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Ja-ela was then a remote village, now turned to a town. In 1801 the foundation stone was laid to build a church. It was a small church then, now replaced by a beautiful large church. This church was originally under the administration of Nagoda Parish. Later it became a separate and an independent Parish, in the Archdiocese. This church is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.

Rev. Fr. Santha Sagara Hettiarachchi, Parish Priest, Ja-ela has organised several religious events to celebrate one hundred and fifty years of the Ja-ela Calvary Passion Play. An open air Way of the Cross was held where all ten parishes of the Tudella Deanery participated. The Way of the Cross was conducted by Rev. Fr. Maximus Rodrigo Pulle, parish priest of Pallansena parish. Here Very Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini, Episcopal Vicar, Colombo North Region celebrate the holy mass with other priests. Picture by D.N.B. Kirihetti Pamunugama group correspondent

The then Parish Priest of the church at Nagoda, Rev. Fr. Pedro Noringho, an oritorian priest seeing the hillock near the church at Ja-ela, had conceived an idea in his mind, to make it a Calvary. He then had ventured on it and his untiring efforts had been fruitful when he obtained the permission and the Episcopal Blessing from the then Archbishop of Colombo.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Cadjetan Anthony to declare and consecrate this hillock as "Mount Calvary" (Kapala Kanda). This was in the year One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty Eight. This being the first Calvary in Sri Lanka was a great blessing for the Catholics of Ja-ela, for which we are indeed ever grateful to Almighty God.

It was the period of the Colonial rule, a century, before gaining independence. Having declared it as a Calvary, Eleven (11) years later, in the 1859 the people of Ja-ela presented the Passion Play for the first time. This expressed a unity of the people of the village.

Palm Sunday

It is reported that they had built huts called "Pasku Madu" to stage this Passion Play depicting the scenes from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. It is revealed that the late Lankahaluge Lewis Fernando, a devote Catholic of the area, introduced and directed the Passion Play at Ja-ela.

After his death, his son L. Thomas Fernando (Annavi) who was affectionately called "Thomma Seeya" by the villagers, was the Pasku Guru. He continued it until his death. Later his sons and Grand sons continued the good work. The services rendered by the late E. Leonard B. Fernando and H. Patrick G. Fernando can in no way be forgotten. The statue that is being used for the crucifixion has been built by a Catholic of the area, the late Lawrence Marcus. It is revealed that the late A. Anthony Fernando had donated the cross presently being used for the scene of the Crucifixion.

In those days there was a scarcity of Priests. Therefore, their work was covered by the laity especially appointed by the hierarchy of the Diocese as Muppu and Annavi. All those who served in such capacities joined hands for the progress of the Passion Play. It is said that one such person the late E. Philip Fernando, Muppu has performed his task going about the village in a wheel chair at times as a peace maker and at times as an organiser of the Passion Play.

Railway station

The Passion Play staged at Ja-ela drew very large crowds from within Ja-ela as well as from suburban areas, from its early days. The Plays depicted the occurrences of the Holy Week.

The large crowds that gathered for these plays was an eye opener for the Railway Authorities to accede to the request of the elders of the village who made representations to them to give a Railway Station to Ja-ela. The Railway Station of Ja-ela is an outcome of the Passion Plays of Ja-ela. We offer our gratitude to our ancestors for the role they had played in this regard.

While on the subject of Passion Play - a name that cannot be ignored is the name of Rev. Fr. Jacomme Gonsalves who was a Goanese missionary who had come to the island learnt the Sinhala and the Tamil Languages and contributed immensely to the Catholic Literature in Sinhala in the form of Passion Plays and other Catholic Plays, wrote books such as the Pasan and Deshana Prasangaya which are sung in season of Lent. The superb voice of the late A. Miguel Silva (Annavi) had been very prominent in those days, which added colour to the Ja-ela Passion Plays. In the early nineteen fifties (1950) the old "Maha Paskuwa" had been shortened to suit the times. It had been limited mainly to the occurrences of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

A way of the Cross in the open air is conducted leading to the hillock, the Calvary.

Refections

Short refections are delivered at the stations of the Way of the Cross while depicting the scenes of the Agony of Jesus.

On the hillock the scenes of the nailing of Jesus to the Cross, the crucifixion and the last words of Jesus on the Cross are meditated. At the end of the last sermon, the scene of crucifixion of Jesus is depicted.

The veneration of the Cross takes place next, while the Holy Communion too is given at the foot of the Calvary. Then the body of Jesus taken down from the Cross is laid in the arms of Mother Mary. Thereafter, the statue of Jesus is taken round in procession and finally for the burial in the sepulcure in the church.

At present Indralal Fernando and Laksiri Fernando take a leading role to prepare and perform the needful in this connection, with the help of the others.

Easter is the greatest feast of the Catholic Church. On Easter Sunday after the morning mass, the scene of the resurrection of Jesus is depicted. Then the statue of the resurrected triumphant Jesus is taken round the city. On returning to the church the priest blesses the crowd and wishes them a Happy Easter, and with that the Lenten Program concludes. It is said that this shortened form of the Passion Play had been the work of the late E. Francis Fernando, a Muppu of the Ja-Ela Church.

Memories

It is with reverence and gratitude that we recollect the priests who had delivered sermons, at the Calvary hillock. Among them stands the Bishop Emeritus of Chilaw Most Rev. Dr. Frank Marcus Fernando, as Priest who served in the Arch Diocese.

It is with a deep sense of gratitude, we recall the memories of all those lay persons who had contributed immensely in numerous ways for the staging of the Passion Plays. The late E Marceline Fernando (Marceline Teacher) had composed the hymns sung at the crucifixion at present.

It is with fervent memories that we recall the impressive sermons delivered by Rev. Fr. Benedict Joseph, the former Editor of the Gnanartha Pradeepaya and the Kurusiye Velapilla directed by Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, all from the Mount Calvary on those two Good Fridays both of which were broadcast live over the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. These enchanting services still echo in the ears of the parishioners.

It is with great emphasis that we mention here the efforts of Rev. Fr. Hugo Palihawadana, then Parish Priest of the Ja-ela Church appealed to His Grace the Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando of the Arch Diocese of Colombo and acquired the adjoining lands by paying due compensation to the owners.

When Rev. Fr. Santha Sagara heard about the 150th Jubilee of the Passion Play, his first task was to declare 2008/2009 as the Jubilee year. He then silently, but firmly engaged in the other activities that suit to its success.

He decided to issue a Souvenir and to give a better look to the Calvary as well. With the Blessing of God Almighty may all his endevours come true. At his request Ranaweera Fernando with the consent of the Chairman and members of the Urban Council, Ja-Ela will change the system of Electricity to the Calvary to fulfil the aspirations of the pilgrims.

It has been observed that there is a large gathering every year at this hillock. They come from far and near to participate in the services especially on Good Friday.

The parishioners anxiously await to hear the proclamation of it as a shrine for meditation. Building of a pilgrims Rest is to be considered. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, we believe that this would be a reality in the near future.

Salutation

The history of the Calvary goes back to 161 years and the Passion Play for 150 years. We remember our Ancestors including the Clergy whose generous contributions had helped for the present generation to celebrate this Jubilee.

At the invitation of our Parish Priest, His Grace the Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Oswarld Gomis will preside over the proceedings of Good Friday this year. Finally, we beseech our Blessed Mother of Sorrows to intercede on our behalf, that God may shower His Blessing abundantly on us to achieve our aspirations.

Ja-ela

How Jesus Christ spent His last few days

Philip N. Peiris

The Way of the Cross took place at Vavuniya which started from the St. Antony’s Church, Rambaikulam and ended at Karappankadu Christian Church, recently. Picture by T. Vivekarasa, Vavuniya Spl.Corr.

Just six days before the Passover, Lord Jesus Christ came to Bethany to spend some time with his friends; Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They prepared him supper. Whilst Lazarus sat with him at the table, Martha served them. In the meantime Mary bought a pound of ointment of Spikenard, a very costly verity and anointed on Jesus' feet and wiped with her hair, as an act of humility.

Since the next day was the Sabbath, the Lord spent the day in traditional fashion with his friends in Bethany.

First day of the week. Jesus with his disciples drew neigh unto Jerusalem and came to a place called Beth-phage, unto the mount of Olives, and Jesus sent two disciples to the village overlooking to bring the ass tight and the colt with her, whereon never man sat. When it was brought, they put on their clothes on them and set him thereon. A great multitude spread their own garments on the way. Others, cut down branches from the trees and strewed them on the way. The multitude that went before and followed him cried saying Ho-san-na to the son of David. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord, Ho-san-na in the highest. When he came to Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying who is this? and the multitude said this is Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth of Gallilee. MT 21:1-11, MK 11: 1-11; LK 19; 29-40: JN 12: 12-15. When Jesus has come near he beheld the city and wept over it saying if thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace; but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee that thine enimies shall cast a trench about thee and compass the round and keep thee in on every side and shall lay thee even with the ground and thy children within thee and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another, because thou knowest not the time of thy visitation. LK 19: 41-44. Finally Jesus entered into Jerusalem and into the temple and when he had looked round about upon all things and now the even (evening) tide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. MK 11:13.

The next day he returned to the temple and found the court of the Gentiles full of traders and money changers, making large profit as they gave out Jewish money in exchange for "pagan" money.

To be continued

Passover 2009 at St Joseph's College

Passover 2009, the Josephian Holy Week presentation of sacred songs, scripture reading and reflection will be held for the third consecutive year at the chapel of St. Joseph's College, Colombo 10 on April 7 at 6.30 p.m.

In addition to St. Cecilia's Choir of St. Joseph's College, Maris Stella College, Good Shepherd Convent and St. Lawrence's Convent Choirs will also participate.

The organisers said the service will help people to commemorate as well as to re-live the last days of Jesus including the defiant demonstration led by Jesus into the city of Jerusalem, the Passover meal, the gift of the Eucharist and Priesthood, the betrayal, His passion, death and resurrection. Ultimately, what is envisaged is a spiritual renewal and a conversion to a greater Christian commitment in a crisis ridden world.

The chants and hymns will include Pueri Hebreorum, Lauda Jerusalem, Holy City, Gethsamane, Adoramus Te Christe, Ave Verum, Factae Tenebri Sunt, Stabat Mater, Allegri - Meiserere, Regina Coeli, Jesus Christ is Risen Today and the Alleluia chorus.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever. I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah

For thou O god hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name........

Every Christian has to face rejection. Not once or twice but several times until one understands that these love pangs are what Jesus Himself faced but yet for all loved ones. 'But why do we have to face such pain?' one might ask, part of showing love and learning to love the unlovely involves the pain of rejection.

Until you yourself learn the secret of bringing to Christ's feet the rejection you experience in your life and allow Him to heal you, and learn as the Psalmist cries out 'when my heart is overwhelmed, let me hold on to the Rock that is higher than I, and the healing balm of Gilead runs through your life and His comfort and love flows through you, speaking to your heart' My child, some things are not meant to be, but the pain of wanting something and not being able to have is an experience you must learn to cope as this allows you to mature so that when others go through rejection you will know how to help them.

Believe you me, this is an important lesson for a child of God who is going to be used impacting and transforming other people's lives. If you do not handle rejection properly, you will end up with a low self-esteem. This can totally draw you down and alas, you will end up being self centred and not God centred and then when self governs your life it becomes an endless struggle where the Lord is kept out of your life and the purpose of your life here on earth can be impaired.

One must understand how to ride on top of these situations and not go under them and be squashed.

God has given lot of promises in His word and we can learn from people's lives in the Bible as to how to react during these painful times. If you face this victoriously, remember, your character will be the better for it. Character building is so important in God's dealings with you. One of the good lessons you could learn as to how to cope with rejection is studying the life of Joseph.

He is often referred to as Joseph the Dreamer - not because he was lazy and dreamt about unachievable things - but because he had the gift of interpreting God's messages that were communicated to him through dreams. Nowadays we have the Bible available and this is the most acceptable way God speaks to His people. However, God is Sovereign and He can choose whatever method that He feels is the best way to reach an individual.

Genesis 37 : 5 describes Joseph's dream and the dream clearly shows that one day his family is going to bow down to him. When Joseph had this dream he was 17 years old. Quite contrary to his dreams the events that followed in his life would have made anyone downcast and sorrowful.

He was bullied by his brothers and stripped off his coat of many colours put in a hole and then sold off as a slave! He ended up in Egypt as Potiphar's slave. For sometime his life is good but alas! Potiphar's wife lusts after him and when Joseph did not respond she lies and puts him into trouble and he ends up in prison. How unfair could life be - don't you think?

This time we find his inmates' dreams actually saves him and again as he interprets Pharaoh's dream, he ends up as a Governor of Egypt. Ultimately we find that his family does bow down to him as his first dream predicted.

However, this did not happen until he was rejected and unfairly treated and long after he became a mature man.

Please read the Scriptures because as you read about him in the Bible Genesis 37, 39 and 45 (Chapters), one could clearly see what a wonderful attitude he possessed. He never cried out and went under his situation, although they were dire ones. He always rose above it as his trust in God was well founded. He knew how to ride on it and not get under it. That I would say is how one can climb with God's help from being a slave to a king. (A Governor in this case with a lot of power).

How about you? You know God is on your side. Christ has conquered it all for you. Should you too not rise above your situations? Even when your family or your best friend whom you love, totally misunderstands you and does not gives you an inch to explain or discuss the ill feeling that has crept between you, but just walks away?

Jesus Himself was betrayed by his disciples and rejected by His own. During this lent time we do read in the Bible that Jesus had to stand alone - everyone had abandoned Him! You have all the resources available to rise up as Jesus has made it possible - more than for Joseph, as we live in a time after Jesus died and rose again, thus completing the plan of salvation and giving us all the power needed to rise up above situations as we know He is in control.

May the Holy Spirit energize you into being the character that God wants you to be even as you lift your head up and rise above your circumstances.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I thank you that I am special to you and I can rise above every situation with your help. All these circumstances can make me a better person I know. if I decide to lift myself up with your help. Father, help me to understand how important I am to you even if the whole world rejects me. Once I understand my place in you I know no battle is difficult to win. Thank you Lord that I am your child, thank you Lord that you understand me even if all others fail me, Amen.

Passion play of Ja-ela celebrates 150 years