Messenger 22Nd January 2012 Application to Obtain Membership of Catholic the Parish of Dehiowita, Ratnapura Teachers' Union

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

CONvERSION OF ST. PAUl FEAST OF THE CHRISTIAN UNITy PRESENTATION OF OUR lORD WEEK 18-25 JANUARY “REGISTERED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS OF SRI LANKA UNDER NO. QD / 11 / NEWS / 2012” 02ND FEB 2012 Sunday 22nd Jan 2012 Vol 142 No 04 16 Pages Rs: 20.00 Registered as a newspaper Statement by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka Cuban crocodile meets the Pope

“Humanityhe Catholic Bishops’ is notConference safe of Sriif lankathe child in the womb is not safe” T(CBCSl) learns that the government is to be engaged in enacting legislation that would permit said that “humanity is not safe if the child in the abortion. womb is not safe.” We wish to state categorically that the CBCSL is not in agreement with and is opposed to any attempt at legalizing abortion since abortion The Holy Bible teaches that all human beings amounts to murder. are made in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1: Hence, we earnestly request the 27). The Church has always held that God is the government not to proceed with this intended author of life and that it is God’s supreme and the legislation since killing in every form is an most sacred gift given to all of us. Hence, it is our abominable crime. greatest obligation to do all we can to protect, life from its natural beginning to its natural end. Blessed John Paul taught that the Church ought to be at the service of life amidst the culture of A rare Cuban crocodile is presented by a member death of our day. It was Blessed Mother Teresa who His Eminence at opening of Engineering Faculty of Aquinas University College of Rome’s “Bio Park” Zoo to Pope Benedict XVI, a supporter of endangered species. vATICAN CITy — A rare Cuban crocodile met a bemused Pope Benedict xvI, in the vatican last “Church faces the challenge to Wednesday, as Rome’s Bio Park Zoo celebrated its reconcile science and religion” centenary with the eco-friendly Pontiff. A staff member from the Zoo – which has is Eminence, 1,200 animals and is visited by 700,000 people a year HMalcolm Cardinal – presented the 60-centimetre long crocodylus Ranjith, the Archbishop Silva, Rector and Vice rhombifer crocodile to the Pope, who smiled bravely. of Colombo, and Chancellor of Aquinas “Truly the world is dark wherever men and Chancellor of Aquinas University College, while women no longer acknowledge their bond with the University College, thanking His Eminence for Creator and thereby endanger their relation to other addressing the official gifting the entire building creatures and to creation itself,” the Holy Father said. opening of the Faculty of of the Radio and A Call of the Heart Engineering of the Electronics Laboratory to College stressed, that the College, assured that there is no contradiction the same services of Fr. between religion and Ignatius will be continued science. “They are in for the greater benefit of partnership. While the youth. science tells us about the Rev. Fr. Ivan veracity of the physical Perera, Episcopal Vicar world, religion speaks the truth.” Plato and Aristotle were in was the chief celebrant at about the reality of the The official a quest for the truth and the Concelebrated Holy spiritual dimension opening of the Engineering bearing witness to the Mass as a commemoration which is enlightened by Faculty also coincided with truth, the Church faces the of the 31st death the soul that is within us.” the handing over of the challenge to reconcile anniversary of Rev. Fr. entire building of Fr. science and religion. Ignatius Perera. haring in the joy and hope that the season of Ignatius Perera’s Radio He also praised Also present SChristmas brings, the Buddhist staff of the “Hence,” His and Electronics the efforts taken by the were Rev. Fr. Dinesh Katana Pradeshaya Sabha, joined hands with Eminence pointed out, Laboratory. The dual Rector to restore Fr. Fernando, Priest-in- the Christian members of the staff to show their “that a scientist, as a ceremony took place at the Ignatius’ Radio and Charge of the Faculty creativity and skills in constructing this beautiful scholar and seeker of truth of Engineering and the College Auditorium. Electronics Laboratory and crib in the office premises. must be able to His Eminence bringing it under the Old Boys of the former complement both intellect further added that all purview of the Engineering Radio and Electronics and spirit, i.e. body and religious leaders and sages Faculty. Laboratory of soul in order to ascertain Fr. Ignatius. They were definitely not moved by the voices of antiquity, starting from Rev. Fr. Neville Joe elevated Rev. Placidus de as Msgr that call for inter-faith and ecumenism, but they were guided by a call from their hearts, that only the season Text and Pic. Cecil Danicius of peace and goodwill could bestow. ‘The Death of the Messiah’ quinas University College will commence its Rev. Fr. Neville Joe Perera, National Asecond short course titled “The Death of the Coordinator for Sri Lankan Clergy Messiah,” in the series of short courses in Biblical Studies, conducted by the Faculty of Theology. and Migrants in Italy and Chaplain to the Holy Father, has been Holy Childhood conferred the title of Monsignor, by The course will first explore the Fundamentals of the Passion Narratives and Sunday 29th Jan His Holiness Pope, Benedict XVI. thereafter will move on to the Exegesis of Mark, Study Session on llRC Report at SEDEC Chapters 14 to 15. It is designed to enable the faithful Study Session Auditorium. to nourish their spiritual life especially as we approach Holy Week. All parishes are Aon the recently released lessons learnt of expression, devolution The duration of the course will be nine requested to prepare and Reconcilition This will be a of power, human rights and consecutive Thursdays, commencing 2 February the children in their Commission (llRC) familiarising session in humanitarian endeavours. 2012, from 4.00 to 6.15 pm. The medium of Report, will be held on the main areas of concern Strategies and instruction will be English. A minimum fee of Sunday Schools Tuesday, 31 January addressed in the Report mechanisms available for Rs.500/- will be levied. and Holy Childhood 2012 at 3.00 p.m. at with special focus on the the implementation of Please contact the Dean of the Faculty of Cells, to celebrate Caritas Sri lanka, SEDEC, LLRC recommendations these recommendations Theology on Mobile: 071 7693519. Email: asaman_7@ regarding the rule of law, will be a prior concern. hotmail.com or Secretary Theology. Mobile: 071 6169375, Holy Childhood Day. demilitarisation, freedom 0112694014/5. Email: [email protected] 2 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 Application to obtain membership of Catholic The Parish of Dehiowita, Ratnapura Teachers' Union

Catholic teachers' serving in government schools are invited to join the Catholic Teachers' Union. Please call Catholic Education Office on telephone number 0112699129 to obtain applications or visit the Catholic Education Office during office hours or write to secretary, Catholic Teacher Union, Catholic Education Office, Archbishop'sCarol House, service Colombo 8. at Koralawella - 2011

A parish priest, a part from He also set up a youth Agriculture charge. "Christmas is a day of great joy through out the his pastoral care of his parish, also Training Centre giving training to He was succeeded by Rev. world. It was on that silent night, a multitude of heav- indulges in developing the infra- hundreds of youth who made use Fr. Ladislaus who laid floor tiles in enly hosts sang glorious praises to God and the good structure facilities of the Church of the opportunity to improve their the church and renovated few cha- news of great joy was brought to all people" said Very and therefore he is being remem- lives. After his transfer the farm was pels in the parish. Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini, Episcopal Vicar Southern Region, bered by the parishioners even af- closed and today it remains solely His successor Rev. Fr. Nev- who was the chief guest at the Christmas Carol Service ter his transfer to another station. as a rubber property. ille Janze solved two burning issues at St. Michael's Church, premises, Koralawella. Dehiowita is a small par- His successor Rev. Fr. Peter which his predecessors attempted Day's pogramme consisted of prayer, carols ish in the Diocese of Ratnapura, wanted to replace the old church but failed. One was to cut and re- sold and new, readings from the gospel, songs, dance four miles from Avissawella, on the building with a new one. He demol- move a huge Bo tree close to the and drama from participants in colourful costumes Avissawella - Hatton Road, with an ished the building but before build- church. The other one was to evict from the nine (Christiezones in Ferdinandothe parish of - KoralawellaPic: Alex J. Silva) com- equally mixed Catholic community ing a new church he passed away. a woman forcibly occupying the Ru- ing under Rev. Fr. Leo Camillus Parish Priest. comprising of Sinhalese and Tam- His successor Rev. Fr. Sidath Vile- wanwella church land. New admission at ils. goda completed the building work. The present parish priest It was made an indepen- Then came Rev. Fr. Tensin Rev. Fr. Piyal Fernando built a stage Minu/Andimulla Primary School dent parish in 1967, and the late Ital- Perera. He built a parapet wall sepa- close to the mission house which ian priest, Rev. Fr. Angelo Stefanizzi, rating the main road and the church can be used by the Montessori and SJ, was the first parish priest. In his property. He replaced the old wood- others for their annual events in- endeavour to develop the parish, he en pews with solid jak wood pews stead of renting out outside build- purchased a 15 acre block of land which are used even now. He took ings. He did this without troubling above the church and started a farm the youth and the parishioners on the Bishop for financial assistance. with poultry, dairy, and piggery, giv- trips to several reputed churches The new stage is seen in the pic- ing employment to several youth. in other parts of the country, free of ture. Annual Blessings at Tewatte man of the Divulapitiya Pradesheeya Sabha was the chief guest. They were wel- comed at the school main gate with beetle leaves by the new comers and ac- Admission to Grade 1 Rev. Fr. Amila Gomes. companied(Pic. Cecil to Danicius)the Main for year 2012 in govern- Mr. Indika Anu- Hall of the School. ruddha old boy and Chair- ment schools was held on Catholic press website 16th of January island- www.colombocatholicpress.lk wide. Minu/Andimulla Email: [email protected] - [email protected] Primary School admission Telephone: 2695984, 2678106, 4899611 was held under the aegis Fax: 2692586 of the Dean of the Katana and Annualparish priest of prize-givingHalpe at Nilpanagoda Sunday School

The annual blessings for the Wennappuwa Committee of Our Lady of year was conducted at the Tewatte Ba- Lourdes. silica, Ragama, officiated by Archbishop Picture shows His Lordship ac- Emeritus, Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis. cepting the offertory from a parishioner. The event has been conducted Also in the picture are Rev.(H.A. Fr. Priya Caldera) Jaya- maha and Rev. Fr. Frank Tissera. for the 50th year Aquinas and organised Universityby the College

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The Sunday School of Sacred Picture shows the Sunday School Aquinas University College and Creative Kitchen Heart Church, Nilpanagoda in the Burul- student and teachers with the Parish More Information from: (Pic. & Text: Lakshan Fernando) lapitiya Parish held its annual prize giv- Priest, Rev. Fr. Subash Chaminda OMI. ing recently under the guidance of Rev. 33 1/1, Kirulapona Avenue, Colombo 5 Fr. John Camillus OMI. Call: 0777 552219, 077 3112240 3 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 Church in the First Capuchian Tertiary in Sri Lanka World

The Congregation of the Woman named new Capuchian Tertiary Sisters of the Secretary-General to South Holy Family opened their first branch in Sri Lanka at St. James' African Bishops' Conference Church, Madampella, belonging to the Katana deanery, which is a part CAPE TOWN (CNS): of the Archdiocese of Colombo. As one of the Franciscan "I see Congregations in the World, they my appointment as recognition follow the example of St. Francis of from the bishops of the work that Assisi in simplicity and humility. women are doing in this part of The Capuchin Tertiary the World," said Sister Hermene- was founded by Friar Luis Amigo gild Makoro, the new secretary- in 1885 in Valencia, Spain, for the general of the Southern African sake of the abandoned and mar- Catholic Bishops' Conference on ginalized children and youth. Friar December 12. Louis' answer to the trauma and She pointed out that "in Sr. Makoro the suffering of these maginalised parishes, women are taking the children was the formation of this lead" and her appointment is religious congregation. natural extension of the many tasks performed by The Capuchin Tertiary women in the Church. dren, pastoral work, education, car ys Sanchez (Superior) Rev. Sr. Lore- Sisters are present in 32 countries Sister Makoro, who served a term as provin- of the sick and working in foreign na Sacal, and Rev. Sr. Elena Saoy around the world. The model of cial superior of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious missions. of the Congregation of Capuchin these Sisters is the Holy Family. Blood and has been associate secretary-general of Picture shows Rev. Fr. Tertiary Sisters, on the feast day of Their work involves youth (Text & Pic.: Cecil Danicus) the episcopal conference for six years, said the job Laknath Cooray, Parish Priest of their founder on December 30th. rehabilitation, protection of chil- "will be challenging, especially for me as a woman Madampella, with Rev. Sr. Mariglad- after the position has been held by men for so many SSP takes oath as Attorney-at-Law years." She will replace Father Vincent Brennan, a member of the Society of African Missions, who will Mr. Noel Francis, in India, Malaysia, and retire in March. dent of St. Henry’s College, Senior Superintendent of Italy. He had also attended During the height of apartheid in the 1980s, lIavalai (Jaffna) and the Police recently took oaths seminars and workshops the late Holy Family Sister Brigid Flanagan was as- Vice President of Old Stu- Attorney-at-law at the Su- in United States of Amer- sociate secretary-general of the bishops' confer- dents’ Association of the preme Court of the Demo- ica, France and Italy rep- ence and frequently stood in for Father Smangaliso College (Colombo Branch). cratic Socialist Republic resenting the Police De- Mkhatshwa, while he was imprisoned for antiapart- He excelled in sports and of Sri Lanka. He currently partment. He is an active, heid activities. soccer at the Ccollege and functions as Director/Po- member of the Executive "The face of the conference has . changed captained the soccer team lice Medical Services Divi- Committee of Internation- since those days," said Sister Makoro, who noted that of his school. He is the sion of the Police Depart- al Police Association (Sri "about 15 new bishops have been appointed in the youngest son of the late ment. He obtained his LLB Lanka Section) and is a past two decades." Mr and Mrs. S. Lawrence degree at the Open Univer- member of the Asia Crime The 60-year-old Sister Makoro was born in of lIavalai. He is a devout sity of Sri Lanka. Prevention Foundation the village of Koeqana, Eastern Cape province and Catholic and a parishioner He joined the (Sri Lanka Section). He made her first profession in 1976. of the Church of Our Lady police as a Sub Inspec- attended the World Con- She said that because she had worked for of Fatima, Colombo-10. tor in the year 1976 and gress of the International bec, Canada in 1997. the Bishops' Conference for a long time, she under- had served in many parts PoliceCeylon Association Bible in Que -Society He celebratesis an old Stu- Bicentenary stands how it operates. She said they "have open and of the Island including, vibrant discussions and I feel I will be able to chal- the Northern and Eastern lenge them if the need arises." provinces. He was award- "This Dedication Ceremony to message of greeting delivered at the Bi- She said that in meetings of the Inter-Re- ed commendation on six gional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa, occasions by the Inspector mark the 200'" Anniversary of the Cey- centenary Year Dedication Service held lon Bible Society is a kairos moment. The last Saturday at St. Paul's Church, Mila- which represents the Bishops' Conferences of Ango- General of Police for the la, Sao Tome and Principe,Botswana, Mozambique, services rendered by him Society has rendered a great service in giriya. spreading the Word of God in this coun- Rev Dr. Mani Chacko, General Swaziland, Namibia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South during his 36 year career. Africa, "I will be the only women among all the men. He had served in, try. Therefore on behaIf of the Catholic Secretary of the Bible Society of India Church I wish God's bountiful blessings delivered a special message on this occa- I don't feel like an outsider. There is mutual respect, United Nations' Missions and we all have the same interests at heart-the inter- in East Timor and Liberia on the CBS for its good work". sion based on Deuteronomy 8:2 -12 So said Rev Fr. Tony Martyn, As- ( "Remember the long way the Lord your ests of the people of God." as peacekeeper. He had Sister Makoro said her appointment might followed training courses sistant Secretary General of the Catholic God has led You"). Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka in a make them think about appointing women to leadership positions in their country's bishops' confer- encesThe . Way of Life by the Editors of America, the Catholic magazine

Once again this January, hundreds of thousands of people will gather on the National Mall to protest Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. The March for Life is a longstanding tradition for many Catholic parishes and student groups and serves as a crucial showcase for the pro-life cause. Though the media sometimes downplay the march, the political potency of the event should not be underestimated. Here is a vibrant, grass-roots movement that predates the Tea Party or Occupy Wall Street. That so many of the marchers are young people is a clear sign that the pro-life message has lost little of its prophetic power. This year’s March for Life comes at a time of some uncertainty for the pro-life movement. Thirty- nine years after the promulgation of Roe v. Wade, a legal reversal remains elusive despite the presence of six Catholics on the Supreme Court. At the state level, even in conservative South Dakota efforts to crimi- nalize abortion have failed. In Mississippi, the "per- sonhood amendment," which would have defined a fertilized egg as a person, was easily defeated on the November ballot. 4 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 World Council of Churches Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue World Evangelical Alliance

EDITORIAL Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World

22 January 2012 Preamble

repentance and remind us of our need for Trust begets trust and Mission belongs to the very being God's continuing grace (cf. Rom 3 :23). of the Church. Proclaiming the Word of God promotes Reconciliation and witnessing to the world is essential 7. Christians affirm that while it for every Christian. At the same time, it is their responsibility to witness to Christ, is necessary to do so according to gospel conversion is ultimately the work of the principles, with full respect and love for all Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 16:7-9; Acts 10:44-47). The Defense Secretary has appeared on television and stated that there human beings. 'They recognize that the Spirit blows is a threat of resurgence of an armed LTTE. He referred to the campaigns Aware of the tensions between where the Spirit wills in ways over which conducted by various Tamil groups among the Tamil Diaspora against people and communities of different reli- no human being has control (cf. Jn 3 :8). the government and added that they are all committed to the establish- Recommendations gious convictions and the varied interpre- ment of a separate state of Tamil Ealam. Although they do not openly es- tations of Christian witness, the Pontifical pouse violence to achieve such objective the Defense Secretary referred to various former hard core LTTE insurgent members among them. Council for Interreligious Dialogue (PClD), The Third Consultation organized the World Council of Churches (WCC) and, by the World Council of Churches and the The Tamil Diaspora is no doubt campaigning with foreign governments at the invitation of the WCC, the World PCID of the Holy See in collaboration with against the actions of the Government - its alleged violations of the hu- Evangelical Alliance (WEA), met during a World Evangelical Alliance with participa- man rights of Tamils and the alleged commission of war crimes dur- period of five years to reflect and produce tion from the largest Christian families ing the last stage of the war. We do condemn their campaigning for this document to serve as a set of recom- of faith (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, a separate state. But still the present political leadership has failed to mendations for conduct on Christian Evangelical and Pentecostal), having acted offer a viable political solution with greater degree of autonomy to the witness around the world. This document in a spirit of ecumenical cooperation to Tamil people. The Government is now on record that it is not willing to does not intend to be a theological state- prepare this document for consideration give land administration and police powers to the Provincial Councils. ment on mission but to address practical by churches, national and regional confes- These Provincial Councils operate not only in the North and East but issues associated with Christian witness in sional bodies and mission organizations, throughout the South as well. These Provincial Councils would no doubt a multi-religious world. and especially those working in interre- welcome such powers. The purpose of this document is ligious contexts, recommends that these to encourage churches, church councils bodies: These powers should be exercised free from political interference and and mission agencies to reflect on their 1. Study the issues set out in this only according to the laws of the land. No politician either at the center current practices and to use the recom- document and where appropriate formu- or in the provinces should interfere with the exercise of such powers mendations in this document to prepare, late guidelines for conduct regarding Chris- which are carried out by the bureaucracy subject only to the over-all policies laid down by the politicians. This however is not what is hap- where appropriate, their own guidelines tian witness applicable to their particular pening. So what is required is to ensure that while these powers are for their witness and mission among those contexts. Where possible this should be devolved they should not be carried out except in accordance with the of different religions and among those who done ecumenically, and in consultation law. do not profess any particular religion. It is with representatives of other religions. hoped that Christians across the world will The problem is that the political leadership prefers to exercise power study this document in the light of their 2. Build relationships of respect not in accordance with the law and the Constitution but at its absolute own practices in witnessing to their faith in and trust with people of all religions, in discretions. This really is the problem at all levels of governance today. AChrist, both by word and deed. Basis for Christian Witness particular at institutional levels between churches and other religious communi- The exercise of absolute power is fast disappearing in the world. Nor ties, engaging in on-going interreligious is it acceptable for the state to act outside the law. The LLRC has rec- dialogue as part of their Christian com- ommended that the para-military groups should be disarmed and they 1. For Christians it is a privilege mitment. In certain contexts, where years should be deprived of any special role in the administration of the North and joy to give an accounting for the hope of tension and conflict have created deep and East. Their leaders should exercise power only according to the law that is within them and to do so with suspicions and breaches of trust between and the Constitution. Nor should any soldier or officer of the Armed gentleness and respect (cf. 1 Pet 3: 15). and among communities, interreligious Forces allowed to act outside the law and enforce their will on civil- dialogue can provide new opportunities ians through inspiring fear of reprisals. They should also be required to 2. Jesus Christ is the supreme for resolving conflicts, restoring justice, learn Tamil to be able to converse with the people. witness (cf. Jn 18:37). Christian witness healing of memories, reconciliation and The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), expressed is always a sharing in his witness, which peace-building. concern in their report about the large number of complaints of "ab- takes the form of proclamation of the King- ductions, enforced or involuntary disappearances, and arbitrary deten- dom, service to neighbour and the total 3. Encourage Christians to tions. Recently colleagues of two political activists-Lalith Kumar Weera- gift of self even if that act of giving leads to strengthen their own religious identity and raj and Kugan Murugananthan- went missing in the north on December the cross. Just as the Father sent the Son in faith while deepening their knowledge and 9th. On January 9th hundreds of demonstrators are reported to have the power of the Holy Spirit, so believers understanding of different religions, and to marched through the capital demanding that the government release are sent in mission to witness in word and do so also taking into account the the activists, put an end to abductions in the north and pull the military action to the love of the triune God. perspectives of the adherents of those re- out of former conflict areas. ligions. Christians should avoid misrepre- 3. The example and teaching of Je- senting the beliefs and practices of people It is perhaps in this context that the Defense Secretary made out a case sus Christ and of the early church must be of different religions. for retaining the military in the North. But the military is looked upon the guides for Christian mission. For two by the Tamil people as the military of the Sinhalese. It is necessary for millennia Christians have sought to follow 4. Cooperate with other religious the Government to change this mindset of the Tamil people by retrain- Christ's way by sharing the good news of ing the military to adopt a friendlier attitude to the Tamils instead of communities engaging in interreligious God's Kingdom (cf. Lk 4: 16-20). viewing them with suspicion. The average soldier still looks upon the advocacy towards justice and the common Tamils particularly those who are political activists as potential LT- good and, wherever possible, standing 4. Christian witness in a pluralistic TERs. In fact, those political activists who are really potential LTTERs together in solidarity with people who are world includes engaging in dialogue with should be brought to book. The Government should keep on insisting in situations of conflict. that the Tamil leaders should forsake formally their demand for a sepa- people of different religions and cultures rate state. (cf. Acts 17:22-28). 5. Call on their governments to ensure that freedom of religion is properly But political activism is not unlawful and those who engage in them 5. In some contexts, living and pro- should be protected like ordinary people. The military must be re- claiming the gospel is difficult, hindered or and comprehensively respected, recog- trained to look upon the Tamil people even the political activists with even prohibited, yet Christians are com- nizing that in many countries religious. trust. Trust begets trust and is a sine qua non for reconciliation. Rec- missioned by Christ to continue faithfully institutions and persons are inhibited from onciliation also requires an honest discussion on the political solution. in solidarity with one another in their wit- exercising their mission. We must not miss one more opportunity to resolve the problems of the ness to him (cf. Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:14-18; 6. Pray for their neighbours and Tamil people through a political solution. Lk 24:44-48; Jn 20:21; Acts 1 :8). their well-being, recognizing that prayer is integral to who we are and what we do, as What the Catholic Bishops highlighted at the North-East Inter-faith 6. If Christians engage in inappro- well as to Christ's mission. for Reconciliation (NEIFR) is very timely and appropriate. "Reconcili- priate methods of exercising mission by (Courtesy: Vidyajyoti Journal of ation is not a product but a process and should address the healing Theological Re�lection resorting to deception and coercive means, of wounds and restoration of an environment for people to live freely Volume 75, No. 9, Sept. 2011) they betray the gospel and may cause suf- pursuing goals of their choice." fering to others. Such departures call for 5 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 • M.P.M. Cooray Oration 2011 "Reflections of a Catholic Doctor"

By Dr. Lucian Jayasuriya

knees I prayed, prayed more humbly, The question is, are we differ- 10 years ago. A decision was made than I had ever done in my life. Out in ent? Can people associating with us see that we should work in the Parish. As a I have chosen ‘Reflections of a the corridor, I handed over the pam- something different, in us Catholic doc- result the free medical clinic at Sacred Catholic doctor’ as my topic, to honour phlets to a priest. Out in the street, a tors? Can we be identified Do we want Heart Church, Rajagiriya was born. We Dr Cooray. senior ordered us to vanish. to hide our faith sometimes?I leave it to had the enthusiastic cooperation of The main reason why I chose We got into buses and came you ladies and gentleman to decide. Rev. Fr. Leonard Ranasinghe our Par- this topic is because, it allows me to back home to Aquinas Hall. Though Is it correct for Catholic doctors ish Priest then. The clinic has been talk on many subjects, which I con- some had been assaulted, there were to strike? Whatever some say, when conducted regularly every Sunday, by sider relevant. I must confess, that I no serious injuries. The strategy of doctors strike, patients suffer and some volunteer doctors and helpers. We have not studied Catholism except for individual retreat had been discussed die, even when emergency services are have had no problem of money, as God what I have learnt in school and from before we ventured out, but none of us kept going. Did we become doctors to our Father has seen to it that we have the pulpit on Sundays. This will be a expected anything of the sort. make people suffer or even allow them a set of regular donors, supplemented shortcoming in my talk. First of all, I I was later called Paddy Lands to die? Should we not stand up and be by money from the Parish. A dedicated thank God Our Father for choosing me Bill Jayasuriya for some time, by my counted? clinic space was built in the new Jubilee to be a Catholic, and also for making me friend the late Dr. Raja Johnpulle, be- When in government service, Building of the Church. Although a doctor. I am proud of being a Catholic, cause my initials were PLB. Details of I refused to strike and happily bore the hospitals are nearby we have a regular because the Catholic Church is holy, and this incident are given in the Aquinas consequences. We should not only not clientile. because she teaches her faithful with Hall Magazine of 1960. This incident strike, but do a job of work so that we It is good for us doctors to give clarity. It is the only Christian religion was described, to focus on the fact that are examples to others. our expertise free of charge on a regular which speaks with authority, and does Aquinas Hall, had a group of Catholc If the District Medical Officer basis. I can tell you that it gives great not change its teachings with time. University students, who were ready (DMO) comes for work at 8.00 am, and satisfaction. The Guild has less than 50 Therefore, the Catholic Church to spend time and energy on Catholic does his work with dedication, the oth- active members. We have about 200 is our beacon of light, even if sometimes activities. ers in the hospital follow. This happened in the mailing list. But we are a very we fail to follow her teachings. One Eminent priests such as Rev at Ittapana. A DMO was required to see small number compared to what we instance where many faithful find it dif- Frs. Dalston Forbes, Thomas Kuriacose, in-patients, morning afternoon and could be. There are over 16, 000 doc- ficult to follow her fully, is regarding her Tissa Balasuriya. Manik Muttukumaru night. I did not only do that, but did all tors in Sri Lanka. Catholic doctors in teachings on family planning – on the have been residents of Aquinas Hall. admissions after 5.00 pm. Please note Sri Lanka should number about 1300. methods to prevent pregnancy. I thank Fr. S. J. Emmanuel who now heads the that there was no overtime. However, Unfortunately, we have not been able and remember my Catholic parents, Global Tamil Forum, was a contemporay we worked day and night. Reminiscenes to get them together. We have tried to who made me a Catholic and nutured of ours at Aquinas Hall. of Ittapana was published in the Ceylon get branches of the Guild organised in me as a Catholic. During our time we celebrated Medical Journal 2004; 49: 144-46 Kandy and Galle, but have failed. They educated me in Catholic the Silver Jubilee of Aquinas Hall with Will we follow the teachings of Can the Catholic Church take English schools with difficulty. Holy Cardinal Cooray, Archbishop of Colombo the Church in difficult situations? some action to get Catholic doctors Cross College, Kalutara and De Mazenod as Chief Guest. Later on, the decay Are were ready for a confrontation Thetogether, Roman to work Catholic with Church the Church? College, Kandana nurtured our Catho- started when the Church decided that Thewhen Intra-Uterine an issue arises? Device (IUD) lic faith, our thinking and behaviour. she could not afford a priest as War- As boarders, at De Mazenod College, den. The students took the law unto The Holy Mother the Church Kandana we were obliged to go for daily their own hands, did not pay the bills, How many of us have inserted is a great holy organisation. It is con- morning Mass. accomodated outsiders in the rooms, intra-uterine devices? The main action sidered as one of the best managed I am very grateful to these two etc. The Church made the regretable of an IUD, is to prevent the fertilised organisations in the world. The gates of leading Catholic Schools, for making me decision to hand over Aquinas Hall to ovum from getting implanted in the hell have not prevailed against it. The Aquinaswhat I am Hall today. and Catholic students the University of Colombo.She lost a uterus. That means, it is the instrument heirachy of the Church consist of holy activities chance to continue moulding Catholic of a potential monthly abortion. As people, who have sacrificed their lives intellectuals from the University. Today, Medical Officer of Health Ambalangoda, to God and to the Church. Therefore it Aquinas Hall is a University Women’s I was assigned two IUD clinics. I refused is with great humility and trepidation I was at Aquinas Hall, at Have- Hostel. to insert IUDs. My explanation was that I comment on the Catholic Church. lock Road for four years.It was also The Catholic Church managed called. I replied that I did not become The Vatican has acknowledged called the Catholic Hostel of the Univer- a similar hostel, called Kitiyakkara for a doctor to cause abortions. The GMOA that Islam has overtaken Catholicism. sity. It was built by Fr. Benjamin Cooray, medical students. It was also closed. wanted me to follow government policy. We have to wonder why? Is it because later Cardinal Archibishop of Colombo. Today, many Catholic students find Some Catholic doctors and priests Islam is much more strict than the It was a purpose- built building, it difficult to get suitable lodgings in would not give me a clear-cut answer. I Catholic Church? accommodationg 40 hostellers, mostly Colombo. Many cannot afford the cost was ready to leave government service The Church is on the decline Catholics. The Resident Warden was a of accommodation. In fact, our Guild on this issue. My dear wife Nimala in Europe and North America. Church priest. There was a chapel where daily gives financial support to ten medical backed me fully. attendance is decreasing in all countries Mass was available. Aquinas Hall was a students. Your Eminence, it may be good However, the Superintendent of of Europe including ardently Catho- centre of Catholic Students activity. The for the Catholic Church to start hostels Health Services, was tactful. He handed lic countries such as Spain, Portugal, activists of the Catholic Students Union Thefor University Faculty of students Medicine again. over my IUD clinics to the willing DMO. Italy and Ireland. The reputation of were there. Some were involved in the How many Catholic doctors in govern- the Church has been hit by paedophile Catholic Students Federation. At that ment service are ready to say NO if priest scandals. The Church has quite time, the Chaplain of the Catholic Stu- At Medical College, the Catholic required to insert IUDs? If all Catholic correctly not changed her teaching on dents Federation was Rev. Fr. Thomas Students Society was a vibrant body. doctors say NO how many potential women priests, gay marriage, artficial PaddyKuriacose. Lands Bill incident We had regular meetings and an annual abortions can be avoided? contraception and abortion. This has trip. There were two praesedia of the When I was working abroad, I regretably reduced the allegiance to the Legion of Mary. One of our weekly tasks refused to prescribe the morning after Church. Some hostellers were involved was to sell the Catholic Messengers at pill. The main action of the morning On the other hand Catholicism in the Social Justice Movement of Rev. Borella Junction, for one hour on Satur- after pill is also to prevent implantation. is on the rise in Africa and Asia. Priestly Fr Peter Pillai. This brings me to an in- day morning. This we did even on the I was risking my locum job. However, vocations are declining in Europe. Africa cident associated with the Social Justice SaltSaturday of the before Earth our and examinations. Light of the the consultant was good to me. He told and Asia now supply priests to Europe. Movement. Rev. Fr. Peter Pillai had pub- World me to send such patients to him. There seems to be a reversal of centu- lished a leaflet in Sinhala, criticising the Though we are small in num- Abortionries of missionary activity. Paddy Lands Bill of Mr. Phillip Gunawar- ber, we have to be strong enough, with Christian Europe & North America? dena. This was in 1958. He wanted At this stage, I wish to reflect on the power of God to bear witness to volunteers to distribute it in Pettah. I what Jesus wants us to be. Jesus said, what is right. I think that we are doing was not involved in the Movement, but I "You are the salt of the earth; but if the it to some extent. The others listen to `The Catholic Church has always said was also roped in. salt has lost its taste, how can its salt- us. They know our views on many sub- that abortion is a grave sin. However, it ‘kumburu About panatha, ten ofkumburu us went panatha’. to Pet- ness be restored? It is no longer good Thejects. Catholic However, Doctors' we can doGuild better. is legalised in many so called Catholic tah with the leaflets. We were shouting for anything, except to be thrown out countries. It was legalised in the USA in yaw gahapiyaw, oya enne gahapiyaw.’ and trodden under foot by men. 1973, by the Supreme Court, as a result Within few minutes we heard“ allapi- You are the light of the world. A In recent years the Guild has of the famous Roe vs Wade case. Abor- city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor been active. We have had our regular tion is available almost on demand up to We were getting assaulted. Phillip do men light a lamp and put it under a Christmas projects with medical camps, 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, there Gunewardena’s thugs had got angry. bushel, but on a stand and it gives light helped needy medical students, gone on is a very active pro-life lobby in USA. I When colleagues were getting assaulted to all in the house. Let your light so shine pilgrimage, and tried to educate people sometimes wonder whether the West is (Contd. on Pg. 9) I ran, and as if by a miracle I was inside before men, thatMathew they may 5. 13-14) see your good on family life and on natural family in post-Christian era. St. Phillip Neri’s Church. There on my works and give glory to your Father who planning. is in heaven." ( We had a seminar on poverty 6 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 Marriage in the Original Covenant St. Sebastian : In Art

The Original Gift: T h e e a r l i e s t frequently depicted of all saints by late Gothic and Creation representation Renaissance artists, in the period after the Black Death. his love, with all of its orig- God called the first man tion. against .the possibil- resentative of God inal, creative force, that and woman to be “one ity of being used by an- to the man, for it of St. Sebastian Sebastian appears in many prints and paintings, due stands as the ground and flesh,” for “it is not good other person, or reduced is God from whom is a mosaic in to his continuous popularity with the faithful. Among source of all of our being . for man to be alone” (Gn to some value, in the eyes all help comes, the Basilica of many others, Botticelli, Perugino, Titian, Pollaiuolo, In the beginning, created The Original Compiled by: Kishani S. Fernando we read in the first chap- Community: 2:18). In heeding this call of another, that is only a to men (Ps 121: Sant’Apollinare Giovanni Bellini, Guido Reni (who painted the subject ter of Genesis, God to community, primarily part of our true worth; the 1-2; cf. CCC 1605). Nuovo (Ravenna, seven times), Mantegna (three times), Hans Memling, Man and Woman as in marriage and the for- presence of shame indi- Likewise, the man all that exists. To create, in love some- I t a l y ) d a t e d Gerrit van Honthorst, Luca Signorelli, El Greco, Honoré God’s Image mation of a family, human cates our perception that was to represent Tomb of St. Sebastian thingthe sense into existence that God alone between 527 and Daumier, John Singer Sargent and Louise Bourgeois can create, is to beings fully realise their this possibility is real(LR God to the woman, 565. The right all painted Saint Sebastian. The Saint is ordinarily . It is a Male and Female He Cre- natural vocation to be the 174-93; TB 114-17). Adam as her own “help- in Rome lateral wall of the depicted as a handsome youth pierced by arrows. There tremendously committing ated Them image and likeness of God and Eve felt no shame, be- mate.” For them to step, the joyful, deliberate in creation. Thus marriage cause there was no risk be fully human, it Basilica contains were other scenes of his arrest, confrontation with the To visit the ancient Basilica dedicated to St. Sebastian overflowing of God’s good- is the original human com- that they would treat each was essential that large mosaics Emperor, and fi nal beheading. in Rome (see pic. above), you have to go outside the old Roman ness God knows all things, From the begin- munity, and even as a nat- other with anything less they form a com- representing a procession of 26 martyrs, led by Saint Martin The paintings we produce below are not in keeping gate and travel the historic ural institution, marriage than a full recognition of munity, within even that vast, hidden ning, man and woman and includes Sebastian (see pic: top left). The martyrs are to their actual proportions and chosen at random (see from Roman Road - via Appia. is meant to be a means of the true dignity that they which they would multitude· of things and were created as - one, in represented in Byzantine style, lacking any individuality, left) : Painting by Il Sodoma, (c. 1525 Galleria Palatina The fi rst church here was persons that it would have a call to community that grace both for man and for shared as the image and (Continuedeach encounter on and having all identical expressions. Palazzo Pitti, Florence, Italy ), Painting by Andrea Mantegna a great basilica built in been possible for Him to reflects the community of woman. likeness of God. nextthe Lord. week) (Courtesy: Marriage Together in Christ) The natural union God said, “It is Another early representation is in a mosaic in the (c.1459 Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria), the 4th century over lovescreate, but that he has de- the Trinity: “God created Catholic Truth Society cided never to create; God man in his image; in the “between the first man not good for the man to be Church of San Pietro in Vincoli (Rome, Italy), probably Painting by Hendrick ter Brugghen depicting Saint Sebastian the site of catacombs. only those things and divine image he created and woman was open alone I will make a suitable made in the year 682. It shows a grown, bearded man in tendered by Saint Irene and her maid (1625 Dutch Golden These catacombs were persons - that he has actu- him; male and female he and free of shame (cf. Gn helpmate for him” (Gn 2: court dress but contains no trace of an arrow (see top right). Age Renaissance Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, temporarily used as 2:25). Shame is a natural 18). Thus we know that the ally chosen to create. It is created them” (Gn 1:27). The archers and arrows begin to appear by 1000, and ever Ohio), Painting by Guido Reni who painted a series of places of sepulture The School of Prayer in the House defence, a protective emo- woman was to be the rep- Tears since have been far more commonly shown than the actual different Saint Sebastian paintings, Painting by Raphael of two other saints of Nazareth Psalm 23 - an assurance of all A bouquet of roses, O Mary we reason of his death by clubbing, so that there is a popular (Renaissance c. 1501-1502 housed in the Accademia I need! offer you today, misperception that this is how he died. Carrara of Bergamo, Italy), Painting by El Greco (1578 Gathered from our garden, with hearts As protector of plague victims and soldiers, St. in Cathedral of San Antolín Palencia), Painting by Carlo The Lord’s my Shepherd - Protection full of love, we pray Sebastian naturally occupied a very important place in the Saraceni (c. 1610 15 Castle Museum Prague), Painting by I’ll not want - Self suffi ciency That the future years may bring us popular medieval mind, and hence was among the most Botticelli (1474, Staatliche Museum, Berlin). He makes me down to lie - Rest closer to you and your son In pastures green He leadeth me - Refreshment Binding us together, with no room for the evil one. The quiet waters by - Peace We have hurt you Dear Lady by our sinful deeds And also not helping others in their My soul He doth restore again - Renewal martyrized in Rome, Peter and Paul, whose remains were later utter dire needs and me to walk doth make - Encouragement transferred to the two basilicas carrying their names whence Within the paths of righteousness - Guidance Each time you see a clenched fi st with money inside the original name of the church, “Basilica Apostolorum,” the E’en for His own name’s sake - Affi liation While the malnourished and hungry Basilica of the Apostles. In the 9th century, it was re-dedicated Yea, tho’ I walk in death’s dark vale - Testing die on the road beside to St. Sebastian, who was martyred in the reign of Diocletian, Yet will I fear no ill - Courage and who was buried here. The rich squandering money on women For thou art with me - Hope and trust The chapel above the tomb of St. Sebastian is wine and song attributed to the 17th century. At the shrine of St. Sebastian And Thy rod and staff me comforts still - Tasting forbidden fruits as they is a statue of the dying saint by Antonio Giorgetti, one of Security and discipline gaily go along Bernini’s pupils. It may have been made after a drawing My table Thou hast furnished - Provision unable to help the poor tears fl ow down by Bernini himself. In presence of my foes - Victory your pallid cheeks And their tears mixed with yours, as they Opposite that shrine is the Chapel of Relics, with My head Thou dost with oil anoint - the original footprint relic from Domine Quo Vadis, and Discourse of the Servant of God Paul VI, Respect and blessing silently weep, during his visit to Nazareth is memorable. an arrow said to be one of those that killed St Sebastian as The Pope said that at the school of the Holy And my cup overfl ows - Abundance Many people have seen you cry well as the column he was tied to when he was killed. The Family we “understand why we must maintain a Goodness and mercy all my life - And we the guilty know the reason why chapel was designed in the 18th century. The sarcophagus spiritual discipline, if we wish to follow the teach- Unlimited forgiveness We promise you dearest mother to of Pope St Fabian (236-250) was discovered here in 1915. never let this happen again ing of the Gospel and become disciples of Christ,” he Shall surely follow me - Reliability The Church celebrates the feast of both St. Sebastian and So smile on us dear lady as we will not try in vain added: “In the first place it teaches us silence. Oh! If And in God’s house forever more - Pope St. Fabian on 20 January. only esteem for silence, a wonderful and indispens- Stability Guard us from every evil and grant able spiritual atmosphere, could be reborn within My dwelling place shall be a - us heavenly grace us! Whereas we are deafened by the din, the noise Until life‛s journey is ended after in attendance. The third Unity Mission Camp was held in and discordant voices in the frenetic, turbulent life Loving HOME! the struggle with the human race December 2011. of our time. O silence of Nazareth! Teach us to be And when the pearly gates are opened The Camps also focused on leadership development, steadfast in good thoughts, attentive to our inner to see the face of the Lord Ekamuthu Oray Makkal - a journey of love personal capacity enhancement and integration. The healing life, ready to hear God’s hidden inspiration clearly nilanthi aarasaratnam We shall bow down in adoration of group of Professionals committed to working towards pharmaceuticals. The Unity Team had nearly 30 Specialist and reconciliation experienced through this interaction and the exhortations of true teachers” (Discourse (Courtesy: Osservatore Romano) The Almighty God Unity and Reconciliation between the North and South and other Doctors on board for each of these Camps. and the benefit to our Nation’s future is incalculable. in Nazareth, 5 January 1964). While angelic voices fi ll the heavenly A of Sri Lanka, working on an inter faith platform came The initial Unity Mission Camp was held in The objective of the camp the enhancement of unity, air with their song together in 2009 to form ‘The Unity Mission Team’ locally December 2010 with 500 children from the North / Wanni reconciliation and healing is achieved with bonding of Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluiah! known as the Ekamuthu Oray Makkal. attending the Camp. This was, at that time, the largest friendships between children of the North and South, which replied Joanna. The focus is on children between the ages of 15 to 20 years group of children who had travelled down to Colombo for have gone to blossom and fl ourish. This is in addition to the “Is your mother better now?”asked Malik so- annette Gunasekera said Bertal Pinto-Jayawardena, Co-ordinator of the Unity any such programme. The second Unity Mission Camp educational and economical support afforded from caring licitously. “Yes, thank God. I wish now that I had taken Mission Team. The vision is to reach out to inspire, encourage was held in Mullaitivu in June 2011, with 500 children people in Colombo. A signifi cant feature of these Camps is her to the General Hospital which is free,”said Joanna. “We do have free healthcareand free educa- and support the children of the North, and link them up with the logistical support and partnership extended tion in this country but we grumble about the quality children from the South of our Nation. This resulted in the by the Sri Lanka Army towards the welfare of

1 66 and we talk of the high cost of living,”remarked Malik. Unity Camp concept being designed, he said. the children and the successful achievement of “We must learn to pray and trust in God what- The initial project of The Unity Mission team was the overall objectives underlying the purpose of by sirohmi Gunesekera ever happens. When my mother fell ill, I stopped pray- Take time for a minute of to reach out to children who were at Menik Farm with milk conducting the Camps. ing and just panicked. We must remember that God is humour - smile! food and school books in 2009. However the efforts of the The Unity Mission has many programmes walking by our side and that He carries us when times Teacher, explaining Kiribanda’s group evolved with the changing needs of the children of the planned for 2012. Unity Camp 4 is scheuled Trust get rough,” said Joanna. home work said, “I do not see North, extending from provision of school books and footwear to be held in Padaviya, while Camp 5 will be “Yes, things happen to us and it is easy to lose how it is possible for a single to small scale infrastructure support to help re-build school designed as a special Leadership Programme. our cool. We must remember the story of the Foot- person to make so many mis- facilities. Other programmes include the setting up of “Oh dear, I have to pay back a loan. With the prints and how God carries us when adversity comes takes!” The need for medical care has been identiﬁ ed and Skills and Livelihood Development Centres, and interest it is about a lakh.”moaned Joanna. “Neither a our way, ”said Malik, adding, “That way, there is only Kiribanda said proudly, “You are correct teacher: large scale medical camps were conducted at Kayts and at a Scholarship Fund. For more information you borrower nor a lender be ... “ Haven’t you heard that one set of footprints on the sand during the tough It wasn’t a single person, only my daddy.” Viduthalthivu, supported by the Sri Lanka Navy and the can check out the website- www.unitymission. saying?”asked her friend Malik. times.” “Let us put our trust in God come what may,” Rev. Fr. Fraccid Anthony Fernando O.M.I. “Yes, but I couldn’t help it. I had to borrow concluded Joanna. Sri Lanka Army, with Lanka Hospitals Ltd., suppliying the lk. money to pay for the medical expenses of my mother.” 7 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 Marriage in the Original Covenant St. Sebastian : In Art

1 66 and we talk of the high cost of living,”remarked Malik. Unity Camp concept being designed, he said. the children and the successful achievement of “We must learn to pray and trust in God what- The initial project of The Unity Mission team was the overall objectives underlying the purpose of by sirohmi Gunesekera ever happens. When my mother fell ill, I stopped pray- Take time for a minute of to reach out to children who were at Menik Farm with milk conducting the Camps. ing and just panicked. We must remember that God is humour - smile! food and school books in 2009. However the efforts of the The Unity Mission has many programmes walking by our side and that He carries us when times Teacher, explaining Kiribanda’s group evolved with the changing needs of the children of the planned for 2012. Unity Camp 4 is scheuled Trust get rough,” said Joanna. home work said, “I do not see North, extending from provision of school books and footwear to be held in Padaviya, while Camp 5 will be “Yes, things happen to us and it is easy to lose how it is possible for a single to small scale infrastructure support to help re-build school designed as a special Leadership Programme. our cool. We must remember the story of the Foot- person to make so many mis- facilities. Other programmes include the setting up of “Oh dear, I have to pay back a loan. With the prints and how God carries us when adversity comes takes!” The need for medical care has been identiﬁ ed and Skills and Livelihood Development Centres, and interest it is about a lakh.”moaned Joanna. “Neither a our way, ”said Malik, adding, “That way, there is only Kiribanda said proudly, “You are correct teacher: large scale medical camps were conducted at Kayts and at a Scholarship Fund. For more information you borrower nor a lender be ... “ Haven’t you heard that one set of footprints on the sand during the tough It wasn’t a single person, only my daddy.” Viduthalthivu, supported by the Sri Lanka Navy and the can check out the website- www.unitymission. saying?”asked her friend Malik. times.” “Let us put our trust in God come what may,” Rev. Fr. Fraccid Anthony Fernando O.M.I. “Yes, but I couldn’t help it. I had to borrow concluded Joanna. Sri Lanka Army, with Lanka Hospitals Ltd., suppliying the lk. money to pay for the medical expenses of my mother.” 8 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 The Childhood of Jesus

The heartwarming events of the Joseph and Mary marvelled at first Christmas were now an in- what was said of the baby. Then Sim- delible memory replete with the eon blessed"Behold them this and child said is to destined Mary the for haunting fragrance of poverty, meek- themother- fall and for the rise of many in Israel; ness and the incomprehensible love of and for a sign that shall be contradicted" God for sinful man. The babe of Beth- And looking at Mary with eyes filed with lehem, the Son of God, was now living sympathy he added - amongstThe Circumcision us and life had to go on. "As for thy own soul, it shall have a sword to pierce it." (Lk 2: 35)

In accordance we with the Jew- ish Law eight days after His birth, Jesus A cold shiver must have run was circumcised. Luke describes the through the Immaculate Heart of Mary event as follows: but she said not a word, because she "When eight days had passed was always conscious of the fact that and the boy must be circumcised He Jesus was the Son of God. was called Jesus, the name which had There was in the temple at (beenLk.2: given 21) Him by the angel before even that moment a prophetess by the name The crypt of the Holy Family at St. Sargius Church in Egypt, where they lived for some he was conceived in the womb." of Anna, a widow who had fasted and time during their stay in that country. prayed in the temple. She was 84-years- This was the first shedding old. Going up to Joseph and Mary she of divine blood that was to take place. gave thanks to God and spoke about the More was to follow thirty three years child to all who were looking forward to fugitives as they sped towards the safety to Jerusalem to look for Him. For two later beginning with the Garden of the redemption of Jerusalem. of Egypt. How long the journey took days and two nights they searched for Gethsemane where he sweated drops When Joseph and Mary had especially with a babe in arms and what Him all along"seated the route in theand Temple in Jerusa in - of blood and ending with his death on done everything required by the Law hardships and deprivations the holi- thelem. midst On the of thirdlearned day doctors they were hearing amazed Calvary. they returned to Galilee to their home est of families had to undergo have not themto find and Jesus asking them questions, while town of Nazareth but not before they been recorded but we can imagine what those who heard him were filled with had to undergo the terrible experi- a terrible ordeal it must have been amazement at his understanding and his ence of having to run away to Egypt filled with fear and anxiety. answers." to escape the wrath of Herod who There is in the church of St. Sar- "Son wasThe determined Flight into to destroyEgypt the child. gius in Egypt a crypt which according to why have you treated us like this, Your tradition was built on the site where the father and It wasI have Mary been who anxiously spoke, search- Holy Family lived during there stay in ing for you." When the Magi, the wise men of that country. the East had gone to Bethlehem and On the"Get death up of take Herod the childan angel and "What reason had you to search worshipped the child, they returned hisof the mother Lord and appeared go to the in aland dream of Israel to Jo -for for me would The boyyou Jesusnot tell replied. that I must to their countries by a different thoseseph andwho said, were trying to take the child's needs be about my father's business." route because they had been warned life are dead." in a dream about Herod's evil inten- tions. When Herod found out that Joseph and Mary did not un- the Magi had outwitted him he was So the family returned to Israel derstand what He was saying to them. very worried because he thought and having being warned in a dream not Then he went down to Nazareth with that the Messiah was a political to stay in Judea because Herod's succes- them and was obedient to them. But leader who would endanger his sor was another tyrant, he returned to Mary treasured all these things in her position. He reacted with satanic Nazareth in Galilee. And Luke's gospel (Lk.heart. 2: And 41 -Jesus 51) grew in wisdom and ruthlessness and ordered the killing states, "And the child grew and became stature and in favour with God and men of all male children under two years (Lk.strong; 2: 39;he was 40) filled with wisdom and The Holy Family in Nazareth of age in Bethlehem and the vicinity. the grace of God was upon him. Before this order was put into The Presentation "Getexecution up take the an childangel and appeared his mother to and Jesus would have been like any There is absolutely no doubt escapeJoseph to Egypt. in a dream Stay there and tolduntil him,I tell other boy in Nazareth engaging in in- that despite their modest means the nocent fun and games with them under Holy Family was the happiest family in The Jewish Law prescribed that the watchful eyes of his parents who Nazareth, an example to all of us even the baby boy should be consecrated in Thedoted Pilgrimage on him. to Jerusalem today. For the next eighteen years Jesus the Temple after the mother had un- for the Passover helped Joseph in his carpentry business. dergone a forty-day period of purifica- He became a skilled carpenter himself tion. Can you imagine that the mother He visited the synagogue often, learnt of Jesus who was the epitome of purity Every year the Holy Family all the Old Testament prophecies and had to subject herself to the ordeal of went to Jerusalem for the feast of the learnt his prayers at his mother's knees. purification. The law required it and she Passover. In accordance with this cus- Humble as they were Joseph had to obeyed it. tom when Jesus was twelve-years old, work very hard to keep the family going Accordingly after the fortieth they went on this annual pilgrimage. but with Jesus by his side work became day had passed Joseph and Mary went They stayed in Jerusalem for seven days a pleasure. Mary's heart was filled with with the baby to the Temple in Jerusa- until all the ceremonies were concluded. delight as she watched her son grow lem for the consecration. There was a The next day Joseph and Mary joined up to be a strong and healthy young man in Jerusalem by the name of Sim- the many caravans of camels and mules man who would be equipped to face the eon. He was very righteous and devout. that were heading for Nazareth. Jesus great challenges aheadWalter of Him. Rupesinghe It had been revealed to him by the Holy was not with them but they did not Spirit that he would not die before he comworry thinking that he was with His had seen Jesus Christ the Lord. Moved travelling by the Holy Spirit he was in the temple - when Joseph and Mary arrived with the panions. child. When he saw them approaching When they the sanctuary he was struck by their stopped poise and dignity and the matchless for the beauty of the young mother. Simeon you, for Herod is going to search for the night on took the "Rulerbaby in of his all, arms now andlet thy praised servant child to kill him." awareroute they goGod in saying peace, withaccording a voice to filled thy word, with forjoy - became my own eyes have seen that saving power of thine which thou hast prepared in the Accordingly Joseph got up and of His sight of all nations. This is the light which took the child and his mother that very absence. shall give revelation to the Gentiles; this night and left for Egypt. The Gospel andThey re were is the glory of thy people Israel" does not give us any description of this in a panic (Lk.2: 29 - 32) hazardous journey. The lone stretches - of the desert wilderness were the only turned im- witnesses to the plight of these holy mediately 9 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 Reflection..... Contd. from Pg. 5 is really not necessary. Of course during Easter, the priests remind us that we should make our Confes- Feast of St. Sebastian Abortion in Great Britain sion at least during Easter. But what are the facilities January 20th The h that the Church in Sri Lanka provides for people to make their confession? I should say, little. istory of legalisation of abortion in If one goes to a Catholic Church in England, Great Britian is interesting. The British Abortion Act he will find that there is a dedicated day and time in A Roman warrior par excellence of 1967, allows surgical abortion up to 24 weeks of the week, that a priest will be seated at the confes- Under the command of Diocletian pregancy. In Northern Ireland which is still religiously sional, even if there are no penitents. We do not have Massacred the innocent Christians more conservative, abortions are still banned unless a that system here. True, a priest is obliged to hear On account of their steadfast faith. woman's life is at risk. Britain last changed the Abor- confession when requested. But many a time the tion Act in 1990, lowering the time limit for abortion priest is not available or is busy.The only places I Sebastian was empowered by God Almighty from 28 weeks to 24 weeks. In 2008 the House of know where one can find a priest to hear confession To acknowledge his grave folly Commons voted to retain the 24 week limit. Since then are St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade and St. Philip And be a dynamic force there are moves to reduce the limit to 20 to 22 weeks. Neri’s Church, Pettah. To spread God's kingdom with grace. This ongoing debate seems to be due to pangs of con- A priest being theoretically available 15 science, and also due to the very active pro- life lobby minutes before Sunday Mass does not work. Some This unexpected change of Sebastian Abortionin Great Britain. in Sri lanka time ago I wrote to the Catholic Bishops' Conference, The chief officer of imperial household What is the situation in Sri lanka? recommending that each Parish has a date and time dedicated for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I did Aggravated the wraths of Diocletian not even receive an acknowledgement. Causing Sebastian to suffer bitter consequences. The Penal Code Sections 303 to 307 are the However, I must say that I was pleasantly relevant laws. The law allows abortion only if the surprised by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ran- Archers were deployed to shoot him with arrows mother's life is in danger due to the pregnancy. This jith. He had requested views of the faithful about the But it was of no avail is consistent with the teaching of the Church. Legisla- Church. I replied to supplement, what we wrote from He escaped death despite the blows tion was brought to Parliament, few years ago to allow the Guild. He replied. One of the subjects I had writ- And appeared miraculously before all. abortions for pregnancies arising from incest, rape Participationten was about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. of the laity in the Management of and for major congenital abnormalities. However, it Subsequently he was flogged to death the Church was withdrawn, due to pressure not only from Catho- As he was a beacon of light to his faithom lics but also from other concerned persons. However, He entered Almighty God's kingdom Winning the crowns of martyrd Leonard Wijesiri an estimated number of 650 to 1000 abortions are I also wrote to Your Eminence about getting carried out is Sri Lanka daily. The daily births are the participation of the laity. Just saying that the just over 1000. Therefore, this very religious country Catholic Church needs active participation of the aborts about 2/3 the number that are allowed to be laity is not enough. We know that Parish Councils born. meets monthly. But we do not know what is decided Studies show that most of the abortions were at these meetings. This is where we can learn from on married women, who were seeking to limit the the established Protestant Churches. There, the laity number of babies. Another fact is that the abortion For example the Archdiocesan Commission on Struc- is highly involved in the management of the Church, rates are not lower in the Catholic belt from Kalu- tural Adjustments is asked to ‘Study how a paradigm tara to Chilaw. The method most commonly used is including finances. That is why, even small congrega- shift could be effected giving more space and responsi- called by the euphemism, menstrual regulation. This tions are able to manage their churches. bility to the laity and making them effective collobora- involves mechanical suction of the contents of the The Catholic Church would be able to collect tors of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan’. uterus. A woman who misses her periods goes to a much more money, and undertake much more activi- However all five members of the Commission private clinic, and the procedure is carried out for a ties, including helping the poor, if people have a say are priests!. comparatively small fee. on how the money is spent. What we need is transpar- I recommend that we Catholic doctors always Blessed Pope John Paul II very often reminded ency in the management of the Church. I am not saying remember that we are highly priviledged. We have the world that abortion is a grave sin. He talked about the money is not managed properly. I am saying that been given talents by God Our Father, not to hide them the Culture of Death The heirachy of the Church in we do not know how the money is used. That makes but to multiply them.We should use them in the ser- Sri Lanka has very rarely preached about it. I have people reluctant to contribute. The church should vice of people, especially the poor and marginalised. not heard a sermon on this subject. The Church in use lay expertise, especially to manage finances and We are called to be the Salt of the Earth and Sri Lanka has been at best lukewarm. There has been estates. It may be worthwhile employing salaried staff the Light of the World. We may not measure up to some activity in the SEDEC ( Social and Ecomomic for these. There is a reluctance to trust the laity. what is expected of us, but we should always strive to Development Centre) lead by Dr. Eshan Dias and some do our best for God Our Father. Rev. Sisters, and at the Paul VI Centre. The Catholic Doctors' Guild produced a poster to be exhibited in For a quiet-time retreat..... the churches. The Natural Family Planning Associa- tion, which propagated Billing’s Ovulation Method has died. We have failed to organise pro-life groups as in The newly renovated Workshops, Conferences and all meditation an relaxation. the UK or USA. "Santhana" Retreat House - Galaha other residential programmes. For more information By the time a woman realises that she has in the Diocese of Kurunegala is now It has a capacity to and Rev. bookings Fr. Basil please Rohan contact Fernando the missed her periods the baby is three weeks old. The available for booking with more accommodate 50 persons and a Procurator General. babies heart has started to form, By five weeks the facilities for Retreats, Seminars, quiet atmosphere conducive for heart is beating. This is about the time she is going for so called menstrual regulation. If we can explain to her that the heart of her baby is already beating she may not go through with the procedure. There is a need for a well funded organisation with full-time Thededicated staff at least to educate the Catholic laity. Sacrament of Reconcilation

When we were children, not all in the congregation received Holy Communion. Among the laity there was general reluctance to receive Communion daily. It may have been due to reverence to the Eu- charist. Today almost all at Mass receive Communion. I sometimes wonder, whether people have become more holy than a half century ago, or is it that we feel that we really cannot commit grave sin. This reminds me of what the holy man, Rev. Brother Athanasius who was Director of De Mazenod College told us. He was the unofficial Spiritual Direc- tor to some senior boarders. The boarders used to receive Communion daily. He told us that it is good not to receive Communion occasionally. His argument was that receiving Communion should not be routine, and that every time we receive Communion we have to be prepared to receive Jesus Christ. The routine reception of Holy Communion, maybe has resulted in a perception that Confession 10 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 Remains of a medieval day The secular world and even some Catholics today are mystified by the cult of relics in the Middle Ages. But a recent exhibition at the British Museum in London showed how the for themselves. In the pre-modern world, ritual was not veneration of the mortal reliquiae of the great saints linked the human to the divine. the product and expression of religious ideas that were taken on faith; on the contrary, these ideas were largely the product of carefully crafted ritual. Like a great theat- Most of us have memories that occasionally cause world, it was usually things such as temples and holy rical performance, a carefully devised ritual could have a us a pang of acute, involuntary embarrassment. mountains, groves or rivers. But in the fourth century, powerful effect on those participants who knew how to We flinch from our youthful naivety and vulner- Christians began to locate the divine in a human being. respond to it with imagination and sympathy. ability, while at the same time feeling protective towards This important shift in religious thought in- Pilgrims would arrive at a shrine wearied by our former self. spired the great Christological debates about the In- the rigours of their journey, fasting, and with a sense Sometimes those moments of humiliation and carnation of God in the man Jesus. Was it possible that of heightened anticipation. They were thus primed for awkwardness may have been turning points that made us a mere human being, who had died an agonising and a transformative experience. The shrine itself, with its aware that things were not as we had hitherto assumed. disgraceful death, had embodied the divine? And, if so, glimmering mosaics, magical light, fragrant incense and We may remember these events precisely because they what were the implications for Christians who were also luxuriantly shady trees carefully reproduced the imag- marked a moment of transition and helped to make us, “sons of God”? For St. Athanasius, the answer was clear: ery of paradise, so a pilgrim immediately felt that he or for good or ill, what we are. “God became human so that humans could become di- she had entered a different dimension. The architecture I suspect that many Catholics feel a similar vine.” No one seemed to have fulfilled this potential for pointed constantly beyond itself: The covered surfaces, discomfiture about the medieval cult of relics. I well re- the divine nature more perfectly than the martyrs who submerged chambers, grilles and gates hinted tantalis- member my perplexity as a very new postulant, when had followed Jesus to the death and often revered as ingly at something that was just out of reach and end- the whole community processed to the altar after Bene- “other Christ.” diction one Sunday to kiss a reliquary which, I was told, People had long gathered at the grave of a mar- lessly elusive. contained a fragment of Jesus’ swaddling clothes. Even tyr but now these tombs became places. Because the We have largely lost the skill of ritual, which in the first flush of enthusiasm for convent life, I baulked souls of the martyrs already with God, their physical is essentially an imaginative “play” of make believe, at that. It was so disturbingly reminiscent of Chaucer’s remains (reliquiae) provided a new link with heaven. requiring participants to behave as if something were Pardoner, who claimed to have in his bag a piece of the could intercede with God on behalf of devotees, in rath- the case and finding in consequence that they are sud- sail of St. Peter’s boat and tried to pass off a pillowcase as er the same way as in Roman society a patron mediated denly caught up in the rite and are no longer pretend- Our Lady’s veil. between mighty and the powerless. ing. Our thinking is more literal and discursive, and this But it is never healthy - in either personal or col- By the sixth century, the landscape of Europe lective life - to disown or deny the past, because, whether has sometimes made religion problematic. But the very was dotted with a network of shrines, containing a relic we like it or not, it has shaped our identity. Scholars such contradictions of the relic cult enabled those pilgrims of a martyr· Sometimes the shrine housed the tomb that as Peter Brown and Mircea Eliade have shown that, far who would have found it impossible to follow the ab- contained his or her entire body. More often, however, from being an unfortunate superstition, the cult of relics struse theological debates about the Incarnation to ap- one of the martyr’s bones, a drop of his or her blood, or was developed by some of the most significant theolo- preciate the essential paradox of all religious thought. - so closely was the body connected with heaven - some- gians of Late Antiquity and was a serious attempt to ex- Pilgrims had to overcome their natural aver- thing that had merely touched one of his or her relics plore the human capacity for the divine. It coincided with sion to a dead body by kissing the relic; this subversion was contained in a jewelled casket or statue. St. Gregory crucial moments of transition in church history, with the of normal responses propelling them into an alternative of Nyssa tells us that pilgrims crowded round their saint emancipation of Christianity after centuries of persecu- state of mind. We do not cope well with death in modern ‘’like bees around a hive” to ask for his help or seek a tion and with the turbulence following the collapse of Ro- society: we speak of people “passing away” and try to Universal expressions healing miracle. man rule in Western Europe. push death out of sight. But the cult of relics helped pil- The new sacred geography of Europe testi- fied both to the spread of Christianity and the unity of grims to embrace mortality. In the ancient world, con- The British Museum’s new exhibition, “Trea- Christendom. After the fall of Rome, it linked the Chris- tact with a corpse was usually polluting, but Christians sures of Heaven: Saints, relics and devotion in Medi- tian world together, as relics were donated by Eastern now declared that dead flesh, symbol of humanity’s ul- eval Europe”, is a valuable opportunity for Catholics to Churches to the lost western provinces. The shrines, Stimateociet defeat,y’s Hwaseroes redolent of the divine. reconnect with this important episode in their past, to located outside the city in the cemetery area on the examine its symbolism, and, perhaps surprisingly, to margins of the town, provided the bishops, who were find that the cult of relics throws light on some of our becoming the new leaders of Western society, with a A society’s heroes reflect its values and our current predicaments. power base that was distinct from the pagan centres of modern cult of celebrity perhaps reveals a disturbing Pilgrims Pilgrimage is one of the oldest and most uni- public life in the city centre. triviality at the heart of our culture. The medievals, versal expressions of the religious impulse. Long before however, revered (passio) men and women whose heroism had people began to map their world scientifically, they elevated them to divine level. The public reading of the developed what has been called a “sacred geography.” The pilgrims who thronged to these shrines were martyr’s story did not dwell on his or her ag- Certain places were revered as centres that linked heav- not blindly credulous. They would not have been as preoc- ony for its own sake but concentrated instead on his or en and earth, and people of all cultures travelled long cupied with authenticity of a relic as we are today, because distances to encounter the sacred there. In the ancient the rituals enabled them to feel the saint’s presence there her miraculous impassivity. “This martyr did not blench Queen of the Silver Screen of Yesteryear under torture,” Victricius, Bishop of Rouen, reminded his congregation as he stood beside the city’s relics. Alfred Perera “This one was cut about, yet stood up still”. A divine power had been at work, which transformed their The 89th birthday were on gramaphone re- suffering into triumph. of Rukmani Devi will be re- cords, becauseDedi Kalathere Matha was But the rites were also a potentially subversive membered today at a me- no- Pembara radio at that Matha time. - SaraHer morial function at Sausiri- Sirinisongs, Ramya, like Siri Seth Sadai October 28, 1978. critique. In a harsh and exploitative society, for example, paya, Colombo 07, which Moksa Puray, Te Pan Dina Today’s commem- the passio presented the martyr as a victim of a cruel commences at 2 p.m. Dina Wedi Wediye, oration at Sausiripaya is and unjust imperial power and the sanctity of the ‘’pa- She was born on organised by ‘The Rukmani tron’’ saint threw into poignant relief the corruption of the 15th of January 1923 became Devi Commemoration So- the patronage system here on earth. The ‘shrine was at Ramboda. The name in more popular after the ad- Rukmani Devi ciety” which was formed home to society’s rejects - the cripples, the possessed, her Baptism certificate was vent of radio. Her rendering on 28th October 1989 un- the mentally ill and the destitute, who were given shel- Daisy Rasamma Daniels. of Nama Mariyani, to the der the auspices of the late ter and employment there and were always included in Two distinguished melody of Franz Schuber’s alphabetical order, which President R. Premadasa. the great processions. They would walk beside the aris- Sinhala scholars at that time Ave Maria, was also very were as follows:- It was the first such Soci- (Kadauna Poronduwa) tocrats and bishops in a demonstration of how society gave her the name Ruk- popular, specially among Broken Promise ety to be reegistered in Sri ought to be. mani Devi, when they saw the local lovers of classical Lanka. Finally, the golden reliquaries that will be on her singing talent under music. (VeradunuChanging Fate Kurumanama) (Peralane President Prema- her Guru - the well known Rukmani Devi Iranama) Defeated(Senga Aim- dasa was also instrumental view in “Treasures of Heaven” had their own message. In musician and singing mae- came to be known as “The vuna Pilithura) in organising the Rukmani medieval culture, gold was often seen as “dead” matter. stro H.W. Rupasinghe. Mr. Nightingale, of the Silver Evasive Denial Devi Centre For Perform- It symbolised the tribute extorted from the masses by Jayantha Weerasekera - Screen of Sri Lanka, after her (KapatiFanatic ing Arts, in Negombo and the aristocracy, who decked themselves in golden orna- (in whose name there is appearances in the movies. FaithArakshakaya) (Umathu Visvasaya) also in declaring open a ments and weapons. But in the intricately crafted and- a street in Colombo) gave She played“Kadauna the Poronduwa”lead female sionGrissly (Hadisi Guardian Vinischaya) new road there in Ruk- jewelled relic cases, profane wealth had been redeemed her the name “Rukmani”; role in the first ever Sinhala Hasty Deci- mani Devi’s name. and transferred instead to the realm of the sacred. and Mr. Michael Sannas film Veteran Media It is a modern habit to reject vehemently what has Liyanage added the name (Broken Promise). and Iranganee. personality Henry Pri- been personally superseded, but the cult of relics reminds “Devi”. Some of the earli- Films of the Min- yashantha Mendis, who pietas “Siri Buddhagaya us that, like our medieval forebears, we have our blind Vihare” She sang her first est films were produced era Players ended with the has been the President of spots. It is surely an act of to honour a devotion that ever song by the Minerva Players of demise of their leader. the Rukmani Devi Com- Karen Armstrong with Rupasinghe Negombo, whose leader But Rukmani con- memoration Society from was for centuries central to Catholic spirituality. Master (as he was known in was Rukmani Devi’s own tinued her films, until the 1989 up to now, is in (Courtesy: The Tablet) his lifetime). All her earlier brother-in-law B.A.W. Jaya- time of her death under charge of today’s celebra- songs were classics, which manna. Their films were in tragic circumstances on tions at Sausiripaya. 1311 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 Vatican encourages The Vatican a recovery of 'apologetics'

VATICAN CITY - In the Catholic Among the Regina Apostolorum Church, it's true that everything old can students, he said, there is a renewed in- be new again, and the Vatican wants one terest in apologetics - usually covered of those things to be the art of "apologet- today under the heading of fundamen- ics" - dusted off and updated to respond tal theology. "You can change the name, to new challenges, including those posed make it gentler and nicer, but you always by militant atheists. have to give reasons for your hope and The term "apologetics" liter- belief," he said. ally means "to answer, account for or While there have been scattered defend," and through the 1950s even attempts to train Catholics to explain Catholic high school students were given their faith to others since Vatican II, the specific training in responding to ques- Congregation for the Doctrine of the at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian Univer- are* Articulate raised on controversial Catholics topics. tions about Catholicism and challenges Faith has asked for a more widespread sity and expert in Christian-Muslim rela- to church teaching. effort to get apologetic material into the tions, said, "Apologetics in the restricted, * Response The need for articulate Catho- At least in Northern Europe and hands of Catholics. poor, primitive sense later became: 'I lics who could remain calm under fire North America, the effort mainly was a learn some answers, and I respond to became evident after a 2009 formal de- response to Protestantism. Today, while any question as if it were an attack by In early January, the congrega- bate in England in which Hitchens and sects and fundamentalist groups chal- refuting* Newness the other.'" tion issued a note on preparing for the the actor Stephen Fry faced off against lenge Catholics in many parts of the world, almost all Catholics face objec- Year of Faith, which will begin in Octo- Nigerian Archbishop John Onaiyekan of tions to the idea of belief in general, said ber. Addressing national bishops' confer- To make apologetics part of a Abuja and Ann Widdecombe, a Catholic Legionary of Christ, Father Thomas D. ences, the congregation said, "It would true Christian witness, he said, involves member of Parliament. The crowd clear- Williams, a professor at Rome's Pontifi- be useful to arrange for the preparation "being interested in the newness of the ly was on the side of Hitchens and Fry, of pamphlets and leaflets of an apologet- *cal L Reginaost Appeal Apostolorum University. question" posed and "challenged by its who argued against the motion that "the ic nature" so that every Catholic could rationality, daring to explore deeper my Catholic Church is a force for good." "respond better to the questions which own tradition and hope." Jack Valero, coordinator of Cath- Father Williams is author of arise in difficult contexts" from sects to Pope Benedict XVI and the Pon- olic Voices and U.K. press spokesman for "Greater Than You Think: A Theologian moral relativism and from secularism to tifical Council for Culture have chosen Opus Dei, said the group began by try- the path of dialogue to explore the issues Answers the Atheists about God," writ- science and technology. ing to respond to objections raised by and objections to faith raised by some ten in response to the late Christopher The congregation included a groups protesting Pope Benedict's 2010 reference to the biblical admonition secular humanists, atheists and agnos- Hitchens' book, "God is Not Great: How tics. The Pope invited nonbelievers to his visit to Scotland and England. The issues from the First Letter of Peter: "Always Religion Poisons Everything," and simi- day of dialogue for peace in Assisi last included homosexuality, contraception, be ready to give an explanation to any- lar works. October and the pontifical council has assisted suicide, clerical sexual abuse, one who asks you for a reason for your Over the past 50 years, apolo- launched a dialogue project called "the abortion, AIDS, same-sex marriage and hope." getics lost its general appeal because "it Courtyard of the Gentiles" to explore women in the church. The passage continues by saying was considered proselytism," an aggres- issues raised by experts in the fields of "Once we had identified the is- responses should be given "with gentle- sive attempt to win converts that was re- politics, economics, law, literature and sues, we studied how best to answer ness and reverence," which Jesuit Father placed by ecumenical dialogue, he said. the arts. them and developed our apologetics ma- Felix Korner said means taking the atti- It didn't help that many Catholics started An effort to combine dialogue terials," Valero said. tude that "the person talking to me has seeing all religions as equally valid paths and apologetics is found in Catholic Voic- But having written responses a real question; through the question I to salvation, so they thought it was best es, an organization in the United King- discover the deeper grounds of my hope isn't enough. "If somebody communi- to encourage people to live their own dom that compiles detailed responses and joy; I try to respond by making my- cates aggressively, which is not a very faith as best they could without trying to self and our faith understood." to current questions and trains Catholics Christian way to behave, then the mes- encourage them to consider Christian- The Jesuit, a theology professor to present official church teaching civilly sage does not come across," he said. ity.English Course at Nimani Centreand - clearly A boonin the media when to questions Post A/L Students.

Pamunugama, recently. ternational language is indispensable This Life Education Programme and therefore promotes knowledge he was successfully conducted bt the Nimani said. His Grace also pointed out that Centre for the tenth. consecutive year. A Catholics will be cornered in society un- mixed group of 12 girls and 6 boys com- less they are educated. Hence, the need pleted the Non-residential Course. for English education. The ceremony itself was very Mr. George Anthony who spoke colourful, with the girls neatly clad in on behalf of the Parents, thanked Fr. pink sarees and the boys in dark blue suits. Mer! for his painstaking efforts to improve the knowledge and skills of the Rev. Fr. Merl Mendis OMI, the Di- rector of 'Nimani Centre' in his opening students. address said that the quest for knowl- This English Course has helped edge did not end with the Graduation. the students physically, mentally and He said that there should be a follow-up spiritually. Fr. Merl specially thanked after the Graduation. He also stressed the Mr. Ajit Rodrigo who made his spacious importance of Parents' responsibility to Bungalow available free of rent. enhance the knowledge gained by the His Grace the Archbishop pre- students. Fr. Merl announced that three sented the Certificates to the 18 students. The students sang a farewell song, A student recives his Certificate from His Grace, Oswald Gomis. Looking on is students obtained First Division passes and presented a Souvenir to Fr. Mer! as Rev. Fr. Merl Mendis OM, Director of 'Nimani Centre'. which was highly commendable. He reminded how the Catholic Church played a spontaneous gesture of their gratitude a pivotal role in the education in our and appreciation. Two Priests and two country. Nuns also graced the occasion.Russel Fernando. The pro- "The English Course conducted of Colombo, Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, Archbishop Oswald Gomis also ceedings ended with a Tea Party. by 'Nimani Centre' is a very useful Apos- who was the chief guest at the Gradua- spoke of English as a link language and tolate," so said the Archbishop Emeritus tion Ceremony held at Lions Club Hall, that it has set rules. English being an in- 1214 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 ❖ Short Story The Universal Church acclaims The Great St. Paul to be the Apostle of the Conversion of gentiles. Here’s a Short Story Saul of about his great conversion. Tarsus By Chandrani Warnasuriya Next, a house lizard skies and spread all around ! fell right on his foot from a it. His master who was riding mantle over the door and it was equally blinded, and wriggled out! Saul shrugged jilted from the horse fell flat Everybody in the this hazardous movement his shoulders perturbed and on the ground. squinted again and again in Tola, trying to hide a sob al- neighborhood knew them to spreading like a wild fire? I in dismay for a moment. Saul raised his that direction to see if her most choking her. be Jews, for they wore long don’t think so.” He said, feel- “This is ridiculous, hand helplessly in an effort uncle was done with his Just then Minnie white robes with a mantle ing somewhat nervous about I don’t want to believe it,” he to cover his eyes. At first he friends. jumped out of Tola’s hand over it, and a traditional (su- the situation. mumbled to himself again. thought he was caught up Tola loved her uncle and sped across the door, dar) a kerchief twisted into a “Why not?” blared As he stepped out, with a mass of lightening and Saul very much for he never nearly getting trampled turban covering their heads. Saul, quite impatient and the dog outside went once thunder piercing the clouds, failed to bring her the little under foot of Saul’s giant The conversation getting more vexed over it. again Whaw…! Whaw…! but no! as an iridescent and “treasures” she liked when- strides. Saul hesitated….., he between the three men in the “In that case, the Whaw…! Woohoo! ….Whin- bright light spread all around ever her uncle returned from stopped… then he turned Courtyard opposite Saul’s High Priest and the Council ing and moaning fiercely. him, he thought he heard a his errands. But today Tola back taking a few steps back house where he stayed with will have to take more severe Saul hesitated…, but this voice call him from the heav- felt something different. to the living room. Then tak- his brother in Jerusalem, steps to nip them in the bud,” time he had vowed to him- ens!* The voice The past few days had been ing out a Time-Piece from a was getting heated up. Saul a said Shammai nodding his self not to give in to weird somewhat hectic for her pocket in his under garment, man of medium stature and head with concern. thoughts about bad Omens. uncle. He seemed to be get- he looked at the time. “Gosh “Saul!...Saul!....,” a Pharisee obviously was the “We will get them Rushing out the door, not ting busier and busier with I am getting late,” he said to Now he distinctly heard the more learned of the three. A all here to Jerusalem and put waiting twice to glance at the several of those men coming himself and turned around voice call out his name. “Why teacher in the synagogue he them in prison and be done wretched animal, Saul went in and going out, visiting her to say a few caring words to are you persecuting me?” adored the Law and hated with them,” said Saul quite straight over saddled his uncle. The streets had gotten Tola before he left. By this The voice went on. anyone who would dare to firm about his decision. horse quick and disappeared noisy with soldiers stamped- time however Tola was gone. Terrified and frightened, oppose it or break it. “Bring them all down the road, off to Damas- * Crazy Religion ing up and down, cautioning She had run after Minnie and Saul cried out, “Who are You to Jerusalem?” interrupted cus, to carry out his infamous people and stopping them was nowhere to be seen. Lord?” Ahaz, surprised and indig- mission of persecuting the from flocking around to lis- “Oh!... for that “ I am Jesus of Naz- Speaking in a nant at Saul’s reply. Christians or bringing them ten to the Apostles. spooky cat,” gasped Saul, “No areth whom you are perse- strong and high-pitched tone “Yes! Drag them all bound as prisoners to Jeru- Tola was right. To- respectable Jew would like cuting. It’s not going to work. of voice and getting more here as prisoners,” said Saul salem. day it was certainly going to believe in bad Omens!” You cannot fight me!” the and more agitated with ev- quite confident about it. His mind still reel- to be different for her uncle. he mumbled to himself, as voice replied. ery word he spoke he said, “But how? Without ing and cutting, and chok- But the little girl hadn’t the he rushed back towards the Saul scrambled to “This crazy religion must any Orders from the High ing him tight, Saul struggled faintest idea that it was a door. his feet and got up. He was be stopped. It’s all against Priest we can do nothing,” with his thoughts about bad great day indeed! A big day, “Whaw…..! Whaw…..! filled with great remorse at the Laws of Moses which said Ahaz “Of course I’ve Omens and impending doom. that was going to make a Big Whaw….! Woohoo…..! went what he had done persecut- our fathers and fore-fathers already got the papers from Then he shrugged his shoul- deal….., a Big difference…., in the dog outside moaning and ing the believers of Jesus. strictly adhered to,” he went the High Priest to go over and ders, like wiping them away Then he asked, “What am I to her uncle’s life! howling fiercely. on, stamping his foot on the speak to the authorities in * Bad Omens and throwing them down do Lord?” Saul came strid- ground and squeezing his Damascus,” said Saul with a the drain by the wayside as The voice an- ing up the steps in a great wrists in a fit of anger. wry and a sarcastic smile on it were, as he rode, whipping swered, “Get up and go to hurry. Tola was barely able Saul stopped and “That’s right as pro- his face. Then turning to the his horse to speed up. “For- Damascus, and there you will to snatch a hug from him hesitated once again. Turned tectors of the Law we should two men he said, “I must be get it, this is rubbish no stu- be told what you must do.” before he shot past into the back and took a few steps hound them out,” said Sham- on my way, I have to get there pid cat or wretched dog will Though he got up living room, picked up a bun- back into the living room. He mai a Scribe who met with before dark, I will see you as stop me from doing what I Saul still could not see. Some dle of papers and was about sat down Plonk! on the arm- Saul daily at the Synagogue soon as I get back,” he said. have to do.” He muttered to men rushed to his side. They to hurry back towards the chair beside, and pondered…. at public prayer. Then with a hurried look at himself again and again. thought Saul had a nightmare door. Tola sighed. She was Then twisted and turned the “I am not in the the two men, he dismissed Passing through and had gone blind. So they sad at the thought that her head covering, fixing his tur- least sorry I consented to the them with a quick “Shalom,” many towns and villages took him down to Damascus uncle had not paid much at- ban that had loosened itself. stoning of that lunatic of a and started towards the door Saul came closer and closer to the house of a man named tention to her as he used to, “Oh! For that wretched man Stephen,” said Saul in a and rushed up the steps, to Damascus and was in near Judas. Blinded for three days but was about to leave now. dog…..Who wants to believe gesture of approval at what briefly touching the Mezuzah sight of the great wall of the he awaited another vision She clutched Minnie close, as in bad Omens? Not me.” he had done a few days ago hung high up by the door. city. and was healed by Ananias * Tola her uncle gave her another Saul wrestled with thoughts outside the walls of the syna- Then suddenly the whom Jesus had sent to heal big hug and said, “Bye Tola about an impending doom gogue. horse stopped to a cringing him. I’ll be back soon and don’t or misfortune that would “Did you know the All this time, Tola, halt, neighed loud, raising Saul now convert- you worry about it. I will impair the journey he was more they are imprisoned Saul’s little niece sat by the his hoofs high up trying to ed to be a strong believer sure bring you those “trea- about to take. Then he got the more they are swell- window watching and wait- forge ahead, but quite sadly in Jesus took the name Paul sures,” when I get back this up from the chair and hold- ing in numbers?” said Ahaz ing for her uncle Saul. Clutch- he was unable to do so. Then and went about preaching time,” he said. ing firm the bundle of papers who was a soldier among the ing her favorite pet Minnie, a suddenly, Boo…m! it was the Good News about Jesus “Where are you swishing them under his arm Sanhedrin. Then turning to black and white Persian cat. blinded by a great and mys- and working and preaching going with those bundle of tight he proceeded towards Saul he questioned, “Do you stroking and petting it gen- terious light that in a clap of among the Gentiles convert- papers, uncle Saul…..?” cried the door once again. think we can put an end to tly, she strained her neck and thunder had bolted from the ing thousands to the faith.

(Q11N3925) GOSPEL 1513 The Messenger 22nd January 2012 What it says ..... in Third Sunday in Ordinary Time the Readings one thing I would like you to do.” First Reading. Jonah 3: 1-5, 10. “What is it?” asked the young man. The kingdom of God is close at “Take this picture of the Crucifix hand; believe the Good News. ing the way for the Lord preached and look at it every night before (Mk. 1: 15) The prophet Jonah is sent a message of repentance. After he retiring.” The unusual request to Nineveh to preach the message was arrested, Jesus came into the seemed so easy to the young man of repentance. The people accept- region, to Galilee not to condemn, that he promised to comply. That LITURGICAL - CALENDAR YEAR B ed God and repented. God in his protest, fast unto death or fight for night he glanced at the picture for 22nd Jan. - 29th Jan. 2012 Secondkindness spared the people. Reading. 1 Cor. 7:29-31. the freedom of John, but to pro- the first time, and he was so moved

claim the message of repentance. that it took him a while to get to

Sun: THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME He even chose many Apostles to sleep. Christ’s sorrowful face kept Jona 3,1-5,10, 1 Cor. 7, 29-31, Mk. 1: 14-20 For St. Paul coming of the help him and to continue his work staring at him and reached the Mon: 2 Sam. 5: 1-7,10, Mk. 3: 22-30 Lord is to happen at any moment. after him. depths of his soul. The following Tue:Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop & Doctor Therefore, he wants the people to In the second reading we night he was afraid to look at the be prepared. They should not be see the Apostles, especially St. Paul 2 Sam. 6: 12-15,17-19; Mk. 3: 31-35 picture. attached to any worldly things or carrying the same message, repent The patient Christ was Wed: Feast of The Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle Gospel.affairs. Mk. 1:14-20. and believe. looking at him all night and he Acts 22: 3-16 or 9: 1-22; Mk. 16: 15-18 So as we in this New Year could not sleep. The next morn- Thu: Memoiral of SS Timothy & Titus Bishops prepare ourselves in various ways ing the young man went to see St. 2 Tim. 1: 1-8 or Tit 1: 1-5, Lk. 10: 1-9 After the arrest of John the to serve the Lord, let us keep in Vincent, “Father” he said, “I give Fri: Memorials of St. Angela Merici, Virgin Baptist, Jesus preaches the Good mind that even today, for the kind up. Your attempt has won me over News of repentance. He calls the of society we live in, the message 2 Sam 11: 1-10,13-17, Mk. 4: 26-34 Aidto Christ.” Story 2. first disciples. is a message of repentance. Let Sat: Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas Reflection. us therefore, in all humility and 2 Sam. 12: 1-7,10-17, Mk. 4: 35-41 courage proclaim the message of A drunk stumbles into the Sun: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME Whether it is our Baptis- repentance lest the whole world be local parish during the Easter vigil Deut 18:15-20, 1 Cor. 7: 32-35, mal vocation or a special call from destroyed by sin. while the pastor is baptizing new Mk. 1: 21-28 God for a special mission. Our Due to the urgency of Catholics, briefly immersing their prime mission is to proclaim the the need to save the world from heads under water in the Baptis- Good News of Salvation. It requires suffering and sin, we might think mal font. The drunk nearly trips detachment from the world and of condemnation and fighting our on the font bumps into the pastor, Prayer of the Faithful most of all from sin. Before the way through, but it will only add to who thinks he’s one of the catechu- birth of Jesus as in the first read- the burden and will bring in more mens. Though the priest is almost Response: Lord hear our prayer ing, during the time of Jesus as in and more suffering and sin. overcome by the smell of booze, he the Gospel and after the time of Je- There is no weapon like asks the drunk, “Are you ready to sus, that is the time of the Apostles Love. There is nothing like volun- find Jesus?” “Yes I am.” Replies the For the Church that it may work tirelessly as in the second reading and for tary repentance and conversion. drunk. So the pastor dunks him, He to bring the Good News of Christ's salvation to all that matter even today, the Good Let us therefore, imitate the Lord. pulls him up and asks, “Have you Response:people, but especially to the poor. Lord hear our prayer News for the people has been the Let us proclaim with Love, a mes- found Jesus? “No,” says the drunk, We pray to the Lord. same. “DETACH YOUR SELF FROM sage of repentance. “I haven’t.” So the pastor dunks THE WORLD AND SIN, REPENT Blessed is he who is able him again longer this time. He AND BELIEVE.” to make people repent and convert pulls him out of the water and asks For those who make and enforce our laws From the time man sinned them from their sins, they are the again, “have you found Jesus?’ The Response:that they may be firm but at the same time kind Lord hear our prayer against God, God’s redemptive Aidmost fruitful people on this earth. Story. drunk answers, “No.” and fair. We pray to the Lord. Love has been at work. From time By now the priest is to time, through many people God getting a little frustrated, so he tried to save mankind. Finally, He St. Vincent de Paul dearly For those who have fallen, and for those immerses the drunk again, but who have lost their way in life; that they may find saved mankind through His son, loved a young man who had grown this time he holds him down for Jesus the Saviour. up like a wild flower. A violent Response:understanding Lord and hear love our prayer from the followers of about 30 seconds. When the drunk Christ. We pray to the Lord. The people of Nineveh ray of passion entered the young begins kicking his legs and thrash- were living in sin and so they man’s soul and the flower withered ing his arms, the pastor brings him were condemned and were to be and fell, the young man became back up out of the water and cries, That we may never become complacent or destroyed. But God out of love sent so licentious that the saint wept “ for the love of God, man, have you self-righteous; that we may always hear the call of Prophet Jonah with a message of bitterly. “Well” St. Vincent said to found Jesus?” The drunk wipes his Christ to a deeper and a more authentic life. Response: Lord hear our prayer repentance. The people accepted him one day, “I cannot persuade eyes and catches his breath and We pray to the Lord. his message, repented and were you any longer to give up your bad asks, “Father, are you sure this is Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos saved. ways because I see that my words where he fell in?’ John the Baptist prepar- are of no help. However, there is "listen to that your people Israel." Simeon as role model faith. What This woman went had he seen? Simeon goes on to The Canticle of Simeon Heon to say, had seen a baby, just tell Mary that, "This child a baby. He didn't see any The Nunc Dimittis is destined for the fall and miracles, he didn't hear rise of many in Israel." He any preaching, and he speaks of a sword piercing didn't see the resurrec- Mary's heart so that the tion. He saw a baby and eon as a role model was a For many years of the divine office and is thoughts of many hearts two overwhelmed par- His choice of Sim- world by his life, death in the Pacific northwest prayed by thousands of may be revealed. ents. But he believed! and resurrection. there was a famous monk people each day as night One woman told And that meant that he wise decision. But of these, few (now deceased) who, as a prayer. me that even as she tries could die in peace." Luke's descrip- have as many lines of gos- novice in his monastery, What is so pow- and often fails to pray the (Father Thomas Faucher tion of Simeon as pos- pel texts as Simeon. Both had received the name erful about Simeon and divine office every day, the Catholic News Service) sessing the Holy Spirit is Luke's narration of his Nunc Dimit- of Simeon. He revealed what people say about one prayer she will never unique in the gospels, and story and Simeon's words tis in the description of the him today is that he seems omit is the it speaks volumes about reverberate down the biblical Simeon as a man so timeless. He suddenly , where Simeon says to the interplay between the centuries and continue to who was "righteous and appears from nowhere God, "now, master, you Old and New Testaments. speak to modern listeners. devout, awaiting the with just a few incredibly may let your servant go The great figures Simeon was given consolation of Israel, and praiseworthy words of in peace, according to of John the Baptist, Zacha- the gift by the Holy Spirit your word, for my eyes the Holy Spirit was upon The modern riah, Elizabeth, Simeon, introduction, and he lives of knowing he would not have seen your salvation." him." Anna, the prophetess and out a promise made to die until he had seen the She said she a few others, connect the him by God. Messiah, and he recogn- wanted so much from monk told everyone that deep spirituality of the He amazes Joseph ised the baby Jesus as that God to keep her faith he tried to live his life Nunc Dimittis and Mary by calling Jesus Jewish world into which Messiah. His prayer, the strong and wished that so that this would be a "a light for revelation to Jesus was born with the , has been she could be like Simeon. description of him as well. transformation of that the gentiles, and glory for used for centuries as part