Feast of Our Lady of Matara

A W Gunawardena - Matara Central Correspondent

The annual festival celebration of St Mary's Church, Beach Road, Kotuwegoda commenced on September 1 with the hoisting of the flagstaff at 4 pm.

Daily novenas will be conducted with the participation of Rev Fr Charles Hewawasam, parish priest of the shrine of Our Lady of Matara till September 8. 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 streets, Beach Road, Mahamaya Road, old Tangalle Road, and St Servatius Road (to Church).

On 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 Holly 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 operate for the convenience of pilgrims. Lodging facilities will be available at the church ground from September 10 and St Mary's Convent, St Servatius College, Mahamaya Vidyalaya, Ilma Vidyalaya and President's (Janadhipathi) Vidyalaya, Fort, Matara.