/ the Garden of Gethsemane.”ϐ counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety/ message of hope and salvation. clemency and it is readily granted. "There's a Cross for everyone to bear Patron of the Church, for the Church is Joseph was a caring spouse and holiness, ϐǣǡǡ and fear of God. Interspersed with these words that fell from His SEVENTH WORD But there's a heaven for each soul to share the continuation of the Body of Christ sacred lips were seven other words addressed to the THE FOURTH WORD We do not know what the Centurion, a battle - father and exercised his duties as a With the reception of these gifts There's a place in Heaven awaiting me – the Mystical Body of Christ (cf. ibid., husband and father in a spirit of service of the Holy Spirit, you will produce cross. There was hatred, sarcasm, insults and ridicule hurled hardened soldier of the Roman guard was thinking I got it through his death at Clavary." nr. 5). He watches over the Church in and self-abnegation. and give the fruits of the Spirit, which Let us pick up the narrative from the Gospels: at the dying Jesus by the blood-thirsty Chief priests, as he watched the strange behaviour of Jesus on the the same way that he unassumingly He was hard working; he humbly Saint Paul enumerates in his Letter to provided for his family with his modest the Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, for his family, irrespective of several work, carpentry. For this, the Church kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ϐ ǡ challenges. recognized him too as the Patron of gentleness/ humility and self-control What can we learn from him? What workers celebrated on the 1st of May (Galatians 5:22). By your fruits, your can you learn from him? (I mention (by Pius XII, 1st May 1955). actions, the world will know that you leeks and garlic etc. - Moses complained - burning bush; courage necessary to ensure justice for them. just a few of them): My dear Seminarians, Some ǣ ǡʹͳ ʹͲʹͳ ǲ ǫ Ǧ - Lord You gave them to us, bishops, priests He was a just man (Matthew 1:19), of you will receive the Sacrament as followers and soldiers of Christ ǣ ǡ ǡ that You will hear the plea of all of us who cry out to and religious - we Your humble servants - we have morally upright, sincere, and respectful certainly, ϐǡ ϐ not with weapons, rather as he Lord of the ǫ Ǧ ϐǡ nothing to boast of - we are ourselves fragile and weak of the Law. A just man to whom God celebration, on this great day of Saint advocates of His teaching. universe, the Almighty and Most Merciful, are ǫ ǫ - Lord You know more than we can ever know - but You are our Lord and God - You called us entrusted the care of His Only Begotten ϐ Being a disciple or a soldier of Christ Joseph. presentǡ here ϐ in the Most Blessed ǡ Sacrament of the Ǣ ǦǦ ϐ ǦǢthe truth of what happened on that Easter Sunday. You means following Him and learning ǫǥǤǤ servant Moses with the task of guiding the people of Man through the intervention of the Eucharist today with us. We adore You and worship strengthens and completes the from Him; learning to live like Him Your Divine Majesty. You see us, You hear us as You ǫǳǤ You listened this senseless violence - How could anyone do such a ϐ ǦIsrael to the land You prepared for them, freeing them Holyǡ Spirit. ϐȀ to him. Lord You provided Israel everything they thing in Your name - the Most Merciful Lord - who dies from slavery in Egypt - sequenceϐ of Christian initiation, ǡ which and act like Him. In the Parable of the saw and heard Moses, Your servant at the burning ϐ He was always silent, resigning to needed - meat, water, bread, guidance, protection and on the Cross to show us how much You love us?; - As Moses asked You, so we too ask You - who began with Baptism. Baptism, Holy Vine and the Branches, in the Gospel bush on Mount Sinai, when You assured him that You listening attentively and carrying out of John, Jesus explains this: “As the will accompany him on his mission to free the people provident care accompanying them personally to the are we, Lord, to carry these peoples’ weight on our the design of the Lord (obedience). rmation form a land You promised them. You even fought their wars, fragile shoulders? branch cannot of itself bear fruit unless As we read in the Gospel, Mary was defeating their enemies. Ǧfrom the Cross and to grow ϐ in it. - Indeed the forces that seek to destroy the it remains on the vine, neither can task, no doubt, to which You called him - a fragile betrothed to him; but before they calls “Christian ϐ initiation”. In this Ǥ ϐ human being. Ǧ ϐ- For, You wanted us to love one another as you, if you do not abide in me. I am the came to live together, she was found initiation, ϐ we are inserted into Jesus He indeed asked You then: ǲ Isaiah 45:21 - ǲ ǳ; You loved us - You are present in this Eucharist in a seem to be overwhelming. The challenges are to be with child. As a man of honour, Christ, dead and risen, to become new vine; you are the branches. Whoever Ǧ- ǡYou judge the world with justice [cf. ϐ Ps. 9:8]; most tangible way witnessing to that endless love and ϐ ǡǡmany. Our efforts in the past two years, to ensure the Joseph wanted to spare her publicity creatures, full members of the Church. remains in me and I in him, will bear ǳ [Exodus 3:11]. He surely felt - Therefore we place before you, like Moses, calling us to be the sacrament of love to each other. emergence of the truth behind these inhuman and - Lord, Oh Lord of Love - be love to all those and decided to divorce her informally/ much fruit; for without Me you can his inadequacy in doing what You asked him to do as in cold blood - men, women and children - broken who are suffering the loss of their loved ones, whose quietly (cf. Matthew1:19). do nothing” (John 15:4-5). If you are mightiness of the task You asked him to achieve and ǡϐ to pieces, powdered to dust because they loved You ϐ - We still are in the dark as to what really Joseph did not want to disgrace Mary responsibility within the ϐǡChurch. Now truly “connected” to Christ, who is our ϐǤ his inadequacy in even thinking of it. and came to worship You Lord on that fateful Easter - Lord may You show Your love to them - ϐ Ǥhappened. Facts are not being properly investigated - publicly, so he opted for an informal you assume ϐ responsibility Ǯǯ for the faith Master and model, you will receive and But You helped him Lord and You made that miracle Sunday in 2019, people of all religions, they came ϐǤaccompany those who due to this Easter tragedy divorce. As Pope Francis wrote in the that your parents and godparents transmit the virtues of Christ.... happen - the impossible happen - You brought Israel with their families - but they were murdered in cold have become disabled and bed-ridden, orphaned, cloud the efforts. Encyclical Letter Laudato Si, Joseph professed on your behalf on the day of By the scented oil, called “chrism”, out with a mighty hand. At the red sea You, as the Book blood. widowed, helpless and spiritually shattered. ϐǡ - It looks overwhelming. But nothing is showed a great tenderness, which is your Baptism. Thus, you formally take with which you will be marked soon, of Exodus states, fought for the people against Egypt - They cry out to You Lord - ǲ ǡ - Take away their loneliness, the vacuum impossible to You Lord. And so we plead with You - not a mark of the weak but of those over the witness of your Christian life. each of you, by the power of the Spirit, and saved them from the hand of Pharaoh’s army - as Ǥ do not consider our own inadequacies, lack of faith who are genuinely strong, fully aware This is why this Sacrament is called will be likened to Christ who is the true the Psalmist states: - ǲ - O Just Judge, reveal to them the forces of all and sinfulness. Render us justice Lord for You are the of reality, and ready to love and serve “Anointed”. Ǣ ǳ [Psalm 7:9]; Ǧϐthose who hated them and decided and planned to Lord of justice - the Almighty and the Most Merciful. - Their blood cries out to You Lord - as the destroy them so cruelly. You guide the destinations of humanity - come to in humility. He too can teach us how to I entrust all of you, your parents, in Christ, now as adult-Christians. blood of Abel; - Render justice to all those who suffered the our assistance Lord. show care (cf. ’, 24 May 2015, Ǣ Laudato Si ǲϐǳǤ ϐ faith is siblings and friends and certainly your - Ask O Lord, those who murdered them, as ravages of this attack on their dignity, which You gave And may Mary our beloved heavenly Mother be our n. 242). formators and fellow seminarians to Ǣ necessary before you progress further [Psalm 7:7]. You asked Cain who murdered Abel -ǲ them - take away their pain - help them to experience intercessor before Jesus her Son, God from eternity to As Joseph made up his mind to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Ǥǳ inǡ your formation ϐ to the priesthood. Each time Moses complained on their behalf - You ǫ ǯ Your love once again. eternity. Amen. divorce Mary informally, the Angel of The gift of the Holy Spirit which Mary, to Her spouse Saint Joseph and listened to him - and when Israel grumbled against ǨǳǢ - Lord, You gave them to me, as my beloved the Lord appeared to him in a dream you are to receive will be a spiritual to Saint Aloysius. Moses several times - wanting to go back to Egypt - We Your priests and religious have gathered St. Joseph, patron of the Church, pray for us and encouraged him not to be afraid sign and a seal to make you more like May the Lord bless you all! for they were craving for the good things they had in here, in this hallowed Shrine, consecrated to Your - and so, like Moses I plead with You to help me to St. Joseph Vaz, Apostle of Sri Lanka, pray for us Egypt, the meat, the cucumbers, melons, the onions, mother and our Mother Mary - like Moses at the ϐ Ǧsuccour them and render justice to them - give me the Amen.

Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you make trouble for her? she has done a good thing for me. (Mark 14:6) The Messenger March 28, 2021 8 Messenger March 28, 2021 9 9 Messenger March 28, 2021 ϐǡ dϐǮǯ THE FIRST WORD scribes and Pharisees who told Pilate "Let his blood Friday on Calvary's gory hill. All eyes were on Jesus The passers - by blasphemed against Him; tossing be upon us and upon our children". Now, standing curse and swear and even blame society for making ϐ their heads "Come now, they said, Thou who wouldst on the hillside, their faces beaming with momentary them Ǥ ǡ ϐ criminal, but this Jesus was different. He was asI if He was a notorious criminal. What was His crime? destroy the temple and build it up in three days, rescue triumph, they chided Him saying. pleading for forgiveness for His enemies who sent Homily delivered by His Excellency Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, Preaching ϐ the divine message of forgiveness and love thyself. Come down from that cross if Thou art the Son "He saved others; he cannot save himself Him to 1death. He was entrusting His beloved mother "love your enemies", He said "do good to them that of God" (Matthew 27: 39 and 40) If he is the king of Israel He has only to come down to the care of His favourite disciple, He was promising ϔ hate you" - healing the sick and the blind, making the They were words of insult and ridicule hurled at from the cross, here 'and now and we will believe paradise to a penitent thief, He was uttering words of Ǥ Ǥ̹ lame walk, cleansing the lepers, raising people from the dying Jesus. We will never be able to comprehend him. Ǥ ǡ the dead, exhorting people to love their neighbours He trusted in God, Let God, if he favours him that His mission of redemption was completed, He Saviour when He heard these insults and affronts. His succour him now. He told them "I am the son of God" commendsǤ ̶ His ϐ̶ǡ spirit to His Heavenly Father, bows the chief priests, the scribes and Pharisees who were only ϐ response was a plea to the Heavenly Father to (Matthew 27: 42 and 43) His head gracefully and passed away. Meanwhile, a Greetings exploiting ǡ the poor and prostituting religion ϐ for forgive them for they did not know what they were This is typical of some people in the world who are veil of unusual darkness had fallen over the earth and their personal gain, and proclaiming that He was the doing. Even in His moments of terrible agony. He was always asking, for proof of the divinity of Jesus. They everything was disconcertingly gloomy. At His death, oday we celebrate the Solemnity of are so blind and intoxicated with prejudice that no Messiah, the Son of God. Divinity itself was hanging on making excuses for all mankind. "They do not know all nature revolted. There was an earthquake, thunder Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary (cf. the cruel cross to pay for these so - called crimes while amount of proof will satisfy them. It is said that "to, T what they are doing." rumbled wildly in the air and lightning rent the clouds. Matthew 1:16.24; Luke 1:27), Foster the world looked on. those who believe in God no explanation is necessary?, This had never happened before. The Centurion and Legal father of Jesus (Matthew On the hillside watching the proceedings was a THE SECOND WORD to those who do not believe in God no explanation is 13:35; Mark 6:3; Luke 4:22; John 6:42) motley collection of people. There were passers - possible". Or to put it in another way. "Indeed, this was the Son of God" (Mark 15:39). and Patron of the Universal Church. by looking on with confused minds, some believers, Jesus and said - "Save thyself and us too, if thou art the "A man convinced against his will is of the same ǡϐǡ ǤCommenting on the Centurion's reaction, Bishop You appropriately put the unveiling of some unbelievers, some tottering between belief and Christ" ϐ (Luke 23: 39). opinion still". his statue on this particular day and on unbelief. There were the holy women always faithful All that this thief was interested in was to save Fulton Sheen wrote - this year that is dedicated to him (the to Jesus who were crying from their hearts, there were himself from the cross even though he deserved "Indeed, THE FIFTH WORD "The cross was beginning to bear fruit. A Jewish Year of Saint Joseph, 8.12.20 – 8.12.21). others standing at a safe distance, sorry for their Master, In a feeling of abandonment, Jesus cried out- thief had already asked for and received salvation and With Saint Aloysius, he intercedes but living in fear of the Jews, who were ready to run the world who are concerned only about themselves "Eloi, Eloi Lama , sabachthani", which means "My now a soldier of Caesar had bowed in adoration of and watches over your seminary in a away at the least sign of trouble. There were the Chief regardless Ǥ of the sufferings of others. ϐ God, my God why hast Thou forsaken me". the Divine sufferer. That strange combination which special way. priests and their sychopants, their faces beaming with Hearing this, by foolishness or design, some of was everywhere in the public life of Our Lord is now As Pope Francis wrote in the revengeful smiles. There was the Centurion and his THE THIRD WORD them who stood-by said - to take Mary home as his wife, because Christ and more perfect members of manifest cross - Humiliation and Power. While others Apostolic Letter, on the 150th The attitude of the thief on the right was quite "Why, he is calling upon Elias she had conceived by the Holy Spirit His Church. You will receive the power Close to the cross were Mary, the mother of Jesus, condemned Him of blasphemy, a Roman Centurion anniversary of the proclamation of different. When he heard what the thief on the left Let us see whether Elias will come and save him" (cf. Matthew 1:20). Joseph did not ask of Christ’s Spirit and the Sign of the His ϐǤ disciple John and of course Mary Magdalene, the said, he rebuked him saying - worshipped him as the Son of God". Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal (Mark 15: 34 to 36). any question. He simply did what the Cross on your forehead. You must be repentant sinner. All of them represented a microcosm "Don't you fear God? You received the same Church, Patris Corde, “After Mary, the Their hearts were so cold that even this sad cry did Angel of the Lord had told him to do witnesses before the entire world to of society then, and even today. sentence as he did. Ours is only right because we are Mother of God, no saint is mentioned (Matthew 1:24). He acted in a similar His suffering, death, and Resurrection. not move them. Instead, they continued to mock him. Co Even in His dying moments Jesus spoke seven getting what we deserve for what we did. He has done As we meditate on the Cross during this Season more frequently in the Papal way on all the other occasions the Angel Your way of life should at all times words of forgiveness and love, promised heaven to no wrong". of Lent, let us turn the searchlight inwards and ask Magisterium than Joseph…. Blessed of the Lord had directed him in dreams. SIXTH WORD the penitent thief, committed his bereaved mother Then turning to Jesus he said - ourselves the question - If we were standing that day Pius IX declared him ‘Patron of the Hence, he gives us an example of self- Now it was the turn of the soldiers. to the care of John, his favourite disciple, gave vent to "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into thy at the foot of Calvary, would we have been with the Catholic Church’ [8th December 1870], abandonment and perfect allegiance to Holyϐ Ǥ Spirit, whose action pervades his feeling of abandonment, triumphantly announced The soldiers too mocked Him when they came and kingdom". detractors or those who were slow to believe or those Venerable Pius XII proposed him as the Will of God. As Pope Francis wrote the whole person and ϐ all his life, as that His work of redemption was completed, and The response from Jesus was immediate - "I offered vinegar, saying. "If thou art the king of the Jews who fearlessly proclaimed that Jesus was indeed the ‘Patron of Workers’ [1st May 1955] in the aforementioned Apostolic Letter is manifested through the seven gifts committed His soul to His Heavenly Father. These promise you today you will be in Paradise with me" save thyself." Son of God? Our salvation depends on the answer to and Saint John Paul II as ‘Guardian of , “In every situation, Joseph of the Holy Spirit. The seven gifts of seven words were the shortest sermons in the (Luke 23 - 39 to 43). What else could have been expected from a set of Patris Corde that question. the Redeemer’ [15th August 1989]”. declared his own ‘ ’, like those of the Holy Spirit that you receive in history of mankind whose meaning and depth would What a heart - warming scene amidst the gathering soldiers who had divided his bloodstained garments Saint Joseph is the Guardian of Mary at the Annunciation and Jesus in reverberate through the corridors of time, beaming a darkness and grief. A thief writhing in agony asks for among them and upon his vesture, they cast lots. the Redeemer. Hence, he is Guardian/ the Garden of Gethsemane.”ϐ counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety/ message of hope and salvation. clemency and it is readily granted. "There's a Cross for everyone to bear Patron of the Church, for the Church is Joseph was a caring spouse and holiness, ϐǣǡǡ and fear of God. Interspersed with these words that fell from His SEVENTH WORD But there's a heaven for each soul to share the continuation of the Body of Christ sacred lips were seven other words addressed to the THE FOURTH WORD We do not know what the Centurion, a battle - father and exercised his duties as a With the reception of these gifts There's a place in Heaven awaiting me – the Mystical Body of Christ (cf. ibid., husband and father in a spirit of service of the Holy Spirit, you will produce cross. There was hatred, sarcasm, insults and ridicule hurled hardened soldier of the Roman guard was thinking I got it through his death at Clavary." nr. 5). He watches over the Church in and self-abnegation. and give the fruits of the Spirit, which Let us pick up the narrative from the Gospels: at the dying Jesus by the blood-thirsty Chief priests, as he watched the strange behaviour of Jesus on the the same way that he unassumingly He was hard working; he humbly Saint Paul enumerates in his Letter to provided for his family with his modest the Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, for his family, irrespective of several work, carpentry. For this, the Church kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ϐ ǡ challenges. recognized him too as the Patron of gentleness/ humility and self-control What can we learn from him? What workers celebrated on the 1st of May (Galatians 5:22). By your fruits, your can you learn from him? (I mention (by Pius XII, 1st May 1955). actions, the world will know that you leeks and garlic etc. - Moses complained - burning bush; courage necessary to ensure justice for them. just a few of them): My dear Seminarians, Some ǣ ǡʹͳ ʹͲʹͳ ǲ ǫ Ǧ - Lord You gave them to us, bishops, priests He was a just man (Matthew 1:19), of you will receive the Sacrament as followers and soldiers of Christ ǣ ǡ ǡ that You will hear the plea of all of us who cry out to and religious - we Your humble servants - we have morally upright, sincere, and respectful certainly, ϐǡ ϐ not with weapons, rather as he Lord of the ǫ Ǧ ϐǡ nothing to boast of - we are ourselves fragile and weak of the Law. A just man to whom God celebration, on this great day of Saint advocates of His teaching. universe, the Almighty and Most Merciful, are ǫ ǫ - Lord You know more than we can ever know - but You are our Lord and God - You called us entrusted the care of His Only Begotten ϐ Being a disciple or a soldier of Christ Joseph. presentǡ here ϐ in the Most Blessed ǡ Sacrament of the Ǣ ǦǦ ϐ ǦǢthe truth of what happened on that Easter Sunday. You means following Him and learning ǫǥǤǤ servant Moses with the task of guiding the people of Man through the intervention of the Eucharist today with us. We adore You and worship strengthens and completes the from Him; learning to live like Him Your Divine Majesty. You see us, You hear us as You ǫǳǤ You listened this senseless violence - How could anyone do such a ϐ ǦIsrael to the land You prepared for them, freeing them Holyǡ Spirit. ϐȀ to him. Lord You provided Israel everything they thing in Your name - the Most Merciful Lord - who dies from slavery in Egypt - sequenceϐ of Christian initiation, ǡ which and act like Him. In the Parable of the saw and heard Moses, Your servant at the burning ϐ He was always silent, resigning to needed - meat, water, bread, guidance, protection and on the Cross to show us how much You love us?; - As Moses asked You, so we too ask You - who began with Baptism. Baptism, Holy Vine and the Branches, in the Gospel bush on Mount Sinai, when You assured him that You listening attentively and carrying out of John, Jesus explains this: “As the will accompany him on his mission to free the people provident care accompanying them personally to the are we, Lord, to carry these peoples’ weight on our the design of the Lord (obedience). rmation form a land You promised them. You even fought their wars, fragile shoulders? branch cannot of itself bear fruit unless As we read in the Gospel, Mary was defeating their enemies. Ǧfrom the Cross and to grow ϐ in it. - Indeed the forces that seek to destroy the it remains on the vine, neither can task, no doubt, to which You called him - a fragile betrothed to him; but before they calls “Christian ϐ initiation”. In this Ǥ ϐ human being. Ǧ ϐ- For, You wanted us to love one another as you, if you do not abide in me. I am the came to live together, she was found initiation, ϐ we are inserted into Jesus He indeed asked You then: ǲ Isaiah 45:21 - ǲ ǳ; You loved us - You are present in this Eucharist in a seem to be overwhelming. The challenges are to be with child. As a man of honour, Christ, dead and risen, to become new vine; you are the branches. Whoever Ǧ- ǡYou judge the world with justice [cf. ϐ Ps. 9:8]; most tangible way witnessing to that endless love and ϐ ǡǡmany. Our efforts in the past two years, to ensure the Joseph wanted to spare her publicity creatures, full members of the Church. remains in me and I in him, will bear ǳ [Exodus 3:11]. He surely felt - Therefore we place before you, like Moses, calling us to be the sacrament of love to each other. emergence of the truth behind these inhuman and - Lord, Oh Lord of Love - be love to all those and decided to divorce her informally/ much fruit; for without Me you can his inadequacy in doing what You asked him to do as in cold blood - men, women and children - broken who are suffering the loss of their loved ones, whose quietly (cf. Matthew1:19). do nothing” (John 15:4-5). If you are mightiness of the task You asked him to achieve and ǡϐ to pieces, powdered to dust because they loved You ϐ - We still are in the dark as to what really Joseph did not want to disgrace Mary responsibility within the ϐǡChurch. Now truly “connected” to Christ, who is our ϐǤ his inadequacy in even thinking of it. and came to worship You Lord on that fateful Easter - Lord may You show Your love to them - ϐ Ǥhappened. Facts are not being properly investigated - publicly, so he opted for an informal you assume ϐ responsibility Ǯǯ for the faith Master and model, you will receive and But You helped him Lord and You made that miracle Sunday in 2019, people of all religions, they came ϐǤaccompany those who due to this Easter tragedy divorce. As Pope Francis wrote in the that your parents and godparents transmit the virtues of Christ.... happen - the impossible happen - You brought Israel with their families - but they were murdered in cold have become disabled and bed-ridden, orphaned, cloud the efforts. Encyclical Letter Laudato Si, Joseph professed on your behalf on the day of By the scented oil, called “chrism”, out with a mighty hand. At the red sea You, as the Book blood. widowed, helpless and spiritually shattered. ϐǡ - It looks overwhelming. But nothing is showed a great tenderness, which is your Baptism. Thus, you formally take with which you will be marked soon, of Exodus states, fought for the people against Egypt - They cry out to You Lord - ǲ ǡ - Take away their loneliness, the vacuum impossible to You Lord. And so we plead with You - not a mark of the weak but of those over the witness of your Christian life. each of you, by the power of the Spirit, and saved them from the hand of Pharaoh’s army - as Ǥ do not consider our own inadequacies, lack of faith who are genuinely strong, fully aware This is why this Sacrament is called will be likened to Christ who is the true the Psalmist states: - ǲ - O Just Judge, reveal to them the forces of all and sinfulness. Render us justice Lord for You are the of reality, and ready to love and serve “Anointed”. Ǣ ǳ [Psalm 7:9]; Ǧϐthose who hated them and decided and planned to Lord of justice - the Almighty and the Most Merciful. - Their blood cries out to You Lord - as the destroy them so cruelly. You guide the destinations of humanity - come to in humility. He too can teach us how to I entrust all of you, your parents, in Christ, now as adult-Christians. blood of Abel; - Render justice to all those who suffered the our assistance Lord. show care (cf. ’, 24 May 2015, Ǣ Laudato Si ǲϐǳǤ ϐ faith is siblings and friends and certainly your - Ask O Lord, those who murdered them, as ravages of this attack on their dignity, which You gave And may Mary our beloved heavenly Mother be our n. 242). formators and fellow seminarians to Ǣ necessary before you progress further [Psalm 7:7]. You asked Cain who murdered Abel -ǲ them - take away their pain - help them to experience intercessor before Jesus her Son, God from eternity to As Joseph made up his mind to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Ǥǳ inǡ your formation ϐ to the priesthood. Each time Moses complained on their behalf - You ǫ ǯ Your love once again. eternity. Amen. divorce Mary informally, the Angel of The gift of the Holy Spirit which Mary, to Her spouse Saint Joseph and listened to him - and when Israel grumbled against ǨǳǢ - Lord, You gave them to me, as my beloved the Lord appeared to him in a dream you are to receive will be a spiritual to Saint Aloysius. Moses several times - wanting to go back to Egypt - We Your priests and religious have gathered St. Joseph, patron of the Church, pray for us and encouraged him not to be afraid sign and a seal to make you more like May the Lord bless you all! for they were craving for the good things they had in here, in this hallowed Shrine, consecrated to Your - and so, like Moses I plead with You to help me to St. Joseph Vaz, Apostle of Sri Lanka, pray for us Egypt, the meat, the cucumbers, melons, the onions, mother and our Mother Mary - like Moses at the ϐ Ǧsuccour them and render justice to them - give me the Amen.

Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you make trouble for her? she has done a good thing for me. (Mark 14:6) 10 The Messenger March 28, 2021 Holy Week Timeline: From Palm Sunday to the Resurrection Day 1: Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday about the end time events, including His Second Com- endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, On the Sunday before His mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple death, Jesus began His Scripture indicates that this Tuesday was also the unlawful trials, H ing and the �inal judgement. trip to Jerusalem, know- day Judas Iscariot negotiated with the Sanhedrin, ion, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods e was sentenced to death by cruci�ix- ing that soon He would the rabbinical court of ancient Israel, to betray Jesus of capital punishment known at the time. lay down His life for our (Matthew 26:14-16). Before Christ was led away, soldiers spat on Him, sins. Nearing the village of After a tiring day of confrontation and warnings tormented and mocked Him, and pierced Him with a Bethphage, He sent two of about the future, once again, Jesus and the disciples re- crown of thorns. Then Jesus carried His own cross to His disciples ahead, telling them to look for a donkey turned to Bethany to stay the night. Calvary where, again, He was mocked and insulted as and its colt. The disciples were instructed to untie the The tumultuous events of Tuesday and the Olivet Roman soldiers nailed Him to the wooden cross. animals and bring them to Him. Discourse are recorded in Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark Then Jesus sat on the young donkey and slowly, 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, and John 12:20–38. Jesus spoke seven �inal statements from the cross. humbly, made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34, NIV). His His �irst words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do crowds welcomed Him by waving palm branches in the Day 4: Holy Wednesday last words were, "Father, into your hands I commit my air and shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed The Bible does not say spirit." (Luke 23:46, NIV) is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in what the Lord did on the Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed the highest!" Wednesday of Passion His last breath and died. On Palm Sunday, Jesus and His disciples spent Week. Scholars speculate By 6 p.m. Friday evening, Nicodemus and Joseph of the night in Bethany, a town about two miles east of that after two exhausting Arimathea took Jesus' body down from the cross and Jerusalem. This is where Lazarus, whom Jesus had days in Jerusalem, Jesus lay it in a tomb. raised from the dead, and his two sisters, Mary and and His disciples spent this Friday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Martha, lived. They were close friends of Jesus, and day resting in Bethany in anticipation of Passover. Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28- 19:37. Day 5: Passover and Last Supper nal days in Jerusalem. Day 7: Saturday in the Tomb probablyJesus' triumphalhosted Him entry and isHis recorded disciples in duringMatthew their 21:1- �i- on Maundy Thursday 11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. From Bethany, Jesus sent Jesus' body lay in its tomb, Peter and John ahead to the where it was guarded by Day 2: On Monday, Jesus Clears the Temple Upper Room in Jerusalem Roman soldiers throughout to make the preparations the day on Saturday, which The following morning, Je- for the Passover Feast. That was the Sabbath. sus returned with His dis- evening after sunset, Jesus Nicodemus, like Joseph ciples to Jerusalem. Along washed the feet of His dis- of Arimathea, was a mem- the way, H ciples as they prepared to ber of the Sanhedrin, the tree because it had failed share in the Passover. By performing this humble act of court that had condemned to bear fruit.e cursed Some schol- a �ig service, Jesus demonstrated by example how believers Jesus Christ to death. For a time, both men had lived as should love one another. secret followers of Jesus, afraid to make a public profes- judgement on the spiritually dead religious leaders of Then, Jesus shared the feast of Passover with His sion of faith because of their prominent positions in the Israel.ars believe Others this believe cursing the of symbolism the �ig tree extendedrepresented to all God's be- disciples. Jewish community. lievers, demonstrating that genuine faith is more than Similarly, both were deeply affected by Christ's just outward religiosity; true, living faith must bear meaning of Passover by giving His body to be broken death. They boldly came out of hiding, risking their spiritual fruit in a person's life. andAs H the Lamb of God, Jesus was about to ful�ill the reputations and their lives because they had come When Jesus arrived at the Temple, He found the and death. During this Last Supper, Jesus established to realize that Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited courts full of corrupt money changers. He began over- the Lord'sis blood Supper, to be orshed Communion, in sacri�ice, instructing freeing us from His fol-sin Messiah. Together they cared for Jesus' body and pre- turning their tables and clearing the Temple, saying, lowers to continually remember H pared it for burial. "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house in the elements of bread and wine (Luke 22:19-20). While his physical body lay in the tomb, Jesus Christ of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves" Later, Jesus and the disciples isleft sacri�ice the Upper by sharing Room paid the penalty for sin by offering the perfect, spot- (Luke 19:46). and went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus On Monday evening Jesus stayed in Bethany again, prayed in agony to God the Father. Luke's Gospel says physically, securing our eternal salvation. probably in the home of his friends, Mary, Martha, and that "his sweat became like great drops of blood falling lessSaturday's sacri�ice. He events conquered are recorded death, bothin Matthew spiritually 27:62- and Lazarus. down to the ground" (Luke 22:44, ESV). 66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40. Monday's events are recorded in Matthew 21:12– Late that evening in Gethsemane, Jesus was be- 22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17. trayed with a kiss by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Day 8: Easter Sunday Sanhedrin. He was taken to the home of Caiaphas, the On Easter Sunday, we reach Day 3: On Tuesday, Jesus Goes to the High Priest, where the whole council had gathered to the culmination of Holy Mount of Olives begin making their case against Jesus. Week. The resurrection On Tuesday morning, Jesus Meanwhile, in the early morning hours, as Jesus' of Jesus Christ is the most and His disciples returned trial was getting underway, Peter denied knowing his important event of the to Jerusalem. They passed Master three times before the rooster crowed. Christian faith. The very Thursday's events are recorded in Matthew 26:17– foundation of all Christian their way, and Jesus spoke 75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38. tothe his withered companions �ig tree about on doctrine hinges on the the importance of faith. truth of this account. Day 6: Trial, Cruci�ixion, Death, Early Sunday morn- Back at the Temple, and Burial on Good Friday religious leaders were upset at Jesus for establish- ing, several women (Mary Good Friday is the most important ing himself as a spiritual authority. They organized an Magdalene, Joanna, Salome, and Mary the mother of day of Passion Week. Christ's journey ambush with the intent to place Him under arrest. But James) went to the tomb and discovered that the large turned treacherous and acutely pain- Jesus evaded their traps and pronounced harsh stone covering the entrance had been rolled away. His On the day of His Resurrection, Jesus Christ made judgement on them. death. Later that afternoon, Jesus left the city and went ful inAccording these �inal to hours Scripture, leading to Judas with His disciples to the Mount of Olives, on the east person to see Him was Mary Magdalene. Jesus also Iscariot, the disciple who had be- appearedat least �ive to appearances.Peter, to the twoMark's disciples Gospel on says the the road �irst to of the Temple and overlooking Jerusalem. Here Jesus trayed Jesus, was overcome with re- gave the Olivet Discourse, an elaborate prophecy about Emmaus, and later that day to all of the disciples ex- morse and hanged himself early Fri- cept Thomas, while they were gathered in a house for the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the age. He day morning. prayer. Cont on Pg 13 speaks, as usual, in parables, using symbolic language Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus

The poor you will always have with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them, ... (Mark 14:7) 11 The Messenger March 28, 2021

Church Renewal Movements Article by Rev. Msgr. Robinson Wijesinghe 12

The Catholic Church holds all spiritual treasure ismatic renewal from various national backgrounds as tion, remain outside the Church”. and wealth well as Theologians not associated with the charismat- Commenting on the role of the ecclesial Prof. Karl Barth, Protestant Theologian born movements to a renewed evangelizing impulse, to be in in Switzerland (1886-1968) and an Observer at the to holiness, the experience of the Spirit, Baptism in the the vanguard of the ecumenical dialogue, or to combat Second Vatican Ecumenical Council (1962-1965), had Holyic renewal. Spirit, Histhe re�lectionscharisms, forms cover of the community areas of vocation life, the secularization or the crisis of families, the Cardinal prophetically remarked that the beauty of the charis- call to evangelize. Chapters are based on the spiritual expresses his convictions that the movements are a matic renewal would be complete when it would en- renewal coming from the Second Vatican Ecumenical grace for the Church of today. They are an appropriate ter the Roman Catholic Church. His was undoubtedly Council such as the experience of the Holy Spirit and its answer to today's world, to the secularized world and a convinced perception, born from his intellectual and fruits, mission. to a world that priests and the hierarchy can no longer spiritual patrimony that aroused greater enthusiasm in reach and which, consequently, needs the laity. He sees the Catholic world, because he knew that the Catholic Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa the importance of their presence integrated in society Church holds all that the other Churches believe and The Italian Franciscan Capuchin religious is the with an extraordinary task not as a utopia for the future, much more (cf. Cyril John, Spurred by the Spirit, India, but as something palpably real. The ecclesial movements 2007, p. 34). since 1980 and currently the Ecclesiastical Assistant therefore, for him, are in the vanguard of evangelization, toPreacher the CHARIS to the (Catholic Ponti�ical Charismatic Household orRenewal Papal Preacher Interna- in the works of charity, in addition to animating a Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes wide range of activities. These give Christians a new Born and ordained in Germany he was the the Holy See for Catholic charismatic renewals in the motivation and enable them to rediscover the beauty of world,tional Service), established which by Popeis the Francisnew coordinating in 2019, under of�ice the of Christian life and, consequently, dispose them to take competence of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. on tasks of evangelization, of pastoral animation of the forPresident the Laity of the from Ponti�ical 1981-1996. Council For Corten yearsUnum he (1995- was, In one of his interviews with the ZENIT International Church. With his own experience of the charismatic at2010). the appointmentHe was Vice-President of Pope John of the Paul Ponti�ical II, the "Episco- Council News Agency, Rome, in 2006, he speaks of the Catholic renewal in the Catholic Church, Cardinal Cantalamessa pal Advisor" to the International Catholic Charismatic Charismatic Renewal as "a joyful experience of God's comments that the Catholic Charismatic Renewal has Renewal Services (ICCRS) in Rome. In this capacity he grace". In relation to the expression that the Holy Spirit no founders or great structure or power. They are very followed His Eminence Cardinal Leon-Joseph Suenens, "blows where it wills”, Cardinal Cantalamessa explains humble and discreet. Yet it is, among all the ecclesial the late Archbishop of Malines, Belgium. In his book: in reference to the homily of Pope Benedict XVI on the movements, the most interested in theology. In Call to Holiness vigil of the Pentecost in the same year that Holy Spirit Charismatic Renewal there is, in fact, a question on the Renewal, USA, 1997, he speaks of the charismatic re- blows where He wills but never blows in a disordered, Holy Spirit; all the important treatises of theologians newal as a sign, Re�lectionsof the continuing on the relevance Catholic Charismatic of the Holy contradictory way. Therefore, he says “we have behind on the Holy Spirit speak of the Renewal because it is Spirit for the baptized which gives life and direction to us the whole tradition of the Church, the doctrine of the not simply a one more spirituality among others, but the Church in its mission in the world. Appearing soon doctors, the teaching of the Church to discern which it is a new rising of an original Christianity which was after the close of Vatican II, he sees the charismatic re- charisms are valid and which are not; it might be that that of the apostles. newal as one of a number of movements of the Spirit in at the beginning some charisms make much noise, at- the Church marked by a call to holiness and evangeli- tract more attention, but that later, over time, reveal Main goals of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal zation. His work Call to Holiness was a fruit of wisdom themselves instead to be unfounded. The Church is like The Renewal is a personal experience of the gathered within the renewal, thirty years after its be- water: It receives all bodies, but the true, solid ones it power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the ginnings and several years of consultation with lead- engulfs, whereas it leaves the others on the surface. people, enabling them to place their lives not under the ers, theologians, and bishops associated with the char- Empty charisms, which have only exterior manifesta- dictatorship of the social Cont on Pg 13 FRACTURE ---- BROKEN BONE

ractured bone is a broken bone. It can vary from a thin crack to a complete break. The bone can Health related Issues in Sri Lanka break cross wise, length wise in several places or F By Dr. Maxie Fernandopulle into many pieces. Fractures occur when the bone is im- Email: [email protected] pacted by more force or pressure than it can support. It can occur with minimal trauma if the bone is already or a person has had serious injury. The doctor will take weakened because of diseases in the bone due to lack of detailed history and carry out a thorough examination calcium or bone proteins, cancer or any other disease of of the bone affected and also examine the rest of the the bone. Then it is called a pathological fracture. If the body. An X-ray of the affected bone, C.T. and M.R.I. scans end of the broken bone has pierced through the skin and are very helpful to establish the diagnosis and evaluate is exposed to the outside it is called compound fracture the degree of damage locally. which is more serious than a simple fracture where the Bone healing is a natural process and in most cases broken ends of the bone remains covered. In the former occur automatically. Treatment focusses for providing situation infection can set in and bone can get infected the injured bone the best circumstances for optimum (osteomyelitis) which is a serious condition. healing by immobilization. The ends of the broken bone The common causes need to be lined up by reducing the fracture. accidents, falls and sports injuries. The most common Complications of fractures of fractures are road traf�ic sites are around the wrist, ankle and the hip joints. It 1. Compartment Syndrome occurs when the pressure can be associated with dislocation of an adjoining joint within a compartment rises restricting the blood or other serious injury to vital organs of the body. nerve roots in spinal fractures or symptoms related to Symptoms depend on the bone affected and the se- the contents of the skull in skull fractures may be associated with the underlying fracture when situation is verity of the injury. But the common general symptoms blood�low tocan the collect area under and the potentially closed sheath damaging that cov- the more serious than a simple fracture. often include pain, swelling, brushing, deformity and ersnearby the muscles andinside nerves. a closed After space. an injury This �luidis seen or As the people age the risk of a inability to move the limb. There may be swelling due to High risk groups. after a fracture. fracture is increased because of the weakness of the 2. Non-union. The fracture fails to heal or there is mal- bones with Age and greater risk of falling due unsteadi- fracture caused by ruptured bone marrow. Angulation union when the fracture heals in a deformed man- collection of �luid or blood in the soft tissue around the ness. Children are also more prone to fractures because of the bone at the site of the fracture may be seen as an ner. Delayed union and nonunion are also seen as of the active life they lead. Women after menopause are abnormal angulation of a straight bone. There can be a late complications. at a higher risk due to lowered levels of female sex hor- grating sensation in the affected bone or the joint close 3. An immediate complication is shock due to low vol- to the fracture. When a large bone is fractured the pa- mone oestrogen which makes calcium metabolism dif- tient may be in state of shock, pale, feeling faintish and vessels. nauseated. Pain can also be due to involuntary spasm of ume of blood and �luid decreased within the blood �icult.What Hence to do be and careful. what is done and 4. An early complication is respiratory distress, fat em- muscles around the fractures. Damage to the surround- the outcome bolism (piece of fat from the contents of the broken ing structures such as nerves, blood vessels, spinal cord See a doctor without delay if a fracture is suspected bone is carried in the Cont on Pg 13

...but you will not always have me. She has done what she could. She has anticipated anointing my body for burial. (Mark 14:7-8) 12 The Messenger March 28, 2021 Decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 25.03.2020 DECREE In time of Covid-19 (II) onsidering the rapidly evolving situation of the Covid- 1 - Palm Sunday. The Commemoration of the Lord’s 5 – The Easter Vigil: Is to be celebrated only in Cathedral C19 pandemic and taking into account observations Entrance into Jerusalem is to be celebrated within sacred and parish churches. For the “Baptismal Liturgy” only which have come from Episcopal Conferences, this buildings; in Cathedral churches the second form given the “Renewal of Baptismal Promises” is maintained (cf. Congregation now offers an update to the general in the Roman Missal is to be adopted; in parish churches Missale Romanum). indications and suggestions already given to Bishops in and in other places the third form is to be used. Seminaries, houses of clergy, monasteries and religious the preceding decree of 19 March 2020. communities shall follow the indications of this decree. 2 – The Chrism Mass. Evaluating the concrete situation Given that the date of Easter cannot be transferred, in in different countries, the Episcopal Conferences will Expressions of popular piety and processions which the countries which have been struck by the disease be able to give indications about a possible transfer to enrich the days of Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum and where restrictions around the assembly and another date. can be transferred to other suitable days in the year, movement of people have been imposed, Bishops and for example 14 and 15 September, according to the priests may celebrate the rites of Holy Week without the 3 – Holy Thursday. The washing of feet, which is already judgement of the Diocesan Bishop. presence of the people and in a suitable place, avoiding optional, is to be omitted. At the end of the Mass of the concelebration and omitting the sign of peace. De mandato Summi Ponti�icis pro hoc tantum anno Lord’s Supper the procession is also omitted and the 2020. The faithful should be informed of the beginning times Blessed Sacrament is to be kept in the tabernacle. On of the celebrations so that they can prayerfully unite this day the faculty to celebrate Mass in a suitable place, themselves in their homes. Means of live (not recorded) without the presence of the people, is exceptionally and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 25 March 2020, on telematic broadcasts can be of help. In any event it remains granted to all priests. theFrom Solemnity the of�ices of ofthe the Annunciation Congregation of for the Divine Lord. Worship important to dedicate an adequate time to prayer, giving 4 – Good Friday. In the Universal Prayer, Bishops will importance above all to the Liturgia Horarum. Robert Card. Sarah arrange to have a special intention prepared for those Prefect The Episcopal Conferences and individual dioceses will + Arthur Roche see to it that resources are provided to support family Missale Romanum). The adoration of the Cross by kissing Archbishop Secretary and personal prayer. itwho shall �ind be themselveslimited solely in todistress, the celebrant. the sick, the dead, (cf. NOTE OF THE CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS CELEBRATION OF HOLY WEEK 2021 Prot. N. 96/21 NOTE TO BISHOPS AND EPISCOPAL CONFERENCES ON THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY WEEK 2021 he intention of this Note is to offer some simple to re-read it in view of the decisions that Bishops will - The Chrism Mass can be moved to another more Tguidelines in order to aid Bishops in their task have to make about the upcoming Easter celebrations in of judging concrete situations and providing for the the particular situation of their country. Many countries of pastors, ministers and faithful should participate. suitable day, if necessary; a signi�icant representation spiritual welfare of pastors and faithful in living this still have strict lockdown conditions in force rendering - For the celebration of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Great Week of the liturgical year. it impossible for the faithful to be present in church, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil the indications given while in others a more normal pattern of worship is We are still facing the drama of the COVID-19 pandemic last year are valid. being resumed. which has brought many changes, even to our normal - The preparation of suitable aids for family and personal way of celebrating the liturgy. The norms and directives - The use of social media has greatly aided pastors in prayer is encouraged, also by making use of some parts contained in the liturgical books, drawn up with normal offering support and closeness to their communities of the Liturgy of the Hours. times in view, are not entirely applicable in exceptional during the pandemic. Alongside these positive results The Congregation sincerely thanks Bishops and moments of crisis such as these. For this reason, the problematic aspects were also observed. For the Episcopal Conferences for responding in a pastoral Bishop as moderator of the liturgical life of his Church, celebration of Holy Week it is suggested that media manner to a rapidly changing situation over the course is called upon to make prudent decisions in order that coverage of the celebrations presided over by the Bishop of the year. We are aware that the decisions taken have the liturgy can be celebrated fruitfully for the People of be facilitated and favoured, encouraging the faithful not always been easy for pastors or the lay faithful to God and for the good of the souls entrusted to his care, who are unable to attend their own church to follow the accept. However, we know that they were taken with a while respecting the safeguarding of health and what diocesesan celebrations as a sign of unity. view to ensuring that the sacred mysteries be celebrated has been prescribed by the authorities responsible for - In all celebrations, in conjunction with the Episcopal in the most effective way possible for our communities, the common good. Conference, attention should be paid to some particular while respecting the common good and public health. Once again we remind Bishops of the Decree issued moments and gestures, in accordance with healthcare From the Congregation for Divine Worship and the by this Dicastery by mandate of the Holy Father on 25 requirements (cf. Letter of the Cardinal Prefect to the Discipline of the Sacraments, Ash Wednesday,17 March 2020 (Prot. N. 154/20) in which some guidelines Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences Let us return February 2021. were offered for the celebration of Holy Week. That to the Eucharist with joy!, 15 August 2020, Prot. N. Robert Card. Sarah statement is also valid this year. We therefore invite you 432/20). Prefect (Contd from last week) a mystery theology for liturgiology. Casel’s liturgiology A possible Theological . . . Mystery of Jesus Christ, fully enacted in the celebration is known as the Mystery Theology, (Mysterientheologie, ofgrace; the Sacraments,Sacramental especially Grace which in that�lows of out the of Eucharist. the Paschal Mysterienlehre), which began in the year 1932. Going “…more recent sacramental theologians place less beyond the scholastic understanding of liturgical What happens in the e-universe is that people venture emphasis on Rahner’s way of relating sacraments celebrations, he proposed the concept of Ganzheitschau, out to meet someone or something, and cyberspace is the to the institutional Church in favor of placing stress or seeing the sum-total, and concluded that the medium. E-Ecclesiology should make the Sacramental on sacraments as the corporate engagement of local ontological meaning of Christian life was embedded in presence of Christ omnipresent, and the space of communities in expressions which are corporate and the Mystery. Casel goes into detailed analyses of both operation for us is Grace! Surfers should discover the communal experiences of the presence of God. Here local Pauline and Petrine epistles to show how we ought to Kingdom values among the legion of vices; like wheat church communities are the real locus of sacramental look for the mystery in what we celebrate. In our quest among the weeds. activity; the Church universal is understood as the towards an e-ecclesiology Casel’s expositions would communion of these local communities. Unfortunately, our presence represents more of surely be of immense help. individual identities, and those of particular social Irwin’s exposition supports my thesis towards clearer Conclusion: media groups. Whether they represent the Mystical ecclesiological parameters for a possible cyber-reading Propositions are welcome. But who actually should Body of Christ as a whole is yet to be discovered. Hardly of the digital way of being Church. The most important coordinate the real work of getting the theological any aligning in this line of thinking has taken place. An paradigms are the all-permeating Sacramental presence ecclesiological reading of the issue is in great want, and of Christ, as the primordial Sacrament, and the role of the and explained, and consequently, slowly but surely would those who are able to discern must begin to decipher Church as the Foundation Sacrament. They immediately setparameters the train de�ined in motion, and iscodi�ied, the million and dollarthen transmitted poser. The in tangibly comprehensible terminology what it is to be and inseparably follow the next paradigm, namely, the Church is not bankrupt of structures, and optimistically, the Mystical Body of Christ in cyberspace. corporate engagement of the local communities, and the degree of probability of such a scheme becoming a eventually of the individual believers as members of In similar line of theological thinking, I wish to also reality is high. The beginnings will be hazy, misty and the Mystical Body of Christ. Hence, wherever they surf, underline the mystery theology proposed by Odo Casel, somewhat shaky. Mists will evaporate, when the Sun of a Benedictine monk of the Maria Laach Monastery in presence of Christ. The all-encompassing medium is Germany (1886-1948). He paved the way, by pioneering surely become discernible. they are bound to recognize the gracious and ef�icacious Righteousness and Justice shines, and the �igures will Amen, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done... (Mark 14:9) 1313 The TheMessenger Messenger March March 28 28,, 20212021

Contd. from Pg. 1 that through the intercession Contd. from Pg. 1 den and unpredictable of Mother Mary justice will be Pope on World Water... variability of rainfall, We have no other alternative... done to the innocent Easter thaws, diminishing river victims.” In a video message ing it or contaminating it campaign against Anniversary of the attack Their Lordships Rt. Rev. the Easter attack His Catholics in the country will Drs. Maxwell Silva, J. D. sent by Secretary of State has been a mistake that groundwater. Eminence said “I realize that it continue to carry out strong Anthony Jayakody and P. An- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on continues to be repeated �lowsAll theseand depletion phenomena, of is an uphill task for me to face and powerful island wide ton Ranjith, Auxiliary Bish- behalf of the Pope, to par- even today,” he said. this problematic situation all protest campaigns. he said, are detrimen- ops of Colombo were pres- ticipants at a webinar or- The Holy Father raised by myself. But the support I The Archbishop request- ent at the prayer service. The tal to water quality. Also ganized by the UN’s Food the issue of how in our age receive from the members of ed the priests and religious event commenced with a contributing to this state the Bishops’ Conference in to unite with the people. “I and Agriculture Organiza- of progress and techno- candle lit procession. of affairs, he continued, Sri Lanka is a strengthening request each and every one The rosary was recited tion (FAO), Pope Francis logical advances, “access is the spread of a “throw- factor to me,” he said. to stand together united as in Sinhala, Tamil and English marked the 2021 World to safe, drinkable water “Our struggle is to ‘see’ one in facing this onerous languages. A large number of Water Day. The commem- is not within everyone's away” culture and the glo- that justice is done. We want situation. We must feel the priests and religious sisters oration, held on 22 March reach.” balization of indifference, to see it with our eyes. To pulse of the people, by listen- from the Archdiocese were “which lead humanity to ensure there is transparen- ing to their pleadings and as present. every year since 1993, of- The Pope reminded us cy in the investigations and one united body proceed in Prayers were conducted fers an opportunity to cel- that “access to safe drink- feel authorized to plunder that all masterminds behind our journey strengthening by Rev. Fr. Lawrance Ra- ebrate water and raises able water is a basic and and deplete creation.” the attack are brought to one another and not yield- manayaka, Director Seth awareness of the 2.2 bil- universal human right, On top of this is the book. No one should receive ing to powers of conspiracies Sarana Caritas, Rev. Fr. Jude special treatments. If their but in search of truth for the Chryshantha, Director Social lion people living without […] a condition for the current health crisis names are mentioned in the people of God.” Communications and Rev. Fr. access to potable water. exercise of other human which, he said, “Has wid- PCoI report they should be His Eminence said “I Gihan Gunatilleke, Director The Pope noted the rights.” (Enc. Laudato ened existing social and brought to court.” strongly believe that if we con- Faith Animation Team. Rev. poignancy of the theme si', n. 30). It is a good to His Eminence reiter- tinue to pray with immense economic inequalities, Fr. Shriyananda Fernando, chosen for this year: which all human beings, ated that if no action is tak- faith, God will listen to us. He Administrator of the Shrine highlighting the damage en before April 21, the 2nd will reveal the truth. I know "Valuing Water". It in- without exception, have organized the event. caused by the absence or vites us, he said, to be the right to have adequate more responsible in the access, so that they can A special CD on vices among those most Contd. from Pg. 1 revitalizing Small Christian protection and use of this inef�iciency of water ser- Having the name in the... Communities was also element which is so fun- “Our world has a grave in need.” launched during the event damental for the preser- sociallead a digni�ied debt towards life. Thus, the Pope Francis invited Eminence said “A true From birth to death they handed over to His Eminence vation of our planet. poor who lack access to us all to think of those disciple of Christ will live by Rev. Fr. Jude Chryshantha who today lack such an needs. and the �irst copy was He noted that “without drinking water, because his life for God. He will live a Fernando, Director essential good as water, live But ful�illing Christ told their us material to ‘take Archdiocesan Commission water, there would have they are denied the right sacramental life.” up your cross and follow for Social Communications. as well as of the genera- Their Lordships Rt. been no life, no urban to a life consistent with me'. If one is not ready to Rev. Fr. Basil tions that will succeed us, Rev. Drs. Maxwell Silva, J. D. centres, no agriculture, their inalienable dignity." surrender to God, he cannot Wickremesinghe, Director Anthony Jayakody and P. An- and called on everyone to become a true follower of Small Christian Com- forestry or livestock,” and (Ibid.). ton Ranjith also participated work to put an end to the Christ.” munities organized the yet this resource has not He noted that added at the Eucharistic Celebra- Following the Holy Eucharistic Celebration. been cared for with the to this sad reality are the pollution of the seas and tion. Mass the Year of Small Rev. Fr. Jude Sharman rivers, of underground The Archbishop further care and attention it de- harmful effects of climate Christian Communities Fernando, Parish Priest said “For some life on earth serves. streams and springs. was inaugurated by the All Saints’ Church, is all about merry making. Archbishop. Borella was also present. “Wasting it, disregard- rising temperatures, sud- Vatican News change: �loods, droughts,

Contd. from Pg. 6 Contd. from Pg. 11 (Mark 1:4; Matthew 4:17). - This personal encounter with the Risen Lord, through The Victory We... Church Renewal... the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, leads to foster a de- our souls and renew us, bringing a spiritual springtime and mass media and modern trends of the world, but cisive personal receptivity of the presence and the into our hearts. under the supreme Lordship of Jesus Christ. This trans- power of the Holy Spirit in one’s life, empowering There are two things we can do to stay united to forming and powerful action of the Holy Spirit is what him/her to a personal commitment to service in the Christ, to stay hooked up to His grace. First, there is we call “Renewal”, which is instilled in every baptized Church and in the world. This experience, therefore, prayer. We should spend more time in prayer this week, Catholic and renewed continuously in the Sacraments secretive life styles (Acts 1-2). both in quantity and in quality. We could go and sit with and in prayer. Most of the baptized Catholics still live - Thecannot fostering be justi�ied and reception or proved and tangibly use of in the private spiritual and Jesus before the Tabernacle. You may take that rosary indifferent to this powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives either because they have either willingly gifts cannot be limited to a particular group or to the off the car’s rear-view mirror and use it for what it was opted to supress that experience due to its demands of Charismatic Renewal itself, but is meant for the ben- meant for. Spend some time reading the Gospels and the transformation of lives or they have not been appro- meditating on them. priately educated in awareness of such inherent power abundance upon the laity, the religious and the cler- Second, there is obedience. What good is it to say within them by the grace of their baptism. gy,e�it when of the properly broader understoodChurch. These and gifts, used bestowed in harmony in we believe in Christ, but then to let ourselves get drawn - The goal of the Charismatic Renewal is the integral with other elements of the Church, become a consol- back into the pit? Jesus is always instructing us about renewal or conversion of the person. It aims at fos- ing and energizing source for the Christians on their how to live, how to be responsible in our life's duties, tering mature and continuous personal conversion journey towards holiness and mission. to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of the individual To be continued… special attention. Whatever He asks of us, let us say and sel�less in our relationships. This week, let us pay “Okay, Lord!” Contd. from Pg. 10 Two millennia after His death, followers of Christ still Palm Sunday is Victory Day. As Christ comes among Holy Week Timeline: ... us once more, let us renew our faith in the victory He Sunday's events are recorded in Matthew 28:1-13, won for us, and claim it once again as our own by turn- The eyewitness accounts in the Gospels provide Mark�lock to16:1-14, Jerusalem Luke to 24:1-49, see the emptyand John tomb. 20:1-23. ing back to the Lord by going to Confession, praying, what Christians believe to be undeniable evidence that Source : the Resurrection of Jesus Christ did indeed happen. learnreligion.com forgiving others, and offering sacri�ices. Contd. from Pg. 11 hol. Exposure to sunlight is helpful to strengthen your ed articles and cured case reports published. This is not bones. Be physically active even in old age. Take extra an effort to analyze, or recommend or discourage this FRACTURE ---- BROKEN... calcium containing foods. method of treatment but place some facts. Most of the blood vessel and blocking the blood supply to a vi- treatment used by the native practitioners were verbal- tal organ distal to the fracture.) Thrombosis (blood ly transmitted or written in palm leaf manuscripts. One Steps should be taken to reduce road traf�ic acci- clot formation) in the deep veins. Fever due to a such book is the HANDI WEDA POTHA written in 1893. dents. Avoid sel�ish driving. Reduce distractions while septic trauma, serious infection (sepsis) in an open text while driving. In this system paththu, mallum, and oils are used as drivingKeep like your being seat under belts theon. in�luenceReduce falls of alcohol.at home. Do Keep not fracture. There can be associated injury to organs external applications for healing. Internal; medicines cords out of the way where people walk. Hold the rail- close to the fracture. like gruels, pills and powders are used. 5. Other complications include death of surrounding ing when using the stairway which should be well built. tissues due to lack of blood supply; Shortening of Have a bar near the bath tub. If you accidently fall, try to fall straight down on your buttocks or on your hands the limb affected. Joint stiffness and infection of the There are documented case reports by quali�ied bone have been mentioned. if possible. cantlyuniversity without teachers. surgery Their or �indings bone grafting are that which muscle would (mo- havetor) functionbeen done and in western the quality orthopaedic of life improved practice. signi�i- Their Prevention Aurvedic treatment for bone injuries Sri Lanka has a well established and a popular tradi- main observation was that it was useful in nonunion cises. Do not smoke and avoid or consume little alco- tional treatment for bone injuries. There are document- fractures. Keep healthy and �it by doing weight bearing exer- ... will be told in memory of her.” Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve went off to the chief priests to hand him over to them. (Mark 14:9-10) Special Prayer Service at Tewatta Special moments of the prayer service held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lanka, Tewatta for the intercession of our Blessed Mother to bring justice for the Easter victims

Pix by Rev. Fr. Sunil De Silva, T. Sunil Fernando and Roshan Pradeep

Printed and Published by Rev. Fr. K. P. Camillus N. Fernando for the Proprietor of the Colombo Catholic Press No. 2, Gnanartha Pradeepaya Mawatha, Colombo 8. Editor Rev. Fr. Camillus Fernando