Feast of Our Lady of Matara

A W Gunawardhana-Matara Central correspondent

The annual festival celebrations of St Mary's Church - Beach Road Kotuwegoda-Matara will commence on September 1 at 4 pm with the hoisting of the flagstaff, said church administrator Rev Fr Charles Hewavasam.

A daily Novena will be conducted from September 1 to 8, with the participation of Rev Fr Charles Hewavasam Parish Priest of the shrine of Our Lady of Matara on September 9. The Festive High Mass will be held at 4 pm.

The Rosary will be recited at 6 pm, the procession will parade the streets Beach Road, Mahamaya Road, Former Tangalle Road and St Servatius Road (to church).

September 10 at 3.30 pm, a welcome ceremony for new Bishop Most Rev Raymond Wickramasinghe will be held.

The Rosary will be recited from 5 pm to 6 pm. The procession carrying the Statue of Our Lady of Matara will parade the streets of Beach Road, Araliya Mawatha, Tangalle Road, Servatius Road (to church).

On September 11, the Holy Masses will be held at 4 am, 5 am and 6 am. The Festive High Mass will be at 8 am. There will be a Holy Mass at 11.30 am for late arrivals.

A rail-bus co-ordinated service will be in operation for the convenience of pilgrims. On September 10, from Chilaw to Matara (train), September 15 Matara to Chilaw (special train).

Extra compartments for the Colombo-Matara daily trains and special bus services from Colombo to Matara are added features. Lodging facilities will be available at the church ground from September 10 and at St Mary's Convent, St Servatius College, Mahamaya Vidyalaya, Ilma Vidyalaya and Presidents College and Fort Matara.