Christian perspectives

'Take God's Love to places where Love is absent'

The Mission of the Brothers of Charity is to bring the Love of God to the world and specially to those people and places where love is absent, to those people who are wounded in their human capacities, said Very Rev.

Brother Dr. Rene Stockman, Superior General of the Brothers of Charity.

He outlined the Mission of the Brothers of Charity in his address to the parents, children and well-wishers present to welcome him at the Institute for Children with Disabilities at Nisansala, Tudella along with Colombo Archbishop Emeritus Rt.Rev.Dr Nicholas Marcus Fernando. They were received by the Brothers and the Children on their arrival and were taken to the venue where the ceremony was accorded.

He said their Mission was to do everything out of charity to make the lives of the poor, marginalised and those castes out from society due to their physical and mental disabilities. Our final objective is to ensure that everyone experience hope to live and create a new society where there is space for the poor and marginalised and bring to light the perspective of resurrection in everyone's life.

"I want to emphasise here that Poor are the chosen of Christ and one has to follow Christ in His footsteps. Our charity is far from the philanthropy. There is a vast difference.

Charity is love

While philanthropy is about helping those in need; charity is love, compassion and mercy and that translated in professionalism, moves to help those in need and that is our definition of Charity", he explained.

Bro. Rene went onto say that for the Brothers of Charity, their preferential care was going to those who were wounded in their human capacities; people with disabilities; people with mental retardation; people who are marginalised in society their mental disorders and the like. It is our task to take all and never to abandon any of those in the said categories and that is what Christ expects us to do when He said: "All you have for the least of my brothers, you have done for me", he observed.

Brother Rene went on to say that his Congregation founded in 1807 by a Belgian Priest, Rev Fr Peter Joseph Triest was presently embraced in 30 countries including India, China and Vietnam. The Congregation which celebrated the 200 years of Service to the humanity will mark the 250th birthday of the founder next year.

"We are happy to note that our work has been recognised and appreciated by the parents and our donors both here and overseas and all our effort focus on making those disabled children grow up to live on their own to the extent possible without being a problem to the larger society. Of Course they need the support of all to realise that ideal", he added. He also observed that it was necessary on the part of the parents to accept those children as gracious gift of God; and we as Brothers of Charity help them to change their attitude towards their children.

Nisansala is a Centre run by the Brothers of Charity which gives shelter and education for children with both mental and physical disabilities. The Superior General of the Brothers of Charity touring Asian countries where the Members of his Congregation at work was here to make an assessment of the progress made by the Brothers whose services count 20 years in Sri Lanka, this year.

Congregation

Colombo Archbishop Emeritus Rt.Rev. Dr.Nicholas Marcus Fernando said that he was unaware of the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity and of their special Mission when they decided to come to Sri Lanka 20 years ago." "So, when the time came the Holy Spirit sent these Brothers here and the Sisters of Charity were here already and they spoke about this great apostolate which I must say again I did not understand properly what it was.

But then they came and I know in particular our parents today not only of the archdiocese of Colombo but the whole country are grateful to the great service of love and charity they render. "Thank you very much for your services of your organisations", His Grace said.

Rev.Bro Gregory Boyle, Director of the Institute in his welcome address said, that the Institute in public acknowledged the support and the encouragement extended to them by His Grace Rt.Rev.Dr.Nicholas Marcus Fernando, the then Colombo Archbishop, Chilaw Bishop Emeritus Rt.Rev.Dr. Frank Marcus Fernando and the Sisters of Charity which ensured better understanding and the quality of life of the people with a learning disability.

He also thanked late Rev. Fr.Lawrence Perera for his assistance through St. Vincent de Paul Society, in establishing a Centre at Halpe and Rev.Dr. Peter Bachman Foundation, Switzerland through the intervention of Nicholas Nanayakkara, ex-Director of Nisansala.

The children entertained the audience with songs and dance. E. Weerapperuma

A memorable milestone - 1869-2009:

Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena celebrates 140th anniversary

May 1, 2009 marked the 140th anniversary of the founding of Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena, on a hill over-looking the majestic cathedral of St. Lucy. It was also the day that signalled the arrival of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Congregation who from community of just four nuns have now expanded to a strength of 400 and working in schools, orphanages, creches and slums.

Thanksgiving

The year-long program of celebration began at the Kotahena Convent on May 14 at sundown with a service of prayer, reflection, adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Over 600 teachers and parents filled the basketball and netball courts as the elegant school choir chanted sacred songs in Sinhala, Tamil, English and Latin in impeccable style.

The school Principal Rev. Sister Gertrude Vithanage began the service with the opening prayer. As twilight grew and the gentle floodlights lit up the square, the gaily decorated altar on a raised daise turned radiant.

When the Eucharist was borne by Rev. Bro. Bernard preceded by red robed cathedral alter-servers, people went on their knees in adoration even as the choir chanted the 'Tantum Ergo. After the solemn benediction the service ended with the majestic millennium Italian anthem of praise Gloria Te.

Pontificial High Mass

The celebrations reached a climax on May 22 with the pontifical High Mass, concelebrated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, the Archbishop of Colombo together with Apostolic Vicars, Very Rev. Fathers Ivan Perera and Marcus Ferdinands. The Good Shepherd Congregation, led by Rev. Sister Rohini Mendis, the Provincial Superior, De La Salle Brothers together with their superior Rev. Bro. Denzil Perera FSC were present.

The Archbishop of Colombo was welcomed at the entrance to the Cathedral Square spearheaded by the smart school band who put out a splendid display as they led the dignitaries to the main entrance of the cathedral.

As the celebrants made their way to the altar preceded by 140 students bearing lamps and flags, the choir broke out in the harmonious rendition of Beethovam's composition - Joyful, joyful we above thee" joined by the vast congregation of students.

After a brief welcome address by Rev. Sister Principal and an introduction by Mrs. Mariette Thevarayan, Archbishop Gomis began the Eucharistic service. The Gregorian version of the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei by the school choir joined by the entire student body gave a awe - inspiring solemnity.

The Archbishop traced the history of the early days, the torments of the "School Take-Over" in 1960's culminating in the current days of glory. He exhorted everyone to keep the "blue and white" flag flying through their relentless efforts.

Before the concluding benediction, Rev. Sister Rohini Mendis spoke on behalf of the Congregation whilst the head prefect proposed the "Vote of thanks". After the Mass, Rev. Sister Rohini Mendis launched the web site "www.goodshepherdconventkotahena-140 years." For students it was a red letter day as they celebrated the event singing the melodious Jubilee Anthem title "Song 140" and enjoying their own events.

A glimpse of history

As Good Shepherd Convent commemorated the 140th anniversary, it is worth recalling the school's early days. The man who helped the establishment of St. Benedict's College, Kotahena in 1865 was also the prime mover in the founding of Good Shepherd Convent. Bishop Mgr. Hilarian Sillani OSB, was not only the initiator of both schools but indeed the father of Catholic education in the Archdiocese.

It is he who persuaded Saint - Rev. Sister Mary Eupashia to send nuns to then Ceylon to cater to the education of girls in the city. Thus, four nuns of the Good Shepherd Congregation set foot at the Galle Harbour on April 15, 1869. En route they received a warm welcome till they reached Cottan-China as Kotahena was then called.

New Task

On May 1, that year, Rev. Sisters Mary Anucita Marandi, Mary Sujanne Cardiff, Mary Euphotie Joseph, and Mary Sacred Heart Masi. commenced the new task with eight newly enrolled students.

The school was then known as the Convent of the Sacred Heart and despite the change in name, now still celebrates the Sacred Heart feast as the school day.

The continuing saga

A recent newspaper interview with a medical doctor on her 100th birthday revealed that she was a student of Good Shepherd Convent, Kotahena. During her early days at the school, the story of the founding days would have been part of their contemporary history. From generation to generation the saga continues with Kotahena Convent grooming girls to become women of worth and excellence in whatever they do, in a multiplicity of professions, sports and other competencies. The Sheperdian glory, according to the Principal rests on the winning ways of the students, in keeping with the school motto "they conquer who think they can".

The power and miracle of Prayer

Donald NUGAWELA

When Alfred Tennyson immortalized the word Prayer with the sublime thought that - "More things are wrought by Prayer than this world dreams of" he wittingly wanted us to experience the strength and Miracle of Prayer, no matter what religion we belong to.

Indeed yes. The miracle of Prayer with thousands of clay lamps lit by million hands in far flung temples and those nearer to us in towns and cities and in our homes daily by the old, the not so old, the youth and children invoking in Prayer for peace and blessings to descend on our beautiful land and to strengthen the will and courage of our beloved leader and for all those gallant young men and women of our fighting forces to attain greater heights of glory have been effectively heard and answered and the peace we all prayed for is now within our comfortable reach.

The power of Prayer has also strengthened our belief that ere long the sun will shine again on a darkened side of our land and its people will come out from the shadows of terror and walk with pride in the sun dappled glades of their island home in a free and united land that belongs to them as well.

Strong message

When American singing idol Trini Lopez gave to the world his perennial hit "This land is your land, this land is my land, from California to New York Isle" it conveyed a strong message of strength and unity. Perhaps, we may with apologies to Trini change a line or two and stand up together and sing - "This land is your land, this land is my land from Dondra Head to Pedro Point and from Puttalam to Trincomalee - this Land belongs to You and Me". Prayerfully let us keep it that way till the end of Time.

Having reached the twilight years of my life I recall with nostalgia when as a youth together with my friends I welcomed the dawn of independence on February 4, 1948. It was a proud moment in our lives to have experienced freedom from the much despised Imperialists who for centuries had dominated our lives.

Now in year 2009 in my old age I am privileged to welcome the second dawn of freedom - freedom from a bunch of vicious barbarians who held our land in bondage close to three decades.

Like me there are many other old timers who would nostalgically recall 1948 and together with me see through 2009 as a great privilege granted to us fortified with the strength of Prayer for our beloved country to settle down to peace and plenty under the guidance of our youthful leaders.

One wishes to convey a message to the youth of our lovely island home. Do not ever forget that it was the youth of your own age who came out of their humble rural homes in their thousands in defence of your liberty. Remember that in doing so many of those brave youth lost their limbs so that you could walk in Freedom.

Brighter

Yet others went blind to help you to see what is Right and yet others died to make your morrows brighter. They have left for you a brave new Lanka free from terror and destruction.

It is for you now to ensure to keep it that way.

You are proud heirs to a beautiful land with great traditions and values and Nature in her benevolence has gifted you a country rich in diversity. It belongs to you. Gather it to your bosoms and lend your hearts and hands to the ongoing National Resurgence. You owe it to your country. You owe it to all those heroic youths who sacrificed their tomorrows to make it possible.

Feast of Most Precious Blood, Pamunugama

The Pamunugama Parish celebrates its unique and historical feast of the Most Precious Blood for the 141st year in succession since its inauguration in 1868, by Rev, Fr. Sylvester Papili (O.S.B.), who was in charge of the then vast Parish of Pamunugama on July 5.

He established the ancient confraternity of the Most Precious Blood in the Parish and through the Vicar Apostolic in charge of the Southern Diocese of Sri Lanka at that time, affiliated it to the Arch Confraternity of the Most Precious Blood, belonging to the Missionary Fathers of the Most Precious Blood in Rome.

Vespers will be celebrated on July 4, followed by the procession carrying Holy Cross within the church premises. On Sunday July 5, after the Festive High Mass, there will be the annual Corpus Christy procession participated by the whole congregation.

This year's festive celebrations will be under the guidance and direction of Rev. Fr. Chrys Abayaratne.- D.N.B. Kirihetti

Ss. Peter and Paul's Church celebrates 125th Jubilee

Catholicism in Lunawa possess a history of nearly 500 years. In the year 1537, exactly 472 years ago, the first ever Catholic Church to come up in the village of Lunawa is the first St. Joseph's Church known as "Athu 30 Palliya" (30 Cadjan Structure). This Church stood on the site of the present Rest House, Lunawa, now converted to a Tsunami Camp. Rev. Fr. Pedro Perez, offered the First Holy Mass at the "Athu 30 Palliya" on 15th January 1537.

'Athu 30 Palliya' was the historic spot where 19 Catholics of the same family were Martyred by ruthless persecutors in 1552.

Since the ancestral people of Moratuwa being Warriors, 406 years ago in the year 1630, the First Church of Moratuwa dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel was established at Lunawa by the Jesuit Fathers.

After the Vespers on July 04, the Procession carrying the Statues of the Ss. Peter and Paul, the Patron Saints of Lunawa will wend its way along the roads of Lunawa North and South.

The Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Tyronne Perera and the Asst. Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Lankath Cooray endeavour to make this 125th Jubilee a success. Vivian Silva

Weekly Devotions:

Promise is ours

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Bless the Lord, O my Soul, And all that is within me, bless His Holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my Soul, And forget none of His benefits. Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion. Who satisfies your years with good things. So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

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Psalm 103.

I want you to read these words through and take in word by word and verse by verse as to what the Psalmist says. Now I want you to say these words like a prayer praising God to get the full benefit of these verses before I give an explanation of this beautiful psalm.

The first two verses are praises to the Almighty God, Adonai. The name Adonai is used some 300 times in the Old Testament and is understood to be in its plural form depicting the triune nature of God, when used in the context of men (used 215 times) the word used is 'adon' - when referring to God (Adoni) most often than not the term meant 'Master'.

King David here praises God with his whole being - you too must learn to do this with the help of the Holy Spirit.

You can really reach a higher realm by doing this - the time you are spending now is being focused on the Lord here - yourself awareness is lost in His goodness to you, as you are one of His people. We are concentrating on God and His blessings, what His generosity and mercy has bestowed upon us.

Oh yes, Bless the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord O my Soul and forget none of His benefits that He pours over you. Thus bless Him with a greatful heart.

The next verse says: Who pardons all your inequities. Yes, praise the Lord for His salvation. The blood of Jesus that washes away all sin - though it be a deep scarlet stain in your life - the cleansing power of His blood will wash it away and your heart will be white as snow!

No illness or disease can stand in the presence of the Lord. Let's claim the healing power in the blood of Christ which has been freely poured out for our benefit and receive His healing.

May I ask you to place your hand in faith on the area of your pain or sickness and cry unto the Lord and stretch forth your arm of faith and hear Him say, "Your faith my child has made thee whole."

Yes, believe with all your heart that the Lord has redeemed your life from the it and crowned you with His loving kindness and compassion.

Receive the joy of salvation and alive confidently of His everlasting love for you as you are precious to Him and bask in the knowledge that you are His priceless passions and He cares for you.

Your life will experience satisfaction as you live in this awareness and what's more, Now pray using the very words of this Psalm and soar above all your circumstances, believer. Amen. Sunitha Sahayam