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Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, Archbishop of Colombo was appointed to the high office of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka in 2002. It is no exemption that he was an authority on Church History at a time lot of misconceptions are floated on the true picture of Church History in Ceylon. His contribution in this regard is remarkable to get the correct picture not only of the local history of the Church but the history of Christianity in Asia, the continent which gave birth to the founder of the faith. Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis was appointed as Vice Chancellor of the Colombo Campus by the Government and he took interest to upgrade the Journalism Course for mass media students. History was something which was close to the heart of Oswald Gomis. He translated the Holy Bible into Sinhala specially for Children to be read and understand in simple language. He printed the Kitu Geethika Potha for the use of the devotees in Churches. He built the Catholic Museum at Ragama and gave a clear picture of the development of the Christian History in Sri Lanka. He wrote that the Christian faith was also an Asian product and argued that it existed even before the advent of the Portuguese. He placed the Anuradhapura Cross as archaeological evidence to prove the existence of the Christian faith in the Anuradhapura period and the foundation stone of a Church found in the area has been cited as evidence to support the descriptions in the chronicles. Going by the eastern traditions in the ceremonial and structural patterns in the Church Most Rev. Oswald Gomis instructed to construct a Makara Thorana at the entrance to the National Basilica at Tewatte. Going to introduce the traditional culture into Christian activities, he invited the Maha Sangha for arms at the Archbishops' House, Colombo on Christmas Day which is something a novel experience in the Church history. As the Master in Christianity manifested his human qualities by washing the feet of the disciples, during his days arrangements were made to observe the tradition for the Sangha to wash their feet at the entrance to the Palace. Bishop Gomis was a Journalist, Writer and mastered languages when serving the vinyard of the Lord. He was accepted as his predessor in the 17th century missionary Blessed Joseph Vas who maintained a nutral balance between the affairs of the State and religion.

He will be known as long as Christians who love the country and native traditions are given a place in the local Church as the Vatican once declared to give local traditions in the Universal Church. He authored a book on the contribution of Christian leaders for nation building in Ceylon History which was distributed to Members of the Govt. and the clergy. Bishop Oswald Gomis got a galaxy of clergymen who gave the encouragement and the patronage to accomplish this task. To name a few, Bishop Rev. Dr. Edmond Peiris, Dr. Don Sylvester, Dr.Dom Peter, Rev. Kalasoori Merceline Jayakody, Rev. Francis Molligoda, Rev. Aba Costa, Rev. Alex Dassanayake and Rev. Bensiri Perera of Piyasevana, Ragama.

Bandula Nonis

Jesus paid the price for our sins

There is now then no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus - who walks not after the flesh, but after the spirit.

Jesus by his death on the cross, and paying the price for all our sins has made it possible that the condemnation that should really be ours has lost its power and now as we walk in the spirit we are free to have peace with God. This is something that the Law of God could not permit me to have as the fallen nature of sin in me was so strong that I could not live up to its expectation. Therefore, Jesus the sinless lamb of God had to make this sacrifice in order that my sins are totally wiped off.

However, there is one choice I have to make in order to accept this expensive and yet a free gift that God has to offer. Expensive because the cost was his pure blood. I have to believe in the Lord Jesus' death on the cross and his saving power and then choose to walk in the spirit and not in the flesh.

Throughout this passage, Paul clearly says that we have to continue to walk in the spirit. This means that we have to choose and discard the fleshy desires and then turn around and walk in the spirit. How can one do this? We must willingly make up our minds to spend time with the Holy Spirit and allow him to direct our path.

As we systematically spend time in praying, reading the scriptures and learning to listen to Jesus' voice - we have no fear of stumbling on this point. The Holy Spirit will surely teach us how to please God. Of course, there will be trials and temptations. These come so that by learning lessons from the outcome of our fleshy nature, the wrong desires and thoughts are eradicated by the Holy Spirit's refining fire.

As long as our heart's desire is to walk in the spirit we can surely allow the rest in our Potter's hands. If we continue to do this the promise of this passage is ours.

Certainly, no one can point a finger at us as the scripture very clearly says, there is now then no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I can hide myself in the Rock of Ages - His righteousness is mine as I believe in the Saving power of Christ.

When Satan tempts me sore, I can confidently say: 'yes, my righteousness is filthy but I am covered by Christ's righteousness which is perfect and indeed there is now no condemnation that can bowl me over'.

Hallelujah! Praise God, for what Jesus achieved by dying for me on the cross. I am free from condemnation as the Son of God poured His precious blood to save me. Thank you Jesus, Thank you Saviour for what you have done for me. Help me to receive this free gift you are offering me although it cost you so much. Holy Spirit you are the only one who can reveal the truth-help me to accept this truth and bask in your love for me. I offer this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

Sunitha Sahayam

Orthodox church opens in Rome in sign of religious thaw

Orthodox and Roman Catholic dignitaries attended the opening Sunday of a Russian Orthodox Church in Rome, an indication of thawing relations between the two churches.

"We are happy that the Orthodox community has a church in Rome, which is the heart of the Catholic Church," said Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the pontifical council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Kasper was attending the inauguration of the church of Saint Catherine's of Alexandria, the foundation stone of which was placed in 2001 and which lies near the Russian ambassador's residence in Rome. The building was consecrated by the Metropolitan Hilarion, rather than by the new leader of the Russian Orthodox Church the Metropolitan Kirill, who had been scheduled to attend.

Also present were the mayor of Moscow, Yuri Lukov, French Cardinal Roger Etchegaray and a former Italian foreign minister Lamberto Dini.

Relations between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church have been tense for some years now, after the previous Moscow patriarch accused Catholics of proselytising in Russia.

But under the new Russian patriarch Kirill, who assumed his position in February, there appears to be a desire for a rapprochement.

Rome, Wednesday, AFP

Chapel of St. Columba in Denipitiya

St. Columba, the Irish Missionary was the founder of the Monastery of Iona and was a true native of Ireland. From his lonely island shrine he made frequent missionary journeys to the highland of Scotland, where he made many converts and was greatly revered. In the Anglican Prayer Book the 9th June has been indicated as the commemoration day of this saint.

The Chapel in Denipitiya was built and gifted by Mrs. Charles Peiris of Moratuwa in 1934. It was blessed, dedicated and officially named Chapel of St. Columba, at the Divine Service held there by the late Rt. Revd. Carpenter Garnier, the Bishop of Colombo, significantly on the 9th June 1936, attended by a large Anglican Congregation.

The Chapel of St. Columba stands in the Denipitiya Medical Station for 75 years to date. And it reminds all Christians, the twofold commands and teachings of the Holy Bible, "to preach the Gospel and heal the Sick." On this 9th day in June 2009, a Divine Service will be held in this Chapel of St. Columba.

Shortly before his death in 597 A.D., it is believed that St. Columba the Irish missionary had looked out upon the tiny island of Iona, which is one of the western isles of Scotland and uttered a memorable prophecy - "unto this place albeit so small and poor, great homage shall be paid, not only by kings and peoples of the Scots, but also by rulers of barbarous and distant nations with their people also." And so it was.

It is not discerning to talk about this perennial Chapel of St. Columba in Denipitiya, and avoid mention about the Anglo Catholic Union founded just before the 1st World War ended, following the Armistice signed in 1918. The Denipitiya Medical Mission Station is situated in the deep South.

It was the brainchild of the Anglo Catholic Union and its Annual General Meetings at the time, were held in the Queen's House.

Denipitiya was an undeveloped village comprising a few hamlets, 8 miles from Matara and 4 miles from Weligama town.

Both the Anglo Catholic Union and the Denipitiya Medical Mission, belong to the Diocese of Colombo and founded during the Episcopacy of the late Rt. Revd. E.A. Copleston, D.D, the 5th Bishop of Colombo and member of the Anglo Catholic Union of Ceylon. There is also another impressionable religious personality whose name is so entwined and associated with both the A.C.U. and the Medical Mission. Born in Weligama, revered member of the Anglo Catholic Union, he was the Professor of the Divinity School of the Colombo Diocese. He was no other but the late Revd. Canon Dr. G.B. Ekanayake who lived in Weligama. Knowing the dire privations suffered by poverty and disease stricken villagers, he went to the remote Denipitiya and surveyed the condition of the village folk, suffering with many incurable diseases without medical attention. He had lost no time for establishing this Anglican Medical Mission in Denipitiya.

Work soon commenced with visits to the village by the Revd. Sisters of the community of St. Margaret and a Christian midwife, who worked under close care and guidance of the late Revd. Canon G.B. Ekanayake. The urgent necessity then demanded that they stay put there. They had to live uncomfortably in a thatched hut in order to effectively tender the sick and the maternity cases.

This is the only Anglican Christian Medical Mission in Sri Lanka, staying a long and arduous course of 91 years to date.

Denipitiya Medical Mission and the Chapel of St. Columba at the Mission Station are very significantly complementary to each other. In that they both fulfill the teachings of the Holy Bible, that "verily, verily I say unto you, in as much as you do unto one of the least of these brothern, you have done it unto me."

There is also a full-fledged dental clinic complete with a valuable dental chair and other paraphernalia donated by a concerned Christian, Dr. Miss. Jayanthi Stephen of Nava Jeewana Health Care Centre, Dehiwala. Chapel of St. Columba in Denipitiya will be commemorating the St. Columba Day on June 9 at a Divine Service held in its Chapel.

If any Anglican wish to participate in the Divine Service and the celebrations, the Board of Management cordially welcome them but they may have to please notify in advance for making ground arrangements to receive them.

Christie Wanigasooriya Member of Denipitiya Medical Mission and the Anglo Catholic Union

Significance of the psalms in the liturgy of the church

The Psalms and their Close Relationship with Christian Prayers' - In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church for the most pat prays with those beautiful songs composed under the inspiration of the spirit of God by the sacred authors of the Old Testament.

From the beginnings they have had the power to raise men's minds to God, to evoke in them holy and wholesome thoughts, to help them, to give thanks in time of favour, and to bring consolation and constancy in adversity.

Strength

The psalms offer only a foretaste of the fullness of time revealed in Christ our Lord and from which the prayer of the Church receives its strength; therefore it is not surprising if, even though all Christians agree in having the highest regard for the psalms, difficulty sometimes arias when a person tries to make those songs his own in prayer.

The Holy Spirit, who inspired the psalmists, is always present with his grace to those believing Christians who with good intention sing and recite these songs. It is necessary, however, for each according to his powers, to have 'more' intensive biblical instruction, especially with regard to the psalms', and be led to see how and in what way he may able to recite and pray the psalms properly.

The psalms are not readings nor were they specifically composed as prayers, but as poems of praise. Though sometimes they may be proclaimed like a reading, nevertheless, because of their literacy character, they are rightly called in Hebrew Tehillim, that is, 'songs of praise', and in Greek Psalmoi, 'songs to be sung to the sound of the harp', In all the psalms there is a certain musical quality which determines the correct way of praying them. Therefore, though a psalm may be recited without being sung even by an individual in silence, its musical character should not be overlooked.

Meditating

Whilst certainly offering a text to our mind, the psalm is more concerned with moving the spirits of those singing and listening and indeed of those accompanying it with music. Whoever sings the psalms properly, meditating as he passes from verse to verse, is always prepared to respond in his heart to the movements of that Spirit who inspired the psalmists and is present to devout men and women ready to accept his grace.

Thus the psalmody, though i commands the reverence due to the majesty of God, should be conducted in joy and a spirit of charity, as befits the freedom of the children of God, and is in harmony with divinely inspired poetry and song.

Often enough the words of the psalm help us to pray easily and fervently: when they express thanksgiving or joyfully bless God, or when they present us with a prayer from the depths of sorrow.

the other hand, especially if the psalm, is not addressed to God, we may sometimes find ourselves in difficulties. Because the psalmist is a poet, he often speaks to the people, recalling for example, the history of Israel; sometimes he address others, including those created things which lack the use reason.

He may sometimes write as if God himself and men and even, as in Ps 2, the enemies of God, are talking to one another.

Clearly a psalm has not the same quality of prayer that a prayer or collect composed by the Church may possess. Moreover, since the Psalms have a musical and poetic character, they are not necessarily addressed to God, but may be sung before God.

St. Benedict remarked; 'Let us consider what we should be in the sight of God and angles; we should stand to sing psalms in such a way that our mind is accord with our voice.

Whoever sings a psalm opens his heart to those emotions which inspired the psalm, each according to its literacy type, whether it be a psalm of lament, confidence, thanksgiving or any other type designated by exegetes. The person praying the psalms is conscious of their importance for Christian living by keeping to their literal meaning.

Each psalm was composed in particular circumstances, suggested whatever may be said of its historical origin, each psalm has a literal meaning which even in our times cannot be neglected.

Though these songs originated many centuries ago in a semitic culture, they express the pain and hope, misery and confidence of men of any age and land, and especially sing of faith in God, his revelation and his redemption.

Difficulties

Whoever prays the psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours does not say them in his own name so much as in the name of the whole body of Christ, in fact in the person of Christ himself. If he keeps this in mind, difficulties disappear, even if while saying the psalms his own feelings differ from those expressed by the psalmist; for example, if we find ourselves saying a psalm of jubilation, while we are worried or sad, or saying a psalm of lament when in fact we feel in good spirits.

Whoever says them in the name of the Church can always find a reason for joy or sorrow, finding applicable to himself the words of the apostle: 'Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow' (Rom 12:15); human weakness and selfishness is thus healed by charity so that the mind and heart may harmonize with the voice.

Whoever says the psalms in the name of the Church should pay attention to the full meaning of the psalms, especially that messianic understanding which led the Church to adopt the psalter. The messianic meaning is made completely manifest in the New Testament; it is in fact declared by Christ our Lord himself when he said to the apostles: 'Everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the prophets and in the psalms, has to be fulfilled' (Luke 24:44).

The most notable example of this is the dialogue, in Matthew, about the Messiah; David's Son and Lord is understood, in PS 109, of the Messiah.

Let it be a light strength to a person who is unable tor lacks strength to raise his head due to gravity of sin.

Let it be a weapon to a duty conscious person who is searching for divine justice in a corrupted society deprived of justice and fairness. Let it carry a deep eternal message and remain an unextinguished lamp for our lives."

The golden jubilee of the Legion of Mary, Our Lady of Lanka Committee of the Colombo Diocese was celebrated recently. Here the invitees and special guests, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis and Bishop of Colombo, Very Rev. Cyril Gamini Fernando, Very Rev. Fr. Marcus Ferdinandez of the Eastern region, Rev. Fr. Ronnie Ponsian Perera, Director, Legion of Mary and other priests being conducted to the jubilee meeting held at St. Joseph’s College, Maradana. All offerings collected at the jubilee mass were despatched for distribution among the displaced civilians in the North. Picture D. N. B. Kirihetti, Pamanugama group correspondent

Pioneer of inter religious dialogue