Pentecost sunday

The Catholic weekly of sri Lanka

May 24 “Registered in the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka” under No. QD / 19 / news / 2015 Sunday, May 24, 2015 Vol 146 No 20 20 Pages Rs: 25.00 Registered as a newspaper Vatican issues details of Holy Year of Mercy VATICAN (CNS) - Dur- of the Father who asks us not ing a recent news conference to judge or condemn but to at the Vatican, forgive and to give love and Canonization of Mother Teresa Vatican spokesman Fr. Rino Fisichella, the President forgiveness without measure. One way the Holy Federico Lombardi sj, has said that Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Promoting New Evangelisa- Father wants to show the of the for Church’s maternal solicitude could be canonized during the up- coming Jubilee for Mercy, although prayer, logo, calendar of events is to send out missionaries andtion, other unveiled details the of official the special of mercy - specially selected have been made. Holy Year of Mercy, which will priests who have been granted he clarifiedFr. Lombardithat no concrete told EWTN plans be celebrated from December the authority to pardon even News last week, that the possible canonization of Mother Te- 8, 2015 until November 20, those sins reserved to the Holy resa during the Holy Year of Mercy is a working hypothesis. 2016. See, the wrote in ‘The He explained that Face of Mercy’ (Misericordiae Congregation for the Causes of Saints is studying the cause.” the motto, “Merciful Like the VuItus), the document When“There asked is no officialif there date was but you can say that the Father” serves as an invitation a second miracle attributed to Contd on Pg.2 to follow the merciful example Contd on Pg.2 Pope tells Italian to stop ordering the faithful ATICAN CITY - Pope impoverished families, “Rather, what Francis has told honest workers and re- they all need is a VBishops to strongly tirees, while marginal- Pastor!” denounce corruption and izing the neediest and He lamented to act more like pastors depriving young people than “pilots” telling the of hope. is rife with documents are too heavy faithful what to do. corruption scandals and onthat doctrineoften official and Church theory ’ its youth unemployment “as if our orientation isn’t strong words were aimed rate stands at 43 percent. aimed at our people and at members of the Italian The Holy Father country but rather stu- Bishops’ Conference, who asked the Bishops to re- dents and specialists.” opened their annual meet- inforce the indispens- Pope Francis ing at the Vatican last Mon- able role of ordinary also complained that the day. Pope Francis, who is folk in their dioceses. “In Church often organises also the Bishop of , reality, lay people who conferences where the urged his Bishops to be have an authentic Chris- same voices are heard more Christ-like in show- tian formation shouldn’t over and over, an ap- ing humility, compassion, need a bishop-pilot, or a parent reference to the mercy and wisdom. monsignor-pilot, or cleri- practice of hosting only He told them cal input to assume their like-minded speakers at drugs the community, asks them to go. Francis’ Apostolic Exhora- not to shy away from responsibilities at every Church-sponsored aca- homogenizing choices, During their meeting tion ‘Evangelii Gaudiam’ denouncing the “diffuse level, from political to so- demic conferences. opinions and people. He from May 18-21, the Bish- (The Joy of the Gospel), mentality” of public and cial, economic to legisla- The Holy Fa- urged bishops to instead ops discussed how their and look at ways to imple- private corruption that tive,” he said. ther said such a practice go where the Holy Spirit faithful had received Pope ment its teaching. First Asian to head Caritas Internationalis Golden and Silver Years Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez - Archbishop of Manila, Maradiaga who leaves his A Programme of Appreciation for Priests and Cardinal Louis Antonio post after eight years of Religious Ordained between 1955-1967 Tagle, 57, is the new Pres- service and assured his ident of Caritas Interna- successor of his full sup- The above programme conducted by the Catholic National Com- tionalis. The Confered- port. Cardinal Tagle is mission for Seminaries, Clergy and Religious will be held at the National eration’s 20th Assembly - Seminary, Ampitiya in Kandy from Tuesday July which has been meeting signed this role, which he willthe first hold Asian for a periodto be as of 21 to Thursday July 23, 2015. four years. This programme will be for Priests and Re- ligious ordained between the years 1955 to 1967. Tagle, whose election Cardinal Louis Antonio Tagle to the post was thought Rev. Fr. William Evans, over the past few days highly probable in recent Vice-, in Rome, elected him as successor to Honduran Contd on Pg.2 Co-ordinator

He sent us the Paraclete, the Father of the poor, Comforter of the afflicted, Light of hearts, Sanctifier of souls... 2 The Messenger May 24, 2015 Pope Francis meets with Cursillos Urgently in need of a kidney donor A young, 35-year-old male patient suffer- in Christianity movement ing from end stage renal failure urgently needs a VATICAN RADIO kidney transplant for his survival. - Pope Francis recently His blood group is B positive and is look- greeted the Cursillos in ing for a donor whose blood group is "B" or "O". Christianity Movement Please be kind enough to help him regards who are in Rome for their his urgency. Please contact : 0772738461 European meeting and Dhammika Karunanayake who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Batticaloa Bishop meets group in Italy. Cursillos in Chris- Director of Kolpin Society tianity is a Catholic move- ment that was founded by a group of laymen in 1944 in Majorca, Spain. The charism of the Cursillo tas gathered in the Paul VI Father urged those pres- out of their comfort zone focuses on giving Chris- Hall that they were called ent to follow their exam- and have the courage to tian lay people the tools to build on the charism reach all the suburbs that needed to become effec- that the Lord has entrust- of Christ that frees and need the light of the Gos- tive Christian leaders over ed to them. transformsple and the lives. infinite love pel,” he said. the course of a three-day He said the pio- “I encourage you - weekend. They in turn are neers of the movement to go beyond, faithful to nally urged the partici- asked to take what they were authentic mission- your charism! To keep The National Board of Directors of the Kolpin So- pants to Popehelp the Francis men and fi have learned, back out aries and did not hesitate ciety of Sri Lanka paid a courtesy call on His Lordship Rt. women of today to discov- into the world. to take the initiative and the Spirit that always Rev. Dr. Joseph Ponniah, Bishop of Batticoloa recently. er the beauty of faith and In his prepared bravely approach people, compelsalive the the zeal, followers the fire of Picture show the Board in a group photograph remarks the Pope told the to help them on their Christ to reach those on a life of grace, but in a way with the Bishop. estimated 7,000 Cursillis- journey of faith. The Holy the peripheries, to step that is guided by humility. A. Gabriel

Contd. from Pg. 1 More than a dozen different jubilee celebra- tions will be scheduled in 2016, such as a jubilee for Anniversary of Peralanda Vatican issues details... consecrated men and women on February 2 to close Christian Family Movement the Year of Consecrated Life; one for the Archbishop Fisichella explained that priests on February 22; another for those devoted to the spiri- wouldofficially be proclaiming chosen on the the basis Holy ofYear their of Mercy.ability to preach tuality of Divine Mercy on April 3, Divine Mercy Sun- well - especially on the theme of mercy - and be good day; along with separate jubilees for teenagers, dea- confessors, meaning they are able to express God’s love cons, priests, the sick and disabled, and catechists. and not make the confessional, in the words of Pope A jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy Francis, like a torture chamber. will be celebrated on the feast day of Blessed Mother The priests will also have to be patient and Teresa of Kolkata on September 5 and a jubilee for pris- have an understanding of human fragility,” the Arch- oners on November 6. bishop said. The Vatican is asking bishops and priests The Archbishop said that bishops can recom- around the world to conduct similar symbolic gestures mend priests from their own dioceses to serve as mis- of communion with Pope Francis and his vision of reaching out to those on the margins said Archbishop Fisichella. organising events - while priests can, themselves, sub- The Peralanda Christian Family Movement sionaries of mercy to the Pontifical Council - which is "As a concrete sign of the Pope’s charitable mit a request to serve. commemorated their 15th Anniversary with the cel- love, effective measures will be taken to meet real needs He said that when a priest volunteers, the coun- ebration of the Holy Eucharist at St. Joseph’s Church, in the world that will express mercy through tangible cil will confer with his bishop to ensure his suitability Peralanda with the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Liyanage Pat- for this ministry and that he has approval to serve tem- assistance,” he said. porarily as a missionary of mercy. Rev. Fr. Shanthikumar Weliwita, Episcopal Vic- of the Holy Year prayer and logo. He emphasised the importance of living the arrick (Ja-ela Perera, region) OMI officiating. who was instrumental in inaugurating The logo,Pontifical designed Council by Jesuit also Fatherdistributed Marko copies Rup- Holy Year as a true pilgrimage. the Movement, was also present. nik, shows one of Jesus’ eyes merged with a man’s to show “We will ask pilgrims to make a journey on foot, Picture shows one of the Movement’s initiating how “Christ sees with the eyes of Adam and Adam with preparing themselves to pass through the Holy Door in couples Dickson and Iranganie Antony joining in to cut the eyes of Christ,” explained Archbishop Fisichella. a spirit of faith and devotion,” he said. the anniversary cake, with other members of the move- ment in the background. Pic: Tekny Silva Contd. from Pg. 1 in the Roman Curia. According to the Cardinal, the Vatican’s Prefect Contd. from Pg.1 Canonization of... of the Congregation of the Causes for Saints, Cardinal Mother Teresa's intercession, the spokesman said, “The Angelo Amato, suggested September 4, 2016 – which is cause is in the process.” being observed as a jubilee day for workers and volun- First Asian to head... days, was chosen instead of the other candidate, the An Italian Cardinal heading one of the Vatican teers of mercy – to the others as a possible canonization dicasteries who preferred to remain anonymous said Archbishop of Cyprus, Joseph Soueiph. date, since it is close to September 5, Mother Teresa’a that the canonization was brought up during a Monday Tagle was born in Manila on June 21, 1957, was feast day and the anniversary of her death. meeting between Pope Francis and the heads of various ordained a priest in 1982 and earned a licence in Sacred Theology in 1987 and a doctorate with summa cum Palestinian nuns canonized by Pope become first laude in 1991, with a dissertation on Episcopal colle- giality in the doctrine and practice of Paul VI, under the Arabic-speaking Catholic Saints supervision of the theologian Joseph Komonchak. He was a member of the editorial committee of the Insti- VATICAN CITY - Two Palestinian nuns have been can- West Bank a year ago - and Mr Abbas at the Vatican last tute for Religious Sciences of Bologna, involved in draft- onized as saints at the Vatican last Sunday amid signs Saturday. ing the history of the . In 2001 he of warming relations between the and The ceremony comes days after the Vatican was appointed Bishop of Imus and was appointed Arch- the Palestinian Authority under Pope Francis. bishop of Manila by PopeBenedict XVI in 2011. In 2012 The Pope conferred sainthood on Marie Al- recognises Palestinian statehood, prompting criticism Joseph Ratzinger created him a Cardinal. phonsine Ghattas and Mariam Baouardy Haddad, who fromconfirmed Israel, it which had concluded says such arecognition treaty which preempts effectively es- The Caritas Assembly elected Alexander Bod- were both born in Ottoman-ruled Palestine, in a Holy sential peace negotiations. mann from Austria as the organisation’s new Treasurer at St Peter's Square attended by Mahmoud Abbas, The treaty - which has yet to be signed - states the Palestinian Authority leader and other leading Pal- that the Vatican has switched its diplomatic relations from the Palestine Liberation Organisation to the State and confirmed Michel Roy as Secretary General. An estimated 2,000 pilgrims from the region, of Palestine, thus giving further impetus to growing in- Catholic press website estinian officials. ternational calls to recognise a Palestinian State. www.colombocatholicpress.com - thesome early waving years Palestinian of Christianity. flags, were on hand for the tury nuns is intended to be a purely religious, Mr. Abbas Email: [email protected] canonisationThe of ceremony the first saints followed from a the meeting Holy Land between since hailed theWhile canonization the sanctification it as a landmark of the intwo the 19th Palestin cen- [email protected] / [email protected] Pope Francis - who visited both Israel and the occupied ian struggle for political recognition. Telephone: 2695984, 2678106, 4899611 Fax: 2692586 3 The Messenger May 24, 2015 church in the Modern World Seminar on how to serve Holy Mass with heart and skill HONG KONG (Mabuhay): on one's ministry is that peo- A liturgical seminar was organised ple may fail to coordinate with the way the Mass is celebrated," by the chaplaincy for Filipinos re- other ministries and make mis- heat Mass said. He by explained finding fault that with the takes and one mistake will usu- meaning of joining a Holy Mass those involved in various minis- ally lead to another. Father Rol- is lost when people look at the triescently during to boost the Holythe confidence Mass. of lon encouraged those present Mass from the point of view of The seminar, held at to make a detailed outline of the an outsider, like the way they Holy Family Parish, Choi Hung, Mass beforehand. see a drama or a movie instead was joined by over 400 people He said as a Eucharis- of participating in it or encoun- from different ministries includ- tic Celebration, according to tering Jesus Christ. He believes ing altar servers, Eucharistic the Catechism of the Catholic the graces the Lord brings to us ministers, lectors, choir members Church, is "the heart and the during a Mass can be missed if, and ushers. The morning session summit of the Church's life," for example, some people keep focussed on the principles and all people involved should looking for amusing the theological meaning of differ- work for perfection. He further from priests. ent parts of the Holy Mass. explained-that does not mean Father Alfredo Rollon, people should feel stressful, cording to Father Rollon, is that heart really desires. Moreover, Eucharist. Chaplain to Filipinos, said it is but they should do their best participants Another are difficulty, preoccupied ac- as God is present in the Holy Father Jay Flandez of important for members of vari- out of their own resources. The with their own issues. "Some of Mass, they cannot tell God that the Filipino chaplaincy said the ous ministries to look around and priest added that a Mass is for us block our hearts to our Lord "they have something more im- seminar is to let various com- know what is going on during a the faithful to join their own portant to do right now." munities have a common under- Mass, in order to facilitate better with desires that have nothing Father Rollon went standing about different parts participation of the congregation. giving to that of Jesus Christ on towhen do with we show God. Ifup that's at Mass the filledcase, on to explain the meaning and of the Holy Mass so that they "We should see our- thesacrifice cross. of "We praise are embraced and thanks- by we are only nominally showing the points to notice in different selves as part of the celebration, Christ in this way," he said. up, because our thoughts are parts of the Holy Mass, such as style while serving the Mass. and members of the body of the Father Rollon also someplace else," he said. the opening rite, the penitential can have He a morealso hopesor less that unified the Church as a whole," he said. He noted that people rite, the Gloria, the liturgy of spirituality of the Holy Mass He emphasised that fully involved in a Mass. "Some cannot realise that the Com- the word and the liturgy of the servers can be strengthened. the danger of focussing only ofshared us play the an difficulties intellectual of beinggame munion with God is what their Europe needs Christians to speak French town to with one voice, says Pope Francis remove statue of St. VATICAN CITY (CNS): needs of the poor, particularly the the Churches and ecclesial commu- dramatic and often tragic migration nions of Europe present different vi- John Paul II selves before new and decisive chal- sions on important anthropological lengesChristians to which in Europe we can respond find them- ef- persecution and poverty. and ethical questions. The only so- VATICAN (CNS): The administrative court of fectively only by speaking with one of thousands Meeting of people the two fleeing organisa- war, Rennes, France, told authorities in the town of Ploermel voice," Pope Francis told members tions on May 7, the Pope said that tion in the light of the Sacred Scrip- to remove its statue of St. John Paul II. of a joint committee representing their collaboration gives great hope tureslution, and he ouradded, shared is common tradition. reflec- The court took issue with the public display of the Catholic Council of European for the overcoming of divisions He said Christian com- the statue under a cross in a public square claiming it Bishops' Conferences and the Ecu- among Christians, even while recog- munities have an obligation to col- violated the separation of Church and State, as well as menical, Conference of European nising that the path to full and visi- laborate to promote solidarity and the constitutional principal of laicite— non interference Churches. He cited the challenge of ble communion among all believers acceptance. Europe's Christians of government in religious matters and of religious non- legislation which, in the name of a in Christ is still long that although are called to intercede with their involvement in government affairs, according to a Vati- poorly interpreted principle of tol- prayers and to work actively to pro- can Radio report recently. erance, ends up preventing citizens is an integral part of the process mote dialogue and peace in the con- The 8.8 metre tall bronze statue depicts St. John from freely expressing and practic- ofthe reconciliation ecumenical task and is communion difficult, it Paul praying under an arch that supports a cross. The ing their religious convictions in a which the Lord asks of us and helps "Only by looking together peaceful and legitimate way. us accomplish so that it would be towardflicts underway. the Lord Jesus Christ, will late Pope's famous words from his papal inauguration He said that a united voice lived in charity and truth. in 1978, "Do not be afraid," are inscribed on it. is needed in helping the continent's Pope Francis said the wit- to the questions modern society is Ploermel Mayor, Patrick Le Diffon, said he nations and people respond to the ness of Christianity is harmed when askingChristians us," findthe Pope common said. responses would appeal the court order because it wasn't for the man of the Church, but for the man of the state that the monument was dedicated in a public square. When the statue was unveiled in 2006, the May- or at the time, Paul Anselin, said that St. John Paul was a giant of the 20th century who participated in the fall of the Iron Curtain. UN condemns Execution of eight convicts JAKARTA (AsiaNews): While people in the Phil- ippines celebrated with street parties and prayer vigils after the Indonesian government granted temporary reprieve to spare the life of Mary Jane Veloso, the execu- tion of eight other convicts on April 29 was slammed by the United Nations and the governments concerned. In the early hours of the night, the eight con- victed reportedly faced the gallows singing in unison "Amazing Grace." They refused to be blindfolded and

Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon,sang until expressed the firing squaddeep regret opened over fire. the executions.

there is no place in the 21st century for the death pen- alty and Inmade an official an urgent statement, appeal Ban to Indonesia Ki-moon saidto spare that the other prisoners on death row. In response, Jakarta defended its line of zero

shootings are part of this policy. tolerance against drug trafficking, and insisted that the 4 The Messenger May 24, 2015 SINCE FEBRUARY 1869 Seeking a soul-mate in the

EDITORIAL struggle against climate change Email:[email protected] Telephone: 011 2695984 May 24, 2015 Prosperity Gospel cannot bring a Pentecost

We celebrated last Sunday the Feast of the Ascension – the epic point of the three-dimensional climax of the mission of Jesus. The Bible tells us He was raised on the Cross, He was raised from the dead and then raised to heaven to sit at the right hand of God and be the King of kings and Lord of Lords. With Jesus in Him and through Him we also are called to be children of God, an eternal identity, and heirs of the kingdom, an eternal inheritance unlike our worldly identities or inheritances that end in the grave. In the afterglow of that important event, we celebrate on Sunday May 24 the Feast of the Pentecost – the birthday of the Church and since we all are part of the Church it is also our eternal UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, addressing the April 28 Vatican summit on the moral dimensions birthday. of climate change and its impact on the poor. At left is Italy's President, Sergio Mattarella. Chapter 2 of the Acts of the Apostles, written by Evangelist VATICAN (CNS): Ban Ki-moon, the Sec- Church has been proclaiming for decades. retary General of the United Nations (UN) and Pope Francis' stance, like that of his Colossians 4:14, is known as the Pentecost Chapter. There are two some climate scientists are banking on Pope predecessors, has always been a moral one. The Luke, who is identified by Paul as the ‘Beloved Physician’ dimensions of Pentecost and both are important but unfortunately Francis to be a unifying moral force to get the policies or programmes, but it lays out the Gos- and sideline the second. ing. pelChurch vision does to guide not proposepeople and or policy endorse makers specific so there appears Before to going be a trendto be withtoday God to highlight as the king the of first everyone dimension and world on Mr. board Ban in spoke the fight at againstthe Vatican global on warm- April they will respond to problems more ethically. all things, Jesus had promised the still sad and fearful apostles 28 during an international gathering on the In fact, the Pope's much anticipated en- that when He sends them the Holy Spirit, they will receive power moral dimensions of climate change and sus- cyclical on the environment will not be a white paper about capping carbon emissions, but a (Acts 1:8). As promised, we see the manifestation of this power in pastoral plea to cap greed and short-term gains Acts 2. at the expense of the planet and other people. tainable development sponsored by the Pontifi- The once-cowardly Peter speaks out boldly proclaiming of Social Sciences, the Sustainable Development However the Pope's outspoken criti- cal Academy of Sciences, the that Jesus is the Messiah and working great miracles and signs. Solutions Network and Religions for Peace. cism of "an economy that kills" and the "neg- He told reporters, "The reason I'm com- ligence and inaction" in response to climate ing to the Pope" is that "I need the moral support people of different races and languages understanding His change has critics worried that he is straying and spiritual support of religious leaders." With his first sermon some 3000 people were converted, with beyond his spiritual role. message in their own language. While previous have spoken In Acts 2: 42-45, there is another dimension of Pentecost. strongly against harming the earth and its in- Christopher Monckton, British po- The passage says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ habitants, one world-renowned atmospheric litical adviser who was with the delegation of teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan, said Pope the Chicago-based Heartland Institute to the Francis will "save the day." climate summit said, "It is not the business of He noted that Pope Benedict XVI, who the Church to stray from faith and morals" and performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and wander into "the playground" of policy. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs has been lauded as the 'Green Pope' for his at- had everything in common. They sold property and possessions tention to taking care of creation, "made some The institute, which advocates free- to give to anyone who had need.” amazingly helpful statements on the environ- market policies, insisted that Pope Francis In Acts 3, 4, 5 and other chapters, we see Peter and the should not be "lending his moral authority to other disciples working great wonders and signs. In Acts 3 we However, Ramanathan, who in the 1970s the politicized" and what they consider unsci- read of Peter and John going to the Temple when a poor crippled ment"helped duringdiscover his that eight-year pollutants pontificate. and other gases, in addition to carbon dioxide, were contributing Peter Cardinal Turkson, who helped draw up man at the gate asks them for a few coins. Peter tells him, “Silver entific, agenda of the United Nations. However, to the greenhouse effect, said that Pope Francis and gold I have none but in the name of Jesus Christ get up and ing the summit that the Church was not there walk.” The crippled man not only walks but also starts dancing would be "the saviour on the environment." the first draft of the Pope's , said dur- near the table, posing a major problem for the religious leaders In his opinion this Pope "has tran- climate change. scended Catholic religion and he has transcend- to confirm or deny what science is saying about ed Christianity. People of different followings, us "how much of the land is now under sea wa- We are told that even when Peter’s shadow fell on people who had demanded a crucifixion of Jesus. different nations admire this Pope, they listen ter. Is that "But not bishops a concern on ?"the asked Pacific the islands Cardinal, tell to his words so he has a global reach." such wonders and signs are not happening as regularly and in the Mr. Ban has been hoping to tap into they were healed. On this Pentecost day we need to reflect on why and Peace. spectacular manner they did in the Early Church. Is it because that global reach with his invitation to Pope who is head of the Pontifical Council for Justice Francis to address the UN General Assembly in sented by some of the world's top scientists," he not have the courage or faith to obey the commands of Jesus, “If New York on September 25 and by calling on re- said, "but "We we cannotcan say confirm how human the data life is being support- pre- we are overplaying the first dimension of Pentecost while we do you want to be my disciple, deny yourself, take up your cross and ligious leaders to work with governments and ed (or not) by policies based on science." come follow me.” science on climate change. The Cardinal said that as clergy, "We Unfortunately, in the West and even in Third World The UN Secretary General along with went to the seminary to save souls, but it is also countries like Sri Lanka, the Prosperity Gospel appears to be more experts promoting a united global response to important that we look at the garden where attractive than the real Gospel. Jesus left everything behind to do global warming believe policies, regulations, these souls live and what should be done to care, the will of the Father. The early disciples did the same thing but new technologies and cost incentives are not cultivate and pass it on to future generations." in this modern era we delude ourselves into thinking we could going to be enough to get industrialised nations Other members of the Heartland dele- worship both God and money. to radically reduce their carbon footprint. gation objected to the Vatican cooperating with There appears to be a trend among some charismatic Ramanathan, who attended the Vatican organizations and individuals who promote group members, caught up in some euphoria or emotional high population control in ways that clearly violate of Sciences, said, "We have to change our attitude point to believe they are super spiritual. This is counter-productive Church teaching. towardgathering each as aother member and of our the attitude Pontifical toward Academy na- for us and for others. But we all need to remember what the Lord Cardinal Turkson responded by saying ture. So it has gone beyond the grasp of science "the Second Vatican Council invited us to a new did in the Holy Eucharist which is now our highest act of worship. and beyond the grasp of leaders of nations. It is way to minister to the world, as imperfect and He told the Father, “Take me, bless me, break me and give me to now in the hands of religious leaders." others.” Similarly, after we receive Holy Communion at Mass we The Secretary General also pointed out and working with others whenever possible to also need to say, “Lord take me, bless me, break me and give me that change will depend on wealthy nations servesinful humanity."as it may be, by finding common ground to others.” It is more blessed to give than to receive. If we have and communities shifting away from an econo- Rather than religion losing its soul by behaved like grabbers, receiving, receiving and receiving, then my based on overconsumption and exclusion. opening its doors to global policymakers and ex- Pentecost is a time for repentance and a turnaround whereby "To transform our economies, howev- perts, the UN Secretary General's call for religious instead of grabbing we begin to give and give, to die to ourselves, leaders to remind people of their sacred duty to take up our cross and follow the Lord. values," he said. care for human dignity and nature indicates that er, we must The first message transform is one our that thinking the Catholicand our they are looking for a soul mate in religion. 5 The Messenger May 24, 2015 Christian Unity: Anglican, Roman Catholic Relations

Rev. Fr. Vimal Tirimanna, CSsR Member, Catholic delegation of ARCIC-III

he ‘Ordo’ (or “the ing the Gospels. guideline book for the liturgical serious Christian division T When the first year”) annually indicates took place between the eight days in the month Eastern (Orthodox) and of January as “the Week Western (Latin) Churches, of Prayer for Christian it was due to what is pop- Unity.” This year’s ‘Ordo’ ularly known as “the Great too, thus, has highlighted Schism” of 1054, over in bold letters 17th to what is known in theologi- 24th January as the 'Week of Prayer for Christian issue”. The next serious Unity.' Usually, this week rupturecal circles within as “the the fililoque Latin is kept from 18th to 25th Church was in the 16th January, or an octave clos- century, with the Protes- er to that set of dates. The tant Revolution. Histori- cal circumstances led to set of dates is that the an- further divisions within the validity of the Eastern may lead to that unity cientreasons feast for of thisthe ‘Chair specific of those separated Christian "While Popes of the 20th century and Western traditions of in truth for which Christ St.Peter’ was on 18th Jan- groups themselves. Some prior to the Vatican II, such as Christianity (OE, No:3), prayed.” In 1968, a docu- uary while even today the of these separated breth- and the importance of ment called the “Malta Re- feast of the ‘Conversion of ren not only have huge Pius X, Benedict XV, Pius XI and preserving the spiri- port” issued by these two St.Paul’ falls on 25th Janu- numbers of followers all Pius XII gave their fullest approval tual heritage of the East mainline Churches noted ary. Since both Ss.Peter over the world, but they to promote Ecumenism, it was (Cfr.,UR, Nos:14-15). that there were large ar- and Paul are considered also have conserved some In 1964, from 5th eas of agreement between the two leading pillars of of the fundamental eccle- Pope John XXIII who created the to 6th January, Pope Paul the two Churches and Christianity, these dates sial elements of the Early Secretariat for Christian Unity in VI and Athena- three areas of disagree- have their symbolic value Christian Church. The the Vatican in June 1960" goras of Constantinople ment, namely, the Eucha- for Christian unity. most fundamental eccle- (Orthodox Church) creat- rist, the ministry of Ordi- This custom of as- sial element common to ed history when they met nation, and the authority signing a week of prayer for most of these groups is mainline Churches and lived reality in which the in Jerusalem in a common in the Church (the role of the unity of all those who the baptism that is signi- further divisions within universal magisterium has pilgrimage, praying to- Papacy). To further study believe in Jesus Christ was themselves, have created left a lot of room for their gether that “this meeting these areas of disagree- of water in the name of a scandalous impression local counterparts (espe- may be the sign and pre- ment, both Pope Paul VI Wattson, the co-founder thefied Holy through Trinity. the Besides, pouring to the rest of the world; in cially the diocesan bish- lude of things to come for and Archbishop Ramsey ofmooted the Graymoor first by Francis Fr.Paul- they all follow the same fact, it is a counter-witness ops and the local Episco- the glory of God and the - four Gospels that render to what Jesus prayed in His pal Conferences) to make celebrated in 1908. The the Words and Deeds illumination of his faithful can Roman Catholic Inter- prayer at the Last Supper: their own autonomous people”. On 7th December nationalappointed Commission the first Angli pop- Weekcan Friars of Prayer and it for was Chris first- of Jesus Christ and con- “Father, I pray that they decisions with regard to 1965, the day before the ularly known as “ARCIC-I,” sider Him as the Son of may be one…..so that the ecumenical affairs. conclusion of Vatican II, in 1970. It consisted of accepted in the Catholic God who became human, world may believe that While Popes of these two leaders created bishops and theologians Churchtian Unity by Pope was Pius officially X in who suffered, died and you sent me”[Jn17:21-22]. the 20th century prior to of both the Churches, and 1909. His immediate suc- rose again on the third Moreover, such divisions the Vatican II, such as Pius history again when they cessor Pope Benedict XV day. They also believe in mutually lifted the excom- issued quite a few impor- among Christians tend to X, Benedict XV, Pius XI, and tant documents for re- encouraged its observance the Holy Spirit, the resur- portray as unconvincing Pius XII gave their fullest munications of 1054, pro- throughout the Roman rection of the body and nounced by their respec- the one message of Jesus approval to promote Ecu- Churches. Twelve years Catholic Church in 1916 tive predecessors against Christ given to the world menism, it was Pope John flectionlater, ARCIC-I in the respective published and successive Popes to- to judge the living and through His apostles. XXIII who created the Sec- each other. This was the its “Final Report.” In it, date have actively encour- the final dead. coming Such Christian of Jesus That is why since retariat for Christian Uni- initiation of great “revo- the bishops and theolo- - groups are usually called the late 19th and the early ty in the Vatican in June lutions” in the sphere of gians (of ARCIC-I) pointed cial papal encouragement, by the popular name “the 20th centuries, there have 1960 (which later evolved Ecumenism, and to-date, unfortunately,aged it. In spite this of such Week offi of mainline Churches” in out that they had reached arisen various move- into what is known today the successive post-Vati- “substantial agreement” Prayer is rarely observed contrast to the evangeli- ments within the mainline can II Popes, namely, John on major doctrinal issues seriously in our Catholic cal and fundamentalist Churches (including the for Christian Unity). The Paul II, Benedict XVI and concerning the three ma- churches, especially in the Christian sects. The Greek Roman Catholic Church) mainas the task Pontifical assigned Council to this Francis, have done every- jor areas of disagreement local level, i.e., in our par- Orthodox Church, the that call for Christian thing possible and neces- between the two Church- ishes and dioceses all over Anglican Communion of unity, the main expected same Pope was to invite sary for the promotion the world. Neither does Churches, the Russian Or- es: the Eucharist, Ordina- result of which is what is leadersoffice at of that mainline time byChris the- of Christian Unity among it feature prominently in thodox Church, the Pres- tion and Authority. But the known as “Ecumenism.”. all the mainline Chris- the formation programs of byterian Church, the Bap- Congregation for the Doc- In popular parlance, ‘Ec- observers to the Second tian Churches. They have clergy, religious or laity. tist Church, the Lutheran umenism’ would mean Vaticantian Churches Council as and official pro- trine of the Faith (CDF) Church, the Methodist in Rome while praising “the quest by Christians moting inter-church dia- the importance of Ecu- Church,……etc., are con- for full visible unity of all logues. Thus, Vatican II, ARCIC-I’s basic achieve- What is Christian menism,not only but officially also through taught sidered such “mainline followers of Jesus Christ.” with the participation of ments also pointed out their prophetic gestures Unity? Churches,” and their bap- According to the Second these Christian leaders as that on some issues of the have manifested the im- Ever since the tism is considered valid Vatican Council (Vatican observers became liter- Report they had serious Early Christian communi- by the Catholic Church. II), it means “the holy task ally (in the above sense) portance of the promotion reservations. In order to ties, there have been vari- But, some important theo- of reconciling all Chris- an “Ecumenical” Coun- of such Unity as an essen- achieve further progress ous divisions of the one logical and doctrinal dif- tians in the unity of the cil. In fact, Ecumenism, tial part of Jesus’ message Christian fold established ferences keep even these one and only Church of acknowledged as one of to the world. issues concerned, Pope by Jesus Christ and His “mainline Churches” sep- Christ” (Unitatis Redinte- “the signs of the times” andJohn clarifications Paul II and on Arch the- Apostles. Of course, most arated from one another. gratio (UR), No:24). One (UR, No:4), was one of the Anglican, Roman bishop Robert Runcie of of those divisions were Writing in 1994 about the needs to note here that main purposes of the very Canterbury appointed due to various heresies differences of the differ- according to the Vatican convoking of the Vatican II Catholic Relations ARCIC-II, in 1982. This and schisms, and also at ent Christian Churches, II Fathers, this is not an (Sacrosanctum Concilium, On 26th March Commission issued some of the most-celebrated times, due to personal mis- Timothy G. McCarthy had ordinary task, but a “holy” No:1). The Council gave a 1966, Pope Paul VI met theological documents, understandings of those this to say: task. In other words, it great boost to such Ecu- Archbishop Michael Ram- who led the respective The Christian sey of Canterbury (of the such as “Salvation and the has to be at the top of the menism within the Cath- Church”(1986), “Church Churches. In the course churches hardly honour agenda of every Catholic. olic Church when it sol- Anglican Communion), of history, some of the one another. They are as Communion”(1990), That is to say, even in or- emnly declared that “the and both announced their “Life in Christ: Morals, heretical and schismatic deeply divided over iden- dinary, local levels, Catho- churches of the East, as intention “to inaugurate Communion and the groups have disappeared tity, mission, authority, lics are invited to promote much as those of the West, between the Roman Cath- Church” (1993), “The with time, but some oth- theology, interreligious Christian unity, in emulat- fully enjoy the right, and olic Church and the Angli- Gift of Authority: Au- ers who separated from dialogue, the role of wom- ing their leaders, both past are duty bound, to govern can Communion a series thority III”(1999) and the Catholic Church have en, moral issues, and oth- and present. According to themselves”(Orientalium of dialogues that, founded “Mary: Grace and Hope in survived the passage of er issues. Ecclesiarum (OE), No:5; on the gospels and the an- Christ”(2004). time, with their own be- Unfortunately, Christian Unity, in fact, Cfr., UR, No:16). The Coun- cient common tradition, liefs and ways of follow- such divisions among the therethe Pontifical are certain Council areas for in (To be Contd. next week)

cil Fathers also affirmed 6 The Messenger May 24, 2015 Congregation of the Sisters of catechism for the youth Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Compiled by Year of the Consecrated Life - 2015 Fr. Indra Ratnasiri Fernando, Conference of Major religious superiors of sri lanka (CMrs) 15 THE THIRD COMMANDMENT: religious Congregations in sri lanka Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day.

For the people of Israel, the Sabbath was the great sign of God, the Creator. The seventh day of the cre- ation is remembered on Sabbath, “rested, and was refreshed” (Ex. 31:17). Thus, it calls the second great commemoration; the liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt. The Sabbath is a feast of human

Jesus observed the Sabbath, but deals with it in lib- eralfreedom. ways; We “The find Sabbath in the wassacred made scriptures for man, that not evenman for the Sabbath”.

The celebration of the Sabbath is held on Sunday Our Spirituality: because Jesus Christ rose from the dead on a Sun- It is an on-going God consciousness, lived out day; the Lord’s Day. like Mother Mary, through a simple way of life with for- titude, trusting in Divine Providence, responding rel- Hence, the Sunday for Christians is enveloped with evantly to the signs of the times with compassionate three essentials aspects: love. In keeping with our Charism and being guided 1. The creation of the World. by our Spirituality, Perpetual Help Sisters are now en- 2. Eighth day of the creation… the world was made gaged in various ministries here in Sri Lanka, in Cyprus new in Christ. and Israel. 3. Man’s eternal rest in God. In Sri Lanka today, we are in 15 communities he Congregation of Perpetual Help Sisters was in four Dioceses. Our Novitiate is in Periyamulla and Chapter two founded by Miss Johanna Francisca Maximili- the Candidacy and Pre-Novitiate in Kochchikade, Ne- ana Amerlinck, born on the 23rd October 1733, T gombo. THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT: in the Town of Courtrai in Belgium. Though she came The following are some of the present activities in Honour your father and your mother. from a noble, wealthy family, abandoned everything in Sri Lanka the service of the poor. This was possible for her as she l Education of the children with special needs trusted Mother Mary, perpetually helping her in all her l After care of the past pupils of the School at Ragama place, at the same time, those whom we owe our needs. l Care of the aged and the sick, nursing life,At first, our well-being, our physical our parents security are and given our faith the firstare – FORTITUDE FORTITER ET EFFICACITER l Catechetical and Pastoral work also honourably mentioned. All of them are God- AND EFFICACY being her motto and trusting in Divine l Pre-School, Montessori education Providence, she stepped out of her comfort zone to l Formal education a woman who have entered into the married life are l Youth apostolate speciallygiven grace-filled invited to persons be partakers who love of God’s us. A creation. man and l Being aware of and listening to the signs of l Personal and family counseling thestart times, the first she “House was sensitive of Charity” to in the 1768. movement of the l Self-help projects – Sewing Centre run by the Thus, “family is the primordial image of commu- Spirit, which led her to reach out to the poor, especially Hearing Impaired adults nion, the unique school of the living in relationships. to women and children, joyfully giving herself in loving l Crèche service to them. l Home for needy girls to mention that man’s most important relationship l Then came the old ladies of the town, who l Availability in communities of presence, open to isFamily the one is also he has the with domestic God; thischurch.” has priority Yet, it is over fitting all had no one to care for them – them she housed and needy people; intercessory prayer human relationships, even family relationships. looked after. The girls who were exposed to dangers Missionary Sisters in Cyprus and Israel found protection and security in boarding houses. They l Priority is to look after the spiritual needs of the THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT: too underwent a process of education, learning to sew, Sri Lankan migrants You shall not kill. to make lace and they were also taught to save their l Liturgy is planned by the Liturgy committees earnings to be able to help their families when in need. l Gatherings, group meetings, evening prayer groups Taking one’s own life is a mortal sin. No human be- Her followers were twelve in number and so banded in their own apartments, Catechism ing is allowed at all to do so. God alone is Lord over themselves to form the nucleus of a Congregation. In l Provide shelter for girls who have problems with life and death. Murder is forbidden, even the abor- their jobs or any other emergencies tion from the moment of conception and euthana- across the seas. l sia of the sick and even the dying are forbidden. 1810, thel flame of her life, ebbed away only to follow l Provide legal assistance free of charge through God-given human life is God’s own property, thus, er House in Courtrai came over to Ceylon in 1929, at Help volunteer them find Lawyers jobs or in their needs the request The of first the, missionarythen Archbishop Sisters of from Colombo, the Moth- Mgr. l Personal guidance through counseling and not under the control of any human being (Jer. Coudert, OMI to attend on the Tuberculosis patients in l Above all MINISTRY OF PRESENCE. 1:5).it is sacredStrictly from speaking, the first even moment embryos of are its human existence be- Ragama Chest Hospital. ings, because human life begins with the fusion of a Our inspiration also comes from the icon of l In 1935, these Sisters extended their services sperm cell and an egg. to persons with special needs (hearing impaired and our Mother of Perpetual Help, whose patronage we visually impaired – Deaf & Blind) in a school they be- have experienced in abundance. This miraculous icon to be found in Rome today, and so very popular through- The Commandment applies to both physical and gan in Ragama. spiritual integrity, thus, it thoroughly advices us not l In 1955 Novitiate was started in Periyamulla, out the world, is truly a meditation or prayer in itself. Mother Mary is the source of courage and strength to to impose violence against one’s own body. Hence, Negombo giving an opportunity to local girls to follow anyone who participates in an abortion, forces a in the foot-steps of Mother Amerlinck. her Son Jesus as He foresees His Passion and death… shown by the instruments carried by angels Gabriel woman to undergo an abortion, advices her to do l June 06th, 1982 was a red letter day as the so, is automatically excommunicated. Sisters became a Local Diocesan Congregation under and Michael. Every detail of the icon is so meaningful. the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Colombo, Nicholas It is to this Mother, who is ever ready to help us, that we Marcus Fernando with our own local Superior General. can go in our own times of trial and trouble. It is before l The Generalate is now in Periyamulla. A new this Mother that we intercede for all those who come to us especially through our new Ministry of Intercessory Constitution drawn up with the help of experts and Prayer. She offers to us Jesus her Son as our Saviour and “God creates out of nothing. and difficult step began, where we drafted our own wishes we bring this message to others. In every com- Wonderful, you say. yes to be Constitution is its attempt to “localize Religious Life” munity we have a daily prayer to this our Mother, make sure, but he does what is still adaptedthe consultation to our own of the culture, Sisters. with A specific emphasis feature on the of thistra- the Novena on Wednesdays and celebrate her feast on ditional and other faith values of our people. At our June 27th. In our own discipleship we are aware that more wonderful. seventh General Chapter in 2013, we re-formulated this Mother can lead us best of all to her Son, so that we He makes saints out of can be true missionaries spreading the Gospel of Joy. sinners” star for the future into new unknown horizons. Perpetual Help Convent our Charism and Spirituality, as our guiding flame and Periyamulla sören kierkegaard Our Charism: Negombo. - Trusting in Divine Providence, living out the 031-2238343 compassionate love of God in simplicity and fortitude. www.perpetualhelplk.org 7 The Messenger May 24, 2015 “Lord if we can only have a touch of your love” chose this small island with a mere 6% Catholic popu-

by: Kishani S. Fernando leader,” she says. he ‘Kithu Dana Pubuduwa’ is not a society or an lation and our Swami-thatha to be the first Charismatic organization - it is a journey with the Lord. “No Mrs Kaviratne, a shipping company director who let go Thuman founder, no special agent or aid from a of her lucrative job to make herself available for God’s foreign country, no precise date.” This is how the ini- work, says the ‘Kithu Dana Pubuduwa’ is unique when tiator of the Kithu Dana Pubuduwa, Fr. Siri Oscar Aba- compared to other Charismatic Renewal Movements yaratne describes the beginning of the Pubuduwa that in the world. In addition to bringing people to a close is challenging and changing the lives of thousands of and deep personal relationship with the Lord, the Pub- people specially those enslaved in poverty. It was “A uduwa seeks to carry the love of Jesus to the country sovereign act of God sans human initiative, planning or by getting actively involved in social justice issues. It programming”. “It just happened!”. seeks to be a prophetic voice. It seeks unity in diversity with other religions of our country and it seeks to show Seven years ago I was privileged to meet Fr. Oscar in his solidarity by respecting their customs and traditions. mud hut or Kuti at the Shri Prasansaramaya the mother The foremost goal in the Pubuduwa mission is spiri- tual growth, meaning a growth in the personal rela- I met him and he greeted mehouse with of thea wide ‘Kitu smile Dana -Pubuduwa.’ a It was the first time smile that made me won- der whether we had met before.

A few days ago I spoke to Ranjana Kaviratne the present lay leader of the National Prophetic As- sembly of the Kithu Dana Mrs. Kaviratne says “Swami-thatha is a great inspi- Pubuduwa. She says that ration to all in the Pubuduwa, He lives the Word he the Kithu Dana Pubudu- preaches and preaches the Word he lives. His focus is to unite with the poor, the down-trodden, widowed, and Revival Movement in other suffering people of our country.” She recalls a re- Asia,wa is followed the first by Catholic India cent discussion she had with him, when Swamy-thatha and the Philippines. “God had asked her: What is the percentage of the people in this country that have a bed to sleep on? Then why am tionship with the Lord. I sleeping on a bed? Then thoughtfully answering his And a deep desire to do own question he had said “But I cannot get up from the God’s will in all things. The Pubuduwa encour- told by those who look after me to sleep on a bed”. ages people to live a sim- floor now, my hands and legs are not strong. So I am ple life of Alpekshatha- It is also Swami-thatha’s intention, that the Kithu Dana vaya, as Pope Francis and Pubuduwa should get involved not in party politics President Maithripala but in politics which means ‘desha palanaya’ – good Sirisena are doing today. governance, accountability, transparency and the Rule The sudu mudu or simple of Law. To quote Fr. Oscar himself: “There is howev- weddings, simple buri- er, a difference between religion and politics. It must als, simple clothing and be stated quite categorically that the Church is not a simple meals are some political party. It has no political policy or a political of the ways promoted blue-print. It presents no political manifesto, but it has and practiced. The teach- to stand for what is right and oppose what is wrong if ing and meanings behind a particular situation so demands, it has to challenge these concepts are given at the Pubuduwa meet- ings but no one is forced to follow these options.

(Part IV) Goa at last Pilgrimage to Goa When we reached Goa railway station we were taken to the Pilar Seminary where we were to put up Morning train to Goa for the rest of our stay in India. Rooms were allotted and we were given time to take a shower and clean up. From Mangalore we took the morning train to Goa. It That evening we went to the Church of Our took us about 8 hours to reach Goa. We passed many Lady of Hope in Candolim, where Rev. Fr. Robin Rodri- gues the author of ‘207 stories of St. Joseph Vaz’, was injustice, it has to condemn even though such a chal- mountains. The train also went through several long the Parish Priest. This is a very old church originally lenge to political power may bring the deprivation of railway stations, green paddy fields, wide rivers and tunnels. In one railway station we saw a highly dressed built in 1560 but rebuilt and remodeled in 1661. In- cherished privileges, or even persecution” – New Man up little girl who looked like a child bride. On the train side the church was very beautiful. The Altarpiece November 1994. we met India’s famous eunuchs or hijras. There was behind the altar table was painted in gold. The main also a man possessed by an evil spirit. statue in the middle of the altarpiece was of Our Lady Fr. Oscar has written many articles on good governance of Hope. The statue showed mother Mary holding baby and social issues to the media. He has courageously Jesus with one hand and the other hand resting on supported the truth. In particular he has openly chal- an anchor. There were also huge murals lenged the notorious 18th amendment which gave ab- made up with blue and white porcelain solute power to the Executive President. Following in tiles showing Bible scenes. his footsteps the Kithu Dana Pubuduwa met both the We were warmly welcomed by the candidates of the Presidential election before the elec- Priests and the Parishioners. Then we had tion and handed over a written document stating the a Mass. During the Mass Uncle Raymond urgent need of abolishing the 18th Amendment and Fernando presented a statue of St. Joseph implementing the 19th Amendment to substantially Vaz (see picture). He had cut it himself out reduce the powers of the Executive Presidency. At the of Mahogany in his work shop in Moratuwa. same time the Pubuduwa also took part in non stop He carried it all the way to India in a wooden prayer campaigns for a fair and peaceful election. box specially made for it. At the end of the Mass we Sri Presently Fr. Oscar at 83, lives a quiet life given to prayer Lankans sang the hymn dedicated to St. and meditation in his kuti. Sometimes he takes part in Joseph Vaz in Sinhala and the Goans sang the less tedious activities of the Movement. This year their hymn in Konkani. After Mass we were too he has given the theme for the Pentecost Rally which invited to a delicious dinner and party. will take place on Saturday night. The theme this year is Devmini Fernando. Grade 6 “Lord if we can only have a touch of your love”. 8 The Messenger May 24, 2015 Salvation history presented in Cantonese Opera HONG KONG lai, the show's producer, (SE): A Chinese Opera explained that it took the presenting the history of team six years to prepare salvation was staged by for the Opera and that Bon�ire, a group of lay- over 100 actors were in- people, at the Hong Koag volved. The new technol- Academy for Performing ogy of video mapping was Arts from April 17-19. The also utilised for special ef- work was a blend of Can- fects on stage. tonese Opera, drama and Yeung said that modern stage technology. gate receipts of around show on April 17, John show were donated to the Cardinal Before Tong Hon, the first the Salt$330,000 and Light from Preserva- the first Bishop of Hong Kong, tion Centre for the con- commended Bon�ire for servation of Yim Tin Tsai gathering a group of de- village in Sai Kung. She voted, faithful profes- sional artistes who used the island can act as an their talents to present oasisexpressed amid confidence the hustle thatand the Christian message of bustle of the city. A cer- God's love and the history emony was held in which of salvation through the a cheque was presented medium of Cantonese Op- to a representative of the era. He encouraged them centre. to continue to give wit- Father Matthew ness to the work of Jesus Chan Hung-kee, the spiri- Christ anytime and by any tual advisor of the team, tors and members of the to the whole world and a Cantonese opera, said it Pamei said she was im- means. explained that the Opera production team a fresh that traditional Lingnan could help non-believers pressed by the stage sets, The Cardinal also conveys the culture of and new way to deepen arts can embrace differ- understand the meaning which were created with expressed his hope that Christianity with the dra- people's faith. ent elements and enrich of salvation. He expressed computer graphic effects Bon�ire would be able to matic effect of Cantonese Chan Kam-wing, the power of the perfor- his appreciation of the and she noted that the perform the opera over- operas. the script-writer and mance. Chinese elements in the seas. He believes that lyricist, said the Opera Father Juan Ar- presentation of the story. production made good use Lucia Yeung Yi- the performance gives ac- shows that Jesus belongs Sister Carmela of advanced technology.

cos Soto, a first-timer at 'Queen of the May' PENTECOST SUNDAY: GOSPEL MEDITATION (Jn. 20:19 – 23) – Year B oday we celebrate the feast of to prove that it is truly me, but also TPentecost. The disciples are portrayed in the Gospel story hid- I am still able to overcome limita- ing behind closed doors for fear of tionsto show that you human that circumstances though crucified, im- the ‘Jews’. We begin our meditation. I am there too, among them. Now, in here with you? Were not the doors the Johannine Gospel, the ‘Jews’ are shut,pose. Crucified but has thatI was, kept but meam awayI not the implacable enemies of Jesus. The from you”? I choke back tears of re- image of the disciples hiding behind morse. The Lord says, “I know you closed doors, evokes the scenario of love me. Hence, so to speak, ‘you ex- the enemy prowling the streets like pect the world from me’. Fear not. I have conquered the world. It lays at the followers of Jesus. Then the Lord my feet. But now I have something appearsa pack of among bloodhounds, us and says,sniffing ‘Peace out very important to say to you. For to you’. I am happy to see the Lord Israel of old, Pentecost - celebra- The beautiful month of May again. After all, did he not say ‘I call tion of the harvest - had become the When Nature's bounty abounds you friends’. So, I talk brashly – in a celebration marking the conclusion Flowers of varying hues rude, and patronizing way, as if I know of the Covenant on Mt Sinai. In wind Spread their fragrance around better, “Lord, I believe that you are risen and alive. But Orange-tipped white Sepalika other than that, nothing seems to have changed. and then gave them the gift of the Ten Commandments. Jasmine, Vathu Sudu We are still hiding behind closed doors, for Thusand fire, the God work made of liberation,his presence begun known with to thethe Exoduspeople Cascading creamy Ehela fear of the Jews. Worse still, being a foreigner, I have no Velvety Araliya blooms. place to hide. I know of no place to run. Lord, please do freedom is always a shared freedom – an ordered har- not get me wrong. You are indeed risen, but it has not monyfrom Egypt, of freedom was thus that brought reveals to fulfillment.each person For his human or her A month dedicated to a Beautiful Lady dispelled my fears or solved my immediate problems’. limits. In this way the gift of the Law on Mt. Sinai be- Jesus looks at me, and then turns and shows everyone came the foundation of true liberty. Israel fully became The Virgin Mother of God his hands and his side. He says, “Peace to you. As the Fa- a people, through the Covenant with God on Mt Sinai. Our Mediatrix who pleads for us ther has sent me, even so I send you”. Whatever be my Before the throne of God shortcomings, I believe in the word of Jesus. So, I ask were gathered in the Upper Room, becomes a further Then gather blossoms sweet and fragrant myself “What does the Lord mean by this”? On earlier development The wind of the and event fire, of which Mt. Sinai enveloped and gives you itas new you To place before her shrine occasions too, he had asked us to be of good cheer and fullness. Now your message will be understood by ev- Entwine wreaths and garlands glad of heart. But how can we, when the enemy till lurks eryone. Overcoming the "breach" begun in Babel - the To honour our Mother Divine outside! As I thus ponder, I remember, how after the confusion of hearts, putting us one against the other - footwashing – Jesus said, “let not your hearts be trou- the Spirit opens borders. The People of God who were Garlands of tri-coloured roses bled, trust in God and trust in me” (Jn. 14:1). On two on Mt Sinai, now becomes enlarged to include all na- Those of the Rosary other occasions too, after the footwashing, he promised tions. The new People of God is my Church, and it de- The crimson the blood-red roses rives from all peoples. The Church is catholic from her Of the Sorrowful Mysteries (Jn. 14:27), then he claimed he has conquered the world beginning. This is her deepest essence. Do not leave my The white, shroud like the Glorious (Jn.us peace: 16:33). first Yet he I feel urged frustrated us not tobecause be troubled despite of allheart his Church which I have dedicated to my mother (CCC – art. Reminiscent of triumph over death assurances the ground situation has not changed. I am 9, para. 6, no. 963). I am the head of my body, the Church The yellow resplendent the Joyful a simple person and I need simple answers. (Col. 1:18). Abide in my body, abide in my Church”. Like the star over Bethlehem's shed. Now the Lord turns to me and says, ‘Do you Jeannette Cabraal know why I showed you my hands and feet? Not only Rev. Fr. Nilindra Gunesekera, sss 9 The Messenger May 24, 2015 Saint Matthew wo evangelists all social affairs. preciation and an acquain- to understand how a con- separated them- introduce Mat- The ancient tance with Jesus. Because verted sinner be accepted selves and journeyed thew with the writer Tertulian seems to of this, Jesus' words of the to the Christian society. to other countries to name "Levi." be wrong when he says call "Come, follow me" In order not to preach. St. Bartho- TBoth names, Matthew and that those appointed to would have penetrated show his displeasure for lomew the Apostle, Levi belong to the tribe of this despicable job are Matthew's mind and heart. his change from a tax when going to India Judea. Matthew received not the Jews but the Gen- St. Jerome says that the collector to a follower of had taken with him the name Levi long before tiles (Non-Jews) only. St. radiance of love and glory Christ and also to show a copy of this Gospel Our Lord chose him as an Jerome, gathering facts that show in the face of that it is the greatest joy in India. It had been apostle. It can be said that from various places in the Jesus seems to have pen- that he had received, Mat- found in later years. he had added the name Gospels, tells us that Mat- etrated and created a great thew invited Jesus and His There is not the least Matthew later. He would thew, though a tax collec- attachment in the heart of other disciples to a sump- evidence at any occa- have done so in order to tor himself, was truly a Matthew. "The external tuous lunch at his house. sion to the fact that show that he had left his Judean. Matthew's main call by word of Jesus had For this lunch Matthew Jesus had ordered job as tax collector and is job was to collect tariff for enlivened him internally invited his other friends any Apostle to write now a "New Man." St. Mark goods going up and down and instantaneously with specially those who were His life story. says that Matthew is a son Lake Genesareth or Tibe- an invisible grace" says St. engaged in his former job. of Alpheus. But when the rias and also to receive Bede. Matthew thought to him- Gospel Gospel mentions other the tax from those travel- self that a meeting with St. Matthew tender leaves, plants, roots sons of Alpheus as James ling to and fro along the Conversion Jesus would change the wrote his Gospel specially yam,meat seedsor fish. and His fruits.food was He (Junior), Jude, Simeon, Jo- waters. It is mentioned in mindset of his friends. At - preached in Ethiopia, that seph there is no mention the Hebrew documents call this Apostle rescind- this stage the Pharisees tians in Palestine. Through is in the parts of Eastern of Matthew or Levi as a that Publican means "The ing all theAt the worldly very bind first- scurrilously spoke about tothese please Gospels the first Chris Jesus and Southern Asia. St. Pau- son of Alpheus. Thereaf- Master of the travel docu- ings and casting away Jesus having table fellow- preaches to us today also linus says he completed his ter Matthew cannot how- ment." St. Mark mentions his treasures, wealth, ship with the tax collec- as He had done in Galilee. work in Pathia. Venautius ever be recognised as a that Matthew's tariff or temporal affairs, amuse- tor and sinners. Our Lord Matthew shows in details Fortunatus says that he son of Alpheus. By birth ments and livelihood, in knowing their evil minds in his Gospel the words was martyred in Nadabar, Matthew was a Galilean; the side of the Lake. Mat- one mind followed Je- showed them that He of Jesus. From Chapter 5 a town in that vicinity. It is and by profession he was thewtax office used was to sit situated here and by sus. His conversion was came to this world for the to Chapter 14 Matthew in not mentioned whether he a publican, meaning a tax collect taxes. a honest one. A complete sinners and not for the this Gospel shows a dif- was burnt alive or stoned collector for the Romans. It was when Mat- one. There was no delay just. He further told them ferent style different to to death or beheaded. Ac- thew was seated and at- or re-thinking in it. Even that a physician is needed the other three Gospels. cording to the opinion of Tax Collectors tending to his duties as for a moment he did not only for a patient and not In the life story, in the writer Dorateus, St. Mat- The Jews re- lose the God-given grace. for a healthy person. miracles and in the times thew had been buried in garded the tax-collectors by Lake Genesareth Je- He did not turn back af- It was in the sec- of the sermons this fact Hierapolis in Pathia with as very base and despi- sustax collectorspoke to him in his and office said ter putting his hand to the ond year of Jesus' public is very evident. Matthew all solemnity. His, rel- cable kind of people. They "Come, follow me." Mat- plough. With one great life that Matthew received correctly shows Jesus' ics had been brought to thought these tax collec- thew was a rich person. determination, devotion, his calling as a Apostle of successive human lineage the West and placed in a tors were the enemies He was engaged in a job zeal and enthusiasm he Our Lord. Till the Apostles from generation to gen- church dedicated to his of the grace of natural that brought him a lot in- separated themselves to eration. He also correctly name in Solerno. freedom given to them by said that Matthew never preach in various coun- shows how the promise When mention God. They also considered also an intelligent person. camewas firm back till to the his end. tax It of is- tries Matthew preached made by God to Abraham is made about the four them vile and infamous Hecome knew and well, profit. by giving He was his in Judea and the sur- and David that the Mes- Evangelists namely Mat- since they were constant- consent to Our Lord's call- was a somewhat danger- rounding countries for siah would be born from thew, Mark, Luke and ly having transactions and ing he would be at a great ousfice. livelihoodHe had thought and wouldthat it a few years. The ancient their seed, would be truly John, four mysterious conversations with the so often be a devil's tempta- writers Eusebius and St. called heretics. They also tion for greed. Epiphanias mention that very start of his Gospel their names. These four thought these tax collec- hefinancial had and loss. showed But hehis leftfull The Evangelists on the invitation by the presentsfulfilled. Matthewthe catalogue at the of figures are connected to tors were conspiring with agreementeverything, with sacrificed the desire all Mark and Luke thinking it - man, lion, calf and eagle. the Romans to make their to be a disciple of Jesus. is a "sin" or a "disgrace" to thew wrote his Gospel in- races and includes in it the St.mysterious Augustine connects figures the are people slaves. Therefore Matthew cannot mention about Matthew cludingfirst Christian the life Jews,history Mat of namethe first of unbrokenJesus Christ. human This the Jews completely de- be a person who was not as a tax collector, name Our Redeemer a few years is very good testimony for because it was he who ex- spised these tax collectors. so unaccustomed to Jesus' him only as a Levi. So says prior to this. St. Epipha- the Jews to believe in our plainedfigure lion the to royal St. Matthewcelebrity The Jews treat the houses teaching. Matthew's tariff- St. Jerom and St. Chrysos- nias further says that the Lord. of Christ Jesus. and properties, the money tom. They also say that in other Apostles had almost Matthew preached very The symbol of St. and the belongings of these and his home would also order to show the great- pleased Matthew to write much in Judea and carried Matthew is shown with a tax collectors as the trea- wouldoffice was have near been Capernaum in that ness of the Divine Mercy this Gospel. the Good News of Jesus to few money wallets. This sures of public enemies. city. Our Lord lived for a in making a tax collector It is said that the unruly savages of the perhaps reminds us about They expelled them from long time, preached and an Apostle, He Himself there is another evidence Eastern World. He dedi- the job St. Matthew did be- their religious rites and performed miracles in this mentions him as Matthew. to the fact that Matthew cated his life to prayer and fore he was called by Jesus. rituals, divine adorations city of Capernaum. With The calling by the term had written this Gospel meditation. He took simple and from their synagogues. this itself Matthew would "Levi" for "Matthew" by prior to other three Gos- food and lived a spartan (Feast September 21) They discarded them from have gained a good ap- Mark and Luke helps us pels before the Apostles life. He never devoured D.C. Jayasinghe

Pope Francis calls this attitude a dangerous "throw Standing against the throw away culture away culture." In this confusion of science and ethics, where Pope St. John Paul II promulgated his encyc- The Pope's concern is genuine as pressure is is God and what is His role? This is where the Synod lical, the Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae), on March mounting from the secular world. Never before has the 15, 1995, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the institution of the family consisting of a biological father Though the encyclical gives clarity on the Lord. At the time, the encyclical was the Church's - stanceon Family of the gains Church significance. about the beginning and end of declaration of war on the culture of death, as mani- mands that the Church be practical in a changing world life, society seems neither convinced nor amused! It fested by the tendency of society to accept abortion, havemother been and gatheringchildren come momentum under fire and like are today. challenging The de argues that we do euthanasia, and capital punishment; striking out at its stand on the absolute principles of life and family. natural order arguments to prove that every sexual act the spreading consumerist attitude of disposing of However, the family is a divinely ordered structure and between husband andnot wife have must sufficient be open scriptural to life. The or lives deemed inconvenient or invalid. the authority to begin and end life rests in the hands of Synod has placed before us a number of valid points Twenty years down the line, we realise how God. the human body and its reproductive system, and that visionary and priceless a masterpiece the Gospel of One big danger that confronts the Church today therefor our may reflection. be more It urgesrational people and compassionateto better understand ways - - of dealing with sexual ethics. ing divine supremacy on matters related to life, espe- ment of humanity. It has wrested a number of decisions Whatever position the Synod takes on the ciallyLife is—challenging as the Church is worldly now in confusiona period of and discernment reaffirm thatis the were incorrect considered understanding to be part of of God's scientific 'To Do advance list' and pastoral challenges facing the family, it will have to be with the ongoing Synod on the Family. shifted them to the human 'To Do list.' Most things re- in accordance with the mind of Jesus, the Master who lated to life now appear to fall under the purview of hu- challenged many rules of society to bring outcasts and for Family organised a prayer vigil to mark the two man judgment: when to begin a life (contraceptives), sinners into His fold. It will have to resist the tempta- decades Onsince March the encyclical 24 this year, came the out Pontifical and Pope Council Fran- when to end it (abortion, euthanasia and capital pun- tion to stick to rigid, Pharisaical, orthodoxy which will cis has said there is a "great need for prayer, prayer ishment), even the characteristics of the progeny (pre- keep many people out of the Church. which is full of love for the family and for life." designed by modern reproductive medical practices). Courtesy: Sunday Examiner 10 The Messenger May 24, 2015 a P P R e c I a t I o n Fr. Bob the Preacher, Pastor and Counselor Dear Rev. Father Jude Sharman Life and Ministry nate the youth of the deanery which I did with great A true shepherd you‛ve been of Fr. Bob Rodrigo, OMI joy; with deep respect for Fr. Bob. There I encoun- To the sheep entrusted to your care has had a great impact tered Bob the pastor. He was very creative and gave Comforted you, those in distress on my life as a religious me much freedom to be creative in responding to the priest, to be more ac- needs of the youth of Colombo South, a multi-linguistic With eyes raised up to God curate religious parish and multi-racial group. We had many programs for the Pleaded to heal those in pain, priest. And soothed troubled minds. My beloved fa- making our youth more integrated and wholesome. Fr. Long hours you spent ther who too enjoys the Bobyouth was in very various cooperative, fields but supportive with the soleand understand- objective of Bliss of God with Fr. Bob ing. I truly experienced Fr. Bob - a senior pastor with a Consoling both young and old. was a great admirer of very young heart, the main reason that he was close to Your time you spent fruitfully, Bob the preacher. When I was studying Theology in In- the youth. To be precise the young ones were closer to Guiding, leading us to God‛s feet. dia, my father used to post the homilies delivered by Fr. him. Bob during the Eucharist at Fatima Church. My father I gained a lot by listening and discussing with A change of heart you‛ve wrought in many. used to write the sermon he heard at noon Mass and Bob the Counselor. He listened so attentively and as an Your labours in God‛s vineyard post it to me the same day. That showed how much my effective counselor, a word or two from him afforded Not in vain have been. father was touched by the preaching of Fr. Bob. He al- an ample opportunity to connect to past memories A rich harvest awaits you, ways reminded me of how to preach the Word of God and re-live God’s intervention in one’s history. I have which touches human life rather than trying to impress experienced disturbed couples, worried parents and Not here, on this Earth the congregation with fairy tales. As a priest I too loved anxious persons getting back home with a relaxed face But in a celestial world. listening to Bob’s inspiring sermons. I am very sure and even with a genuine smile after a chat with Fr. Bob. The good you are doing, He had the capacity, the talent and the ability to enable upon, some insights to be truly human. St. Iraeneus others to be “themselves.” And will do, will help you wouldthat after say: a Ahomily person of fully Bob humanI had some and pointsfully alive to reflect is the Dear Fr. Bob, in short I have seen the sparks of Reap a rich harvest, glory of God. divinity within you; glimpses of Jesus the Pastor shine That will keep on multiplying. through your dark face and fragile life. May you inter- I had the blessing to work with Fr. Bob when I We of the Dalugama parish was in “Nirmala” - the Jesuit house at Clifford Place in cede for us especially for me to be a true shepherd like Bambalapitiya. He was the Dean of the Colombo South unto Jesus! Thank you, Fr. Bob. Forever, remember you Deanery based at Wellawatta. He asked me to coordi- Rev. Fr. Lasantha de Abrew, sj In our prayers you‛ll be. Sure, God will bless you, Britto Motha: Adieu to my Daddy No. 2 And good health give I have known I feel nostalgic and guidance was sought the janitors who came To carry on your good work to help in the household and loved ‘this dad’ of when thinking of the good by all who knew him. His Wherever you go. mine for the last 25 years. old days I have spent in many social involvements chores. He was fond of gardening and He never My thoughts are crowded the care of this gentle- speak to his gigantic per- Gladys abeywickrama with memories of special man. Dad was blessed sonality that was thus hid- let the gardener to work moments. Britto Motha to have shared 66 years den within his unassuming in isolation. and Mrs. Therese Motha of marital bliss with his, personality. The last time I met became my second set of ‘the best friend’. He cel- Dad chose to be- Dad was at the birthday The power of a letter parents the very day I set ebrated his 90th birthday friend the lowly and the celebration of Sharmini. Had I known that it would Most of you know John Wayne as an actor. You eyes on them. The car- in the presence of a large down trodden. He was a may not know what happened to him before he died. ing and sharing interac- gathering with the special friend to the paper seller, be the last time I would be meeting this gentle gi- This is that story! tions they had with me anointing of his Creator. the street vendor and ant on earth, I may have Evangelist, Robert Schuller’s teenage daugh- Daddy number the trishaw drivers. Dad chosen to remain in his ter Cindy was in a motorcycle accident and had to have ing remains the same to 2 was too gentle and soft never entered a premise cupped palms for a few her leg amputated. John Wayne is a big fan of Robert date.the first They day of never our meet- were spoken. He was very meek without placing a grate- more extra minutes…., I Schuller. He heard Dr. Schuller say on one of his pro- any different to my par- and mild that one would ful pat on the security remain till I meet you and grams that his daughter had been in an accident and ents. They made many a never imagine that he had guard who opened doors our loved ones in that well- had to have her leg amputated. John Wayne wrote a such an immense com- for him. He was often maintained garden. note to her saying, “Dear Cindy, Sorry to hear about comfortable. mand in life. His leadership seen sharing jokes with Niranjali Ramiah Motha your accident. Hope you will be alright” signed: John sacrifice to make my life Wayne. The note was delivered to her and she decided she wanted to write John Wayne a note in reply. She “Now there was a great wrote: wind, so strong, that it was splitting Dear Mr. Wayne, I got your note. Thanks for mountains and breaking rocks to the Power of silence writing to me. I like you very much. I am going to be pieces before the Lord, but the Lord alright because Jesus is going to help me. “Because I was not in the wind, and after the cannot imagine Heaven being complete without John wind there was an earthquake but Wayne being there. I hope, if you don’t know Jesus, that the Lord was not in the earthquake you will give your heart to Jesus right now. See you in Heaven.” And she signed her name. and after the earthquake, a fire, but She had just put that letter in an envelope, sealed it, and written across the front of it “John Wayne” SILENCE”the Lord was (I Kgs. not 19, in the12, fire,13). and af- when a visitor came into her room to see her. He asked ter the fire The THE impact SOUND of this OF SHEER silence her, “What are you doing?” she said, “I just wrote a let- was so awe-inspiring, that Elijah ter to John Wayne, but I don’t know how to get it to who was hiding inside the cave, him. He said, “That’s funny, I am going to have dinner wrapped his mantle around him with John Wayne tonight at the Newport Club down at and came out. He had felt the power Newport Beach. Give it to me and I will give it to him.” of silence. Do we feel it? In this age She gave him the letter and he put it in his coat of supersonic sounds electronic pocket, and left. There were twelve of them that night media and the incessant click of lt is recorded in many in- worked many miracles. Everyone sitting around the table for dinner at the Newport Club. laptops, do we even for a moment stances in the Holy Bible that Our who even touched His garments John Wayne was seated at the end of the table and the think of the importance of silence? Blessed Mother Mary, when faced were healed of every illness. Such is guy took the letter out and said, “Hey Duke, I was in The world holds oratorical power the power of silent prayer. The lift- Schuller’s daugher’s room today and she wanted me to in great esteem, but in striking con- and treasured everything in her ing up of your heart and mind to God in sincere silent prayer, must surely give this letter to you. John Wayne opened it and read trast to this view, when Jesus Christ heartwith difficult without situations, resorting ponderedto super- the letter. After a little while he was crying. One of them was brought before the Sanhedrin of silence. And in the Scriptures, no realm. Rather than the heaping up asked, “Hey Duke what is the matter?” He said, “I want to be judged, He maintained a dig- wordsfluous havewords. ever She been knew attributed the power to, offind empty a response boastful from phrases the heavenlyas in the to read you this letter.” Then he read the letter to them. case of the Pharisee, who stood up At the end he began to weep. Thereafter he pointed to cusations and His accusers were God’s plan for the Holy Family in the in the Temple to pray, the tax-col- the man who delivered the letter to him and said, “You unnervednified silence and inamazed the face at theof vile power ac- poweras spoken of silence. by St. Joseph. When JesusHe fulfilled want- lector did not so much as lift up his tell that little girl that right now, in this club, right here, of His silence. In silence too did He ed to pray, He went up a mountain eyes to heaven, but pleaded in all John Wayne gives his heart to Jesus Christ and I will see bear that rugged cross of shame by Himself and communed with His humility for the mercy of God, and her in Heaven.” and ignominy in submission to the his prayer was answered. Father throughout the silence of the Three weeks later John Wayne died. You nev- inexorable will of His Father, with- night and when He came down, it is The old adage still rings er know how your witness to another will affect their out a single word of reproach to His written that He was full of power, true, that speech is silver and si- eternity! tormentors. and in the strength of this power, He lence is gold. Marie Peiris Cyril D. Perera 1511 Children / Youth The TheMessenger Messenger May May 10, 24, 2015 2015

Come, Holy Spirit, fi ll the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fi re of your Pentecost Sunday love. First Reading: We see the Apos- ple and it is this Acts. 2: 1-11. tles hiding in the Upper love that the LItuRGIcaL caLendaR yeaR B The incident of Room, afraid of the high Lord wants us 24th May 31 - May 2015 the descent of the Holy priest and the soldiers… to preach and Spirit is given. On the etc. After some time sud- teach to the sun: Pentecost sunday day of the Pentecost the denly the Apostles are world. It is to acts. 2:1-11; 1 cor.12:3-7,12,13 or Spirit descended upon the preaching openly, fear- be done both in Gal.5:16-25; Jn.20:19-23 Apostles and the Apostles lessly and with much cour- word and deed. or Jn.15:26,27,16:12-15 began to speak in tongues. age. The question arises as And the Spirit Mon: Memorials of st. Bede the Venerable Priest & doc- People from different to what happened in be- is given to us tor, st. Gregory VII Pope and st. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, states gathered to witness tween. Probably they had in order to help this incident and found the received the power of the and guide us in Virgin Apostles speaking in their Holy Spirit. this task. sir 17:20-28; Mk. 10:17-27 own language. Jesus who prom- tue: Memorial of st. Philip neri Priest ised to send an advocate T h e r e f o r e , Eagle was right. A hardy sir 35:1-15; Mk. 10:28-31 Second Reading: once He ascends into on this day of the feast of Wed: Memorial of st. augustine of canterbury, 1 Cor. 12: 3-7, 12,13. heaven has kept His prom- Pentecost let us begin our Bishop There is only one ise. As a result we have life anew and be humble same opinion as the Ant wild flower was of the sir 36:1,2,5,6,13-19; Mk. 10:32-45 spirit that is Holy. There the Holy Spirit with us to enough to serve the Lord and Rose and the Iris con- thu: sir.42:15-26;Mk.10:46-52 are variety of gifts that guide us through our lives. in all humility and love our A cloud spoke up, “Life is Fri: sir 44:1,9-13; Mk.11:11-25 are given by the Spirit but The Holy Spirit is here to neighbour in all sincerity. tearscurred and with more the tears.” butterfly. The sat: sir 51:17-27; Mk.11:27-33 there is only one Spirit, like guide, direct, govern and river shouted as they went in the body there are many to protect us in our day to Aid Story. sun: tHe Most HoLy tRInIty by, “Life is just an unend- deut.4:32-34,39-40; Rom.8:14-17; parts; by one spirit we are day lives. And it is an en- A Swedish author all baptized into one body. couragement for us to live relates that on a warm ing stream.” As the discus- Mt. 28:16-20 a faithful life in the Lord. summer afternoon a noisy sion was coming to an end the Pentecost bell started Gospel. Jn. 20: 19-23. People who are raised up discussion took place or those who go up of- among the inhabitants of to ring, and proclaimed pearance after His resur- ten tend to look down on the forest regarding the to the forest.” True life is PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL rection is Jesus’ given. Here first Jesus ap- those who are below. It is frightening problem - The Peace and Joy, strength and confers the Holy Spirit on very rarely that a person meaning of life. “Living is Response: Lord hear our prayer. the Apostles in order that who is raised or a person singing,” warbled a night- delity and purity that blos- Happiness, courage and fi- they may forgive the sins who is promoted looks at ingale and started to trill. soms in man through the For the Christian community: That it may en- of the people. the people who are below. “What do you mean sing- power of the Holy Spirit.” joy the gifts of unity, love, and peace; and that they Christ was raised up on ing?” said a mole. “Living is may share them in the society they live. Reflection. the cross of oppression, a constant struggle against Aid Story2. We pray to the Lord. Today is Pente- suffering and death. But, darkness that is what life A lady went to a Response: Lord hear our prayer. cost Sunday and we cel- He never looks down on is.” “Absolutely not,” said jeweller to have her watch ebrate the feast of the De- those who are below. He For those who have never belonged to the scent of the Holy Spirit on looks at them and simply “Joy and happiness, that’s the back of the store and fixed. He disappeared into fl ock of Christ, and for those who have cut themselves the Apostles. With the de- said, “Father forgive them life.”a rainbow “You are hued wrong,” butterfly, re- soon returned with it run- off from it, that they may hear the gentle voice of scent of the Holy Spirit the for they do not know what plied diligent bee, “Life is ning perfectly. Surprised, Christ. We pray to the Lord. Apostles began to speak in they do.” When He went up work.” “That is true, sighed she asked how he could Response: Lord hear our prayer. tongues. It is a clear sign of to heaven He never looked an ant, “It is more work the universality of His doc- down on the people. In- than joy.” From up above it only needed a new bat- fix it so soon. He told her That, like the apostles on Pentecost Day, the trine. The people began stead He looked at them was heard an Eagle’s voice, tery. “Battery? Battery?” Holy Spirit may help us to profess our faith openly and to understand everything and saw to it that the Holy “Life is liberty and soaring she replied. “Nobody said fearlessly by word and deed in the world. that was spoken in their Spirit is sent as an advo- in the wild blue yonder.” anything about a battery. We pray to the Lord. own language. It is the sign cate in order to help them Then some plants took I’ve been winding it every Response: Lord hear our prayer. of the extraordinary power in their daily struggle. part in the conversation. morning!” of the Holy Spirit. It is this life exam- The tall pine tree said the Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos

“Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20,19-23)

1. Today the Risen Lord breathes on His locked themselves up and been reduced captain told them to stop; he went disciples. This brings us back to the very to dry bones or lifeless clay. Then the to his cabin and waited. When the beginning of the Bible. In Genesis 2,7 we Risen Lord appears to them through shut tide came in that night the waters see how God moulds man like a potter. doors. He commissions them formally lifted the thousand ton tanker He breathes on him and infuses in him and breathes on them saying, “Receive off the beach and carried it, light the spirit of life: “The Lord God formed the Holy Spirit.” Yes, He gifts them the as a feather, back into the deep. man out of the clay of the ground and Holy Spirit. It is a real gift of the Spirit, Similarly the Holy Spirit infuses blew into his nostrils the breath of life, as made clear at the Second Council of us with power. In what ways do I and so man became a living being.” The Constantinople (553) – against the blas- expect Him to be revealed in my breath of life makes the lifeless form, a phemy of Theodore who said that Jesus life? What role does He play in my man full of life. Man’s life thus comes did not give them the Holy Spirit but only life? Do I pray to Him constantly? from the breath of God. 5. The Cross and the Switch- 2. The dramatic act of breathing reminds disciples.breathed onIt creates them figuratively. them anew The and Spiritgives blade (written in 1962) tells the themof the a glorified new spiritual Jesus life.revivifies these ten true story of Rev. David Wiker- bones in Ezekiel 37. The dry bones sym- son’s work with young derelicts bolizeus also the of People the revivification of Judah living of thein exile dry like drug addicts and gangsters in Babylonia. They lament, ‘Our bones tians, have already been breathed on. are dried up, our hope is lost, and we are We4. We,have baptized already received and confirmed the Holy Spirit. Chris- report in the book comes from a cut off.’ The Prophet who is living among heroinin New user York named City. One Joe. first He hand says, it. Let the “rivers of living water” (the these exilic people prophecy. At his echists taught us much about the Holy “The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, Holy Spirit in the language of John 7,37- prophecy, the spirit comes into the dry Spirit.During We Confirmation answered correctly classes, when our they cat- they told me. When I thought of comfort, bones and they become alive in the val- questioned anything about the Holy Spir- I thought of a bottle of wine and a dozen “rivers” can cleanse our old self and ley. The exilic people are given the hope goof balls. But these guys were talking enrich39) flow our from weary, within barren us as hearts. well. These of return to the Promised Land. The ex- the presence of the Holy Spirit also over about comfort from heaven where I could “rivers” may heal our depressed hearts ilic People of Judah, the dry bones in the alongit. The with Rite it? of DoConfirmation we at least wasthink over. about Is feel clean later. I got to wanting this … I and accompany our lonely life to its glo- valley of Babylonia, regain their life from His perennial presence within us? cried to God for help and that’s when he the spirit of God. This story illustrates the power [the Holy Spirit] came … I did not want of the Holy Spirit. A tanker was beached any more drugs. I loved everybody. For livesrified craving end. Hence for renewal. let us allow the Spirit, 3. Today’s Gospel passage carries us to on shore. People made all day efforts to “rivers of living water”, to flood into our the Easter night in Jerusalem. There we return the huge vessel to the water but Let us hence be sensitive to the Rev. Fr. Don Anton Saman see some frightened disciples, who have they met with no success. Finally the powerfulthe first time manifestation in my life I offelt the clean.” Holy Spir- Hettiarachchi 12VXii15 Children / Youth The MessengerThe Messenger May 24, May 2015 24, 2015 Call her to your assistance who would always show us the right way and guiding feasts and the days of obligation of Mary are perhaps us internally. Mary, Mother of God and the Holy Church the principle devotion methods to Mary. Yet, it may be is always available for our needs and intercessions. She fair to acclaim that the devotion to Mary has been sub- surpasses all so called goddesses and worldly crea- jected to an unfortunate deviation. Sadly, many of our tures for she humbled herself and was found blessed traditional Catholics, who profess to be strong in faith, in the sight of God. Thus, God wants each one of us to never recite the prayers with a sense of understand- consider His mother - blessed and intercede her during ing. Just as the Pharisees prayed with empty words our the needful times. faithful pray senselessly. Some parishes world-wide, The connection of man and Mary surpasses organise grand novenas and feasts to Mary, by collect- the Wi-Fi connection as she is always waiting for us. We ing tons of funds from people. This is where deviation as human beings fall short of the Glory of God and start towards evilness surpasses true devotion to Mary. In to lead miserable lives, being unpleasant to all. Yet, the my regard the best way to be strong devoted Marian Blessed Mother out of all, comes to us and consoles followers is to imitate her in each part of our lives. us till we regain our strength. Mary does not wait for Henceforth the world may be in a much better state. others to intercede to her, but stays with us every day of our lives. This fact has been proved throughout the If there are plenty of people imitating the role of Mary ages, when many and so many people professed their and is ready to help the poor and the depressed ones, testimonies, as Mother Mary came towards them, when we can proudly say we are true devotees of Mary. “When I �ind myself in times of trouble, they really needed her guidance. This will certainly help us to accomplish the Mother Mary comes to me” God, through Mary helps each one of us to un- true objective of the month of May. God will not mind The above verse quoted from the famous song derstand what the Kingdom of God really is. Mary in my how many dozens of rosaries you offered but how “Let it be” by the Beatles is quite relevant to the present many times you were like the Blessed Mother to oth- situations of our lives. We, who lose faith in God and enter the divine paradise of God. Though Mary has been ers. Keeping this fact in our mind let us pray that God dwell in the path of evil, gradually cause our downfall. subjectedperspective to is high perhaps criticism a fountain and insult of all qualificationsby religious ex- to will keep us strong in faith and bear witness to God’s Why do we do wicked deeds against the Lord’s will? If tremists, she always forgives them and is ready to lend divinity through true Marian imitation and devotion. God is controlling each one of us, why is He bringing them a hand when they plead for mercy. She teaches evil towards our lives and watching us be slaves of evil? us so many things by the way she lived, thus we can “O sinner, be not discouraged, but have recourse to Mary Throughout the centuries these questions have been call Mary a school of Holiness. We, who lose hope, lead in all your necessities. Call her to your assistance, for subjected to discussion, but never had been proved. our lives in a weird and miserable state. Full of stress such is the divine Will that she should help in every kind Only God knows the answers for them, for His plan is and pumped with depression we may feel that we lost of necessity.” so divine and perfect. everything. However, the Mother of God, will never let --Saint Basil the Great Being slaves of evil, each one of us weep to these poor children of God go astray. God, interceding His mercy and grace. But, we continue Throughout the majestic history of the Church Avishka Mario Senewiratne to burn with evil rather than rejecting it. Nonetheless St. Joseph’s College, the plan of God was so great that He gave us a person Mary. The novenas, rosaries we offer to Mary, the special Colombo 10. our faithful have benefited by the prayers offered to A dash of lemon in hot water concoction part of your 2. It wakes up your tea loaded with sugar or morning ritual. digestive tract: This honey every morning, this 1. It helps you de- simple yet powerful bev- beverage will slash calo- tox every day: While erage stimulates your ries from your daily diet. lemons may seem quite gastrointestinal tract — 4. It soothes an up- by sirohmi Gunasekera acidic, they are a surpris- improving your body’s set tummy: When you ingly good source of an ability to absorb nutri- go to bed on a full stom- Gossip Trying to cut cof- alkaline food that can ents all day and helping ach, pesky heartburn or fee out of your morning? A help balance your body’s food pass through your a bloated belly can get “I have some juicy news for you. Our boss’ cup of hot water with fresh pH; internist and doctor system with ease. in the way of your morn- wife Mallika is carrying on with her husband’s best lemon juice is an ideal al- of integrative medicine 3. It supports ing. Hot water cleanses friend Amal. What do you think of that?” chortled ternative that many nutri- Dr. Frank Lipman is a big weight loss: Lemon juice your system, while the Cheryl. tionists drink every day - proponent of a hot water contains pectin, a soluble “How do you know?” asked her friend Nihal and it is not just because with lemon habit, since juice may help reduce curiously. the combination wakes to aid in weight-loss acidityflavonoids in your from stomach, lemon “Well, I heard it from Amal’s neighbour Ju- fibre that has been shown are four compelling rea- struggles. And if you have so you feel like yourself lian. He had seen Mallika talking animatedly to Amal sonsof its to tangy make flavour! this quick Here out nasty toxins. been sipping on a cup of sooner. in the garden,” said Cheryl. up your liver and flushes “That’s not proof of an affair. You must be

Lucid careful before you jump to conclusions that so and A Moment of Faith so is sleeping with another man,” said Nihal who was Intervals a lawyer. This morning a story are so sick. Remember the “Well, I guess I jumped the gun because I literally dropped in my lap. fun we had when I was little? don’t like her. In fact, I have always been jealous of the phone and asked him to take down the No famous people. No excit- I would stay with you and Mallika who is both pretty and dresses well,” said A florist handed his new asistant ing setting. Simply a moment Grandpa and you'd give me Cheryl. order. "The ribbon must be white," said the in time that allowed me to fresh apple pie for breakfast. instructions from the customer and fill the “There you are! Just think of the harm you woman on the phone, "with gold letters read- view something beautiful, You said it was an old New ing 'Rest in peace' on both sides and, if you can would have caused by spreading a rumour like that. something that touched me England custom forgotten by squeeze it in, 'We shall Meet in Heaven.'" Mallika may have had a legitimate reason to talk to more than anything I have most. And remember how we ever written. home of the deceased, it caused quite a sensa- instinct. Offer it up to God and pray that you will be tion. The When inscription the floral read: tribute reached the It happened while I ers to bring home? curedAmal. of I think your jealousy.that you should In fact, first you fightshould your train jealous your 'REST IN PEACE ON BOTH SIDES! IF YOU CAN was visiting my mother in the would walk "I have and find a daughter wild flow- of mind to think of something positive like your father SQUEEZE IN, WE SHALL MEET IN HEAVEN'! hospital. I noticed the elderly my own now and Baba, I'm do- hugging you when you were small when you think of .... woman in the next bed. My ing my best to raise her to be something bad like Gossip,” suggested Nihal. mother said that she no lon- exactly like you." That Bible that is falling apart usually “But everyone gossips. Some think it is only belongs to someone who is not. ger seems aware of the world The young man kissed women but in actual fact, men gossip as well espe- .... around her. The nurses and her cheek and left. cially about VIPs,” chimed in Manel. doctors talk to her, but there I looked toward the old At the girl's college, dates were per- “The newspapers and television also carry is no sign of a response. Her woman and could hardly believe mitted only on Saturday night. One young man juicy news items especially about celebrities. Think showed up on a Tuesday evening, explaining children visit, but she remains what I saw. She lifted an an- to an older woman in the lobby of the dorm oblivious of their presence. cient wrinkled hand and made even politicians!” said Nihal. that it was imperative he see a certain young Today her grandson the Sign of the Cross. Then in a of the shocking “Maybe theyway theytoo pander talk about to the film jealousy stars and lady immediately. came. He stayed but a moment, feeble voice she whispered. "I'm envy aroused by the good looking and the rich and "I want to surprise her. You see, I'm her brother." but it was enough. ready now" A second in time - famous,” said Cheryl. "Oh, she'll be surprised, all right," "Hello Baba, He said, and I knew what faith was all “Let’s all pray to think and talk positive,” said the woman. "But think of how! I feel. I'm just as though she were awake. about. her mother. said Nihal. "I love you and I'm sorry you Courtesy: Liguorian 15XViii13 Children / Youth The TheMessenger Messenger May May 24, 24, 2015 2015 Young World Leadership Programme at Diyalagoda Parish Programme on Pasan for students

Students from Grades 8 to 11 in Diyalagoda and Halkandawila participated in a one-day leadership programme held at Nimala Maria Daham Piyasa, Maggona Na- A pasan group from Wennappuwa conducted a programme for students who tional Calvary Shrine, recently. This was conducted by Caritas Sethsarana, animators. The programme was organsed by Rev. Fr. Dinesh Keerthisinghe, Parish Priest the Nattandiya Parish. Rev. Fr. Sujaan Nishantha, the new Assistant Parish Priest is Diyalagoda with Daham Pasal teachers. seenwill be addressing receiving thetheir students. First Holy Communion and those receiving Confirmation from D. Anselm Fernando Shriyanganie Felicia Bak Maha Sports Meet Development activities at St. Anne’s, Kurunegala His Lordship Rt.Rev.Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, Bishop of Kurunegala recently declared open the Sports Pa- vilion at St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala in memory of the Late Rev. Bro. Denzil Mendis, while the Swimming Pool Pa- vilion dedicated to the memory of Late Rev. Bro. Alexander Cyrillus was de- clared open by Rev. Bro. Denzil Perera FSC, Provincial Visitor of the De La Salle Brothers in Sri Lanka. Meantime, a Past Pupil of the Parishioners of St. Jude's Church, Halkandawila, School Ruchika Vidanagamage, Manag- held their Bak Maha sports meet recently. The Parish ing Director of Tharanga Enterprises Priest of Diyalagoda, Rev. Fr. Dinesh Keerthisinghe is (Pvt) Ltd, donated a passenger vehicle seen here lighting the oil lamp. to the School. His gift was accepted by D. A. F Rev. Bro. A.E. Tarcisius, Principal of the School. Battle of the Beach "2" Ainslie Joseph- NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS - 2015

St. Benedict’s College, Kandy celebrated the al society in Sri Lanka. After the cultural ceremony the Sinhala and Tamil New Year recently with great pomp traditional New Year games were held. All the children The annual Elle Big Match of Katukurunda, Ro- and pageantry. Both the Tamil and Sinhala customs were clad in sarong and shirt. The staff too was dressed man Catholic Maha Vidiyalaya and Maggona St. Mary's and traditions were observed to the letter. Ven. Dr. Eti- in their traditional New Year dress. The staff and the Vidyalaya was held recently at the Maggona Uswella pola Mangala Thera of the Dalugola Buddhist Temple parents took much interest to organise the event. It was Beach Grounds. The match was won by Katukurunda in Ampitiya and Swami Krishnamoorthi of the Hindu indeed an educative and enjoyable New Year celebra- Maha Viyalaya and was organised by Past Pupils' Unions Kovil in Talathuoya graced the occasion. tion at St. Benedict’s College in Kandy. of Katukurunda and Maggona. Picture shows the prayer Rev. Fr. Clement Gnanapragasam OSB, Rector of service before the match the College spoke on the idea of forming an inter cultur- Rector D. A. F. Inter house Sports Meet Schools Twenty-Twenty Champions St. Benedict's College, Colombo emerged champions at the All-Island Schools' Twenty-Twenty Cricket The Annual Inter-house sport meet of Ave Ma- Tournament, ria Convent, Bolawalana, Negombo was held under the held recently. patronage of Rev. Fr. Anthony Human Pinto, Director of Don Bosco Institute, Negombo. Ashen S. T. Sunil Fernando Senarathna XiX Children / Youth The Messenger May 24, 2015 English with Fun and Entertainment Activity 2- Dear Readers, Can you sort out these riddles. They are funny but entertaining In today’s lesson which is our 75th, let’s learn some beautiful quotations Q 1: What do you call a ghost’s mom and dad? A 1: about the Rosary and learn some grammar points, try to solve some riddles and do Q 2: What did the blanket say to the bed? A 2: a comprehension task on an anecdote about 'the whole world stinks'. Q 3: What do you call a group of men waiting for a haircut? A: 3 Q 4: What do you call a funny mountain? A 4: Your suggestions to improve our lessons are much appreciated. Q 5: What kind of driver never gets a parking ticket? A 5: Q6: What can you serve but never eat? A 6: God Bless You! Q 7: I can run but not walk, have a mouth but can’t talk, and a bed, but I do not sleep. What am I? A: 7. NJ source: http://www.jokes4us.com/miscellaneousjokes/cleanjokes.html

Activity 1 – Let’s learn some grammar points analyzing the Inspirational Activity 3 - quotes below Read the text and answer the questions - The Whole World Stinks

“The Rosary is the Weapon” .~St. Pio One Sunday afternoon, a cranky grandfa- ther was visiting his family. As he lay down Grammar point – The above quotation is a simple to take a nap, his grandson decided to have sentence. This is called a clause in simple sentence a little fun by putting Limburger cheese analysis. The clause elements are subject, verb, ob- on Grandfather's mustache. Soon, grand- ject, adverbial, and complement. pa awoke with a snort and charged out of The pattern of this simple sentence is Subject + Verb the bedroom saying, "This room stinks." + Complement. ( S + V + C ) The Rosary (Subject) is ( Verb ) the room smelling the same. Desperately he St. Pio weapon (Complement ) Through the house he went, finding every whole world stinks!" made his way outside only to find that "the tivism. Everything we experience and ev- Wise men and philosophers erybodySo it is when we encounter we fill our will minds carry with the nega-scent the needs of the Church, the nations and the entire throughout the ages have disagreed we hold in our mind. worldThe Rosary - Pope is aJohn magnificent XXIII and universal prayer for on many things, but many are in unanimous agreement on one (i)What is the point that many wise men Grammar point – This is a simple sentence with a point: "We become what we think and philosophers are in unanimous agree- prepositional phrase governed by ‘for’ For whom is about." Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ment? "A man is what he thinks about all day long." The Roman emperor Pope John XXIII the Rosary a magnificent and universal prayer. (ii) What does the Roman emperor Marcus The sentence Pattern - S = V + C + Prepositional Marcus Aurelius put it this way: "A Aurelius say about man’s life? Phrase man's life is what his point of view (iii)What did the grandson do ? a man thinks in his heart, so is he." make of it." In the Bible we find: "As (iv) What did the grandfather do when he “Never will anyone who says his Rosary every day be awoke? led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.~” Saint Louis de Montfort (v) Find a single word from the text for the

(d) smells ( e) pessimism Grammar point – This is a very rare kind of a sen- words (a) undisputed (b) views (c) snuffle tence which begins with the negative particle ‘never’ + future simple passive. Activity 4 Riddles - Can you solve this riddle? Mary is 4 years old. Her sister Jane is half her age. Now Mary is 40, how old is Jane? Never will anyone be led astray who says his rosary every day. This is a complex sentence and the subor- dinate clause is ‘who says his rosary’ and the main Activity 5 – Saint Louis A man worked at a high security institution. The de Montfort clause is- anyone will never be led astray. The word man tried to log Read into thehis riddlecomputer and andfind the the computer password de- order is changed for emphasis nied the password. He then remembered that the pass- words to the computers were reset every month for se- curity reasons. He called his boss for his new password.

"If I had an army to say the Rosary, I could conquer the The man said, "Boss, my old password is out of date." world” Blessed Pope Piux IX The boss said, "Yes, it is. The new password is different, but if you listen closely you Grammar point The above inspirational quote is a conditional clause. letters as the old one, and four of the letters are the same." will be able to figure out the new one. Your new password has the same amount of The condition is made with If + Simple Past and the The man then logged into his computer with no trouble. What was the new pass- result is future past with the modal could. word? What was his old? Blessed Pope Piux IX The structure “If I had …….. + I could ………” Activity 2 – answers: A 1: Transparents A 2: Don't worry, I've got you covered! A: 3 A barbercue A 4: hill-arious A 5: A screw driver A 6: A volleyball. A: 7 A River.

“When you say your Rosary, the angels rejoice, the Activity 3 _ (i)That people become what they think about (ii) The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius says that a man's life is what his point of view make of it.(iii) His too, and I myself am happier than you can possibly grandson decided to have a little fun by putting Limburger cheese on Grandfather's guess”.Blessed Revelation Trinity delights to Blessed in it, myAlan Son de findsla Roche joy in it mustache (iv) Soon, grandpa awoke with a snort and charged out of the bedroom Grammar point: The structure of the above quota- tion is a complex compound sentence. The subordi- saying, "This room stinks." Through the house he went, finding every room smelling nate clause in the sentence is “ When you say your stinks!" (v) a – unanimous (b) thoughts (c) snort (d) stinks ( e ) negativism Answer the same. Desperately he made his way outside only to find that "the whole world rosary” and the main clauses are (i) The angels re- – 4 A 38, Because Mary is 2 years older than her sister if she is 4 and her sister is 2 joice (ii) the blessed Trinity delights in it (iii) my Son Blessed Alan Answer 5– Old password ‘out of date’ New password ‘different’ de la Roche And is the coordinating conjunction (iv) main clause Ifinds myself joy am in ithappier than you can possibly guess. Contact us on: 071 8004580 Compiled by Noel Jayamanne E-mail: [email protected] XX Children / Youth The Messenger May 24, 2015 What is the Christian Celebration of Pentecost all about? This Sunday, Christians across gathering them together as a church. Lord” (Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32). the world will celebrate Pentecost. In Peter went on to explain that Je- fact, not all Christians recognize this What actually happened on that day sus had been raised and had poured out but it is generally honoured in liturgical of Pentecost? churches (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lu- This event is recorded in the through Joel (2:32-33). When the crowd theran, Eastern Orthodox, etc.), in Pen- New Testament book known as The Acts askedthe Spirit what in theyfulfillment should of do, God’s Peter promise urged tecostal and Charismatic churches and of the Apostles. Chapter 2 begins, “And them to turn their lives around and be in many other Protestant churches as when the day of Pentecost [ten hemeran baptized in the name of Jesus. Then they well. Pentecost is not as well-known or - would be forgiven and would receive as popular as the Christmas and Easter, lowers of Jesus] were all together in one the gift of the Holy Spirit (2:37-39). Acts though it commemorates a watershed place”tes pentekostes] (2:1). All had of acome, sudden, [the afirst sound fol reports that about 3,000 people were event in Christian history. It many ways, came from heaven, like a strong wind, added to the church that day (2:41). Not Pentecost is the birthday of the church.

What is Pentecost? restedfilling the on housetheir heads. where “And the people they were had Shoulda bad response we believe to Peter’s that all first of sermon!this For Christians, Pentecost com- gathered. Something like tongues of fire- actually happened? memorates the coming of the Holy Spirit gan to speak in other languages as the If you are one who believes the all filled with the Holy Spirit and be on the early followers of Jesus. Before Spirit gave them the ability to speak” Bible is God’s inerrant or infallible Word, who used the phrase to refer to a Jewish you will take for granted the truthful- came a few weeks after Jesus’ death and heads of the people in the painting by holiday. It was known as the Festival of ness of the account in Acts. But if you’re resurrection,the events of the there first were Pentecost, followers which of Restout.)(2:4). (Notice the tongues of fire on the Weeks, or, more simply, Weeks (Shavuot uncertain about biblical authority, then Jesus, but no movement that could be The languages spoken by the in Hebrew). This name comes from an you might wonder if the account in Acts meaningfully called “the church.” Thus, early Christians were intelligible (not expression in Leviticus 23:16, which is to be trusted. from a historical point of view, Pente- other worldly) and were heard by thou- instructs people to count seven weeks In fact, some scholars have cost is the day on which the Church was sands of Jewish pilgrims who had come started. This is also true from a spiritual to Jerusalem to celebrate Shavuot. The questioned the historicity of Acts 2. to the beginning of the next holiday perspective, since the Spirit brings the content of the miraculous messages had They observe that this event appears in (pentekontaor “fifty days” hemerasfrom the end in theof Passover ancient Church into existence and enlivens it. to do with God’s mighty works (2:11). the New Testament only in Acts, and that Greek translation of the Hebrew Scrip- Thus Pentecost is the Church’s birthday. Many who heard these messages in their it describes miraculous events that are ture). own languages were amazed, though beyond the scope of historical inquiry. Shavuot was the second great What does the word ‘Pentecost’ others thought the Christians were just These scholars tend to view Pentecost as feast in Israel’s yearly cycle of holy days. mean? drunk (2:12). It was originally a harvest festival (Exod a powerful metaphor for the outpouring The English word ‘Pentecost’ At some point, Peter, one of the 23:16), but, in time, turned into a day of the Holy Spirit on the Early Church, is a transliteration of the Greek word leading followers of Jesus, stood up and to commemorate the giving of the law rather than as an event that gave birth to - on Mt. Sinai. This day became espe- the Church. from the ancient Christian expression ed the events of that morning in light of a Whether we believe the biblical pentekostos, which means ‘fifty’. It comes- prophecypreached hisof the first Hebrew sermon. prophet He interpret Joel. In seven weeks after the resurrection of account of Pentecost, has everything to eth day.” that text, God promised to pour out his Jesus,cially significant during the for Jewish Christians celebration because, of do with our estimation of the historical pentekosteBut hemera, Christians which did means not invent “fifti Shavuot/Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was trustworthiness of Acts of the Apostles people to exercise divine power. This and the possibility of miraculous events borrowed it from Greek-speaking Jews wouldSpirit onbe a all sign flesh, of the empowering coming “day diverse of the the phrase “fiftieth day.” Rather, they empowering them for their mission and actually happening. poured out upon his first followers, thus The perils of giving without thinking plans and steps toward sustain- es in poor countries, they are those schools in Bangladesh, not merely making bank trans- why did they have to rely only and administration are part of fers. They are (or should be) af- upon Italian largesse to func- ability of finances, personnel the activity from the very start, tion? Where were the Chinese, the day when a project can sur- their brothers and sisters in Filipino, Thai and other Asian firming their communion with vive without its founder will other lands. Catholics who could easily sup- seldom come. And the money should port more of the Church's servic- Of course, most proj- be received with that same es in their own countries as well ects are started in places where sense of communion, though it as throughout the continent? people do not have the resourc- too seldom is. The Churches of As Churches in the es to support a necessary work. Europe and North America (es- west find themselves, for vari- If they had those resources, pecially Germany and the Unit- ous reasons, less able to be as the project would probably be ed States of America) are too generous as in the past, the often seen as little more than Catholics of Asia must develop So, outside help in the form of banks. a stronger sense of commu- fundsunnecessary and personnel in the firstare essen place.- Part of the fault lies nion with their less fortunate tial if the service is to ever take with missionaries who came to As has often been the ern missionaries in Asia. sisters and brothers. place. Asia from the west. They called case when western missionar- Immediate needs and As individuals and as That is where the an- upon their home Churches to ies try to respond to a need, the the energy involved in meeting Churches they must emulate cient example of St. Paul comes support their work as they sup- priest relied upon his mission them often lead project found- the Pauline communities and into play. Paul collected funds ported their going overseas in society and friends in Europe to ers to postpone work on self- the western communities that fund the activity. from the various Churches he organised and then sent or came. helped bring the Churches of That worked until he and running. the first place. And that support Asia to the point where they can was transferred to another sufficiencyOf until course, an activity sometimes is up brought the proceeds to the However, the mission- and must take fuller responsi- diocese and his funding con- missionaries also act out of their poor Church in Jerusalem. What aries seem to have forgotten or bility for the life of the Church. nections moved with him. His own psychological need to be a Paul and the other Churches never thought to include in their Those who wish to failure to plan for the day when sort of Santa Claus or a control were doing was not simply pro- efforts to form local Churches serve the poor must use their he would no longer be around freak—the source of all largess the understanding that one day heads as well as their hearts to provide funds for the schools and administration, so they un- were expressing their unity, those Churches would also have viding financial support, they lest they simply set up future meant they had to close. consciously see other sources of their communion with their fel- to become giving Churches at This case is not unique. funds and other potential leaders low Christians in Jerusalem. home and abroad. disappointment and even dam- In fact, it is sadly common as competition. When Christians in oth- So, although the local age the evangelisation efforts of among projects begun by west- In any case, unless er countries send aid to Church- Church was unable to support the Church. (SE) MATRIMONIAL

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