The Catholic weekly of sri Lanka

“Registered in the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka” under No. QD / 19 / news / 2015 Feast of Our Lady of Lanka Sunday, February 8, 2015 Vol 146 No 06 24 Pages Rs: 25.00 Registered as a newspaper “Go and Announce” Verbum Television Sri Lanka’s first TV Channel gets going erbum Television, the work of evangeliz- as a blessing in disguise. ing, the Channel should With the many challeng- VCatholic TV Chan- encourage and foster es the Church was facing Sri Lanka’s first unity among all people with the rise of funda- last Friday by the Arch- in the country by taking mentalism and threats bishopnel was officially of Colombo, launched His into account the Church’s to the faith, the Catholic Eminence Malcolm Cardi- teaching of respecting the Bishops’ Conference felt nal Ranjith at the Audito- dignity of all people. The the ardent need to have its rium of the Archbishop’s Holy Father’s message own TV Channel to coun- House. was signed by Archbish- teract false propaganda. This new Catho- op Pietro Parolin, the Vat- It was at this time that lic TV Channel with its ican’s Secretary of State. Mr. Milan de Silva came to studios at Ragama, be- Addressing the us with his proposal of a gan operations on a small large gathering which Catholic Channel and the scale last June, through included the Minister of feasibility of setting up the Internet. With its Christian Affairs, John one. The telecast through launch last Friday the Amaratunga, members PEO TV and DIALOG TV Channel will now telecast of parliament, clergy, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith lighting the candle at the Launch will be an opportunity to through Sri Lanka Tele- religious and guests, while Chairman Verbum Television, Mr. Milan de Silva looks on. reach out to Sri Lankan com’ s PEO TV - (Person- His Eminence specially by Blessed Paul VI, Inter of life in the society. Bible. Guglielmo Marconi Catholics living abroad, alized Entertainment Op- thanked the Chairman of Mirifica, His Eminence His Eminence who is commonly cred- His Eminence said. tion) and DIALOG TV. Verbum TV, Milan de Silva said the decree speaks did not hesitate to tell his ited with invention of the In a message for his initiative and de- Having our own on the responsible role audience of the important radio teamed up with the sent by His Holiness Pope sire in seeing the need to TV Channel is like having the media should play place the Christian Faith Vatican to create Vatican Francis to mark the occa- launch a Catholic Televi- a weapon in our hands in society. Hence the call had on Social Communi- Radio which at that time sion which was read out sion Channel in the coun- and it is up to us to use of this Catholic Channel cation. He said that when was a new tool of evange- by His Eminence Malcolm try catering to the spiri- it for the good of all and should be to reveal the the printing press was lization. Cardinal Ranjith, the Holy tual needs of the Catholic not misuse it, His Emi- truth that the Word of - His Eminence Father while recalling his community. nence said. Referring to God proclaims, promote - recent visit to Sri Lanka This initiative of the Decree on Media of the unity of the people printedfirst invented was the by Bible. Guten It cially help to maintain has stated that through Mr. Milan de Silva came Social Communications and improve the quality wasberg called the first the bookGutenberg to be thiscalled channel. Catholics to finan A Budget for the Poor he new all-party National Unity Government on January 29, pre- What the new government did to reduce space of more than 5000 square ft. But Tsented what many independent pricesflour and was bread, to remove sugar theand taxcanned on these fish. thethan minister Rs. 100 saidmillion this or tax covering was being a floor re- items. viewed following appeals by those who interim Budget mainly for millions of Earlier last week, Power and owned huge ancestral homes for genera- pooreconomic people analysts of Sri Lanka. see as the first ever Energy Minister Patali Champika Ran- tions. He said that a time period would - awaka, in a pre budget gift to the people be set to value the properties. ises, less than three weeks after com- announced that the price of petrol has - Fulfilling one of its main prom been slashed by Rs 33 per litre, diesel cate and spectacular visit to Sri Lanka peaceful, silent revolution by the people, by Rs. 16 and kerosene by Rs. 16. The from JanuaryPope Francis 13 to 15, during also his repeatedly pontifi theing to new office government in what is Financewidely seen Minister as a Finance Minister in the interim Bud- pleaded that all countries help the poor Ravi Karunanayake announced sweep- get reduced another Rs. 9 in the price much more and care more for them in ing measures to provide largely short- of kerosene oil. The Minister said the the Kingdom spirit of social justice. term relief to the people. He said some money required to provide all this relief 1.3 million public servants would receive to the poor and middle- Contd on Pg. 2 the biggest bonanza – an immediate sal- class people would be ary increase of Rs. 5000 from this month obtained by imposing and another Rs. 5000 from June. Pen- not be forced to do so. The Finance Min- new taxes on the wealthy. A free copy of the ister also announced that the allocation These would include a Mahapola Scholarship students would for the vital health care and education one-off tax of Rs.1000 Souvenir of the alsosioners receive and bigSamurdhi increases. beneficiaries and sectors were being doubled. Papal Visit to Sri - The Minister had promised which have been func- Lanka is issued with ployees in the private sector, the govern- that prices of 10 essential items would tioningmillion on questionable five casinos For more than five million em be reduced from this month but in the registration procedures. today’s Messenger. salary increase of at least Rs. 2500 from interim Budget he announced that the The Minister also said a Please make sure thisment month urged butprivate the governmentfirms to give spokes them a- prices of not 10 but 13 items were be- mansion tax of Rs. 1 mil- you get your copy. men insisted that under the market ing reduced. These include a substantial lion would be imposed on cut in the prices of milk powder, wheat mansions valued at more economy policy, the private firms could 2 2 Children / Youth The MessengerThe Messenger February February 1, 2015 8, 2015 The Religious Consecrated Persons in the Church

The Year 2015 has been mote God’s values and virtues in prayer that empowered Jesus to prayerful and prophetic but in re- lead them from less human con- dedicated to the Consecrated Life the world as shown by Jesus dur- remain faithful to God and God’s ality some are reluctant under the ditions to conditions which are in the Church by Pope Francis and ing His life-time on earth. Such mission entrusted to Him. In His weight of traditions and customs more human? Yes, there are some I like to reflect on the concept of unmarried consecrated persons human nature, He had to struggle based on wrong value systems who identify themselves with Consecration which can help us, are called the Religious in the at times to remain faithful to His and / or outdated spirituality. the poor and the victims of caste the Religious, in the Church in Sri Church. own consecrated life. He had to system while some feel bound by Lanka, in a special way to praise By emphasizing the no- face temptations, opposition and Two issues to be tackled the traditions, customs and their and thank God for the gift of con- tion of consecration, the Second rejection in order to remain faith- according to the Pope upbringing. I feel Pope Francis is secrated life (Religious Life) and Vatican Council has invited the ful to God and God-given mis- Aboard the papal plane telling the Religious in Sri Lanka: renew ourselves in the vocation to Religious to be faithful to the sion. He had to resist temptations during the recent flight from Ma- “As prophets, wake up your soci- which we have been called in the response they have freely given to power, wealth and prestige nila to Rome on January 19, an- ety.” Prophets speak in the name Church. to God publicly and visibly in a (Mt 4:1-11). It was because He swering questions posed to him by of God. It is a papal call to bring liturgical setting in the Church. belonged to God, His Abba, that a journalist regarding the situation Emphasis in the Second God is always faithful. He is al- Jesus was able to say “No” to evil in Sri Lanka, Pope Francis referred about a meaningful desired change Vatican Council ways reliable. His love is constant and promote the values and vir- to two issues in Sri Lanka, namely in Sri Lanka where everyone can and steadfast. It is never taken tues of the Kingdom, with integ- poverty and caste. He said: “The feel valued and treated with re- The Catholic Church in away. It is unconditional love. It rity of life. poor are the victims of the throw- spect. Before his departure at the the Second Vatican Council has is the human person who fails to emphasized the notion of conse- away culture. We throw away peo- airport at Katunayaka on 15th remain steadfast in the response Today’s Religious in Sri Lanka ple. And discrimination is a way cration as the true foundation of January, he has asked our Bishops given to God publicly. Today’s Religious in of throwing away. These people Religious life. By such emphasis, to encourage vocations to Reli- the Council has invited the Reli- Sri Lanka as consecrated persons are discarded. And there comes to gious life. Surely in saying this to gious to live out their particular Jesus: The Consecrated One have a mission to fulfill. It is a mind a bit of the image of caste. invitation from God with creative Jesus totally belonged mystical and prophetic mission. This can’t go on. But today, throw- our Bishops, he must have come fidelity, consciously striving al- to God and He made Himself Such a mission demands constant ing away seems normal.” to know already the contributions ways for a holiness of life, more available to achieve God’s own spiritual discernment in prayer the Religious as consecrated per- closely imitative of Jesus and be purposes. Francis J. Moloney as individuals and as communi- Today’s Religious in Sri son are making in the Church in available for God’s specific mis- SDB in his book, Disciples and ties with openness to the Spirit Lanka are also invited by Pope Sri Lanka and the contributions sion of love without undue attach- Prophets, p 113, says, ”It is the of God and with inner freedom to Francis, to make the poor and they can make in the future. Since ments and worldliness in order to overwhelming power of the pres- choose what God wills in today’s those who suffer under caste sys- the Pope was making his visit to respond with inner freedom and ence of the Kingdom in His life evolving context in Sri Lanka. tem which is legitimized and giv- Sri Lanka during this year of the openness to the Spirit of God. that led Jesus to celibacy. He was What is discerned as God’s will en significance by certain sectors Consecrated life, had there been The notion of consecra- taken over by the urgent presence in prayer need to be implemented. in some areas in Sri Lanka, feel also an opportunity for him dur- tion stresses primarily the over- of the Kingdom that He could do Recourse to genuine worship and valued as persons with innate dig- ing his visit to speak to the Reli- whelming loving presence of no other than give Himself to it.” prayer should make the Religious nity and equal thereby eradicating gious in Sri Lanka or at least to According to Jerome Murphy- become sensitive to the struggles God in a person’s life and also the as much as possible inequality the Major Religious Superiors, he O’Connor in his book, Jesus and and pains of the people and of the response of that person to God’s and exclusion in the Church and would have certainly given them Paul, Parallel Lives, p 60, “Je- earth which is also damaged and in the society. We have the poor invitation. By the profession of a special message. While continu- sus had not married even though wounded. True spiritual discern- in the tea estates, in the slums, vows, a person answers the di- ing to thank God for our vocation, it was a matter of obligation for ment and authentic prayer- life of among the migrant fishermen and vine call to live for God alone by we, the Religious, can continue to renouncing sin (Rom 6:11) and Jesus (Gen 1:28). This was not the Religious will make the Reli- migrant workers, the peasants, the pray saying, “Grant to us, O Lord, worldliness. Strictly speaking, it because of any commitment to gious to be prophetic in their life farmers, the unemployed and the your own Spirit; Re-create in us is only God who consecrates be- celibacy, but because He wanted situations, consoling the disturbed under-employed. your own Spirit, Lord.” cause God who is the Holy One to be entirely without ties in or- and disturbing the comfortable Are we, the Religious, as makes holy. God’s overpowering der to respond with total freedom persons who legitimize and give individuals, groups or as commu- Rev. Fr .Emmanuel Fernando, OMI love leads some people to remain when God’s call came to Him.” significance to evil structures and nities reaching out to the poor for Rajabima Oblate Centre, unmarried in the Church so that It was Jesus’ intimacy institutions. Though the Reli- their development? Do we have Anuradhapura. they will be fully available to pro- and communion with God in gious may proclaim that they are the strategies and techniques to Parliamentary Elections Vote for the country under a Common Symbol

Rt. Rev. Dr. J. Winston S. Fernando. sss das and voted for a just society. the progress so far achieved, create a chaotic situation Many political parties rallied round one com- Therefore, it is wise and imperative to give the and confuse the people. mon candidate under a Common Symbol for the sake citizens another opportunity to further consolidate the That politicians and their supporters in the of the Country. Party politics in our country have been 100 day programme for the sake of the country at the main political parties have divided loyalties is a known divisive, often vindictive and have led to corruption and Parliamentary Election under a Common Symbol. If and observable fact. Therefore, for the greater good of violence allowing the country as a whole to suffer injus- various political parties under their respective symbols - tices, racial and religious discrimination and violation were to promote their narrow party agendas and pull ity and the ability of the present regime, proved with all of human and civic rights. in different directions jeopardizing the continuity of the the countrychecks and let the balances voters injudge place, for vote themselves to form the a stable fidel A good majority of people however, have tran- spirit of the 100 day programme now accepted by al- government at the forthcoming parliamentary election scended political ideologies, interests and party agen- most all the political parties and citizens, it will undo under a Common Symbol.

Contd. from Pg. 1 A Budget for the... To raise more money for the poor President Maitripala Sirisena announced that he was commit- ting himself to a simple and humble lifestyle and said he hoped other leaders also would follow the example. As one major step the President announced that more than Rs. 10,000 million allocated for the Presiden- tial Secretariat had been slashed to Rs. 270 million.

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! 3 3 Children / Youth The TheMessenger Messenger February February 8, 1, 2015 2015 Dream, dream, dream

Editorial Pope Francis tells families Email:[email protected] Telephone: 011 2695984 n the Meeting with families in Manila, Pope Fran- February 8, 2015 cis warned against a "new ideological coloniza- tion" seeking to destroy the family. Blessed are the IDream in the family Commenting on the Gospel passage narrating the way our Lord revealed to St. Joseph His will in a dream, the Poor Holy Father stressed the importance of dreaming in the One of the most inspiring and consoling family. He switched from the literal meaning of dreaming promises in the Gospel is the assurance of Jesus, while asleep to the emblematic sense of planning for the “Come unto to me all you who labour and are heavy future of one’s family. laden and I will give rest” (Matthew 11:28). “All mothers and fathers dream of their sons In line with this widely quoted verse the new and daughters in the womb for nine months,” he said. thing from harm. All of us who are called to protect the all-party National Unity Government, in its interim “They dream of how they will be. It isn't possible to family must recognize that which destroys the family. Budget presented in Parliament last Thursday, gave have a family without such dreams. When you lose this Pope Francis lays bare the root of a very strong attack unprecedented relief to millions of people who were capacity to dream you lose the capacity to love." labouring and heavy laden. against the family. He calls it “ideological colonization.” “I recommend that at night when you examine The new Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, It comes from outside the country, but it destroys each in a hurriedly but well-prepared Budget announced your consciences, ask yourself if you dreamed of the future family from the inside. that some 1.3 million public servants would get a of your sons and daughters. Did you dream of your hus- pay increase of Rs. 5000/- from this month with Rs. band or wife? Did you dream today of your parents, your grandparents who carried forward the family to me? The evil of contraception 5000/- more to come in June. Pensioners would The Pope also zeroed in on contraception as a also be substantiated with an increase of more than “It is so important to dream and especially - to dream in the family. Please don't lose the ability to doubled and a substantial increase in the Mahapola islations or measures like anti-conception and abortion dream in this way. How many solutions are found to potential hazard. Affluent nations push for anti-life leg Rs.Scholarship 3000/- aFund. month, with Samurdhi benefits being in countries of growing economies. This threat wreaks havoc to the family through the privation of children. It Tackling the cost-of-living as it perhaps has a husband or wife and we dream about the good quali- is not the mere “lack” of offspring that is devastating. never been tackled before, the Finance Minister an- tiesfamily they problems have. Don't if we ever take lose time the to memory reflect, if of we when think you of nounced substantial reductions in the prices of 13 Rather, it is the willful “no” to procreation. were boyfriend or girlfriend. That is very important.” Unlike natural family planning, which is non- sugar. With petrol prices being slashed by Rs. 33/- a procreative, contraception is anti-conceptive. It is anti- itemslitre, diesel including by Rs. milk 16/- powder, and kerosene wheat byflour, Rs. 25/-,bread most and Threats to the family life in essence. It willfully goes against procreation, that independent economic analysts say, these and other The pressures facing family life today glorious co-operation with God to give the most sub- measures were major steps towards poverty allevia- are many. The countries of growing economies have lime gift of love to the spouse: the gift of a new immor- tion for which the government led by President Mai- tal, God-like spirit, a child of God. tripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremes- are left with no option other than being separated by “Poisoning love at its source, contraception inghe, is giving the highest priority much in line with migrationfamilies pressed and the by search dire financial for employment. straits. Many This of consti them- the vision of Pope Francis to give foremost priority to tutes a veritable strain on many households. world poverty alleviation. In the words of Paul VI, it “could open wide the way The Roman Pontiff pointed out that, “While all The Government also announced that Ceylon sends off a flood of selfishness based on falsehoods. Transport Board and private operators would reduce too many people live in dire poverty, others are caught standards… and reduce [woman] to being a mere in- fares by 10 percent, three wheeler drivers’ by10 per- up in materialism and lifestyles which are destructive strumentfor marital for infidelity the satisfaction and a general of [man’s] lowering own desires.” of moral cent and school vans by 5 percent. Customers and of family life and the most basic demands of Christian This famous prophecy is now clear to every- morality. one. Pornography is now accessible at one click of a not yet been passed on to them. In this era of good “The family is also threatened by growing efforts on mouse adultery is tolerated. The University of Pennsyl- passengersgovernance areand complaining social justice, that the their economic benefits analysts have - vania found that due to contraception, three out of four say there should be tough consumer resistance with riage, by relativism, by the culture of the ephemeral, by women in the United States now engage in premarital people refusing to patronize those who refuse to re- athe lack part of ofopenness some to toredefine life. the very institution of mar duce prices or rates. sex. Pope Francis praised the way Blessed Paul Protection, however, is not only a negative stance. It From where will the money come for these VI reacted in the face of that challenge of population - also means to keep something whole. The Pope re- - stance President Sirisena has decided that the bud- ferred to families as the “country’s greatest treasure,” andgetary other allocation benefits of toRs. the10,000 common million people? for the For Presi in- ness and fortitude to strongly defend openness to life. and he asked that we “nourish them always by prayer dential Secretariat – an allocation made in November growth. The blessed Pope mustered sufficient bold and the grace of the sacraments.” last year – would be slashed to a mere 270 million. why in his encyclical (Humanae Vitae) he expressed President Sirisena in a 90 minute interview “He knew the difficulties families experience and that's with State TV on Saturday night reiterated his com- to be particularly compassionate for particular cases. Responsible parenthood True love uses the mind. Responsible parent- mitment to a simple and humble lifestyle. Mr. Sirisena compassion“And for he specific went further, cases and he lookedhe taught at theconfessors people hood means avoiding breeding like rabbits - thought- said the Presidential Security Division (PSD), would on the earth and he saw that lack (of children) and the lessly - and begetting more children thoughtfully to be slashed from more than 4000 to about 1000, while problem it could cause families in the future. Paul VI express generous love. the number of vehicles would be reduced from about was courageous, a good pastor and he warned his sheep The Pope described the great beauty of a large 800 to a bare minimum for his personal security. about the wolves that were approaching. And from the family a few weeks ago: “The sons and daughters of The President also said that there are about heavens he blesses us today,” Pope Francis assured us. large families are more inclined to fraternal commu- ten presidential palaces in different parts of the coun- nion from early childhood. In a world that is frequently try and the food bill alone amounted to millions of ru- Protect the family - pees daily. Mr. Sirisena said that he would not occupy We need to take a stand against the onslaughts darity and sharing.” any of these palaces but would live in his private resi- against the basic cell of societies, both civil and eccle- marred byThe selfishness, family is in a danger. large family Protect is ait. school The family of soli is dence at Wijerama Road and work at the Presidential siastical. “Our world needs good and strong families beautiful. Keep it safe. Secretariat. Receptions for visiting VIPs and other na- to overcome these threats!” the Holy Father insisted. But let us not just protect it with our hearts tional events would be help at the President’s House The world needs holy and loving families to protect the alone; let’s do it with our minds and hands, as the Pope in Fort, while other palaces would be converted for beauty and truth of the family in God's plan and to be a taught. And because he calls us to prophetic witness, practical purposes. support and example for other families. let us protect the family with our words as well as by The Finance Minister also said that more “Every threat to the family is a threat to society passing on his most insistent message (cf. Ibid.). money for poverty alleviation would be raised by im- itself. The future of humanity, as St. John Paul II often Finally, Pope Francis reminds us of our Chris- posing more taxes on the rich elite. A mansion tax of said, passes through the family (cf. Familiaris Consor- tian duty to be prophetic voices in the midst of our Rs. 1 million a year would be imposed houses worth tio, 85). So protect your families! See in them your communities. With Mary, Joseph served as a model for more than Rs. 100 million or 5,000 square feet, which country's greatest treasure and nourish them always the boy Jesus as he grew in wisdom, age and grace (cf. by prayer and the grace of the sacraments. Families Lk 2:52). operating now under dubious licences would have to will always have their trials, but may you never add to “When families bring children into the world, payever Rs.1000 is higher, million on an immediately. annual bascis. The five casinos them! Instead, be living examples of love, forgiveness train them in faith and sound values, and teach them President Sirisena, leading by example as and care. to contribute to society, they become a blessing in our Pope Francis does, urged other government leaders, “Be sanctuaries of respect for life, proclaiming world. God's love becomes present and active by the - the sacredness of every human life from conception to way we love and by the good works that we do. We ex- diture and luxury lifestyles so that the money saved natural death. What a gift this would be to society, if tend Christ's kingdom in this world. And in doing this, could,politicians be shared and topwith officials the poor. to avoid wasteful expen every Christian family lived fully its noble vocation! So we prove faithful to the prophetic mission which we As Jesus said, “Whatsoever you do to the least rise with Jesus and Mary, and set out on the path the have received in baptism.” of my brothers and sisters, you do unto me” (Matthew Lord traces for each of you.” 25:40). “To protect” means to save someone or some- Rev. Fr. Daniel Icalto 4 4 Children / Youth The MessengerThe Messenger February February 1, 2015 8, 2015 year of Consecrated life - 2015 Conference of Major Religious superiors of sri lanka (CMRs) Religious Congregations in sri lanka 2 sylvestro Benedictine Congregation of the order of st. Benedict he Benedictine thinking, ing this rule can be partially to Italy. As an attempt to estab- the Diocese of Kandy such as in other words, ‘Benedic- measured by the number of lish overseas missions, the con- Rt. Rev. Dr. Clement Pagngnani Ttinism’ is one of the im- heroic personalities the Rule gregation accepted an invitation OSB, Rt. Rev. Dr. Bede Beckmey- portant milestones in the renew- has brought forth during the of the then ecclesial authorities er OSB (the First Sri Lankan to al history of the Catholic Church. of the local Church of Sri Lanka be appointed a Bishop), Rt. Rev. Its importance can be proved by ber includes more than 60,000 and sent a group of monks led Dr. Bernard Regno OSB (also last fifteen centuries. This num- various names that are attrib- saints, 50 popes, 30 emperors by Msgr. Joseph Maria Bravi known as the cooly bishop), Rt. The Charism, Motto, Vision and uted to St. Benedict, such as ‘the and 97 kings and queens. At OSB on the 14th of August 1845 Rev. Dr. Leo Nanayakkara OSB, Mission of the Sri Lankan Syl- Father of Western Monasticism’, present the Order has nearly to our motherland. later Bishop of Badulla (an emi- vestrines ‘the Patron of Europe.’ 20,000 men and women as its nent scholar who was highly Charism: We seek God through members and is functioning as dictine monks was entrusted solitude, community and min- The first group of Bene- a confederation of nearly 25 au- with the evangelization of the renewal brought forth by the istry. st. Benedict influential in introducing the tonomous branches. then Southern Vicariate of Co- Second Vatican Council). Today Motto: Ora et Labora (Prayer St. Benedict, the found- lombo. It was thus the Bene- we have Rt. Rev. Dr. Cletus C. and Work) er of the Benedictine Order was st. sylvester dictines that started their apos- Perera OSB, the Chief Shepherd Vision: Seeking God serving the born in 480 AD in Nursia, near tolate in the west coast from of the Diocese of Ratnapura church Umbria in Italy. “He was born St. Sylvester was born Negombo to Galle. They built continuing the line of Benedic- Mission: To spread the joy of the large churches and schools and tine Bishops. to a noble family and was edu- to a noble family of Osimo in Gospel through prayer, work were at the service of the faith- Some of the undying cated in Rome” says St. Gregory 1177 AD. He was one of the and community life. ful especially of the poor. memories of the Benedictine the Great, yet another noble son 12th century reformers in the Our apostolate today… of Benedict. As a result of some Benedictine Order and thus the Msgr. Bravi OSB was presence in Sri Lanka: later elevated to the Episcopate St. Lucia’s Cathedral- Kotahena, At present we are social currents in his times, founder of the Sylvestro Bene- nearly 50 monks in Sri Lanka, Benedict had later decided to dictines, one of the above men- and was succeeded by Rt. Rev. St. Mary’s Cathedral- Badulla, attending to various missionary tioned branches of the Benedic- Dr. Hilarion Sillani OSB, whose St. Mary’s Cathedral- Galle, St. activities that enable us live our in view of living an eremitical tine Confederation. He too after tenure as the Bishop of Colombo Anthony’s Cathedral- Kandy, St. lifeflee contemplating from the world the to Divine. a jungle being confronted by the vanities is recognized by the Church his- Benedict’s College- Kotahena, Sylvestro-Benedictine vocation. It was during this time of the world retreated to a jun- torians as the golden era of Ca- St. Thomas’ College- Matale, St. These activities include Parish that many started following gle following the very footsteps tholicism in the diocese. It was Xavier’s College- Nuwara Eliya, ministry (Rajagiriya, Katugas- of his master Benedict. The fra- the footsteps of our Holy Fa- during his time that the church and a number of churches in- tota, Wahakotte, Thoduwawa, grance of this saintly life soon ther Benedict. Thus there arose started publishing Gnanartha cluding St. Thomas’- Kotte, St. Ampara, Idalgashinna), Educa- spread in the vicinity and as a pradeepaya (the oldest Sinha- Philip Neri’s – Fort, St. Sylves- a need for a common code of tion apostolate (St. Anthony’s,- result certain men came seek- la newspaper published upto ter’s (now St. Anthony’s)- Mt. conduct. In response to this ne- Katugastota, St. Benedict’s- Kan- ing his way of life. In 1248 AD date) and the Catholic Messen- Lavinia. St. Benedict’s- Mad- cessity, Benedict wrote a rule with a decree issued by Pope ger. ampella, St. Joseph’s- Grand- dy) Higher education institutes, widely known as ‘the Rule of St. Innocent IV this community After serving the local Church pass, St. Mary’s- Mattakkuliya, preaching apostolate, chaplain Benedict’. This is often referred was instituted as a branch of the of Colombo for more than 40 St. James’- Mutwal, Sts. John the services, foreign missions, Re- to as the summit of Benedic- Benedictine Confederation. treat Houses and prayer apos- tinism due to its uniqueness in years, the Sylvestrines arrived Baptist and Andrew’s- Mutwal, in the Central Province in view St. John of the Staff, Talangama, tolate. simplicity, moderation, expe- For further details on diency and the fullness. This Arrival and early of quenching the thirst of the St. Sylvester’s Eukala, St. Hugo’s- Catholic faithful in the area. Burulapitiya, St. Mary’s- Tudel- the Sylvestrine Congregation, was a compendium of both his apostolate in sri please contact Very Rev. Fr. personal experience as a faith- Ever since their arrival in Kan- la, St. Anthony’s- Wahakotte, Sa- lanka. dy it became the hub of Bene- cred Heart- Katugastota, Sacred Prior, St. Sylvester’s Monastery, ful monk and the knowledge Monte Fano, Ampitiya (081 222 he acquired from certain other dictine missions. The Order Heart- Rajagiriya, St. Sebas- Until 1845 AD the Syl- produced some of her eminent tian’s- Barudalpola, St. Mary’s- 36 84). holy monks in the East. Bene- vestrine missions were limited dict’s achievement in produc- Thangamale. Dom. Kanishka Perera OSB sons to shepherd the flock in At the launch of Verbum Television 5 The Messenger February 1, 2015 6M2 Children / Youth The MessengerThe Messenger February February 1, 2015 8, 2015 M37 Children / Youth The TheMessenger Messenger February February 8, 1, 2015 2015 8M4 Children / Youth The MessengerThe Messenger February February 1, 2015 8, 2015 The Co-ordination work of the Central Committee he pastoral visit of a Pope to a Government too formed an inter-minis- come His Holiness as scheduled and en- where Pope Francis could visit during country is always a cause of joy terial Task Force to co-ordinate with the couraged the faithful to pray for His visit. his stay in Sri Lanka. They also had meet- Tand celebration. The announce- Church and their side of the organization His Eminence also saw this as an oppor- ment of the visit of Pope Francis to Sri of the events. (The Government commit- tunity for reconciliation and peace in our various issues especially matters con- Lanka was indeed truly joyful news to tee was headed by the Foreign Minister country when he said "the Papal visit cerningings with security. Government They officials were more to discuss than all the Catholics in Sri Lanka who see Mr. G.L. Peiries and with the change of will bring about peace and harmony as happy to see the progress of the prepa- the visit of Pope Francis as a great bless- ministers, Mr. Ravi Karunanayake took the country heads for a period of uncer- rations. ing. The last Papal visit to Sri Lanka was over.) tainty in view of the Presidential Polls." The visit went ahead as sched- 20 years ago in 1995 when Pope John The task of co-ordinating the The change of Government did uled and all Catholics were overwhelmed Paul II, now a saint, presided at the Holy work of all 14 committees and the Gov- not affect the preparations of the Papal with thanksgiving and gratitude to God - ernment task force was not easy. There Visit at all. The previous Government for the visit of Pope Francis. We were seph Vaz, Apostle of Sri Lanka. were differences of opinions and more- gave its fullest co-operation and this very happy to welcome the Holy Father Mass of After the beatification the Vatican of Blessedannounced Jo over requirements of both the Govern- was continued by the current Govern- in the best way we wanted. that the 78-year-old Pope was coming to ment and Vatican had to be seen to. There ment. There was a smooth transition of Our trust in God and the vision Sri Lanka, seemingly endless meetings was a very good rapport established be- preparative. All Government agencies of His Eminence with his experience of and preparation for the Papal visit start- tween the Church and the Government were more than wiling to give their help. being part of the visit of Pope John Paul ed. Immediately after the announce- and everything was meticulously done. The armed forces and the Police not only - ment, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal With the announcement of the provided security for the whole visit, tion that the Holy Father will come, cre- Ranjith called a meeting of Bishops and election close to the visit of the Holy Fa- but were also involved in many other II was an asset. His unwavering affirma the would be members of the organizing ther, there was a lot of pressure on the preparations. preparations. committee and as the outcome of their Church authorities to try and stop the The whole Catholic Church of ated confidenceMy personal in those opinion involved is in that the meeting 14 committees were formed visit or postpone it to some other time. Sri Lanka was involved in the prepara- amidst all the confusion surrounding the to attend to preparatory arrangements. tives. There were many volunteers to Papal Visit, the hand of Saint Joseph Vaz Each Bishop was to be in charge of a their decision to go ahead with the visit. help out and quite a number of them was very evident. The whole thing was committee which worked under the MoreoverBut the Bishops' when Conference the Bishops was met firm both in are non-Catholics. All the Catholics were a miracle of the Saint that the canoniza- tion should take place in the country he guidance of the respective Bishops. Presidential candidates, before the elec- very enthusiastic to see the Holy Father evangelized. In fact the Holy Father told The Organizers comprised of tions they had assured the Bishops that and many were very excited to welcome His Eminence that it was a well orga- three agents, namely the Catholic Bish- they would both welcome the Holy Fa- him. nized event. ops' Conference in Sri Lanka, the Govern- ther when he steps down at the Airport. During this period of prepara- ment of Sri Lanka and the Apostolic Nun- Amidst all uncertainties His Eminence Very Rev. Fr. J.D. Antony ciature in Sri Lanka. In the meantime the never wavered from the decision to wel- twice to inspect the possible venues tions, a team of Vatican officials came Secretary The Central Committee * The Catholic Bishops' Conference in Sri Lanka Reception: Secretary * The Government of the Democratic Socialist Chairman Very Rev. Fr. Daya Shelton Welikadarachchi Republic of Sri Lanka Most Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis Episcopal Vicar * The Apostolic Nunciature in Sri Lanka Bishop of Chilaw Inter- religious gathering (BMICH): Ex-Officio Members Secretary Chairman His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Chairman Rev. Fr. Felician Ranjith Perera Most Rev. Dr. Cletus Perera OSB Archbishop of Colombo Parish Priest, All Saints' Church Bishop of Ratnapura

His Excellency Pierre Nguyen Van Tot, Publicity and Media: Secretary Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka Chairman Rev. Fr. Pius Kennedy Fernando Most Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe St. Jude's Church, Ihala Katuneriya, Katuneriya Rev Fr. Renato Kucic Bishop of Galle Secretary - Apostolic Nunciature Galle Face Green Committee: Secretary Chairman Very Rev. Fr. J D Anthony Jayakody Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando Joint Secretary Director - Social Communications Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo

Rev. Fr. Jude Samantha Fernando Traffic, Security, Crowd Control: Secretary Joint Secretary Chairman Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Fernandopulle Most Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera St. Thomas' Church - Kotte. Nominated Members Bishop of Kurunegala Rev. Fr. Tony Martyn Cultural Institute (Bolawalana) Committee: Asst. Secretary General Secretary - Crowd Control Chairman Catholic Bishop's Conference Very Rev. Fr. Francis N. Senanayake Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Patrick Perera Judicial Vicar / Director Episcopal Vicar- Negombo Region Rev. Fr. Jeyaraj Rasiah, SJ President Secretary- Security Secretary Conference of Major Religious Superiors Very Rev. Fr. Sam Quintus Perera Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando CMRS Secretariat Episcopal Vicar- Missionary Region Cardinal Cooray Centre, Tammita,

Rev. Sr. Sirima Opanayake OP Secretary- Traffic Archbishop's House Committee: Conference of Major Religious Superiors Rev. Fr. Srinath Manoj Perera Chairman CMRS Secretariat Director- Cardinal Cooray Centre Very Rev. Fr. Merl Shanthi Perera Procurator General Archbishop's House Dr. Ivan Vidanarachchi Dr. Ivan Vidanarachchi, Coordinator Coordinator Vice Chairman Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Perera, Committees - Chairpersons & Secretaries Transport: Episcopal Vicar - Special Projects Liturgy: Chairman Chairman Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva Secretary Most Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo Rev. Fr. Rohan de Soyza Bishop of Kandy Archbishop's House Secretary Vice Chairman Rev. Fr. Rohan De Alwis Decoration Committee: Most Rev. Dr. Ponniah Joseph Director, Seth Sarana- Caritas Colombo Chairman Bishop of Batticaloa Very Rev. Fr. Shanthikumara Weliwita Medical Care: Episcopal Vicar- Ja-Ela Region Secretary Chairman Rev. Fr. Ignatius Warnakulasingham Most Rev. Dr. Norbert Andradi OMI Secretary St. John Mary Vianney Seminary Bishop of Anuradhapura Rev. Fr. T D Anton Dinesh Priyasad Member- Parish Faith Animation Team Aquinas College, Finance: Vice Chairman Chairman Rev. Fr. Chrispin Leo Madhu Committee: His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith St. Peter's College Bambalapitiya Colombo 4 Chairman Archbishop of Colombo Most Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph Secretary Bishop of Mannar Bishop's House, Pattim, Mannar Vice Chairman Dr. Maxi Fernandopulle Mr. B.R. Luxman Fernando Spiritual: Secretary Secretary Chairman Rev. Fr. Santhiapillai Emilianuspillai Very Rev. Fr. Placidus De Silva Most Rev. Dr. Winston Fernando SSS Administrator Chancellor / Rector Bishop of Badulla Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu M59 Children / Youth The TheMessenger Messenger February February 8, 1, 2015 2015 Pope’s Visit arrangements by the Route Decorations Committee Decorations for the Motorcade Route

Government Officials involved in Route Decorations Ministry of external Affairs- (Mayor)Mr. Harsha Nonis P/S Chairman – Mr. Lalith Nishantha Mr. Maxwell Keegel – Director, U/C Chairman – Mr. Shammika Peliyagoda Political Affairs- West Division Dias D/S – Mrs. Pubudika Bandara Ministry of Christian Affairs- P/S Chairman – Mr. Prasanna Katana Mr. Ranjith Guawardane – Ranaweera U/C Chairman – D/S – Mr. Lukshman Nivialla Mr. Amila Nishantha Colombo P/S Chairman – CMC Commissioner General- Wattala Mr. P. Leelananda Silva Mrs. Bhadrani Jayawardane D/S – Mr. W. G. Premalal U/C Chairman – Mr. Dinal Perera CMC Asst. Commisioner P/S Chairman – General - Mrs. Shalika Ranaweera Mr. Thyagaraja Alwis Abbreviations: In charge of pandals – U/C Chairman – D/S- Divisional Secretary Mr. Dharmapriya Mr. H. M. Naushad CMC- Muncipal Council P/S- Pradesheeya Sabha Dehiwala- Mt. lavinia Ja- ela M/C- Mr. Dhanasiri Amarathunga D/S – Mrs. Nimali De Silva U/C- Urban Council

he Central Committee chaired by the Catholic Bishops Conference in Sri Lanka; the core or- Tganizing body of the visit of the Holy Father, es- tablished a separate committee for Route Decorations under the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Shanthikumar Weli- wita the Episcopal Vicar for Colombo North and Ja-ela regions of the Archdiocese of Colombo, as its Chairman. This committee was entrusted with the responsibility of decorating every inch of the routes where the Holy Father was to travel. involvement with the Government: Deans of the area (see the attachment). The Parish From the side of the Church the visit of the ing them and erecting pandals and overhead bill boards Priest and deaneries concerned were supposed to pur- Holy Father was a pastoral visit. But for the government withSabhas the were images responsible of St. Joseph to finding Vaz andflag thepoles Holy and Father in fix- chase streamers according to the calculations of their State Visit that involves ordinary pro- (see the attached images). Their co-operation was amaz- demarcations, printed by the Finance Committee which cedures of government protocol. As far as route deco- ing! it was a official rations are concerned there was a good rapport and 1) Kelaniya Pradesheeya Sabha and the Divisional from Katunayake up to Peliyagoda. This was sponsored mutual understanding between the two. The parishes Secretariat managed all the finances. A special pennant was put on along the route concerned had to be connected to the 2) Peliyagoda Urban Council mittee. The Parish Priests also co-ordinated with the respective local authorities such as Urban Councils and 3) Wattala Pradesheeya Sabha and the Divisional policeby a devout of the Catholic area in andorganizing a member masses of the and finance providing com- Pradesheeya Sabhas. The matter was co-ordinated by Secretariat them with their basic necessities. More than 120 school the Ministry of External Affairs. 4) Wattala - Mabole Urban Council and Daham Pasal bands were placed along the route. Parameters of operation: 5) Ja-ela Pradesheeya Sabha and the Divisional This too was co-ordinated by the Deans of the area. Visit there was less Secretariat City of Colombo 6) Ja-ela Urban Council room for parishes to have their own unique decors. It The city of Colombo adapted the same process Since it was an official State 7) Katana Pradesheeya Sabha and the Divisional was stressed from the very beginning to have uniformi- of operation, and was well co-ordinated through the Secretariat ty in decorations. The above ministry suggested having Colombo Municipal Council led by the the Commission- 8) Seeduwa Urban Council er General, Mrs. Bhadrani Jayawardane and her assis- 9) Negombo Urban Council tant Mrs. Shalika Ranaweera. The CMC undertook the Galleonly the Face Sri Lankan Green andState the flag Archbishop’s and the Vatican House Flag along were The Road Development Authority (RDA) took up the routes (specific areas like Madhu Shrine, BMICH, the responsibility of decorating the entire Colombo - Ka- allowed to have the Sri Lankan, Catholic Flag and the pandals; one at the entrance to the city of Colombo (at tunayake Expressway and also providing the local author- Dimoresponsibility Junction), to atfix theflag Galle poles Face and Hotelto erect premises three main and the Ministry for External Affairs in collaboration with at Orugodawatte Junction (Baseline Road). The co-or- thePope’s Ministry Visit flagof Christian as well). Affairs. All the Theflags same were ministry printed ledby itiesThe withinvolvement necessary of concrete the Church: bases to erect flag poles. dination with government authorities and the Parish by the Chief of Protocol Mr. Maxwell Keegel - Director, This massive operations were were co-ordinated by Priests were done by Rev. Fr. Freely Muthukudaarach- Political Affairs - West Division gave directions on how the Church authories as well. The graphic attachment chi, the Parish Priest of Dehiwala. to put up bill boards, the use of all three major languag- shows how the areas for route decorations were de- sent by Rev. Fr. Anton Dinesh Priyasad es etc. The following urban Councils and Pradesheeya marcated through the co-operation of the respective secretary - Route Decorations Committee 10M6 Children / Youth The MessengerThe Messenger February February 1, 2015 8, 2015 M7 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 Mass of the Canonization of Saint Joseph Vaz By Rev. Fr. Cecil Joy Perera bent, most likely recalling the words of the Gospel in the language he was famil- ometimes when so much is experi- iar with and being obviously touched by enced in one single event, it is hard it. The twin girls from the USA who are Sor shall I say, near impossible, to connected to the second miracle of Saint put down on paper the profound impact Joseph Vaz were there to take the offer- it has made on my life. ings, with their parents and their little In our tiny nation Sri Lanka, the brother. The main offering was a collec- teardrop shaped isle in the Indian Ocean, tion of money from all Catholic parishes the number that gathered for the Papal in Sri Lanka towards the charity projects Mass on January 14, 2015 was indeed of the Pope. The relic that was brought in the procession was the cross used by were there, some even braving the chill Saint Joseph Vaz during his life time to ofsignificantly the night high. before Over and 600,000 the sweltering people bless people. The newly carved life-size heat on the day of the Holy Mass. Per- statue of Saint Joseph Vaz is a master- haps there was a need in the hearts of piece by Raymond Fernando of Moratu- the people, believers and non-believers wa. in this land, to see a leader that even In his Homily delivered in Eng- the secular world conceded was a man lish, Pope Francis spoke simply and of humility, service and compassion. He epitomised the qualities of a true leader, Vaz and he said that St. Joseph Vaz con- the qualities they hope would be evident tinuesbriefly. toHe bedescribed an example the life and of aSt teacher Joseph I guess, by the new leadership. They had for many reasons. He however wanted come for a blessing from him, for them to speak of three of them. personally as well as for the nation. 1. He noted that St. Joseph Vaz was an For many, the Canonization of exemplary priest. Pope Francis encour- St Joseph Vaz and the Holy Mass that fol- aged the many priests and religious lowed, was the highlight of our Holy Fa- present to look to St. Joseph Vaz and fol- ther’s visit and to be there to participate, low his example of : - with not only the Holy Father, but also · Eevangelization, making Jesus Christ with the leaders of our local Church and known and loved everywhere those from overseas, with priests and re- · Patient suffering in the cause of the ligious and faithful from across the coun- Gospel try and again some from overseas, was a · Obedience to superiors and in the wonderful gift from God. loving care of the Church of God. The Altar platform designed in He drew their attention to the great detail by Fr Priyantha Silva looked fact that, like it was in the time of St. Jo- a true picture and a worthy setting for seph Vaz, so it is now, where they suffer the Eucharistic Celebration. The Navy a divided Church, experience occasional undertook the arduous task of con- hostility and even persecution from structing it and under the guidance of Fr. within the Church. He said that St. Joseph Priyantha they became part of this won- Vaz was able to be a living icon of God’s derful miracle, though almost all of them mercy and reconciling love, because he were non-Christians. Every stage of the Liturgical Lord in prayer. Ccelebration was so well planned, so that was constantly united with the crucified the solemnity of the Liturgy was main- 2. Next he said, that St. Joseph Vaz was, tained throughout, as indeed it should. due to his undivided love for God, able to The priestly vestments looked all alike, love his neighbour, thereby transcend- newly done for the occasion and that it- ing religious divisions in the service of self has taken the organisers, led by Fr. peace. This example inspires the Church Indrajith Perera, to work round the clock in Sri Lanka to serve all members of over a long period of time. The Masters society, making no distinction of race, of ceremonies in charge of the sacris- creed, tribe, status or religion, through ties were helped by other priests, some providing schools, hospitals, clinics etc. religious and lay people who worked In return the Church asks to be able to tirelessly to ensure that everything was have freedom to carry out this mission. in order for the celebrants before they St. Joseph Vaz teaches us that genuine walked up to the Altar platform. worship of God bears fruit not in dis- The deacons and acolytes were crimination, hatred and violence but in extremely well trained and it resulted in respect for the sacredness of life, dignity Green, right to the periph- and freedom of others and loving com- eries and on Galle Road beginning to the end. Even they were cho- mitment to the welfare of all. too. It helped the faith- senthe smooth-flowto represent all of the the dioceses liturgy from and the ful to make their way for religious. Their training was coordinated 3. Finally he said that St. Joseph Vaz Holy Communion easily by Frs. Linton Perera and B.A. Sriyan. gives us an example of missionary zeal. and orderly and the time The voices of some of the young He reached out to all, even though his to complete distribution from all parts of the country that com- primary task was to minister to the Cath- was approximately 12 prised the choir, accompanied by tradi- olic community. Having left everything, minutes, which was an tional instruments as well as western he responded to the call to go forth, to achievement indeed. Here ones, under the direction and training of speak of Christ wherever he was led. again, the organization of accomplished musicians, conducted by He knew how to offer the truth and the this mammoth task had beauty of the Gospel in a multi-religious been undertaken with and helped in no small measure, to draw context and he did so with respect, dedi- care and precision under heartsFr. Jude to Nicholas worship. Fernando The hymns filled selected the air cation, perseverance and humility. He the leadership of Fr. Justin to lift up any religious articles that they were known ones so that the congrega- stated that this was the way for the fol- Chawhan SSS. wanted blessed by Pope Francis and they tion could join in with ease. lowers of Christ today too. We are called At the end but before the Final enthusiastically did so. The Liturgy of the Word was to go forth with the same zeal, the same Blessing, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal well prepared and it was obvious that courage, of St. Joseph Vaz, but also with Ranjith said words of thanksgiving to the the Holy Father, the concelebrants and all As the final Hymn was sung and every person involved who proclaimed his sensitivity, his reverence for others Pope on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka. who sat at in the Sanctuary left, everyone God’s Word in either word or song, did and his desire to share with them that He asked for his prayers for the country, as knew that heaven had looked down upon so with feeling and conviction. The lec- word of grace which has the power to the country had suffered the atrocities of us that day in a way like no other. We were tors and cantors and those who took part build them up. We are called to be mis- a civil war that lasted over three decades blessed with a peace that goes beyond all in processions were chosen to represent sionary disciples. and we as a nation needed to live in peace understanding. There is still that sense of all the dioceses, different age groups, dif- The sea of white umbrellas, that with all peoples, irrespective of race, reli- peace lingering in the land that keeps me ferent ethnicities and the Religious. The were used to protect the Ciboria carried gion or language. He then requested the thanking and praising God daily for this Gospel was intoned in Sinhala and it was by the distributors of Holy Communion, Holy Father to impart his Apostolic Bless- undeserved and bountiful gift. done so, powerfully. It was so moving was a beautiful sight. There were 1350 ing on all who had gathered. Pix: Clifford Murray watching our Holy Father, with his head of them, scattered around the Galle Face The faithful were then asked M6 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 M711 Children / Youth The TheMessenger Messenger February February 8, 1, 2015 2015 The Committees At the Madhu Shrine The various committees It was on the af- * Liturgy Committee - Rev. Fr. S.K. Devaraja ternoon of January 14, I. Religious ceremony at Madhu Shrine that the Holy Father ar- II. Spiritual Preparation committee rived in Madhu. Every- * Publicity and Media Committee thing was arranged and - Rev. Fr. Reginald there were about 2,600 policemen on duty. More - Rev. Fr. S. Jeyabalan * Traffic, Crowd control and Security Committee than 200 Priests and 300 * Transport Committee - Rev. Fr. Vasanthakumar Rev. Sisters were at Mad- * Medical Care Committee - Rev. Fr. Desmond Kulas, hu Church from the previ- Rev. Fr. Stany OMI * Decoration Committee - Rev. Frs. Beno Alexander ous day, all waiting to see * Accommodation for the disable persons Pope Francis. - Rev.Fr. Arulrajah (CMF), We had three Rev. Fr. Jeyabalan Croos days of liturgical prepara- * Refreshment Committee - Rev.Fr. Marcus tion to prepare the people. * Accommodation Committee - Rev. Fr. Peppi Sosai, It was on the 14th morn- Rev. Fr. Avithappar ing that pilgrims started * Water and sanitation Committee coming to the Church. - Rev.Fr. A. Sebamala By about 12 noon, the * Finance Committee - Rev. Fr. Victor (V.G), portico area was packed Rev. Fr. S. Emilianuspillai Holy Father then blessed the crowd with the Miraculous with devotees. According Statue of Our lady of Madhu. to estimates there were around six hundred thousand A wooden replica of the miraculous statue of people. Our Lady of Madhu was presented to the Holy Father The Event by the Administrator of the Shrine, Rev.Fr. Santiapillai Around 2.00 p.m. His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Ray- Emilianuspillai. The Holy Father also blessed the newly appu Joseph, Bishop of the Diocese of Mannar where the built Blessed Sacrament Church from the main Church. Madhu Shrine is situated and the distinguished guests He left the Madhu Shrine at 4.30pm after refreshments arrived. The helicopter carrying the Holy Father landed on the helipad at 3.15p.m. His Lordship Rayappu Joseph welcomed the Holy Father. There were 17 representa- tives from the dioceses also to welcome the Pope. This was to show the unity of the Sri Lanka Church Two war-affected children garlanded and wel- comed the Holy Father. The Holy Father went around greeting the people in the pope-mobile. On the way

Holy Father. Going around the people the Holy Father to the Church, 2000 children waving flags greeted the blessed them and in some instances embraced chil- dren and old people, thereafter the Administrator of the Madhu Shrine, Rev.Fr. Santiapillai Emilianuspillai welcomed and garlanded the Holy Father after which the Holy Father met and blessed war-victims and the disabled. At the entrance to the portico eight children belonging to the four major religions (Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, Islam) greeted Holy Father. After lighting the traditional oil lamp, the Holy Father a white pigeon released as the mark of peace. The Bishop of Mannar gave the welcome speech which was followed by the liturgy service in Tamil and Sinhala. It was a 20 minute service. A homily was delivered by the Holy Father and a Apostolic blessing was given. The

It was on June 29, 2014, that a team from the Vatican and His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith visited Pix : Michael Fernandopulle the Madhu Shrine to see to the possibility of the Holy Father visiting the Shrine. They inspected the place and were convinced that the Holy Father can visit the Shrine. The July 2nd festival was under prepara- Some Challenges tion and thousands of pilgrims both Tamil and Sinhala were camped out in the area. The Vatican del- 1. There was continuous rain in our area for nearly egates who saw this were happy with the place and environment. The Papal Visit was later confirmed by one and a half months and later in December there Bishop of Mannar. Sub-committees of the main Committee During the preparation the four dioceses were in and around Madhu area. 1. Liturgy Committee included, namely Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, were floods and subsequent displacement of villages 2. Due to the heavy rain the Madhu Shrine sur- 2. Publicity and Media Committee Trincomalee. They were also part of the organization rounding was unable to accommodate people. Once committee. The Rev. Fr. Emilianuspillai and His Lord- the rains stopped last December we were able to do 4. Transport Committee ship Rt. Rev. Dr. Rayappu Joseph attended meetings of some renovation work. 5.3. MedicalTraffic, Crowd Care Committee Control and Security Committee the Central Committee held in Colombo under the lead- 6. Decoration Committee ership of the Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence 3. The Helipad was the big issue for the Pope Visit, 7. Accommodation for the Disabled Persons Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. because of the heavy rains. 8. Refreshments Committee The Purpose of the Visit of the Holy Father 4. The Liturgy Committee was headed by Rev.Fr. De- 9. Accommodation Committee The purpose of the visit was to encourage and varajah Koduthor and the Sinhalese section was led 10. Water and Sanitation Committee feel as one with the war-effected people in the North by Rev.Fr. Ranjith De Mel of Anuradhapura. They pre- 11. Finance Committee and the East. Secondly, Saint Joseph Vaz visited Mannar pared the liturgy very well. We had a number of meetings headed by the Bishop. The work was divided and the internal work in 5. The Decorations Committee was headed by Rev.Fr. The Holy Father is aware that this Shrine has undergone the Shrine was undertaken by the Administrator. Beno Alexander with the help of central committee. trialsfirst and and he tribulations travelled through during the Madhu war. InChurch his message to Kandy. to We had good decoration. Construction Work. the people he said, “This home of Mary, has under gone i. The Road was constructed – for the war distruction and now we all are at Mary’s Home.“ 6. The Media Committee let by Rev.Fr. Reginald was Holy Father to visit the people. Intensive preparations for this visit of the Holy well organized and attended to the programme in ii. Helipad for Helicopter. Father began from January 1. 2015. The Police Depart- details. iii. New building for the Pope to rest after the service. ment actively participated in all meetings. Sent by Rev. Fr. S. Emilianuspillai, Administrator 12XVM815 II Children / Youth The MessengerThe Messenger February February February 1, 2015 8,8, 20152015 M9 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015

XVII

Signs the Golden Book with Archbishop His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith

January 13 - Courtesy Call on President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo- M8 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 XM913III Children / Youth The TheMessenger Messenger February February 8, 1, 2015 2015

Sri Lanka you are my Shangrila XM10IX Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 M11 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 Vestments for the Papal Visit

The Papal Mass at the Galle Face Green on January

Pope Francis' visit to Sri Lanka. We are happy to place on14th record was thatthe mostwhen significant the order for event many of ofHis the Holiness needed vestments for this Mass of canonization was given to us we were very pleased to undertake this service for the Church. The order was for 1120 chasubles with stoles for priests, 75 surplices with 50 outside stoles, 4 dalmatics, 6 mitres for 5 Italian Bishops and His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

All this work was done under the guidance of the Sis- ters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, headed by Sisters Anne Mary and Angela, at the St. Joseph's "Sew Smart" Sewing Centre for the hearing-impaired (deaf) in Moratuwa. We are so happy to state that we did all this work with seven members of our staff within a short period of time. It did mean, however, commit- ment and dedication and round the clock service. Our sisters from other Convents also came to help out. We like to thank Rev. Fathers Indrajith Perera and Nilan- tha Ediriwickrema for all the help and support they offered us at all times.

The primary apostates of the Perpetual Help sisters is service to the hearing-impaired (deaf). The St. Jo- seph's "Sew smart" Sewing Centre is for the past stu- dents of the St. Joseph's school for the hearing-im- paired (deaf) at Ragama. God in His providence gave an opportunity to our hearing-impaired sister who is a past student of our Ragama school to offer the wine and water to the Holy Father at the Offertory Procession. The Centre has been in existence for the last 26 years and the school for 75 years. The Centre became popular among the priests for the sewing of priests' cassocks and altar-servers' cassocks. Even the Protestant clergy patronise this Centre. With such a history and background, we Sisters and the hearing-impaired feel it was a great privilege for us to handle this order for an unforgettable Papal Visit for the canonzation of the Apostle of Sri Lanka, St. Jo- seph Vaz. Rev. Sr. Angela Sajeewani, PH M10 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 XXM11 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 Committee for Production of Popular souvenirs he Archbishop of Colombo, His Emi- Mr. Dinuk Hettiarachchi Supply of ve- Tnence requested me to form a com- hicles mittee and proceed with the production Mr. Nelu Fernando - Supply of vehicles of popular souvenir items for sale. He and sales done by Mr. Earnest Fernando also advised me on the type of souvenirs and Mr. Iroshan Thushara of Nelu’s Ad- we should produce. Since my company vertising - Sales at churches Nelu’s Advertising produces this type of items I was able to produce samples the Colombo Catholic Press in the Sin- within two weeks and get the Finance hala, Tamil We and first English advertised Newspapers through i.e., Committee approval for same. Gnanartha Pradeepaya, Gnana Oli and The Committee comprised: Messenger. We then posted brochures Mr. Nelu Fernando (Production, Distri- with letters from His Eminence to Par- bution and Sales) ishes, Schools, Religious Institutions etc. Mr. Nandi Anthony (Secretary and Galle with essential details of how to purchase Face Green Sales) the Memorabilia from us. Thereafter Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunatilake (Publicity posters measuring 17” x 22” were sent in Catholic Papers and Sales at Catholic to be displayed in Parishes and Schools. Book Shop) With such prompt arrangements we Mr. Gamini Kannangara (Sales in Church- were able to stop other vendors from es and Shrines) marketing and cashing in from their own Mr. Priyanga Perera (Production of products as souvenirs. Streamers, Waving Flags and Stickers T- shirts and caps were pro- and sales at Galle Face Green) duced by Brandix through Mr. Ajith Mr. Dinuk Hettiarachchi (Sales at Galle Johnpillai FOC as their contribution and Face Green and Katukurunda Church) 20,000 twelve page calendars and 2500 Cargills Food City (Sales at 16 Outlets) desk calendars FOC as a contribution Mrs. Dilini Gunasekera (Sales in over 20 from Mr. Harry Jayawardena and Miss Churches and Schools) Stasshani Jayawardena printed at Aitken Mr. Gerard William (Production of Um- Spence Printers. brellas and Sales at over 20 churches) The Souvenirs produced were Mr. Neville Abeyratne (Sales at Dalugama Church) plates (plaques), slim crystal light box- Rev.Fr. Merl Shanthi Perera and Rev. Fr. es,streamers, stickers, waving key tags, flags, calendars, mugs, ceramic pin-on Rohan De Soysa (Sales at the Archbish- badges, canvas pictures, t-shirts, caps, op’s House) foldable table banners, fridge magnets, Mr. Siri Fernando (Consultant) ladies and gents umbrellas. Mrs .Hiranthi Fernando (Consultant) We all worked tirelessly for four months producing and selling these Transport items to make the Pope’s Visit a reality Mr. Jude Wijesundera (Courier Compa- and it became a complete success, with ny Dart Global Logistics) - Transport of many obstacles faced in having the Pres- items and collection of cash idential Election on January 8 and the Mr. Mil Kronemberg (ECD Global) - Sup- The Galle Face Green had 6 stalls derful job in trying conditions as Police Pope’s Visit from January 13th to 15th. ply of vehicles on all Sundays for sales at and the sale of souvenirs was organized were not allowing them to go from stall I must thank all those good- churches. by 3 energetic people Namely Dinuk Het- to stall through the crowd. hearted people who gave their immense Mr.Dudley Thambinayagam - Supply tiarachchi, Priyanga Perera and Nandi Finally, I wish to thank all the of vehicles on all Sundays for sales at Parish Priests for helping us with young a.m., visiting Churches and selling Sou- churches. with the help of 60 boys and girls pro- people and for the tables to do the sales. venirssupport during by coming all the Massesto my office held inat those 5.00 Anthony who did the final sales along Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunatilake for selling Mr.Johnny Fernando - Supply of vehicles vided by the Chaplain of the YCS Rev. Fr. churches liasing with Parish Priests for all the Souvenir items in the Colombo on all Sundays for sales at churches and Pradeep Kumar and a group of cashiers 3 months. Catholic Bookshop for Rs.2.2 million and at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotehena. from HNB provided by Mrs. Pamela Co- A special Thanks goes to Mr. also Rev. Fr. Merl Shantha and Rev. Fr. Mrs.Nirmali Samaratunga - Supply of ve- oray. Gamini Kannangara who started his sale Rohan de Soysa for the sales at the Arch- hicles on all Sundays for sales at churches. They were able to sell almost all of stickers at least six weeks before the bishop’s Book Shop, the Library and the Mr. Susanne Bandara of LOLC - Supply the items to the value of Rs. 4.5 Million other main sales commenced. The delay Colombo Bookshop in Pettah. of vehicles on one Sunday for sales at of the others being the delay in produc- Nelu Fernando (Parishioner of churches. lu’s drivers and supervisors did a won- ing the Souvenirs. and achieved a profit of 1.5 Million. Ne- St. Joseph’s Church Nugegoda. At the Galle Face Green

Pix: Clifford Murray M12 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 M13 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 At the Archbishop's House

Pix: Clifford Murray The Visit to Bolawalana Although the Holy Fa- tion of dialogue among people, who contributed to the project. ther’s arrival at Benedict XVIth so that guided by His Word and We take opportunity to thank: Cultural Institute Bolawalana Spirit they may be witnesses of Saundarie David – Soul Sounds was scheduled at 8.15 a.m., he His Love and Truth. Commander Ravi Gunasinghe reached Bolawalana 8 minutes The singing of the group (Navy) earlier availing himself more Wing Commander Chinthaka time to move with the people. with praise and thanksgiving to Muthuthanthri (Air Force) At his arrival the Holy the'Soul Lord. Sounds' filled the Chapel Architect - Chinthani Jayasinghe Father was welcomed to the In- After the Sservice the (UDA) stitute by the Archbishop of Co- Holy Father greeted those who Project Architect - Sunanda lombo, His Eminence Malcolm were inside the Chapel, espe- Sagara Jayasinghe Cardinal Ranjith and Rev. Fr Quin- cially Rev. Fr. Vito Perniola (old- (senior lecturer University of tus Fernando, who accompanied est Jesuit in Sri Lanka who is 102 Moratuwa) him to the Chapel for a short Ser- Project Engineer - Vasantha The meeting of two renowned Jesuits. His Holiness Pope Francis vice of blessing. A group of girls the parishes of Pitipana, Grand Ratnayake a Jesuit meets another Jesuit, Rev. Fr. Vito Perniola, Sri Lankas from Holy Cross Convent, Gampa- Street,years) Duwa and fisher and Sea families Street. from renowned Church Historan at Bolawalana. Fr. Perniola is Ital- ha greeted the Pontiff sprinkling As he came out of the - Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando ian by birth. Chapel the Holy Father unveiled Before the service, Pope the Commemorative Plaque Francishim with knelt Jasmine and flowers.prayed silently that read, “At the invitation of for some time after which he im- His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal The Departure parted the blessing by reciting Ranjith the Benedict XVI Cultural the Prayer of Blessing. He prayed Institute was blessed by His Holi- that the Lord may bless the future ness Pope Francis on January 15, students and instructors of the 2015.” Benedict XVI Cultural Institute Before his departure the which is the main scope of the Holy Father posed for two group formation of youth and promo- photographs with the all those

CHQUES M12 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 M138 Children / Youth MessengerThe Messenger February February 8, 8, 20152015 Stamp for the Pope on a red background. According to the Christian icono- graphic colour language, blue represents earthly nature and red the divine nature, which are the two natures of Compiled by: Kishani S. Fernando Jesus Christ whose vicar today is the Holy Father. In the stamp with the blue background the molding line of the he Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau of the Depart- colonnade of the St. Peter’s Basilica is seen rising from ment of Posts issued two postage stamps in the the left lower corner towards the right edge. The mold- Tdenominations of Rs. 10.00 and Rs.75.00, a Sou- ing line is continued in the red stamp leading it still venir Sheet and Stamp Folder to mark the visit of His higher. A canonization of a Saint usually takes place in Holiness Pope Francis to Sri Lanka on January 13, thks Rome. However here under special circumstances the year. The highlight of the visit was the Canonization of

the Pietà, depicting Mother Mary holding the body of

of the Creator God in giving His own Son to be perse- cutedJesus underand killed the cross,by man signi�ies for the the salvation unfathomable of man. loveThe Virgin Mary the Mother of Jesus participated in this

God. love by sacri�icingThe background herself of andthe Souvenirher Son for Sheet the depicts will of a marble stone background reminding us of the words of Jesus: “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build

Blessed Joseph Vaz, at a special Eucharistic celebration my Church”The (Matthew two portraits 16:18) of to Pope St. Peter Francis the �irst and Pope the at the Galle Face Green. It is these two themes that are backgroundwhose of�ice of is thecontinued Rs. 10 stamp to this were day in illustrated the Papacy. by Pu - represented in the design of this special issue. lasthi Edhiriweera, since the Philatelic Bureau was of The Rs. 10.00 stamp with the portrait of His the view that designing of stamps should be done by a Holiness Pope Francis, has the picture of St. Peter’s ceremony was extended and carried out in Sri Lanka. registered stamp designer. The designing of the whole Basilica in the Vatican City set on a blue background. The Souvenir Sheet carries a mirror image of including the Stamps, First Day cover and Folder were The Rs. 75.00 stamp with the portrait of His Holiness the Pietà to emphasize the love of God that continues to carried out by the priest in charge of the stamp for the Pope Francis, has the picture of the stage made for the be mirrored by the Holy Father and has been declared occasion Rev. Fr. L. G. Priyantha Silva, who designed the Canonization Holy Mass at Galle Face Green - designed the theme of his visit to Sri Lanka - “Abide in Love” (1 according to typical Sri Lankan eastern architecture, Jn 4:16). The sculpture of Michelangelo Buonarroti in �irst Christmas stamp for Sri Lanka in 1980.

Coin for the Pope

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka issued a com- suckle design composed of 120 dots. 120 is a complete in all the three languages. Surrounding the upper part memorative silver coin with a face value of Rs. 500 to number according to Sacred Biblical Numbering and is of the logo is the word ‘Sri Lanka’, in all the 3 three lan- mark the visit of Pope Francis to Sri Lanka. the number of the persons who received the Holy Spir- guages. The edge of this side of the coin is decorated On the obverse of the coin - in the middle is it on the day of the Pentecost. At the edge of the coin with the design of circular dots. 40 and 3 are Christian the bust of His Holiness Pope Francis, surrounded by are the words ‘Papal Visit Sri Lanka’ in Sinhala, Tamil - and English and the dates of the visit, ‘13-15 January tributed to the Virgin Mary and is used on the statue of traditional Sinhalese artistic style. The number 33, is 2015’. ‘OurSacred Lady Numbers. of Lanka’. The The ‘Na’ Na �lower tree (Ceylon is the local Ironwood) �lower at is a Sacredring of Number33 honeysuckle according �lowers to the asChristian portrayed tradition, in the On the reverse side of the coin - in the center is the National Tree of Sri Lanka. ‘The coin was designed since it is the number of earthly years of the life of Je- by Rev. Fr. L. G. Priyantha Silva sus. A dotted line is depicted adjacent to the Honey- is the value of the coin Rs. 500 with the word ‘Rupees’ the of�icial logo for the Papal Visit 2015. Below the logo A gigantic and an unforgettable welcome

perahera costumes. This unique welcome was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On the �irst leg of his second Asian tour, Pope Francis, was greeted on his arrival outside the Airport in Colombo Sri Lanka by 40 elephants draped in colourful traditional In lighter vein A few days later during his visit to the Philippines, Pope Francis met with 40 Jesuit priests at the Apostolic Nunciature. During the meeting, the Filipino Jesuits jokingly told the Pope, “You were wel- comed by 40 elephants in Sri Lanka. Now you have 40 Jesuits.” Quick on the repartee, the Pope re- sponded, “The elephants in Sri Lanka were better dressed,” drawing much laughter. - Pix : Andrew Wijesuriya M14 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 M15 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 “Help us in that search - for a true healing of hearts”

SPEECH OF HIS EMINENCE MALCOLM CARDINAL RANJITH DELIVERED AT THE CANONIZATION MASS ON JANUARY 14, AT THE GALLE FACE GREEN, COLOMBO

Most Holy Father, launch out into the unknown, like Abraham, and to sin- to arrive at a process of a give and take that will build - gle handedly revive the faith of our ancestors. We thank bridges of understanding between the parties hurt in the tion that we the citizens of Sri Lanka and members of the Church in Goa for this precious gift of their son to the CatholicIt is Church with great welcome joy and you feelings today into of filialour midst.affec us. There are in fact many who have come to join us I am sure that by now you have had the opportunity to today from this lively Church along with their patriarch theconflict. sublime We areways still of far religion away from to overcome reaching suchthat goal.hurdles We experience the simple and genuine faith of our people and we welcome them too with grateful hearts. willhope help and us pray to reach that your out toaugust one another. figure which teaches us and the loving sense of loyalty and respect with which Your Holiness, Sri Lanka as you mentioned in We call upon our beloved Saint Joseph Vaz to they have surrounded you from the moment Your Ho- your speech to us on the 8th of February last year at St. intercede for us in heaven so that Sri Lanka maybe able liness touched our soil. In this I must say that joining Peter's Basilica in Rome, is called “the Pearl of the Indian to achieve the miracle of peace soon and may be able to the millions of your admirers in the world, our own ocean,” on account of its natural beauty and its shape, the reach out to the goal of true progress and happiness for people, Sri Lankans of every religion, race and social pearl being the shape of a tear” - and pearls are indeed all its people irrespective of all our differences. colour have welcomed this pastoral visit of yours to our formed as you mentioned on a tear of an oyster. Holy Father, our nation blessed by the teach- beautiful little island home with deep respect and love. In the recent past we have shed many tears on ings of the great world religions, Buddhism, Hindu- What is more, over and above the gift of your presence - ism, Islam and Christianity does possess the moral and on this soil, you have given us the gift of a Saint: Saint tims and drained away our resources. We are still strug- spiritual strength and nobility needed to generate such Joseph Vaz. That gift makes us truly happy, for Sri Lanka glingaccount to riseof the up internal from that conflict sad past that and caused to usher so many in a time vic peace but we will all need to make that leap towards has now its own saint, the pride of Goa and God's pre- of true reconciliation, peace and progress for our peo- each other with a genuine spirit of reconciliation, trust cious gem for Sri Lanka. and a sense of reciprocity. We thank you for this most precious gift whose blessings as well as your paternal guidance. Indeed on Holy Father, do bless us in this resolve. We life and service here in his adoptive land, saved the faith thatple. Theoccasion journey you is did difficult. promise We us need your your prayers prayers and and we thank you for your presence among us and call upon thank you for that. We call upon you to kindly help us in you to impart your paternal and apostolic blessing on their history and left a lasting legacy to the unending that search - for a true healing of hearts, the strength to Sri Lanka, our beloved and beautiful home and on all its loveof the of Catholics God for during us. God a difficult truly inspired and painful this holyperiod man of ask pardon from each other for the senseless violence people. to give up his own beloved homeland and people and unleashed then, to forgive and forget that sad past and Thank you. Patron of Goa, the Apostle of Kanara and Sri Lanka

the Rosary on his way to the man, dhobi, coolie, servant, manasu Swami,” the angelic requested that the body lay in Church and school. - priest by the people of Sri Lan- State for three days. woman, etc served the hidden 5. He wrote “the Letter Churchbusinessman, of Sri Lanka. porter, fisher singular missionary to mission of Captivity” or “the Deed of 28. Thousands poured in toka. the He east. stands as the first and Bondage” to Mother Mary on 14. Imprisoned as a Por- to the Church to pay their last August 5, 1677. tuguese spy for two years, he 21. He educated his com- respects to the great Mission- was dragged into the City of panion John who accompanied ary that Goa gave to the Uni- 6. He resolved to eat Kandy bound in chains. him and requested the Supe- versal Church. kanji (rice broth) for his food rior of the Oratorians to ordain throughout his life. 15. He issued a command 29. Nobody knows now him a priest. John, who later over snakes that they would where his body lay buried. Per- 7. - never bite a priest. digenous order in Asia, the Mi- Dalit priest. haps he does not want to be rec- lagristas He or thestarted Oratorians. the first The in 16. He used the time spent returned to Goa, was the first ognized! Such is his humility. 22. He always slept on a Oratorians served the Church in prison Tamil and Sinhala. 30. Saint Joseph Vaz of Sri Lanka and other coun- 17. When the drought given to him by the Pope, to 1. Joseph Vaz was born tries for 150 years. 23. God blessed him with ravaged the island, he was re- mat on the floor. Goa, nowHe preserved sent the in the Crucifix Ora- on a Friday on April 21, 1651 30 years of priesthood, 24 8. He entered Sri Lanka quested by the Buddhist King in Benaulim, Goa, baptised on fruitful years in the Sri Lankan tory Room of Blessed Joseph (Ceylon) dressed as a coolie, a of Kandy to pray for rain. He a Friday and died on January Vineyard. Vaz at Sancoale, Goa, India. The real beggar during the Dutch performed the ‘Miracle of Rain’ 16, 1711 a Friday in Kandy-Sri only relic in India. The Oratory persecution. in Kandy. He walked bare foot Lanka. 24. Room, over 400-years-old and throughout his life (59 years 6 9. 18. is being visited by thousands 2. The day Joseph Vaz months, 26 days) or rather 60 church in Sri Lanka and dedi- nurse, cook, doctor and grave- of devotees from all over the was born, Cristovam Vaz, his years. He was wiry-thin and cated it toHe Mother built Mary. the first digger toServed all the selflessly communities as a world. father saw a star in the sky walked through the jungles, etc during the epidemic of small during mid-day and wrote in 10. He always kept a sack like the wind. pox and buried 10-12 bodies 31. The jackfruit tree that his personal diary that his son of rice to be distributed after he played under and climbed per day. The King abandoned 25. He died in an odour of would become a great man. Holy Mass to the poor. And that down from the window, to visit his Kingdom and lived in the Sanctity on January 16, 1711, sack was never empty! the Blessed Sacrament in Cor- 3. The doors of Cor- Jungle for the fear of contract- on the day and the time that he talim Church, quietly during talim Church, the neighbour- 11. He established lay ing the disease. had foretold! ing church, opened on its own leaders, catechists, the Mup- the nights, still stands witness 19. He never kept any 26. Before dying he spoke when young Joseph Vaz went pus and Annavis, small human to the Holy Son of Goa. money with him. He had noth- and advised those gathered to visit the Blessed Sacrament communities, inculturation, ing to owe! Nothing to call his around him in Sinhala “You will during the nights from his pa- much before Vatican II. Rev. Fr. Romualdo Robin own! He wore only one cas- not be able to do at the time of ternal home at Sancoale. Rodrigues 12. He was a man who sock, which was patched and death what you have not done Parish Priest, Our Lady of 4. As a young boy he was thought ahead of his times. stitched all over. during your lifetime.” called “Little Saint.” He recited Good Hope Church, 13. Disguised as a baker 20. He was called “Sa- 27. The King of Kandy Candolim, Goa M14 Children / Youth The Messenger February 8, 2015 M15 FebruaryChildren 8, 2015 / Youth The Messenger Messenger Messenger February 8, 2015 13M15 The Litany

Lord have mercy on us l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who searched for Catholice who Christ have mercy on us had taken refuge in Wahakotte and Galgamuwa areas Lord have mercy on us due to the cruel persecution of the Dutch and revived Christ hear us Christ graciously hear us God the Father of heaven l��themSaint and Joseph con�irmed Vaz, whothem while in the attempting Catholic Faith. to enter the Have mercy on us, Kandyan Kingdom was arrested at Weuda as a spy by God the Son, Redeemer of the world, order of King Wimaladharma Suriya. Have mercy on us, God the Holy Spirit l� � Saint Joseph Vaz, who suffered all insults and Have mercy on us, humiliations as a prisoner, accepting everything as the Holy Trinity, One God, Holy will of God. Have mercy on us Holy Mary, Mother of God l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who at the island - wide-drought Pray for us, and brought down a miraculous shower. l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who was born in the respecting the King’s request prayed with con�idence village of Benaulin in Goa. l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who during the deadly small-pox epidemic treated all the sick with medicine and food l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who was trained in and even carried their corpses for burial irrespective Catholic piety by devoted parents, of clan or creed. Christopher Vaz and Maria Miranda, l� � l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who in tender age lived a holy and being released from prison organized missionary and pious life in the home and among your fellow activitySaint with Joseph great Vaz, zest who and won fervour the evenKing’s in con�idence the Dutch students. occupied areas.

l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who was endearingly known as l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who with great devotion prayed “the Little Saint” from your childhood. the Holy Rosary at all times, thereby teaching us to be devoted children of Our Blessed Mother. l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who preferred to pray long into the night, even while the family members lay down l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who was attentive to the pain and to sleep. anguish of everyone who sought relief and fatherly consolation. l� � Saint Joseph Vaz, who experienced being raised on high and embraced by a luminous light while in l� � Saint Joseph Vaz, who faced life’s challenges and ecstasy. threats with great trust in Divine Providence.

l� Saint Joseph Vaz, who was called to the Holy l� � Blessed Joseph Vaz, who while experiencing the Love of God brings all to Christ with your exemplary Faith being extinguished from the Land of Sri Lanka. life of humility. (N2183) Priesthood in order to save the �lame of the Catholic l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who decided to walk bare-foot all l� � Saint Joseph Vaz, who with great compassion your life as a vow on the day of your ordination. brings about solace to those heavily burdened and affected with sufferings. l� � Saint Joseph Vaz, who spread the sweet odour of sanctity in the area around Canara. l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who intercedes before God on behalf of childless couples to bless them with offspring. l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who was shocked and saddened to learn of the plight of the Catholics in Sri Lanka due to l� � Saint Joseph Vaz, who enriched the earlier a persecution. Church with lay-leadership, setting an example to the present-day Lay-fathful. l� � Saint Joseph Vaz, who returned to Goa to revive the Oratorian Fraternity and thereafter was made it’s l��Saint Joseph Vaz, patron of travellers protecting all distinguished Superior. those who have recourse to you, until the end of their journeys. l� � Saint Joseph Vaz, who sold yourself before the immaculate Mother of God, in the hope of bearing l��Saint Joseph Vaz who counselled your followers that what could not be performed during one’s life could involving yourself totally as a slave in the work of never be accomplished at the moment of one’s death. evangelization.up all life’s dif�iculties for the sake of Christ and of Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world. l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who disguised as a ship’s labourer Spare us, O Lord reached Mannar in search of Catholics under the yoke Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world of persecution. Graciously hear us, O Lord! Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world. l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who as soon as you reached Jaffna Have mercy on us contracted the deadly Dysentery and was removed to the jungle to be left abandoned to yourself. Pray for us, O Saint Joseph Vaz Apostle of Sri Lanka, That we may be made worthy of the promises of l� � Saint Joseph Vaz, who revived and regained Christ.

providentially led to serve you with herbal - porridge. Let Us Pray health after an old woman looking for �ire-wood was l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who despite the harassment Oh! God of all Kindness we thank you for the grace of the Dutch Governor started reviving Catholic life of granting us Saint Joseph Vaz as the Apostle of Sri making Sillalai your centre of Missionary activity. Lanka.

l��Saint Joseph Vaz, mindful of the request of a childless We also beseech You through his intercession to protect couple at Pullikulam prayed and obtained the grace us from all trials and tribulations that threaten Our they asked for. Faith even as he protected the Faith of our forefathers when faced with bitter persecution. l��Saint Joseph Vaz, who while travelling bare-foot through the forests made dangerous wild animals and poisonous We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen. snakes to retreat by the power of the Holy Cross.

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