SINCE FEB 11,1869 THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY O F SRI LANKA

SS. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL ARCHANGELS ST. VINCENT DE "REGISTERED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS OF SRI LANKA UNDER NO. QD / 11 / NEWS / 2012" September 29 PAUL September 27 Sunday September 23, 2012 Vol 143 No 36 16 Pages Rs: 25.00 Registered as a newspaper Circular Letter of the Archbishop of Colombo on the ‘Year of Faith’ in the Archdiocese is Eminence Malcolm loving interventions in the which we as disciples of invitation which Pope HCardinal Ranjith in a history of the People of Christ in turn need to offer Benedict XVI placed before Circular Letter (Liturgy Israel. And in Jesus, God to the world, this most the Church at the very start Circular - No.06) on the brought that process of self ennobling and Iiberative of his Petrine Ministry ‘Year of Faith’ in the revelation to its fullness. As good news of great joy when he stated ‘’the Archdiocese of Colombo, the letter to the Hebrews which faith has revealed to Church as a whole and all as instituted by the Holy proclaims “God who spoke us ‘’that which was from her pastors, like Christ, Father Pope Benedict in the past to our fathers the beginning, which we must set out to lead people XVI from October 11, through the prophets in have heard, which we have out of the desert, towards 2012 to November 24, many different ways, seen with our eyes, which the place of life, towards 2013 has stated that faith although never completely, we have looked upon, and friendship with the Son of leads us to the discovery in our own times has our hands have touched, of God, towards the one who of the fullness of the spoken to us through His the word of life .... that gives us life, and life in mystery of God revealed which we have seen and abundance” [Homily for to us in the saving love of same mystery which invites the beginning of the Kumar Sangakkara His Son, Jesus Christ. Son”us to [Heba new 1: existence, 1-2]. It is onethis and death and place us on a faced with that challenge, Petrine Ministry of the far superior level of The full text of the Letter of that is in profound heard”that of sharing[1 Jn 1:1-3]. our ownAnd joyso freedom and dignity which His Eminence follows: communion with God with others we need to through His own Son Jesus the world itself could never constantly open ourselves BishopAnd so theof Rome, Holy Father,24th April in To all Rev. Fathers, and in the power of the offer us. to the beauty of that 2005;his Motu AAS Proprio 97 (2005), or 710]. Brothers, Sisters and the Holy Spirit - which would Communion with God Apostolii Letter “Porta lay faithful of the make us experience, as the Invitation to Communion which is its true font and Fidei”, has invited us all to Archdiocese of Colombo. apostle Paul stated “the It is this richness origin. This truly was the ( See P 2 ) Dear Brothers and Sisters breadth, the length and the in Christ, depth and the height” [Eph Faith is God’s precious gift to us. It leads life lived in that communion Opening of St. Jude’s Church, Kurana us to the discovery of the 3:18]of faith, of whichthe love helps of God. us to A His Eminence fullness of the mystery of discover and grow into the Angelo Mathews God revealed to us in the Malcolm saving love of His Son, Jesus love of God, would also help Cardinal Christ. It is this same overus to poweringfree ourselves and salvificboth as Ranjith, mystery which God, in His individuals and as a Archbishop of community from all forms Colombo reveal to us already in His infinite mercy, had begun to declared open of slavery to sin, selfishness the new Church “United in God’s Word” of St. Jude’s A Choral Celebration College, Kurana, Negombo, last Ajantha Mendis week. His Lordship was accompa- nied by Rev. Fr. Leslie Fernando, Rector of St. Jude’s College. Pix by: T. Sunil Fernando

he Ceylon Bible Society invites you to “UNITED Thisara Perera TIN GOD’S WORD” a special praise and thanksgiving Choral Celebration on the occasion Lankans better than the best of their 200th Anniversary featuring the Choir Sri Lankan cricketers Cricketer of the Year’, ‘LG Thisara Perera, Ajantha who are second to People’s Most Popular’ overs against Zimbabwe Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, “INSPIRATION” directed by Priyanthi Seneviratne none, took the cricket VanDort, on September 29, at St. Paul’s Church and ‘Test Cricketer figures of 6 for 8 in 4 Prasanna Jayawardena world by storm when of the Year’ awards. World Cup match at and Dilhara Fernando Kynsey Road, Colombo 8 at 6.00pm. Kumar Sangakkara His Excellency, Joseph Spiteri, Apostolic For a country new inHambantota. the first Twenty20 It was a before batting or bowling beat many other to Test cricket, these record-breaking spell. The Nuncio in Sri Lanka, will grace the occasion as the contestants to win perform the Sign of Chief Guest. Entrance is free as the focus and goal of three awards at the are commendable earlier record too was his, the Cross, invoking the this choral celebration is the Proclamation of God’s International Cricket achievements. blessing of the Almighty. Word....in word and song. Council awards On the heels of against Australia. Before them there The Ceylon Bible Society has laboured for the ceremony held at the Sangakkara’s success, Greatwith figures of the Sriof 6 Lankans for 16 were Chaminda Vaas and last 200 years by the grace, mercy and faithfulness of Water’s Edge, last spinning sensation who must be the envy Romesh Kaluvitharana God, to uplift the lives of the people in Sri Lanka by Saturday. Ajantha Mendis, shook the of the cricket world. The who performed similarly. Sangakkara won Twenty20 cricket world Christians in the Lankan spreading the Word of God. Dr. Elmo Rodrigopulle Trevor Ludowyke the ‘ICC International returning the fantastic squad Anjelo Mathews,

Call to build Holy Family SUBODHI New Sisters Institute of Temples 4Pg 150 Years 7Pg Integral Education 8Pg 2 The Messenger 23rd September 2012 men shall be denied before the angels upon our regional Bishops, all our Epis- the Year of Faith in the schools. Circular Letter copal Vicars, Deans, Parish Priests and of Faith the recitation of the Credo at Apostolate Coordinators to pool their Contd. from Pg. 1 Specific Programmes of the Year Holyof God” Mass [Lc. and 12:8-9]. at other During events the should Year resources, knowledge and expertise and 1) Catechesis: be done personally, with a profound their talents in order to effect a true re- - (The Archdiocesan Catechetical Aposto- awareness of what is being proclaimed newal of faith among the Catholic faithful. stantly return to our communion with late will, and with a determination to give witness Be inventive in doing this, because your God,reflect to profoundly an attitude about of profound this duty faith to con in a) Seek to ensure that a further to that. The recitation of the Credo is the Him and a true renewal of our commit- strengthening of the existing catecheti- entrusted to your care. This should ba- ment to know, love and serve Him. cal programme directed to school going it and making it one’s life orientation. Be- sicallyflock is revolve what God around in His a greatnew Catechismmercy has Without this spirit of constant children is carried out in the Sinhala, sides,explicit the affirmation Holy Father of wishes this faith, that owning during of the faith, reaching out to all, renewed conversion, he sees the danger of de- Tamil and English languages. this year more attention be paid to the interest in the devout celebration of the motivation creeping into the Church b) Establish a programme of adult reading, understanding and contempla- Sacraments which include a strong re- through a process of secularization of its Catechesis directed to the parents and el- tion of the contents of the Catechism of turn to the Sacrament of Penance and an faith, seen more in terms of a social, cul- ders in a given parish. Master Catechists the Catholic Church. He wants this ba- even more intense and devout participa- tural and political commitment. States sic text to be widely studied by as many tion in the Most Holy Eucharist, the dif- are to be prepared for this and suitable - Catholics as possible. The Holy Father fusion and use of the Sacred Scriptures text books found or prepared with the tians are more concerned for the social, also encourages the Church to intensify especially through Lectio Divina, the help of the Deva Dharma Nikethanaya culturalthe Pope: and “It politicaloften happens consequences that Chris of during this year its commitment to char- celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours and the Tamil and English Theologates their commitment, continuing to think ity while at the same time showing us at parish level and the commissioning c) Make available and diffuse im- of the faith as a self-evident pre-suppo- how faith and charity are inter-connect- of Biblical animators in the parishes, the portant Catechetical books like the Ma- sition for life in society” [PF 2J - a kind - revival of the ASIPA, SCC programmes, hopadesaya, the family Catechism and of ‘’taking for granted.” And what we do ity bears no fruit, while charity without a commitment to the practice of char- life in Christ series prepared by His not seem to understand or at times seem faithed when would he bestates: a sentiment “Faith without at the mercy char ity which is motivated by and grounded Grace Archbishop Oswald Gomis and to purposely ignore is the fact that with- the Catechism of the Catholic Church in out a strong return to a profoundly faith The Holy Father seems to cau- in sharing the faith with others. Prayer, English or in the vernaculars, the Youcat based relationship with God, the very tionof doubt” us that [PF faith14]. cannot be taken for andfirmly intense in the faith prayer and at a that,renewed should interest sur- in its English version and as many other same commitment for the social would round all our other efforts in this year. Catechetical publications as possible be weakened and eventually emptied of largely by secularism and irreligious Let prayer be the spiritual energy that even conducting competitions or quiz its inner rationale. trendsgranted. which Living militate in a world against influenced faith, we drives this effort. Let us encourage our programmes as an encouragement for need to constantly foster this gift. St. people to pray at home, by themselves, Year of Faith their use. Paul emphatically instructs us “do not be through their associations and move- And so feeling the urgency of a d) With the help of the Archdioc- conformed to this world, but be trans- ments and in the Church to pray that the return of the universal ecclesial commu- esan Education Apostolate take steps formed by the renewing of your minds Archdiocesan Church may experience a nion to a strong sense of faith as a means to ensure that religious instruction is so that you may discern what the will of true renewal of the faith and a “time of to renewal and reinvigoration, the Holy adequately provided to all our Catho- God is, and what is good and acceptable grace” in this special year. Father has instituted a special year in lic children in the schools, especially in Let every parish priest consider the State Schools and in International it his Schools where a minimum number of Faithand perfect” dimension [Rom in 12:2J. the life of the of his people by word and example him- the Church starting on the 11th October Catholic children can be found. Efforts Archdiocesan Church first duty to be the Master Catechist 2012 and ending on the 24th November- In the Archdiocese of Colombo should be made with the help of the Re- 2013, the feast of Christ the King. He has gional Coordinators to provide alternate following the lead given by the Supreme ofself the first mysteries experiencing of faith. and Letthen him guiding take becausecalled it theit marks Year ofthe Faith. 50th The anniversary 11th Octo of Catechesis and religious instructions to Pontiff Pope Benedict XVI, we too will specialhis flock care towards of the weak a greater ones awarenessand make theber opening2012 has of been the Second so chosen Vatican especially Coun- those children who unfortunately are an extra effort to prepare those Sunday cil and the 20th anniversary of the pub- not provided with facilities for the study lication of the Catechism of the Catholic homilies in a way that explains to them specialdedicate Year the of year Faith. from It will 11th thus October be the of Catholicism in these schools. A survey Church, both important time-lines in the the different teachings of the Credo and third2012 yearto the of 24th the decadeNovember of the 2013, Eucharist as the of children not receiving religious in- renewal of the Church in our own times. makes them aware of the beauty of God’s which follows the Year of the Most Holy structions in these categories of schools The Holy Father has desired loving plan of salvation for them. Eucharist which we already celebrated should be undertaken and remedial to place this special year in close rela- steps based on that should be taken. tion to the II Vatican Council in order to Programmes in the Year of Faith: the Year of the Word of God which we e) Intensify the monthly Poya once again base this thrust for a renewal celebratedfrom August from 2010 the to August 27th November 2011 and training seminars for Catechists and of faith on the great expectations of the guidelines set forth by Pope Benedict ensure that they too are exposed to a texts of the same Council which have XVI in hisAfter Motu having Proprio reflected “Porta Fidei”about andthe we hope to further strengthen the efforts greater knowledge of the treasures of lost nothing of their value and brilliance we2011 have upto already date. During made for the the Year better of Faith, ap- in keeping with his request, and having all along these 50 years. Yet avoiding the Catholic doctrine. preciation, celebration and living out of consulted different groups of those in certain pitfalls the Holy Father wishes f) With the help of the Archdioc- the treasures of ecclesial life, the Word the Diocesan Curia as well as others, I that these texts be interpreted correctly esan Communications Commission use- of God and the Most Holy Eucharist. The decree as already mentioned above that and implemented on the lines of a right ful material such as CDs, DVDs and other theme in keeping with the requirements hermeneutic _ that which is done in line such items on the important aspects of of the Year of Faith proclaimed by the - our faith be prepared and made available Holy Father for the Archdiocesan Com- the year starting on the 11th, October The hermeneutic of continuity. And so for diffusion and use in parishes, schools be2012 considered and ending in the on Archdiocese the 24th Novem of Co- Thewith Yearthe livingof Faith traditions would be of anthe occasion Church: and other such institutions. lombober 2013 as the [the Year feast of of Faith. Christ The the solemn King] for a re-evaluation of the Council and its munityTowards would a thus believing, be: living and opening of the year in the Archdiocese truthful implementation. At the base of 2) Deva Dharma Niketanaya sharing experience of Faith” will be held on Sunday the 7th October this idea is something close to the heart The Deva Dharma Niketanaya weoys,af,a" „ú;aùfï fn∞.ekSfï úYajdiSh and the Tamil and English Theologates we;a±lSula lrd Council is not a new beginning of the being the premier Archdiocesan Institu- at 6 p.m. at a special Liturgical service at Churchof the present but a continuationPope: That the with II Vatican a new solemn proclamation of the Year will be tions for the diffusion of a profounder St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Colombo 13. The spirit of vigour of the same faith that ani- effected at this ceremony. All priests, re- sense of theological knowledge will, mated the Church in its bimillennial his- ligious communities and lay representa- a) Organize with the help of the Pastoral Objectives: tory. tives from parishes of the three deaner- Archdiocesan Catechetical Apostolate With the promulgation of the ies of the City of Colombo and Kotte will study days for a better presentation of Year of Faith, the clergy, religious and Call to Conversion be expected to participate in this event. ecclesial documents on Catechesis such the laity of the Archdiocesan Community He also wishes that the Year of The promulgation of the Year of Faith in - would need to begin a special journey, a Faith becomes a summons to an authen- these parishes of the city and the Kotte journey of a fresh discovery of the beauty as Catechesi Tradendae [1979] the gen tic conversion to the Lord, a true return deanery could be done at a morning the CCC for priests, religious and the la- of faith. With this in view, all are thus in- eral directory for Catechesis [1979] and to the faith and to communion with God. ity. vited to work with special commitment Holy Mass on the same or on another States the Pope “only through believing, b) Conduct such awareness pro- to achieve an even greater degree of convenient day within the week. All the then, does faith grow and become stron- grammes for Catechists and lay leaders awareness and ownership of the myster- other parishes will simultaneously, with ger; there is no other possibility for pos- at the regional level too. Harness the ies of faith in their life. Parish priests and the main ceremony at the Cathedral, con- sessing certitude with regard to one’s support of the Archdiocesan Catecheti- heads of institutions should consider it duct the special Liturgical service, for the life apart from self abandonment, in a cal Apostolate, the lay movements and their special calling this year to do ev- solemn opening of the Year in their main continuous crescendo, into the hands the youth and children’s associations in erything possible to strengthen the faith Church and the solemn promulgation of of a love that seems to grow constantly this matter. - the Year by the Parish Priest. The Litur- c) Organize with the Archdiocesan struct and guide them to experience the gical text for the opening ceremony and In this sense the Holy Father wants each Biblical Apostolate programmes for the joyof their that flockemanates (cfr. Lc.from 22:32], faith. toWith teach, heavy in the decree of proclamation will be sent believerbecause toit professhas its originhis faith in courageously God” [PF 7]. preparation of parish Biblical animators, secularism and the intense activities of not only in the Liturgy of the Church but some groups of Christian fundamental- The Archdiocesan Education Of- also personally and through the witness tasks they should undertake at parish ists, the understanding and the sense to them in time by our Liturgy office. provide them with indications of specific of life. “But I say to you, everyone who level, evaluate such work and reward of joy in the faith of some of our faithful confesses me before men, him shall the event, conduct an awareness campaign them with a due recognition at Diocesan have indeed been threatened and there fice too will prepare the schools for this Son of Man also confess before the an- and on a date convenient to them con- level. are reports of defection. I therefore call gels of God. But he that denies me before duct a ceremony for the promulgation of (Contd. on Pg. 9) 3 The Messenger 23rd September 2012 • Statement issued by the Congress of Religions on the University Crisis Shiran Maithri’s third book “Santha Saba Mathawage Future generation should be allowed Nomakena Uruma" The third book of Shiran Maithri, Asst. Editor of the Gnanartha Pradeepaya titled, “Santha Saba Matha- to go forward without hindrance wage Nomakena Uruma” (Eternal Several religious leaders We as religious leaders, work together to get out of this situ- heritages of the have signed a joint statement on focus our greatest attention on the ation without plunging the whole of Catholic Church), the ongoing university crisis stating university student community who Sri Lanka from darkness to blackness. is out for sale. that as leaders the focus of their at- are the most precious resource of Signed: Shiran is a tention is on the University student our country. It is the prime respon- well-known Catho- community, who are the most pre- - His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal sibility of all to ensure that the fu- lic author whose cious resource of the country. Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo ture generations are provided the books have made The Statement signed by opportunities to go forward with- - His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis an impact with the the Archbishop of Colombo, His out any hindrance. Archbishop Emeritus readers. His spe- Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ran- Not only from the universi- ciality is Christian jith and other religious dignitaries - Rev. W.P. Ebenezer Joseph ty crisis, but from the crisis related Methodist Church Heritages both lo- cal and abroad. It is natural for problems to to the advanced level students, it - Ven. Dr. Ittapane Dhammalankara Some of arisestates: from time to time in a demo- is equally clear that those who are Anunayake Thero his writings in- cratic country. Some problems that responsible for the most important clude the Statue arise are ones that should be solved reasons creating this unfortunate - Prof. Bellanvila Wimalarathana and Shrine of Our quickly. Some problems can be situation, have not become fully Anunayake Thero Lady of Madhu, solved slowly only in stages. aware of the issues involved. - Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha the Milk Grotto, the It is close upon two months We emphasise that destroy- Nayake Thero Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the Miraculous since the start of the problem of the ing totally the aspirations of young - Ven. Dr. Brahammanawatte Seevali staircase and underwater statues of Christ both in Italy university teachers who are like the university students, who are there Nayaka Thero and in the USA. backbone of the country’s educa- to take over the future of the coun- tion. try is something which will give rise - Sri Vithi Nayakar, and adults who are interested in the heritages of the It is evident that the univer- to frightening results in the future. Representation from Hindu Religion Catholic TheChurch, 128 and page is bookpriced is at very Rs. 200/-useful for children sity teachers strike has taken root on a number of issues. We think it We very kindly advise, the - A. Javid Yusuf, unnecessary to take them one by government and the university Representation from Muslim Religion SVP Centenary Celebrations one for analysis. at Batticaloa teachers to humbly and flexibly The St. Vincent de Paul Society of St.Mary’s Feast of Holy Cross Church, Kalutara Low Income Family gets Home will celebrate its centenary on September 29 and 30, Church, Paliyanthiru which was inaugurated in 1912 The keys, of a new home constructed by the The Chief Guest on the occasion will be His Holy Rosary Guild of Dehiyagatha under the patron- Lordship,2012, at Batticaloa. Rt. Rev. Dr. Kingsley Swampillai, Bishop of age of Rev. Fr. Dharshana Jaymanna, the Vice Rector of Trincomalee. Aquinas University College was handed over recently to His Lordship will celebrate a Thanksgiving the disabled head of the family, Mr. Rukmal Hettiarach- Mass on Sunday, September 30. chi and his wife K. Manel Perera after it was blessed The substitution of their small hut with the newly completed house came to be realized by the Financial assistance to fund raised by Fr. Dharshana, with the assistance of his friends, the Sri Lankan Migrants in New Zealand. Medical Students It was in 2005, when Fr. Dharshana was the Parish Priest of Dehiyagatha, the Professionals Guild of The Guild of St. Luke, Ss. Cosmos and Damien Holy Rosary, an able team, was instituted with the view - tance to needy Catholic medical students entering the to uplifting the social, economic, spiritual standards and The Annual Feast of the Church of Holy Cross moral values of the less privileged families and children (Catholic Doctors Guild) will be giving financial assis as well as to support the Parish Community. Parish Priest and the students could com- The chief celebrant at the Festive Mass was Medical Faculties of Sri Lanka in 2012/13. Having recognized the vast growth of the Guild Kalutara, was celebrated on September 16, 2012. municate with Dr. Maxi Fernandopulle, 33 Police Park and its good work done to the society, as an encourage- Rev. Fr. Lester Wijesuriya, Director of Princess Grace Avenue, Colombo 05. ment Fr. Dhashana promised the Guild, further assis- Orphanage, Kalamulla, Kalutara. Picture shows the Rev. Secretary tance and thus, was able to make this home a reality. Frs. lighting the traditional oil lamp. St. Luke Guild D. Anselm Fernando Lawrence Fernando - Dehiyagatha Journalism Workshop

A workshop on Journalism conducted by Ku- mara Nayanajith sub-editor Gnanartha Pradeepaya and Lama Pradeepaya was held at the Parish Hall of St.

the patronage of Rev. Fr. Mahendra Gunathilake the Par- ishMary’s Priest Church, of the Church. Nayakakanda, last Sunday (16) under Over two hundred students of St. Mary’s Da- ham School Nayakakanda participated at the work- shop organised by the “Panhinda Society” of the Daham School. Both lectures and practicals were included for the workshop which was coordinated by Joseph Pius. Text & Pic. by Nimal Perera 4 The Messenger 23rd September 2012

conduct is called paternalism. So our political lead- Province who consider their interests are not ers after Independence merely took over where adequately represented in the National Parlia- the British left and centralized power. ment. EDITORIAL September 23, 2012 At the recently concluded meeting of the Colom- bo Archdiocesan Council of Priests (COP) with thoseAfter 1956voters partyin electorates rivalries which accentuated voted for and them the the Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga, Let’s try self government andruling neglected party began or even to confinediscriminated their paternalism against those to it was highlighted that self governance even if voters who voted for their rival political parties. it means that the people will not have access to in the Eastern Provincial The victims of this policy were the ethnic minori- central government funds according to the pre- ties particularly the Tamil people who were settled vailing system of political patronage in the de- Council in the North and East. They could no longer com- velopment of the country, may be the preferred option for the people of the Eastern Province. If The Governing Party coalition has won all the municate with the State organizations in English such is the wish of the people of the Province the Provincial Elections except the Eastern Prov- since government employees hardly knew English Government should respect it and enable it to ince where although it won the largest number and in any case were required to deal only in Sin- function. This would be the best evidence for the of seats it failed to secure an over-all majority to hala which was nursed a sense of grievance and the rest is unpleas- International Community that there is no dis- form the Council. The three communities seem to ant history. the only official language. So they crimination against the minorities particularly have voted more or less on communal lines and the Tamil minority who has steadfastly refused the leaders of the two minority communities- the Now the Government has an opportunity to allow to be co-opted to the ruling party coalition even Tamils and the Muslims appealed to their voters the minorities in the Eastern Province which is preferring to forego the development expendi- to vote for them to protect and safeguard their equally divided between the three communities to ture that the central government alone can dis- community interests. Hitherto the ruling party come to a coalition to govern the Eastern Provin- pense. coalitions have been able to control all the Pro- cial Council. The Communist Party has suggested vincial Councils but this time the issue is in the an All Party Government. The argument against it As Milton Friedman put it, “government is essen- balance. is that there will be no Opposition then. The Execu- tial both as a forum for determining the ‘rules of tive arm of the government whether at the Center the game’ and as an umpire to interpret and en- During the struggle for Independence against or in the Provinces must be accountable and there force the rules decided upon.” The grievance of British colonial rule our political leaders argued must be an Opposition to expose the wrongs and the minorities is that the rules of the game are that although the British did provide reasonably misdeeds of the Executive. Power corrupts and ab- not being enforced by the centralized state in a solute power corrupts absolutely. So the lack of an fair manner and they are being discriminated have self government rather than good govern- Opposition is not conducive to good governance. against. This is where self-governance comes in ment.efficient But government these same itleaders would once still in be power better did to and it might work better than we think. When The alternative is a coalition of the Tamil and Mus- faced with problems people have a natural in- and instead decided things for the people which lim parties along with the UNP. It would provide an clination to devise their own solutions to prob- theynot have thought much were trust good or confidence for them. in This the people, type of opportunity for government by the people of the lems. Call to Build New Temples in Partnership St. John’s gospel in cile what he was told to believe impure, righteous and sinner. with such people. He went ally unifying agent and the with what he now knew to The purity system was a law out to meet them and eat with enlightening One. Hence they may they be one in us, as you be true (Jerome Murphy- of exclusion. The non-caring them, manifesting his solidar- turned to each other in love areChapter in me 17:21-23 and I am ( in “Father, you....May O’Connor). A need for change attitude and behaviour of the ity and communion with them, and enabled the Risen Lord to they be completely one”), gives of outlook arose because of priest and the Levite in the thus provoking anger and be present among them. The us the most profound expres- his new intimate experience of parable of the Good Samaritan protests by the Scribes and the community, born out of the sion of the bond that exists be- God as compassionate Father. Pharisee compassionate love of God, and tween community and mission. Such an experience and the the interpretation which was Jesus also formed his mutual love, care, generosity of In his priestly prayer which vision that emerged out of (Lk 10:29-37) shows clearly apostles sin (Lk the 5: art 29-30). of lead- the believers, preaching of the is also a missionary prayer, his piety did not permit him resulting behaviour. The purity ership for community. The Good News of salvation and the given to Leviticus 19:2 and the Jesus entrusted to his followers to remain silent and inactive laws divided, discriminated apostles who gathered around celebration of the Eucharist, the mission of being the sign facing division and exclusion and marginalized people, deny- Jesus were individuals who became the new temple of God in his Jewish society. Hence he ing them the right to partici- were not mutually compat- and of the Risen Lord Jesus nion that exists between the consulted the Father in prayer pate in the religious and social ible. They came from different Christ. To build such temples, affairs of the Jewish society. Fatherand reflection and the of Son the by commu- means backgrounds, occupations the apostles devoted their time it was Father’s will that his Such people almost became of their communion among and temperaments and had and energy. children(Mk 1:34) should to know remain whether divided non-persons. themselves and also to be the different views regarding Jesus and discriminated. and his mission. Jesus made Communion and mission are conditional compassionate love Jesus, the Community Builder Disunity is not God’s will Jesus deliberately them transcend their differ- inseparable forsign all and God’s reflection creatures of God’s through un- ences gradually and love one Blessed John Paul II their love for one another (Jn Disunity and exclusion replaced the core value of had been created by a particu- purity with compassion. Jesus another as he had loved them in his Apostolic Exhortation, lar interpretation of Leviticus proclaimed, “Be compassionate “Ecclesia in Asia”, said, “Com- of both the community and them to resist greed for power, munion with Jesus, which 13:35). So the ultimate goal the mission is to bear witness (Jnstatus 15:12-13). and social He prestige instructed gives rise to the communion of to God’s compassionate love The community, born out of the Christians among themselves is and communion through the to understand the meaning the indispensable condition for compassionate love and com- compassionate love of God, and mutual and(Mt 20:24),the value and of invitedserving them one bearing fruit; and communion munion among themselves. In love, care, generosity of the believers, with others, which is the gift of Christ and his Spirit, is the word, “communion” is used preaching of the Good News of salvation heanother would in be humility present (Mt with 20: them 28; the first epistle of St.John, the wheneverJn 13: 1-10). and He wherever told them they that and the celebration of the Eucharist, branches can give. In this sense the missionary proclamation will gather in his name, after communionmost magnificent and mission fruit that are the namelyto indicate communion the final goal with of the became the new temple of God his death and resurrection (Mt Father and the Son, Jesus Christ The concepts of com- munioninseparably and connected”community (24). need as your Father is compassion- Enlightened18:20). to be the New (1 Jn 1:3) through communion Temple of God much emphasis today in Sri Jesus’with one Conversion another (1 Jn. 1:7). the Lord your God am holy”). Lanka. Therefore the Dioceses, 19:2 {“You shall be holy; for I Apostles and oth- Jesus, who was born Holiness was understood to not cleanliness mirrors God in the Parishes, the Religious Con- mean ‘separation from every- theate” society. (Lk 6: 36). Purity Compassion, laws divided ers who were dispersed after the death of Jesus were once gregations and the Lay associa- thing unclean’. Holiness thus and excluded. Compassion tions need to work together in meant the same as purity, and unites, includes and connects. again brought together by the wasto bring brought a flourishing up according of life to to Risen Lord Jesus Christ. Faith the spirit of partnership in this theall God’s laws ofcreatures his Jewish (Jn soci-10:10), the passage was thus under- The Good Samaritan showed ministry, thereby promoting stood as, “You (Israel) shall how compassion creates com- in the Risen Lord bonded ety. However, soon after his the glory of God and the salva- be pure as God is pure.” The munion with people. them together. They accepted baptism at Jordan, when he tion of the believers. ethos of purity produced a Enlightened by the baptism as a common sign of felt deeply loved by God whom Rev. Fr. Emmanuel society structured around a Father that it is not his will that he addressed as Father, who is nion. The Holy Spirit whom Fernando,OMI quite sensitive and responsive purity system (Marcus J Borg). people should remain excluded It created a society with sharp and oppressed, Jesus went Jesustheir affiliationChrist sent and from commu- the ‘Dev Arana’ Polwatte, to the sufferings and the needs Father became the spiritu- Minuwangoda. of people, Jesus had to recon- boundaries between pure and about forming a community 5 The Messenger 23rd September 2012 Joy is the prize nyone who loves sport knows the PIES needs to acquire and develop Playing, whether alone or it is an art form and can teach with others, quietly or with us much about life. Most Physical, there is temperance; for the In- enthusiasm, is the way children Asports call for skill, discipline, tellectual,its own specific prudence; cardinal for thevirtue. Emotional, For the explore their world and create imagination, creativity and are clearly fortitude; and for the Spiritual, justice. imaginary ones. Research shows vehicles of self-expression. Just think Tasting success or learning from failure that through play children learn of those magical moments in cycling, generates joy for everyone who accepts how to plan and solve problems. basketball, football, rugby, tennis and that God is an appreciative spectator of Play encourages them to develop the rest where humanity shines at its their life. language and communication most beautiful and best. There will be Sport imitates life’s vital skills and to use imagination and many moments like these on display at processes. Many sports teach the creativity. importance of making fast decisions in When it is experienced as Those for whom sport is a complicated situations. Loss of temper play, sport refreshes the hidden memories of our early years as dirtyour 2012 word Games often forgetthis summer. that it goes way is mostly costly. Concentration and the physical, affectionate expres- beyond competitions and encapsulates attention are rewarded. Underestimat- sion of love recalls the parental some of our humanity’s most relaxing ing the opposition is often disastrous. low we experienced in our early activities, from dance and aerobics to Hard work and sustained commitment months of life. Physical play helps walking and swimming, from cycling or are rewarded. Pushing on through children to develop agility, bal- mountain-climbing to rowing and pain, serving a team, facing defeat with - sailing. It is not necessary to have the dignity and never givingup are essential tor skills. physique of a Greek god or goddess to for success. Sport teaches us to press ance, coordinationChildren andchoose fine to mo do sport. Just wait and see the prowess, play. They cannot be made to commitment, dedication, daring and may achieve only once we have passed play. A sportsperson’s quality character on display in the Paralympic on to the elusive final victory that we of commitment is under their Games. Until our death and birth into control and thus offers joy when a Sport enables us to discover nakedthrough eternity, death (Philippians when we shall 3:13-14). see the personal best is achieved. face of God, we do not know whether Sport is Christocentric, Sport has often reminded me our performances and the processes we we have won or lost life’s game. Mean- carrying within its best that, as Shakespeare put it in Hamlet, gomuch through about when ourselves training. from The reflecting love of on while, sportsmen and women do well to ‘There are more things in heaven and sport discloses the spirituality of sport. bear in mind the challenge of Rudyard aspects the lifestyle of earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in As they train, and push themselves be- Kipling’s poem “If,” spelled out above your philosophy.” Luck or providence, yond their comfort zone on through that the players’ entrance to the Centre call it what you will in team sports, Jesus Christ, who was taps me on the shoulder to remind me pain barrier, athletes realise they are that life is far more mysterious than I in control of the Physical, Intellectual, with triumph and disaster and treat prepared to lose all to can imagine. Emotional and Spiritual dimensions - or thoseCourt twoat Wimbledon: impostors just“If you the can same.” meet gain even more Experienced coaches who have by the mnemonic PIES as I call them - of Sport may be transformative faith remind their charges that they their lives. They know they are, in the of the individual and the community. It are more than what they do. They words of the English poet W.E Henley’s are children of God. Otherwise, once poem “Invictus”, “captains of their soul”. into competition and the quiet joy of they retire they can all too easily see Without self-control, sport, funnels aggression away from conflict- themselves as without purpose and so or life in general, ends in disaster. mances improve. Sport points towards things,performance singing, can even be influenced shouting - byand my become depressed. Through sport we The joy in every victory as a personal satisfyinggrowing in answers self-confidence to questions as perfor of iden- certainlyintellect: beingBy what encouraged I say and bybear. oth Saying- may see humanity at its most sublime. best is achieved is impossible to put ers - enables us to raise our game to Think about the mutual respect and into words. To discover what it’s like - unexpected heights. When I feel low, I appreciation of a Federer and a Nadal; ing,tity, beingvalues bonded and roles: together Who am in aI? team What sing and hold my head high and, if I am the beauty of the skill of a Beckham or andam I around worth? aWhy club, am furnishes I here? Belonga sense of alone, I even shout words of encourage- Jonny Wilkinson kick; the courage of a nonagenarian Sikh crossing a mara- we need to follow the words of Jesus: identity, a sense of community through ment. As my feeling improves, so does - good“Come habit and consonantsee (John 1:39).” with our Virtue nature experiencing and discussing spectator my performance. lympians. --defined is something by St. acquiredAugustine by of repetition. Hippo as a exhilaration. A common love generates Through the optic of love, sport thon’s finishingSport seems line; andto satisfy all the our Para This is true of sport and of life. In sport, a community. is a sign of God’s loving presence in the yearning for spiritual communion good habits or skills have to become au- Sport reminds us of the value world. It is Trinitarian, building up com- between people from every part of our tomatic muscle memory. So that when of faith, of believing not just us the munities and based on relationships of global city, Earth. For those who know there is no time to think, for example in perception of reality and a system of giving and receiving. It is Christocentric, it, sport is joy. controlling a ball or dodging danger, our values but of a commitment to a set of carrying within its best aspects the life- bodies respond instinctively. rules that point us to life at its best. style of Jesus Christ, who was prepared (Courtesy: The Tablet For success in sport, each of Experience demonstrates that my to lose all to gain even more. July 2012) Holy Family Sisters on accomplishing 150 years in Sri Lanka open their hearts ......

Contd. from last week Founder of the Oblates, Bishop of girls and their formation. shelling and were even at the the displacement, like the eagle Eugene de Mazenod and an The mission of education which brink of death in the blood that carries its young on her Apostolic Religious commenced in Jaffna is now drenched soil. They were with wings, they journeyed with our The pride of place goes the two Congregations. This carried out in various parts the people amidst all the dis- people and these experiences affiliationpaved the waspath agreed, for Bishop between placement and continued their are etched in the minds of our given to the Church of Sri Lan- Semeria OMI to get the Holy mission entrusted as a ‘sapling’ mission as doctors, nurses, Sisters. to Jaffna for the first religious Family Congregation to come ofinto Sri the Lanka. hands This of themagnificent Holy Fam - farmers, Catechists, preparing During the Tsunami from the west to Sri Lanka also to the North of Sri Lanka and ily has grown into a fabulous for the Sacraments, imparting when many lives were lost ka.came The to first Jaffna. religious In the historyto come of render their services there. tree spreading its branches vocational skills to the youth. and the people lost all their to all corners of our country, Todasy they work with the property, our Sisters were in golden day when the whole city its fruits are witnessed by the poor, the orphans, destitute, solidarity and a presence which Jaffna,was in Novembera festive mood 2, 1862 welcom is a - the OblatesIn 1861,Founder on respecFebruary- lives lived, the many valiant differently-abled improving gave them hope. The numer- ing the Sisters who had come 8,tively our wentFounder, to their and eternalon May 21, women and families serving their status in life and collabo- ous bodies they buried and from Europe in the traditional reward. Bishop Semeria, after the people in our country and rating with their Parish Priest. many who died on their laps. way. The Sisters who were Wherever there was a need Many children were brought to astounded, have written about of his Congregation’s Founder education but reading the signs our Convents were established. the boarding houses, children it in their letter to the Superior participatingreturned with in the the six final Holy rites abroad.of the times, Not only they in are the ready field to of Their special apostolate was without any address, they were General in Bordeaux. Family Sisters who had been respond to any need, they have to build families, imitating the received with love and were At that time the Bishop named for the mission in Jaffna. transformed jungles into arable gentle image of the Trinity looked after. From the begin- E. Semeria OMI, was keen that lands and towns and they have and the Holy Family. Earlier ning to this day they continue his people especially the young European Sisters imprinted spread the value of education the families were considered this mission. Added to these grow in knowledge and moral Ittheir is 150 footprints years since on our these soil, we to the ends of the earth and as the temple, but today this ministries they are involved discipline. He sought the aid of who have been formed by them they are highly appreciated for notion has changed and human with the differently-abled, Religious Congregations to give should review our lives and all their services. values, moral teaching are un- which is a challenging ministry. good education, to be a refuge apostolates. Living the Spirit They were one with dermined. In these situations Today there are more disabled for the orphans and the under of God Alone and bringing the people of our region in our sisters courageously meet people than before the war. privileged, to care for the sick, into communion the scattered their political and economi- the families and with steadfast Earlier they were born dis- to give a good faith formation. children of God, is the aim and cal struggle. During the 30 spirit they render their servic- abled, but today the war has Our Founder, Rev. Fr. Pierre they were totally dedicated to it years of war, together with the es. They have wiped their tears, left many differently-abled. Bienvenu Noailles in his last from the beginning. They were displaced people they faced the consoled them in their sorrow, days had discussions with the concerned about the education heavy bombing, cluster bombs, in their long journey during (Contd. on Pg. 15) 6 The Messenger 23rd September 2012 From the prayer of Gospel music to the religious nuances of U2 and Coldplay What does rock ‘n’ roll have to do with the infinite? By John Waters L’Osservatore Romano There is some- times far more to rock ‘n’ roll than meets the eye of the external “Is it possible observer, and we should that a fleeting remember this when considering the music song on the our children love, or that we have ourselves radio transmits loved. If it is true, as Don Giussani tells us, that the most desire is always a clue, what attracts the young fundamental to this music must bear some relationship, to longing for begin with at least, to the true source of hu- “something man longing and to the nature of human destiny. beyond” felt This, really, is the case we have sought to state by one human and elaborate upon. being - the An exhibition at the Rimini Meeting For one thing, we must sound of the human beginning, we proposed, ing the contradiction that detected in his heart. consider the question writer/singer/ voice imitating sounds was Elvis, was moved Rock ‘n’ roll has of roots, for another, around us; the sounds to observe (in his book one foot in the sacred the fundamental human musician and of nature, animals, even cooedthere was reassurance the cry: the of the Mystery Train) that, when world and the other in impulse which gave rise the sound of silence. cry of the first baby, th Elvis sang a particular the material world; part to the traditions out of space, to the The sound of the human there was the cry of the song - Can’t Help Fall- which present-day rock voice copying the voice grown-upfirst baby’s baby, mother. now Later, a ing In Love With You - it half-profane. music evolved. For yet heart of of God”. For the artist/ slave in the plantations was impossible to escape spirit, partThus, flesh; perhaps half-holy, another, contemplate musician the rock ‘n’ roll of America’s deep south, the realization that he more than any other in those among today’s another, the “product” begins life as hollering to his brother possessed “a capacity for our time, this medium practioners still seeking the most private thing. further along the chain- affection that was all but man captures and feeds or adhere to that original listener?” The heart looks to itself gang. Eventually, covered super-human.” off the contradictory, impulse, and to add their and searches for words in Mississippi mud, came How could any- dualistic nature of modern contribution in a manner and notes and sounds to the Blues, which merged one who had witnessed life - at once an exhalation in keeping with it, always he experiences increas- speak of something that with nergo spiritual sing- him not immediately react of something greater and bringing some newness - is as far from noise and ing and Country Music, to such a description with- born of the imperative to ing. Is it possible that glitz and distraction as is itself the offspring of Irish assertion of human self- say what seems unsay- ing difficulty breath possible to imagine. And folk songs, far-traveled which delves into the body assurance,a flirting with a metaphor idolatry, anfor able. The central argu- radio transmits the most then, constructed within int he hearts of starving ofout the tears? rock In ‘n’ this roll phrase, Trojan the interaction in modern ment of our exhibiton was fundamentala fleeting song longing on the for an idiom that manages horse - built of shiny, glit- societies of the secular that music begins as a cry “something beyond” felt to convey the original at home, to form what is tery, disposable stuff, like and the sacred, and a cry from the heart of man, and by one human being - the impulse an yet encrypt nowemigrants called fleeing rock ‘n’ famine roll. fame, diversion, intoxica- for help directed upwards that rock ‘n’ roll at its best writer/singer/musician it in a form that can give Along the way, tion, glitter, narcissism, from the heart of the bun- continues to provide a and space, to the heart of rise also to the most radi- we penciled in certain money, but inside which ker. Rock ‘n’ roll allows for conduit for that cry, which cal misunderstandings, other possibilities, like the Cry is maintained, pre- nowadays may amount to The great British the song travels though Bono’s suggestion that the served and nurtured - we the artist contrives to con- a secret knowledge shared rockanother, writer the Paul listener? Morley, a thousand circuits and Psalms may have been the see into the human mis- ceala camouflage, the pure intention by which of between musician and in his book, Words and channels, via innumerable sion of the singer stand- the song, but in a way that listener, carried heart to Music: A History of Pop wires, negotiating the par- ing alone in the centre of the listener, in his or her heart. in the Shape of a City, aphernalia of the world’s Coldplay,world’s first U2 Bluesand Mum songs.- the stage. Suddenly, he is own heart, can pick it up. Indeed, the cry wrote about the words most fashion-obsessed fordAnd today?and Sons, Bands crying like out no longer a star, still less It is really aston- today comes equally from of a pop song disappear- business, kneaded by the of this modern moment a narcissist, a pleasure- ishing, when you think the heart of that place or ing into themselves “as hands of accountants and about what it is to be seeker or a degenerate, about it, that this is neces- condition so eloquently though boiled down, as human in a world which but a man who seeks sary - why is our culture described by the Holy if they are changing from being decoded in the heart recognizes only earthly from deep within himself so afraid of these ques- Father last year at the solid to liquid, forming oftechnicians the waitng until listener. finally things. Amy Winehouse the words and sounds to a sensuous, absorbing Outwardly giving voice to a plaintive convey something of the in spite of everything, it of man’s construction, in musical form that implies reduced by understand- plea for love before dying love and longing he has remainstions now? possible. - but also that, which,Bundestag: seeking The to bunker pre- how all music began with ings of showbusiness and alone. Van Morrison, who tend to have created the the human voice. The entertainment, the hliness takes us to the heart of the conditions for human life, of the song is therefore great questions, strug- An Ode to the Church forced inwards into a gling with them, doubting, Choirs Take time for a minute of closed circuit, a commu- pleading for reassurance. nicating-and-receiving Johnny Cash, who told us Intently recite humour - smile! Loud, soft that becomes mistakable of his life, right unto the Hear now, alert Rise and fall Ben and Tommy were lost in for something else - af- end, enabling us to see The prayers a Muslim village. Both were fection, pose, diversion, our own lives as coher- Praising favours dying of hunger and thirst both constructed mystique Then ends Requesting needs hadn’t enough money. Tommy - and therefore deniable - Pleasing again In music told Ben, “Let us pretend we as to its true nature. Our tion.ent stories, And always, defined in bythe A melody played The words simple are Muslims and I will call myself Mohammed.” exhibition sought to show foreground,significance theand gyrating destina In harmony Ben refused to change his name. The Imam Praise the Lord that the reduction has shadow of Elvis, whose voices sing was happy to receive them. The Imam gave been unsuccessful - that spastic dance brought it So gratefull some food and drink to Ben and said, “Mr. the core communication, all together in the back Intone balanced To Choristors Mohammed, do you not know that we are still in heart to heart, between of a Memphis shop. The Varied pitch Thank all the holy month of Ramadan?” the artist an the listenr, American rock writer Rev. Fr. Fraccid Anthony Fernando OMI continues to occur. In the Greil Marcus, contemplat- Miran Perera 7 The Messenger 23rd September 2012

Celebrating First Nuns to arrive in Ceylon Christian Lives Holy Family Sisters celebrate 150 years By Kishanie S.Fernando available for their transport from Colombo to on the GLORY OF GOD ALONE left their home and Jaffna by the Governor of Ceylon. After 2 days n September 8th, 1862, six valiant women intent In 1868 another group of Missionaries joined the O country to take ship at Marseilles for Ceylon. It they arrived at the Jaffna jetty to a rousing with the increasing first group and together welcome. “A touching scene” ….. The whole of number of Native history of a country and lives of generations to come. Jaffna were there waiting for us. I shall never is 150 years since that journey which was to change the Sisters, they were This journey was the result of the perseverance forget my feelings at the sight of this crowd able to expand of two missionary stalwarts of the time. The inspiration so thoughtful and searching….,” is how one their apostolic being that of Bishop Bettachini, Co-adjucator to the Vicar missionary described the day in a letter back

Apostolic who was in charge of the Northern Province at home to Mother General. p r e - s c h o o l s fields to nursing, that time and who realized that one of the primary needs Jaffna their First Home and non formal of the day was the establishment of education. Their English schools for higher education. c o n g r e g a t i o n s It was his earnest desire to have began to spread in a convent of nuns for the teaching the districts, towns, and of girls. However it was left to his villages of Kurunegala, successor Bishop Semeria OMI to take N a w a l a p i t i y a , the necessary initiatives to realize his A n u r a d h a p u r a , dreams. Chilaw, Wennappuwa, The Sisters of the Holy Family P a m u n u g a m a , of Bordeaux had been founded by Bambalapitiya, Dehiwela, Father Pierre Bienvenue Noailles in Kalutara, Nugegoda, Monaragala, the tea estate Congregation to the Congregation of 1820. The affiliation of the Holy Family In Jaffna the English Girls’ School managed by one Mrs. Patrick O’Flanagan since areas. In 1908 the native Sisters of St. Peter who the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1858 promised hope group amalgamated with the Congregation of the Semeria wrote to Fr. Noailles asking for three Sisters and were the first native diocesan Women’s Religious for expanding missionary activities. In 1860 Bishop Holy Family of Bordeaux. sisters lived in rented out rooms adjoining the 1850 was handed over to the Sisters. Initially the for his Vicarate were named. However there was a delay school. Besides teaching they opened up a sewing in 1861 he received the news that the Sisters destined Today in their leaving due to the death of Fr. Noailles and the class, a dispensary and an orphanage extending Today the presence of the Holy Family appointment of their new Superior General. their charity to the adult population too. The Back in Jaffna when the Catholics heard that Sisters can be felt all over Sri Lanka, with 41 soon Religious Sisters would be amidst them they were Winter became Jaffna’s foremost educational Colombo Province. school under its first Principal Mother Helen Communities in the Jaffna Province and 54 in exuberant, even though there was some attacks on them academy for girls. The Association for the Holy Family is in the newspapers. open to all who are drawn by its spirit and its life. It laid the foundation stone for the new convent On May 24, 1864 Bishop Semeria welcomes lay people, married or single and priests Journey begins as Associates. Its diversity serving to draw closer which was ready for occupation only in 1870. the bonds of unity of One Family girls to come forward as aspirants to the Meanwhile the Sisters prepared for their first The Sisters life style influenced many native Text condensed from the Story of Religious life. To accommodate these vocations missionary journey in prayer. And on September 6, the Holy Family Sisters by Rt. Rev. Dr. Edmund who had gone to France to attend the General Chapter, a congregation of the Native Sisters of St. Peter 1862 the six Sisters accompanied by Bishop Semeria Peiris OMI. A special thank you to Rev. Sr. Rose and four Missionary Fathers embarked on the Canada Jayasinghe, Archivist, Holy Family for her as religious personnel to staff of Tamil schools was founded in Jaffna in 1865. Their training assistance in compiling this page. their journey up to Alexandria. The journey was rough was in the hands of the Holy Family Sisters. - the ship which was to take them on the first part of and the Sisters were overcome with sea sickness for The Family Expands

Alexandria and disembarked only to begin the next most of it. On Sunday, September 14, they arrived in part of their long journey from Alexandria to the Suez

Canal was built travellers from Europe to the Orient on the September 16. In those days before the Suez had to go from Alexandria to the Suez by way of Cairo a distance of a trying 252 miles which had

to be covered in three stages. The first stage was miles by boat. The second stage was from Atieh to from Alexandria to Atieh through the Nile Delta 48

Cairo 120 miles on the Nile by steamer. The third miles along the caravan route on asses bearing the stage from Cairo to Suez through the desert 84 passengers and camels carrying the luggage. Along this route they stopped 7 times for rest and refreshments. At Suez the Echo awaited to transport them to the Galle

of the journey it was discovered by the ship’s crew that Harbour in Ceylon on October 19. During this last part there was not enough coal to take the ship on its usual

pray. Miraculously the weather remained 10-day journey, and the missionary band was requested to From the calm throughout and the journey was covered within 7 days sighting the coast Archives of Ceylon. h e p o r t r a i t s a b o v e s h o w t h e days 25 of which had been spent at sea. The journey had taken 45 T f i r s t h a b i t From Galle they proceeded by coach w o r n b y t h e H o l y on October 22 for Colombo and from Family Sisters in Bordeaux st by steamer to Jaffna. and how it kept changing The steamship Pearl was specially made down the ages. there on the 31 8 The Messenger 23rd September 2012 SUBODHI Institute of Integral Education

SUBODHI Institute of sions. Fr.Mervyn realized that “SUBODHI” (SU-BODHI) itself through a humanistic Integral Education founded by school education in Sri Lanka means “full enlightenment” (or integral education. This Rev. Dr.Mervyn Fernando in (and perhaps the world over) full realization). has been very succinctly with its focus almost entirely expressed by the poet Ed- on subject knowledge and The vision of SUBODHI can win Markham. “Why build 1981, is situated at Wewala, examinations, falls far short of be best stated in the following these cities glorious, if man (iv) attitudes and values (v) onPiliyandala, the banks about of the 16 Bolgoda Kms that goal. Many vitally impor- unbuilded goes, in vain we build dignity of the human person lake,(10 miles), at a picturesque, south of Colombo, envi- tant aspects of growth such the world unless the builder also (vi) love and sexuality (vii) ronmentally striking site. The as the emotional, the ethico- givestatements: it to the full” (Gospel of St. grows” choice of partner and marriage architecture and landscaping moral, the aesthetic and the John(1) Ch.10.vs.10“I came) to give life, and The mission of SUBO- (viii) social responsibility (ix) was done by the internationally spiritual are practically ig- (2) ‘The glory of God is renowned architect, the late nored. The result is that school- (St. Iraeneus) create enlightenment, aware- (b) Leadership training (2 conflict resolution and peace nessDHI therefore and conviction is, firstly, about to the to 3 days’ duration) for youth manfully alive: central importance integral/ leaders holistic development of the hu- This programme cov- man person as a pre-requisite ers basic leadership skills, qual- for national development and ities of a leader, strategies of secondly, to initiate, and con- leadership, meeting challenges, duct programmes and services group interactions, goal-settle for the practical realization of etc. this goal. They will serve as (c) Teacher as Guru (2 to 3 models of integral development days) which could be reproduced, Training teachers to mutatis mutandis, by the State awaken them to their potential and other non-Government to go beyond mere teaching to agencies. be a guide/mentor (guru) to In this regard, SUBO- the students - a teacher DHI offers the following experi- who makes a difference

(a) Education-for-Life (5 Besides inputs from ence-tested programmes: the lecturers/facilitators, par- leavers. ticipants are put through a to 6 days,This duration) programme for school number of exercises, group Geoffrey Bawa, with the build- leavers, though knowledgeable (3) “Education is human- deals with a number of top- sharings, self-assessments, ings blending beautifully into ization” (Sri Aurobindho) ics/themes which are vitally meditations, games etc. which the undulating terrain. ill-equipped to live a full and important for a full, meaning- make the programmes interest- For Fr.Mervyn, with his meaningfulin their respective life —as fields, an asset are to Hence it is the convic- ful life, but not included in the ing, practical and life-related. background in Education, Psy- themselves and to the country. tion of SUBODHI that even syllabus/curriculum of school The feedback from the partici- chology, Science and Religion, Hence, SUBODHI is dedicated the human development of a education. Among them are (i) pants is always very positive education is a total preparation to the concept of integral or and encouraging. holistic education and its the development of its citizens I (ii) emotional maturity (iii) Rev. Fr. Chinaka Perera personal and social dimen- concrete realization. The word ascountry mature is, human in the first persons, place, inter-personalSelf-understanding: relationships Who am Programme Coordinator for life - for a fulfilled life in Little ways of St. Therese

“Life in Christ” - books for children hile the sci- attachments that dragged her Wis moving fast that would raise her to Jesus. and the multifacetedentific world de - Butdown she from triumphantly finding an offeredelevator velopment schemes are herself as a Victim of Love and rampant globally, and reached the height of Spiri- the world of youth is lost tuality of refusing nothing in the maze of life, the to Jesus. On an occasion she Little ways of St. Therese said; “Jesus will never refuse has inspired many be- anything to me since I refused lievers. In the face of her Him nothing.” littleness and nothing- “If through weakness ness, she trusted in God I should fall, may a glance to be her sanctity. She from Your Eyes straightway wanted to go to heaven by an entirely cleanse my soul, and consume all my new little way. St. Therese lived a hid- imp den life and “wanted to be unknown,” - yet became popular after her death erfections-as fire transforms all through her spiritual autobiography. things into itself; My way is all confi - denceful Father and in love,” Heaven she firmlyled her believed. to forget kind thought, A kind word, A kind act; Herthe “Hundredconfidence Sorrows” and trust that in the came Merci on her way and to count the “Thousand “I shall collectWhat arethese her as little roses ways and ?offer A Blessings” graces, mercies and Good- ness of God that were lavished upon said Therese. As she couldn’t go out to her while on earth. thethem whole to Jesus world crucified to preach to save and souls,”convert She prayed to Jesus! “Spot out souls, she realized her mission was to be with the Great Being, and to be present to the Great Presence of the greaterlittle souls...If blessings, you findmercies a soul and weaker graces Heavenly Father, moment to moment. than mine, andI know stoop you down will fill to itits with - nothingness and make it something.” tor that would raise me to Jesus.” The “Life in Christ,” a series of five books suitable for children from elevator, “Ishe wanted wrote, to would find an be eleva the arms Religious, when she said “After my Grades 1 to 5, is available for sale now at Catholic Book Outlets. of Jesus lifting her in all her little- death“She was I shall just shower a 24 year down old RosesCarmelite from The series is a companion to the Catholic Family Catechism and ness. Her life in the cloister of Carmel Heaven..I shall spend my life in Heaven is written by Archbishop Emeritus, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Oswald doing good on earth” Let us imitate her Gomis. The books are very colourfully displayed with attractive the martyrdom of denying psycho- little ways and save souls to Jesus. logicalentailed and offering physical daily needs, sacrifices desires and and pictures suitable for children. Sr. Fatimanayaki.A.C 9 The Messenger 23rd September 2012 English/Sinhala/Tamil and ensure that diocesan Poor Relief Fund. The Lenten attentively Circular Letter these texts are regularly read as a family education programme can be a most The Archdiocesan Commission Contd. from Pg. 2 at home by all concerned. A programme useful instrument in building up among for Ecumenism and Inter-religious dia- to encourage such reading of texts could our people a true spirit of solidarity with logue could organize various initiatives - be organized at deanery or regional lev- those in need. of presence and faith sharing by our plaining in simple language the truths els. faithful with members of other religious d)of the CredoPrepare and adiffuse series them of leaflets at Parish ex It would also be important to 6. Archdiocesan Liturgical Apostolate persuasions in order to foster an even level. ensure the further strengthening of the a) Shall in collaboration with the stronger spirit of goodwill and coopera- e) Collect whatever booklets or pre-cana and post-cana programmes Deva Dharma Niketanaya prepare ser- tion with them. placing the accent on the need of unity mon points for the weeks of the year also - that answer Christian fundamentalists in family life, its profoundly spiritual na- making use of the different orientations solve around what is done in the parish- andleaflets their available ill conceived or prepare and derogatory new ones ture and its role as the teacher of faith of the Liturgical seasons and the rele- es and soMuch I address of this myself would at this finally point re to attacks on the basic truths of the Catholic within itself and towards its neighbour- vant readings. In this, an effort should be our dear co-workers in priestly ministry, faith in the different languages and take hood. In this the follow up programme made to direct the arguments towards the Lord who in His mercy has chosen steps to diffuse them in the diocese. of newly married couples especially if the presentations of the basic tenets of us, dear Rev. Fathers, for this noble mis- f) Organize with the help of the they have, moved over to new locations the Credo, the ten commandments and sion of being shepherds of our people in University Chaplain programmes of faith from their original parishes should be the Sacraments to the faithful giving nec- the image of Christ the Good Shepherd, presentation and academic dialogue on considered a sine qua non. Generating essary indications to the priests from the expects us to give of our best for the real- faith and reason, for Catholic University within the young families the idealism of text of the CCC, Holy Scriptures and the ization of His mission, especially during students and teachers as well as general becoming a family that believes deeply, documents of Vatican II. this period of grace to which the succes- intelligentia. prays for and serves others generously, b) Shall prepare a special logo to sor of Peter has called us - a period of and stays together like the Holy Family be used during the year and banners to profound renewal. Hence I urge you as a priority to make it a point to visit all 3. The Archdiocesan Biblical of Nazareth, would go a long way. Devel- be used in Churches and other build- your families if you have not done so in Apostolate: oping the image of the family as the “do- ings. mestic Church” here becomes a sine qua c) Shall prepare a hymn to be sung the recent past. The mark of the Good The Archdiocesan Biblical Shepherd as you know is that of know- Apostolate is to make the text of the Holy non. at Liturgical services during the year on At the same time I request the Bible available in the different languages him. You would recall the words of St. to as many people as possible, encour- Family Apostolate to intensify its efforts effectivity. ingPaul his “How flock beautiful and they are inthe turn feet knowingof those at conscientising our faithful and the d)the supremeShall value ensure of faith that and within its salvific this who preach the Gospel of good tidings” [Lectio Divina], organize in collaboration general public on the supreme value of year an even greater awareness about withage its the reading Deva Dharma and prayerful Niketanaya reflection pro- life and at organizing an even more in- the need to celebrate the Sacraments, to visit it and walk within it, is already grammes of formation for parish Bibli- tense campaign against the evil of abor- especially the Most Holy Eucharist, with [Rom. 10:15]. To be seen in your parish, cal animators and get them to organize tion and all other forms of refusal of the due spiritual preparation and veneration for them, yearn to bring them closer to in their parishes Bible study groups and treasure of life which God alone in His is generated especially among the clergy. a first step to being the good shepherd. The Archdiocesan guidelines on the de- IGod, urge give you ofthen your to best,love your not grudginglyflock, pray other such activities and encourage fam- but joyfully, prepare your sermons well ily Bible reading as a daily habit. cor of the Sacred Altar, Tabernacle, Ves- 5.infinite The Archdiocesan mercy gives us. Caritas and sels, Sanctuary, the Vestments and their as well as the Liturgical services, help The Apostolate should also the sinners to return to God through the St. Vincent De Paul Society use and the beauty of the Altar should make available various publications that Sacrament of Reconciliation, care for the A profound sense of faith in Jesus be followed carefully and Holy Commu- have been released lately on the text of sick, the lonely and the poor and above necessarily involves our commitment to nion administered kneeling and on the the Holy Bible so that a greater aware- all be in constant communion with God issues of justice, dedication to the cause - ness of the beauty of the Word of God as St. John Mary Vianney, the patron of peace as well as the well being of oth- ing prayers for the priests so that these may help our faithful to better under- saint of priests was. Let us practically set stand their faith and live according to its ers and compassion towards those who cantongue. be recited The office while will vesting introduce each of vest the demands. suffer. In a social context which tends items as a worthy spiritual preparation to lead people more and more towards for the Holy Mass. Each parish is to equip our parishesAs a onspecial fire inevent this Iyear hope of to grace, visit itself this year with a set of Albs, Girdles, 4. The Archdiocesan Family somewith the of fire the of larger a renewed parishes faith. on a given those who become marginalized or are Stoles and Chasubles which are to be Apostolate: Saturday or Sunday and explaining the inselfishness conditions and of povertygreed, the is ever number on the of used at each celebration or concelebra- The Holy Family of Nazareth basic tenets of the Credo to engage in a increase. There are also signs of social tion of the Holy Mass. bears witness to the importance of the dialogue with those who wish to seek tension, lack of social accountability and e) Shall ensure that during the transparency as well as a lack of respect - In today’s society, different trends and presented. for human dignity. And so I call upon the tributed among the parishes containing ideologies,family in the seek growth to reduce of faith the [cf. familyLc 2:52]. to theologicalMay, clarifications the Heavenly on the Mother, points Archdiocesan Commission for Justice. briefseason information of Lent a leaflet/bookletand prayers for be use dis at a mere social unit devoid of its super- whose profound faith in God made Her Peace, Human Development and Integ- Confession of the greater use of this Sac- natural calling - that of being the seed- accept God’s will for Her from the an- rity of Creation to organize programmes rament as a way to deepen one’s faith, is bed for the growth of faith for their chil- nunciation to Her heavenly assumption, of conscientisation in our communities introduced. dren. Special programmes, then, should and especially at the foot of the Cross, be on these issues based on the principles f) Regular campaigns of prayer be organized in order to inculcate in the the role model for all of us. May that faith of faith and the social doctrine of the which include Holy Hours and Rosary parents that awareness that theirs is a strengthen us. Church, and also to intensify its pro- are organized through the network of

grammes of accompaniment of the poor Religious in the parishes and Contem- the faith to their children. I would there- Thank you and may God Bless you ! with support projects. I also call upon plative Communities for the increase of forefar noble request vocation the as Archdiocesan the first teachers Family of With prayers and my cordial blessing the parish based units of St. Vincent De faith within the Catholic community. Yours devotedly in Christ, Catechetics diffuse among the families Paul Society or other such associations g) Instruct all the priests to en- to intensify their programme of help for sure that during Holy Mass on the days copiesApostolate of tothe jointly Mahopadesaya. with the office Catho for- @ Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith lic Family Catechism, Catechism of the the poor and request more participation prescribed the faithful recite the entire Archbishop of Colombo Catholic Church and its compendium in by the parishes in the efforts of the Arch- Credo and not just parts, devoutly and Key participants for new Evangelization Synod13th Septemberannounced 2012 the assembly’s meetings. meant to be a moment of grace Archbishop Jose The synod is due to to strengthen Christians’ faith Gomez of Los Angeles and and joy in proclaiming Christ - presidents delegate are Car- to the world. - dinalstake place John Oct.Tong 7-28,Hon of and Hong its The synod of bish- can34 other as synod clergymen fathers were for thean Kong, Francisco Ortega of upcomingnounced Sept. assembly 18 by of the bishops Vati ops was Guadalajara, and Laurent Pas- on the New Evangelization. by Pope Paul VI to “foster the inya of Kinshasa, Democratic established in 1965 The synod fathers in- unity and cooperation of bish- Republic of the Congo. It will clude Cardinal Sodano, dean ops around the world with the bring bishops to Rome from of the college of cardinals; Holy See.” the whole world to discuss the Cardinal Schonborn of Vienna; There are two catego- New Evangelization, which is Archbishop Bernard Longley of - aimed at reintroducing the Birmingham, England; Bishop cial. The last special gathering Catholic faith in lands where it Dominique Rey of Frejus-Tou- ries of synod: general and spe was previously present. lon, France; and Father Julian The gathering will the Church in the Middle East, Carron of the Communion and was held in 2010 to focus on be guided by a working docu- while the last general assembly Liberation movement. must provide “an adequate re- identity and the meaning of Archbishop Jose the result of consultation with sponse to the signs of the times, our lives.” of God. The upcoming meeting Gomez of Los Angeles is the thement, worldwide issued June Church 19, forwhich more is to the needs of individuals and The synod coincides onwas evangelization held in 2008 onwill the fall Word into only American among the 35 than a year. people of today and to the new with the Year of Faith, which the general category and will synod fathers, who are tasked According to that doc- sectors with their cultures . with guiding the discussions of ument, the New Evangelization through which we express our will begin Oct. 11, 2012, and is be the 13th of its kind 10 The Messenger 23rd September 2012 Anniversary of Priestly Ordination Milly’s Rev. Fr. Merl Mendis OMI Hands preacher, teacher and a trainer, Rev. Fr. Merl Men- to the teachers of Catechism A wasthat dulythe certificate recognized awarded by the dis OMI will celebrate the 44th anniversary of his Government. After six years atuwa Priestlyhe studied Ordination at St. Sebastian’s on September College 28, and2012. entered of tireless ministry in the Na- the Religious Born Congregation on January 16,of Oblates 1941 in of Kadalana,Mary Immacu- Mor- tional Catechetical Centre, ordained to the priesthood by late Thomas Cardinal Co- late and received his first vows on May 31, 1961. He was he took leave Soon, from this his tireless office Touching, folding so delicately workeras Director looked on July for 31, new 2001. av- Those fi ne face-edged linen serviettes mentoray, onwas September at St. Anne’s 28, 1968.Church, Wattala as the Assistant enues for Oblates Missionar- To place them, wings folded like butterfi les Parish Priest. Soon Owingafter his to Ordination, his keen interest Fr. Merl’s for firststudies assign- and ies at Wanaluwawa, Pugoda At rest beside gold-rimmed transparent pastoral concern for the people, he was sent abroad for Retreat Centre. It is a quiet Rev. Fr. Merl Mendis OMI porcelain further studies and formation. and remote but ideal place Plates laid out on that long calamander dining As a result, he obtained a Post Graduate degree to take a walk with the Lord. Fr. Merl leads the centre as table in Mass Media and Communication from the University the Resident Pastor while continuing to conduct several For the family reunion banquet. of Concordia, Montreal, Canada a special diploma in Adult ongoing formation programmes on leadership life educa- Education from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, tion and community building at present. A good number Strong hands, Milly’s hands, Canada, together’ with a Diploma on Catechetics from Eu- of Buddhist children and youth took advantage of this Wide plams shaped like cradles charistic College, London, Upon his return he anchored centre to gain knowledge and spiritual awareness. As a To hold and rock babies, himself at “Nazareth” Wennappuwa, giving leadership to result, this centre has become a sign of reconciliation and Nine children she had, innumarable grandchil- the Preaching Band and initiated an island-wide Pastoral peace. Fr. Merl continues to be the Director for Adult Edu- dren, Campaign. He tirelessly undertook many programmes in cation and Catechesis for the Archdiocese of Colombo. He All living their own lives now different dioceses, parishes and shrines, mainly involving was made the Dean of Gurubewila Deanery since 2007. So Milly can share her life with others. preaching. He also conducted a variety of workshops and Milly’s smile as sweet as the coconut fondant training programmes for youngsters and adults, alike. pitched his tent in Bopitiya, where there are a good num- In 2010 Fr. Merl Mendis left Wanaluwawa and- She makes, its pink shimmery crystals OMI Communication Centre, which was inaugurated at for his apostolic work. He started teaching English to the Reposing in silver dishes, Fr. Merl Mendis was the first Director of the studentber of Catholic who have families. sat for There G.C.E. he Advanced also found Level a fitting Examina- place Milly’s silvery hair a curving shell the initiative to conduct leadership courses, Mass Media tion. It was not only teaching a language but he also gave a Above her nape, CoursesPolwate, andMinuwangoda Bible courses on forNovember children 14,1988.youth and He adults. took prominent place for the religious character formation for Hands that are sculptures of life He did organize special English courses at the Polwatta youth who came to him. Parents were very happy with But fl esh and blood, not stone or marble. the all round education they received there and soon the the Mirigama Parish. numbers increased year by year. Sews exquisite garments out of silks, satins, Centre until It was 1993. the Fromappointment 1993 to of 1995, Fr. Merl he took Mendis charge as the of Rev. Fr. Merl Mendis received a number of invi- Velvets, places bind-stroke stitches that hold Director of Catechetics, Education and Bible Apostolate, tation from the Catholic schools around to teach English Together, moulded against the bodies of children which marked a major milestone in his life. He put a great in their schools too. According to the time available he And beautiful women, stitches that are more effort to update and give value to the National catechesis. was happy to help those schools whenever possible. He Enduring that mortality, He took a keen interest in Religion and with teachers in helped the near by churches by celebrating mass, hearing Makes sweets, achcharus, chutneys, preserves, Government schools, both in the Sinhala and Tamil medi- confessions and attending to the spiritual needs of the Stirs soft dodols, aluwas, kiri topi am. He set a new trend in initiating workshops for G.C.E. people when there was a request from the parish priests For festivals and grand occasions. A/L, and G.C.E. O/L students at school level. While doing of the area. He is a very zealous priest who is always these various activities, he took trouble to compile, edit “What I would love most is a sewing machine,” and publish Literature books, pamphlets for Catechism versary of his priesthood and many more fruitful years in Milly tells her kind mistress Mallika, teachers and G.C.E. students. During his term nearly 25 theready Lords to help Vineyard. others. We wish a very happy 44th. Anni- She has few other desires, publications came out of the National Catechetical Cen- Visit her children, is free to go where she wills, tre. Among those publications, the Pentateuch, summary priesthood in the OMI congregation, and in the Archdio- I watch her, I, a visitor in the home, Editon of Catechism of the Catholic Church are still very cese of Colombo During the he very has fruitfulengaged and himself enriched in a 44 variety years of Yes, watch her, arranging those life giving hands popular among people. ministries. We pray and wish him God’s choicest bless- On lacy cloth embroidered with fl owers and A handbook and the set of posters created by him ings with the special care and love of Mother Mary, so that Fr. Merl may continue his services. Vines, hands that gather those snow-white folds tool for teachers. Fr. Merl managed to utilize the different Ad Multos Annos! Guiding an imaginary needle. forcesbased inon operation the Sacraments both in wereChurch an and efficient in Government, audio visual so Jude Ravindra Winayasiri Perera “Wait Milly, wait,” Mallika says, takes a careful Camera shot to preserve for the generations to Come and that one day will be set in a frame, Soldier who battled for the conquest of families Hung on the wall with my poem. Basil Kahasinghe, tachd to the Army Training house on foot in the moun- a Soldier of the conquest Milly’s hands pause, but briefl y, Camp, Diyatalawa, apart taineous areas such as Di- of the families who battled Hands that cannot keep still even for dren, resident at Thim- yatalawa, Kahagolla, Ban- fearlessly in and through A photo birigaskatuwa,beloved father went of five to chil- his involved himself in the ex- darawela, Badulla, Nuwara the true spirit of his secular eternal reward at the age of tensionfrom his of officialthe apostolate duties heof Eliya Gampola, Utuamkan- employment as a soldier, Jean Arasanayagam families through the Chris- da, Kadugannawa etc., with but with a Christian per- remembers hands that loved, soldier attached to the Sri tian Family Movement the consent and permission spective. that worked, that brought up children, Lanka78 years. Army. He Whilewas a servingretired (CFM), treading hills and of respective Parish Priests. In addition to in the Sri Lanka Army, at- valleys, visiting house to He very unspairingly devot- the family milleu, he was fed hungry mouths and wiped ed himself, his time, talent, involved in a network of angry tears ..... energy and possibilities for services. Basil Kahasinghe Fr. Michael Sandanam OSB the extension and develop- was the Founder of the Or- Parish Priest - Katugastota ment of the CFM apostolate ganization of the Universal amongst the families. Brotherhood, comprising Silver Jubilee Basil Kahasinghe of inter-religious dimen- Humble priest with a heart of gold was a foceful speaker who sions and values, amount- Tribute to a Dear Teacher expressed the doctrine and ing to re-christianization of Won the hearts of young and old. D aphne Aunty to all Did the priestly duty to the content vision of late Cardinal Jo- society as envisaged by late seph Cardijn pertaining to Joseph Cardinal Cardijn in A lways with a smile; Of the superiors, elders, young - at his best. the family millieu. He was keeping with his thoughts He, truly discharges his pastor’s duties P erfect in her work, a sincere friend and a close and vision. H igh Profi ciency in her speech To the best of his wonderful abilities. associate of Percy Silva, the To Basil Kahas- He is trilingual and can reach everybody Founder of the CFM of Sri inghe, a Pioneer CFM activ- N ever said no to anyone. And has a gift of breaking hearts of nobody. Lanka. Both of them col- ists who lived, loved and E ntered glory making thousands stand An active kind parish priest and a guru laborated very activiely in served the Christian Fam- on their own feet the pioneer work from the ily Movement so much, we An excellent person to the congregation true. L ovable lady When there is a suden need for action inception of the CFM in Sri the CFM’ ers in our turn as- O h! I miss you; He is there to assist with quick action. Lanka, which in fact is in- sure our prayers and may Congratulations our dear Father Michael delibly recorded in the his- his soul rest in peace in the R everedly I honour you tory of the Christian Family fullness of Christ, our Di- May God bless your for many many more years. D ear Aunty Daphne Movement in Sri Lanka. Ba- vine Leader and Redeemer. Sunimal Perera Edward Wijeratna sil Kahasinghe was really Vivian Silva 1311 The Messenger 23rd September 2012

Sri Lankan English (SLE) J. Michael Meyler "There are a number of issues encountered in SLE, compiling these issues for no particular reason, is called the “Six Sisters” Spelling Conventions. exposure to contemporary British, Recently, this code-switching SLE as being just a sub-variety of Indian Spelling more than any other is American and Australian language and between English and Sinhala has become English, an impression encouraged by the one1. area where dictionaries are expected culture via educational and commercial more fashionable – a development which relative lack of documentary evidence of to be prescriptive. We are so used to opportunities. The growth of English- has been picked up by a number of SLE as a separate entity. “looking it up in the dictionary” to check medium “international schools”, exposure advertisers. Of course there is a big overlap the correct spelling of a word. But, how do to foreign media and the internet, the between Indian English and SLE. Both 4. Sinhala and Tamil: you spell a non-English word, which does growing expatriate community, and the varieties evolved from the English of the Striking the Right Balance. not appear in any dictionary, and which is return from abroad of many younger Many Tamil speakers are generation expatriate Sri Lankans, have all much common vocabulary developed to trilingual, speaking Sinhalese as well The only consolation is that British colonials of the 19th century, and as English, this is less common among Englishnormally used language, only in havingspoken contexts? historically two countries. Another common factor is Sinhala speakers, who are more likely to absorbed words from so many different 3.influenced Class d theistinctions. way people speak English. thedescribe existence the common of many flora Tamil and words fauna in of both the be bilingual and unable to speak in Tamil. languages, already contains so many Indian and Sri Lankan English. For this reason Sinhala and English (but spelling inconsistencies that it can surely distinctions in the way people speak However, it is also striking how not Tamil) tend to be the “link” language take a few more. English There in Sri are Lanka. also significant The stereotype class many differences there are between between different communities. Sinhala “Colombo 7” family is likely to speak Indian English and SLE. It therefore speakers can drop Sinhala words into 2. The generation gap. seems to be valid, to make a distinction their conversation and make themselves Like any language, SLE is children to international schools, to spend between the two, while at the same time understood, while Tamil words are less constantly evolving. The language spoken holidaysEnglish as visiting their first relatives language, abroad, to send and their to acknowledging their common features. likely to be understood by non-Tamil by today’s younger generation is very be exposed to international English via Perhaps it is more helpful to see both of speakers. This helps to explain why different from the language inherited the media, internet, etc. The English they them as distinct but overlapping sub- Sinhala has had much greater and more from the British at independence. On speak is therefore likely to be closer to an varieties of a more general “South Asian the other hand, many of the features of international standard. They are also likely English” In addition, Sinhala speakers tend “Colonial” English remain in SLE having to have the ability to switch between “Sri tovisible merge influence Sinhala on and SLE. English into a hybrid fallen out of fashion with British English. Lankan mode” and “international mode” 6. British English and International Which explains why some aspects of SLE depending on the context they are in. English: Which standard and why? – words in English and English loan-words seem outdated and formal to speakers The further you travel – Why is British English chosen in“Singlish” Sinhala, or as:Singrisi” well as – using code Sinhala – switching loan of contemporary British English. Both metaphorically, if not geographically from as the standard against which SLE is regularly between the two languages. languages have developed in their own Tamil speakers may do the same thing different ways, and a number of factors of Sinhala and Tamil on the English people English” is only spoken by a tiny percentage amongst themselves, but they cannot do compared? So-called “standard British speak.“Colombo Many 7,” Sri the Lankans greater iscan the claim influence to be of the English speaking world, mostly so to the same extent outside their own bilingual in English and Sinhala or Tamil, concentrated in south – east England. It could language community. Interestingly, this have influenced the way in which SLE has But there are degrees of bilingualism, be argued that a broader “international type of code – switching between English theevolved “Sinhala over the only” past policy60 years. which led to and many people speak English as their English” would be a more relevant standard and Tamil appears to be more common in English beingMost droppedsignificant as perhaps the medium was second language. The result is that as with which to compare SLE. Tamil Nadu, where Tamil is the dominant of education in Sri Lankan schools and well as the many Sinhala and Tamil words However, unfortunately language. the emigration of most of the Burgher which have entered SLE, there are also “international English’ remains an elusive many grammatical features which would 5. Indian English and Sri Lanka English speakers. This resulted in what be considered errors not only by speakers known dictionaries and course books English: where to draw the line? and ill-defined concept. Most of the best- mostcommunity people and would many regard other first as a language general of British English, but also by educated Sri are based on either “British English” or Indian English has long been “lowering” in the standard of English in the Lankan English speakers. American English”. British English is recognized as an established variety of country. As Sinhala became the dominant One feature of the language spoken the language from which SLE originally English, and has been well documented language of education and Government, by bilingual English/Sinhala speakers is a evolved, and it remains a widely accepted tendency to switch freely between English standard for English as an international result of this was a merging of English and Sinhala in mid-conversation, even in language. It is still seen (rightly or wrongly) English”ever since is a“Hobson hugely Jobson’ diverse was language, first andits influence Sinhala by on bilingual SLE also speakers increased. into Onethe mid-sentence. This is further compounded as a “model” to be aspired to by Sri Lankan incorporatingpublished in the not 19th only century. the vast But, diversity “Indian hybrid often referred to as “Singlish” which by the tendency of spoken Sinhala to learners of English, who need to be aware of India itself with all its ethnic groups, include so many English words – a feature of the differences between SLE and religions and native languages, but also The reversal of the isolationist sometimes referred to as “Singrisi.” As a “standard” English – particularly if they other countries in the subcontinent such as has become a significant feature of SLE. result of this mingling of languages, it can be intend to sit for a foreign exam which will Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. open-market attitudes of subsequent be marked by a non-Sri Lankan Examiner. As a result there is a tendency to think of Governments,policies of the 1970s, resulted and the inincreasingly greater ends and English begins. Courtesy : Koinonia difficult to define exactly where the Sinhala What are Pope Benedict's hopes for each one of us during the 'Year of Faith'?

The Holy Father wants celebrated, lived and prayed, and fessors and virgins. Porta Fidei, us to rediscover the journey of 13. faith so as to shed an even clearer task that every believer must Taking up one of the light on the joy and renewed en- maketo reflect his on own, the especially act of faith, in is the a - thusiasm of the encounter with course of this Year. cate, the Holy Father expresses Christ. In order for us to redis- therecurring hope that themes the of'Year his of pontifi Faith' He wants us to rediscov- cover the content of the faith, the will also be a good opportunity er a taste for feeding ourselves Holy Father proposes that the for each one of us to intensify the on the word of God, faithfully 'Year of Faith' will have to see a witness of charity, which is faith handed down by the Church, and concerted effort to rediscover in action. on the bread of life, offered as and study the fundamental con- Pope Benedict con- sustenance for his disciples (cf. tent of the faith that receives its cludes with a beautiful expres- Jn systematic and organic synthesis ● To take the opportunity in the Catechism of the Catholic ‘Intent on gathering the to 6:51).read the documents of Vatican Church. signssion of of his the hopes times for in the us: presence II correctly, help them become Pope Benedict is clear, of history, faith commits every as humanity is currently experi- profess the faith in fullness and widely known and take them to that faced with the urgent need one of us to become a living sign encing. with renewed conviction, with heart as important and norma- of the presence of the Risen Lord ● To profess our faith in tive texts of the Magisterium. the "one thing that will be of de- in the world. What the world is the Risen Lord in our cathedrals He wants us to inten- ● To approach the Year of cisivefor the importance purification in of thisthe ChurchYear is in particular need of today, is and in the churches of the whole sifyconfidence the celebration and hope. of the faith retracing the history of our faith, the credible witness of people world; in our homes and among in the liturgy, especially in the the Church and for individuals, a marked as it is by the unfathom- enlightened in mind and heart our families, so that everyone Eucharist, which is “the summit summonsFaith as a timeto an of authentic purification and forre- able mystery of the interweaving by the word of the Lord, and ca- may feel a strong need to know towards which the activity of the newed conversion to the Lord. of holiness and sin." By this the pable of opening the hearts and better and to transmit to future Church is directed; and also the ● Holy Father means to encourage minds of many, to the desire for generations the faith of all times. source from which all its power of faith, so we acquire a more each one of us to become famil- God and for true life, life without The Holy Father wants conscious To intensify and vigorous our reflection adher- end.’ Porta Fidei, 15 the Year of Faith to arouse in To rediscover the con- ence to the Gospel, especially at Faith, from Mary and the Apos- every believer the aspiration to tentflows.” of the faith that is professed, a time of profound change such tles,iar with to the the saints, great figures martyrs, of conour- From the Internet 1412 The Messenger 23rd September 2012 A calling to a religous life Let me share sick. Then it became a join us then come before paschal candle I prayed another God-experience, struggle between wheth- daily. A Miracle! An unbe- about how I discerned er I should continue to and decide!" lievable thing happened. my vocation to a religious look after my sick and old January There 31, 1991. seemed Pray My grandmother got well life. grandmother, or leave her, to be no solution to my and my aunty undertook I had a great de- problem. I kept on worry- to look after her and said sire to be a nun when ter the Convent. This in- ing. The only solution that that I can go ahead with I was young. One day I nerand strugglefulfill my continued desire to en-for came to my mind was to went to meet the Francis- many days. When I shared hand over the problem to can Sisters at Negombo, this struggle with the Sis- Jesus. I thought if it is the didate.my plan. It On was January a decisive 14, and expressed my desire. ter who was in charge of moment1991 I entered in choosing as a can- my After one year I was cho- vocation promotion work, solution, and I prayed and future life. sen to be a candidate with she advised me by saying, prayed.....plan of God, "Jesus, He will I find hand a For you too, to de- "Earlier you said that you over my problem to you. cide on your future, even if needed more time, and my needed more time. Now Sister has given me the entrancethe July 1990 was group. postponed But I it is the problem of your and God will help you to grandmother. If you know have to make the decision makeit is to the find right a partner, decision. pray As a young girl God is calling you to be a date, January 31, and I Ito usedJanuary to 1991. look after my religious sister then don't ing is impossible for you." Sr. Shiroma Fernando grandmother who was hesitate. If you want to before January With a 14. lighted Noth- Fmm- Piliyandala First Holy Communion Words of Gossip spread...... in spite of saying sorry ! in Maggona Why do we speak bad about another It would condemn our very own brother, How can he face the other This would make him bother.

Our comments, remarks make him suffer. Facts far from the truth, would make him gitter, His own betraying him, would make him bitter, He would struggle to recover and get better.

Offender would say 'sorry', it would not end there, Mouth to mouth the word would spread every where, To stop it, the chances would be very rare, What would be left, is to suffer and to bear.

Seeking pardon at confession, would be of no use, The words that spread would be the news. The effort to stop it, would be of no use Cannot get away from guilt, the offender should muse.

Speaking against one another is gossip, the guidance of Rev. Fr. Ishan Prameena, Listening to such talk is, encouraging gossip, Communion at St. Mary's Church, Mag- Parish Priest in collaboration with Rev. Forty five children received Holy Spreading it to one another too is gossip Sisters and Daham Pasal teachers. No pardon then would prevent punishment on gossip. ments for this event were made under (D. Anselm Fernando) gona, on September 1, 2012. Arrange- Words of gossip spread, in spite of saying 'sorry' An invitation to all Children and Youth That is what, should make us worry, You are hereby invited to write an article of a few words, or a poem or It is a grievious sin we all could carry, send us one of your drawings. We will be happy to publish these, because this Thus we should ponder in depth, without a hurry. page belongs to you. RodeZo Please take some time to do this, during your holidays. How happy would you be, to see one of your presentations published. Your parents and teachers would be happier than you. Apology Some of our readers had been disturbed by some words used in last Please send it to: week's article headlined "Mind your language" on this page. The Assistant Editor, Messenger, Colombo Catholic Press, Colombo 08. We apologise to them. 1513 The Messenger 23rd September 2012 What it says ..... in the Readings Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Through the Good News God called First Reading: the world. These facts are clearly Wisdom. 2:12, 17 – 20 portrayed in today’s readings. us to share the glory of our Lord Jesus The righteous man is a Christ. challenge to the ungodly. Therefore we see how the ungodly at- 2 The. 2: 14 they would want to see whether tached toIn this today’s world first and reading to sin, this righteous man is truly the Son would wish to destroy the righ- of God and to see whether the Lord teous ones simply because they Liturgical Calendar Year B would protect him. are opposed to their sinful ac- 23rd Sept. - 30th Sept. 2012 tions. The ungodly think of being Second Reading: away with the righteous in order James.3:16 – 4:3 to see whether the righteous are th Sun: 25 Sunday in ordinary St. James advises the true sons of God, They hope to time converts to be full of the wisdom so see the Son of God saved in times Wis 2:12; 17-20; Jm 3:16-43; that there will be peace and mercy of destruction. Their idea of the Mk. 9:30-37 in their lives. For all disorders and Son of Man is worldly. But God’s Mon: Prov. 3: 27-34; Lk. 8: 16-18 vile practices exist because of the ways are different. When the day Tue: Prov. 21: 1-6, 10-13; Lk. 8: 9-21 came when they killed the Son of Wed: Memorial of SS. Cosmas & Man; God made use of that death Damian, Martyrs Gospel:worldliness and selfishness. to save all mankind. Prov. 30: 5-9; Lk. 9: 1-6 Mk.9: 30 -37 In the second reading St. salvation of mankind. We see the Thu: Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, Jesus comes out with the James warns the converts against Apostles who had being worldly, Priest fact that He is not a Messiah who their passions. He says “where discussing about who is the great- 1 Aoh 1: 2-11; Lk. 9: 7-9 would rule and reign, but one who est among them. But Jesus made Saint Vincent de Paul, C.M. (1581 will suffer and die for the greater there will be disorder and every it clear to them when he said that - 1660) was a priest who became dedicated glory of God and for the salvation of vilejealousy practice. and selfishThis passion ambition and exist in serving the poor and mankind. He wants all the disciples must be the last of all and servant founded the Congrega- to be suffering Messiahs if they destruction. They will lead us away ofif anyone all. would like to be first, he tion of the Mission, wish to follow Him. fromselfishness God and will from lead our us toneighbor. war and Christian disciples should a society of mission- The grace of God will not bear the responsibility of acting out ary priests commonly Reflection be ours if we act out of passion and - known as the Vincen- In today’s readings Jesus ness, wisdom and true witness. tians or Lazarists. warns us against being worldly, and you do not receive, because of compassion, peace, faith, selfish Fri: Memorials youselfishness. ask wrongly, For it to says, spend “You on ask your Aid Story 1 of St. Wenceslaus, one is likely to lose his true rela- passions.” Therefore let us take the One girl who was about to Martyr & St. Law- tionshipselfish and with passionate. God. Otherwise advice of St. James and act through get married asked her boyfriend rence Ruiz A person, who is taken wisdom so that there would be whether he would do anything for and Companions, up with the world, is carried away complete peace, and harmony with her out of love. He said,”yes darling Martyrs God and also among us. you know that I would do anything Qoh 3: 1-11; Lk. 9: 18-22 likely to become a hindrance and a In the Gospel Jesus speaks for you.” She asked him whether Sat: Feast of SS. Michael, Gabriel, and nuisanceby his passion to the and world. being He selfish will not is of the suffering and death he has to he would die for her out of love. He Raphael Archangels have any contacts with the Lord undergo. He clearly states that he is said, “No darling, mine is an undy- Dan. 7: 9-10, 13-14; and will even plan to misuse the not a Messiah who would rule and ing love.” Jn 1: 47-51 power that God had given him. He reign, but one who will suffer and Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos Gabriel brought the mes- will also upset the plan God has for die for the glory of God and for the sage to Mary of the Annun- ciation, (Patron of telecom- awe-inspiring manner of celebrating the Eucharist that munications, radio and TV St. Padre Pio de Pietrelcina could be best considered the pinnacle of all his apostolic workers. Raphael, guide Priest Stigmatic activity. to Tobias. Padre Pio was widely believed to have been (Patron of (1887 - 1968) the recipient of numerous mystical experiences such nurses, phy- “The cross of as visits from our Blessed Mother, bilocation, i.e., being sicians and Christ is truly the out- seen in two different places at one and the same time, the blind). standing school of love, communication with angels, the gifts of prophecy and Michael has indeed, the very ‘well- healing, etc. However, he was not without his share of been vener- by suffering the love of anguish and suffering, brought about by the doubts and ated as pro- suspicions harboured and expressed by many as re- tector of thisspring’ faithful of love.disciple Purified drew hearts to Christ and to gards the authenticity of his stigmata. Yet, the good pa- Christians dre took it all in his stride in the true Franciscan spirit in general his demanding Gospel of salvation,” said the Holy of resignation. and soldiers in particular - Father, Pope John Paul II (Patron of radiologists, - when raising Padre Pio the sick, paratroopers- merous believersThe first priest-stigmaticuntil he breathed of his the last Church, on Septem he be- of Pietrelcina to the hon- Patron saint of Israel) came and remained the focal point of edification for nu ours of the Altar on May Sun: 26th Sunday in ordinary - berwas 23, a generous 1968, prompting dispenser Pope of divine John mercyPaul IT ... to “ comment time thus at his canonization on June 16, 2002: “Padre Pio Num. 11: 25-29; Jm. 5: 1-6; could2, 1999. very Indeed, well have the been ac considered complete in the Reflection: “The life of a Christian is nothing but a per- tual beatification of Pio soul to the beauty of its perfection except at the price of Apostolic..... thepurification Good News he closerunderwent to each in other that “outstanding than ever before. school pain”petual (St. struggle Padre againstPio de Pietrelcina). self; there is no flowering of the Contd. from Pg. 5 of love”, the cross, a purification that brought people and After the war there were many confused and unwanted Maria Giuseppa De Nunzio in Pietrelcina, Italy, Fran- Prayer of the Faithful cois tookBorn the nameon May of 25,Pio 1887at his to investiture Grazio Forgione on January and children who were entrusted to them and they devote Response: Hear us Lord we ask of you. themselves generously for their welfare. They have For the Pope and the Bishops that they may - Homes for these children and the Sisters render dedi- give an example of humble and loving service to all 22, 1903 at the Capuchin Friary at Morcone. He made cated services to these children and people. their brothers and sisters in the Church. Let us pray Godhis solemn and neighbour, profession Pio on demonstrated January 27,1907 remarkable and was zest or Through these apostolates/ministries they to the Lord. fordained his vocation priest on which August he 10,considered 1910. Filled a call with to work love for of Response: Hear us Lord we ask of you. have promoted vocations among the youth and many the good of his fellowmen. Such was the depth of the have dedicated themselves totally to the service of the For all those in positions of authority; that piety of this worthy son of Francis d’ Assisi that, as early they may put the needs of others before personal Church. Today there are many priests and nuns in dif- - gain and ambition. Let us pray to the Lord. ferent Congregation who recall with gratitude the ser- Response: Hear us Lord we ask of you. vices rendered by the Holy Family Sisters. “Go forward, hisas in wounds. 1910, the However, Lord singled it was him not out until for September that most sig 20, For all the little ones,those who are on the there is nothing to stop your Course,” these words of nificant of graces, the stigmata, i.e., a representation of bottom rung of the ladder and who spend their lives our Founder urge us always to be ready to respond to imprinted on his person at San Giovanni Rotondo. doing menial jobs for others that they may realise the needs of our people. This year is a golden era not 1918 thatA theman visible of deep scars piety, of those prayer wounds and prudence, were finally the that they are close to Christ and important in his only for the Holy Family Sisters, but for the Church in special mission that characterized his life as a priest eyes. Let us pray to the Lord. Sri Lanka and especially for the Church in Jaffna. As we manifested itself in numerous ways. The special charism Response: Hear us Lord we ask of you. he had for spiritual direction and sacramental reconcili- May all our Priests the God’s anointed, be the Lord who journeyed with us at every stage and ation, at which he spent long hours daily, helped bring guided in times of their weakness, strengths them celebrate the 150 years with gratitude we remember - the touch of God’s forgiving love into the aching heart with your Spirit, so that they may joyfully dedicate their lives for your loving service. Let us pray to the sion entrusted to us. of suffering, sinful humanity. His sanctity made a great offer Him our thanks and continued fidelity to His mis impact on all he came in contact with, so much so that Lord. Jubilee Committee, Holy Family Provincialate, Jaffna. Response: Hear us Lord we ask of you. (Contd. next week) he was called the second Saint Francis! But it was his