Monday, 13 February 2012

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Two new entrants to the Archdiocesan Dynasty of Auxiliaries

Fr Ernest Poruthota

The Sri Lankan Vatican Apostolic Delegates most Rev Dr Joseph Spiteris announced on November 28, 2011 that His Holiness Pope Benedict the XVI has selected two new Auxiliary Bishops for the Archdiocese of Colombo and has ushered a New Spring in the Archdiocese of Colombo.

Msgr Emmanuel

Msgr Maxwell

Msgr Emmanuel was born on May 20, 1948 in Jaffna. Msgr. Maxwell was born on September 27,1953 in Moratuwa, Willorawatta. The nature of their future Apostolate has not been determined by his Emminence the Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

The nature of their apostolate as Auxilaries was determined after their Episcopal Ordination (also called the Consecration) as Bishops that took place on February 11, 2012 at St Lucia's Cathedral Kotahena at 9.00 am.

Earlier in the history of the Archdiocese consecration, two Auxiliary Bishops in the persons of Rt Rev Dr Edmund Fernando and Rt Rev Dr Oswald Gomis took place in Kotahena at St Benedict's College Quadrangle on the same day July 17, 1968. They were two Auxiliaries of late Cardinal Thomas Cooray.

Pope had many to select from as Auxiliaries, but he has finally selected Msgrs Emmanuel and Maxwell. The reasons will never be known but one can see through the selection two trends in the training background of both.

Monsignor Emmanuel

Msgr Emmanuel comes from a usual background of Priestly training for the Bishopric. Kandy Seminary, Rome, priestly studies, exposure to many foreign countries for pastoral experiences.

In 1965 he entered St Aloysius minor seminary along with Cardinal Malcom Ranjith. From the National Seminary Kandy he was sent to Rome Propaganda ide College, Rome for Theological studies. There, he completed B.Th in 1972. In 1974 Licentiate in Theology.

Specialization in Moral Theology at the Urban University in Rome. He was ordained a priest in Rome on January 6,1973, by His Holiness Pope Paul the VI (who came to Sri Lanka in 1970).

Msgr Emmanuel went through the normal run given to any priest whether educated in Rome or Sri Lanka. From October 1974 he was the Assistant priest at Dalugama parish, lived in the subsidiary church of Sapugaskanda. In 1975 he moved to the Hanwella parish but had his exposure in Waga, a subsidiary Church of Hanwella parish. In 1976 he was moved to Kotahena parish while being in charge of St. Anthony's Kochchikade. Kochchikade is still not a parish but was declared a national shrine by Rt Rev Dr Nicolas Marcus. Baptisms, funerals and weddings don't take place in St Anthony's, they are being done still at Kotahena parish of St. Lucia's.

St Anthony's remains a shrine where people can come and pray, make their vows and have their private devotions. The shrine caters to the faithful in three languages; Msgr Emmanuel was quite at home with languages as he had studied Sinhalese under a Buddhist monk.

Msgr Emmanuel after the ground working in-service training in parishes joined the National Seminary Ampitiya Kandy in February 1978 as a staff member and group moderator and teacher teaching Ethics and Fundamental Moral Theology. He was also appointed moderator of the Ganaprakasam Tamil Academy like its parallel Gonsalves Sinhala Academy, Chesterton English Academy. All three Academies are devoted to research in view of the priestly ministry.

He was also the spiritual director of the seminary brothers from all the Dioceses of Sri Lanka besides the student brothers from all the priestly Religious Congregations working in Sri Lanka.

In 1981 he was sent for doctoral studies to the Catholic University of America in Washington DC USA. He was a resident at St Anne's Church in Washington DC and helped for masses and services in that American Parish. During the summer time he worked in a parish in New York Highland Falls.

In 1987 he completed his doctoral thesis in moral theology titled 'Population policy of Sri Lanka, an evaluation in the light of the moral theology'.

He came back to the National Seminary in October 1987, continued teaching Ethics and Moral Theology in the teaching in staff. He resumed his earlier roles as group moderator of the Ganaprakasam Tamil academy and spiritual Director to the brothers from all, the dioceses of Sri Lanka and those studying for the Catholic Priesthood from the various Priestly Religious Congregations working in Sri Lanka. He was promoted to be the Vice Rector of the National Seminary from 1989-1991 and was the 6th Rector of the National Seminary from 1991-1998, The 3rd Diocesan priest Rector.

During the last years, Msgr Emmanuel was appointed a member of the Council of Priests (also called the Senate of Priests of the Archdiocese) of Colombo.

As all professors of the universities as well as the national seminary Msgr Emmanuel then Fr. Emmanuel was on sabbatical leave from August 1998 to September 1999. He was helping in the Rockville centre diocese, New York USA Lynbrooke for one year.

During this time period he became a research scholar at the Hasting centre in New York.

In September 1999 he was appointed to be in charge of the research centre of the Archbishop's House in Colombo. It is from there he organized the Exhibitions for the Jubilee Year 2000. He held jubilee year exhibitions in 8 different places in the Archdiocese of Colombo.

He went back to the Parish Apostolate in June 2001 to January 2009. He was from October 2002 to January 2009 the parish priest of Tillanduwa, Negombo and also the Dean of Bolwalana Deanery from October 2009, Parish priest of Moratuwa, St. Sebastian' Church and also the Dean of Moratuwa Deanery till December 2009. In December 2004 he was appointed Episcopal Vicar for Catechetics and the Family Apostolates.

In 2006 he was made the Episcopal Vicar in charge of the Southern Region that included the Deaneries of Moratuwa and Kalutara. In January 2009 after handing the parish of Moratuwa he was appointed Resident Priest of Daham Sevana the (intermediate seminary for Rev Brothers going for Theological and Philosophical studies to the National Seminary Ampitiya Kandy.

The Marist Brothers who are specialized in the school teaching Apostolate had taken over the Kalutara Holy Cross College from the priests, decided to hand over the Holy Cross College back to the fathers. Fr. Emmanuel was made the pro-tem Rector of the college from January to May 2010. He was staying in the separate residence for the college fathers. In May 2010 he was appointed as the Episcopal Vicar for the Tamil Apostolate with Residence at the Archbishop's House Colombo. He continued his teaching in the Tamil theologate and the Theology department of Aquinas University College. He was also a member of the Sinhala Deva Darma Nikethaniya Academic Council.

On November 28,2011 he was appointed Auxiliary to the Archbishop of Colombo with Titular Bishop of Orta. It is the custom to give a Title of Diocese to each Bishop till they are incardinated to a definite diocese as full time Bishops.

Such a rich preparation was not available to all the Auxiliaries who were appointed to the Archdiocese before Bishops Anthony Seram, Don Sylvester, Frank Marcus Fernando, Edmund Fernando, Oswald Gomis and Marius Peiris.

In the history of the Archdiocese it is the first time that an Episcopal Vicar was appointed in the person of Msgr Emmanuel for Tamils. Although there was no neglect of the Tamil Apostolate in the Archdiocese as Archbishops Nicholas Marcus, Oswald Gomis, Malcom Ranjith preached to the faithful in Tamil all along.

Monsignor Maxwell Silva

Msgr Maxwell belongs to a line of priests in the Archdiocese who have served in the teaching apostolate of the taken over Denominational Catholic schools. Christian Brothers, Marist Brothers and Franciscan Brothers (Mostly identified as FB) were always engaged in the ordinary schools teaching Apostolate even before the takeover of schools by the Government in 1962.

Fr. P. Sebastian Fernando OMI was always engaged in the teaching Apostolate in Lucia's parish school just behind St. Lucia's Cathedral. Therein Fr. Sebastian Fernando discovered Ralex Ranasinghe who became a national sensation for Photography layout and poster art without the use of computers. It was Fr. Sebastian Fernando who also discovered Hector Welgampola who later became Editor of both the Catholic Messenger and Gnanartha Pradeepaya later joined Lucan. Fr. Sebastian continued his teaching apostolate in Gonsalves Pamunugama etc.

On the day of Msgr Maxwell's ordination among the suggestions the Archbishop Nicholas Marcus was "now that we have 21 priests" in Fr. Maxwell ordination class of 1981. "Why won't some of you take up to the teaching Apostolate?" One of the young and newly ordained priests who responded positively and persevered is Fr. Maxwell, Fr. Ivan Perera and now Fr. Ranjith Madurawela who is looking out for young priests to take up teaching as a part time or full time apostolate. Archbishop Nicholas Marcus Fernando encouraged Fr. Maxi as quoted above.

Fr. Maxi was assistant to Fr. Leo Perera from August 23, 1981 to 1983 at Dalugama parish, so close to Kelaniya University. Many undergraduates from Kelaniya university found (old Mission house not the present day mission house) a welcome home and a place of meeting both Fr. Leo and Fr. Maxwell. Along with old Dalugama mission house was the English Institute mostly to cater to the Kelaniya University students. English Institute was the brain child of Fr. Anthony Fernando OMI who was in the teaching staff of the Christian Department of Kelaniya University.

Fr. Maxwell moved to Middelavita Parish (with Thibbatugoda as his residential place). In order to facilitate his teaching apostolate in the government schools as a government registered teacher he was assigned residence in Kerawalapitiya St Joseph's church.

The parish priest in charge of Nayakakanda, Balagala and Keravalapitiya remained in Nayakakanda. Many other priests who started government teaching apostolate combined with the parish work along with Msgr Mazwell fell by the wayside.

Msgr Maxi served as full time government teacher from 1992-1998 at St. Joseph's College Grandpass. From 1998-2001 in the Basilica College Ragama, from 2001 till his appointment as the Auxiliary Bishop. He was the Government appointed principal of St. Thomas College, Kotte.

Msgr Maxwell acquired many other academic qualifications that he could while teaching as a government teacher. From the National seminary Ampitiya Kandy like all who study there obtained the (Rome). He did his B.A B.Th(Hons) in Kelaniya University. In the Maharagama National Institute Dip. in Education PGDE.

Dip in Accountancy, M.A.(Sociology) Kelaniya University, MED in the National Institute of Education, Maharagama.

[Weekly Devotions]

Testimony of King Nebuchadnaser

King Nebuchadnaser was a great king who captured many cities and was a renowned monarch who ruled around 605 B.C. he was a leader who allowed his subjects to keep their own gods. He thought by doing this he could get their cooperation in his rule. Although he robbed their lands and took their riches, he allowed them to keep their idols and allowed them to worship as they were used to. He some times even worshiped the gods of the people he conquered.

To me this shows that he was actually searching in his heart to find God and here below is the extract of scriptures as seen in the Bible that King Nebuchadnaser had a mighty revelation of God through a vivid dream he had, which makes him desperate to want this dream to be interpreted. Of course God had prepared His servant Daniel to truthfully give its interpretation, although it was not easy to be the bearer of bad news to a mighty king during that period. We find God's revelation does not stop with just telling king Nebuchadnaser who He is but it follows with a great trial which lingered for seven long years of humbling the king to realize pride and arrogance has to be cleared from his life and even a mighty kins as the world recognizes has to bow down to the Creator who hates these qualities in a mere human being. Both these qualities that king Nebuchadnaser portrayed in his life of pride and arrogance belonged to Satan and not God, and if one has to follow God these qualities have to be taken away.

Daniel 4 (King James Version)

Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. I thought it good to show the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me.

How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in

my palace: I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.

Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof.

But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying,

O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.

The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:

The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.

I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:

Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and etteth up over it the basest of men.

This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof,

forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: but thou art able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee.

Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.

And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility. All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of 12 months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.

And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as

oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.