St. Lucia's Cathedral in fund-raising project

COLOMBO: The parishioners of St. Lucia's Cathedral, Kotahena have embarked on a major fund-raising project to help collect money to restore the Cathedral to its original beauty, said the Very Rev. Tony Martin, parish priest.

Today, this magnificent edifice is in need of urgent repairs. The early bombings by the Japanese in 1942 and subsequent explosions have left their scars on this majestic House of God.

Fr. Martin said the Cathedral looks great from the outside but this great edifice is crumbling from the inside and it needs your generosity to bring it back to its original architectural majesty.

He said we count on your kind generosity to raise Rs. 38 million. We have already collected Rs. 11 million which was used for the first stage of repairs. Work has been planned in three stages. At present Rs. 27 million is needed to complete this project.

Fr. Martin said deep cracks have appeared in many areas of the structure including the dome. This has resulted in the sanctuary and parts of the church becoming inundated with water even during a slight shower.

Great chunks of plaster have fallen off the walls, weakening the structure further. The doors and windows have also suffered a similar fate and have fallen into disrepair.

The Cathedral of St. Lucy is 119 years old, having celebrated the centenary of celebrations on December 12, 1987. Its construction commenced in 1873 and was completed only in 1902 taking almost three decades.

The 18,240 square foot church is a proud monument to the dedication of the Bishops, priests and the lay faithful who toiled together to raise the funds to complete it.

The Cathedral celebrates its annual feast on December 10.

Fr. Martin said contributions in cheques / money orders / telegraph transfers should be sent in favour of 'Cathedral Renovation Fund' A/c 0030564777 HNB head office or the Archbishop of Colombo if you wish to avail yourself of tax exemption or the Very Rev. Fr. Tony Martin, parish priest, St. Lucia's Cathedral, Kotahena, Colombo 13.