|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Saturday, 30 August 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Features | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Blessed Virgin who came over the waves to make her permanent abode at Matara by M. Felix V. Cooray
This miraculous statue of the Blessed Virgin and Child Jesus has worked numerous miracles. The statue has been turned out of one solid piece of ashwood. Originally history points out how the huge wooden crate was hauled out of the sea by fishermen of Weligama. When it was opened it was this most beautiful statue of the Mother and Child found inside untouched by sea water. The fishermen of Weligama had handed over the statue to the Parish Priest at that time who subsequently placed at St. Mary's Church, Matara (presently known as the Church of Our Lady of Matara). It makes very clear that the statue of the Blessed Mother had come on its own unchaperoned over the waves and given its care to the Catholics of Ruhuna. Not only the people of Ruhuna, but people from all parts of the island gather at her feet and many cures, favours and special request made by devotees have been granted. For the annual feast the Rev. Fr. Charles Hewawasam Administrator together with the parish family spares no pains to see to the conveniences of those who flock at the feet of the Blessed Mother. In the good old days there had been a cholera epidemic which raged the district and claimed many lives. The Catholics rallied round this statue and prayed to be relieved of this disease. The statue was taken in procession through the streets of Matara. Even the non-Catholics had participated. After a few days the entire area was declared safe. the good Mother safeguarded them all. Even today people of all walks of life non-Catholics take part in religious services and plead for the blessings of our Dear Mother for all types of favours. You are certain of her most powerful intercession. You are invited for the birthday celebrations of our Blessed Mother which will be solemnly celebrated at Matara. Catholics and non-Christian flock annually around our Mother Mary in the month of September to celebrate her birthday and also plead for her intercession in our daily needs. We are convinced that Our Lady of Matara will never fail us in our petitions. We assure you a very happy stay in Matara. Come and rejoice in celebrating our Mother's birthday. May our Lady of Matara bless and protect our beautiful country Sri Lanka with peace in this crucial hour together with all our families. The services this year will be as follows: Friday 12th September 2003 Holy Hour at 4.30 p.m. Eucharistic procession at 5.30 p.m. celebrant Rt. Rev. Fr. Nihal Nanayakkara, Vicar General of Galle. Saturday 13th September 2003. Rosary, Litany and Vespers at 5 p.m. followed by procession celebrant Rt. Rev. Dr. Harald Anthony Perera, Bishop of Ratnapura. Sunday 14th September 2003 Masses from 4 a.m. till 6 a.m. 8 a.m. Festive High Mass will be concelebrated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera Bishop of Ratnapura and Rt. Rev. Dr. Elmo Perera Bishop of Galle and all priests present. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
The feast of the historic shrine of Our Lady of Matara falls this year
on Sunday September 14.
