The Feast of the Saint of the Roses

Sripathy Jayamaha

The feast of the Saint of the Roses – St Therese of the Little Flower – was celebrated at the ‘Raththu Palliya’, Kelaniya on October 7. Commencing with the hoisting of the flag, on September 27, it was to be a happy, prayerful 10 days of meticulous plannign by our very dynamic shepherd, Rev Fr Gehan Ridley Perera, ably assisted by Rev Fr Ruwan Rodrigo and Rev Bro Ajith Appuhamy to make this 82nd anniversary of the church a memorable one, as always.

Also with him were members of the Parish Council, members of the YCS, Altar Servers, Choristers, various associations, youth of the ‘Dharmadhutha’ society and our energetic sacristian Sanjeeva and spouse. Not forgetting our happy family of parishioners. With the unstinted support of the police, the Local Authority and our beautiful and devout Buddhist and Muslim friends. It was to be yet another weekend of harmony, tolerance, love and joy.

Rev Fr Indra Ratnasiri inspired us with his very enlightening sermons on the Seven Sacraments of the church. Rev Fr Ruwan Liyanage, a son of the parish celebrated Vespers with Fathers Aloy Vanderwall and Jesudasan. The gaily decorated chariot with our vivacious and loving St Therese passed a tastefully decorated route with a silent multitude of Buddhists and Muslims. His feast day made us doubly happy and we are sure our Saint of Jesus too, would have smiled as we passed the brand new ‘Little Flower’ Parish Hall. The opening created history in our dear Motherland, also in our peaceful town where the serne Kelani River passes St Therese's, the hollowed temple, the Rajamaha Vihayara, a church dedicated to the grandmother of our Saviour and another dedicated to the beloved Mother of Our Lord.

Yes! History was created after the opening of the Hall by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith when the Papal flag was hoisted together with the church flag by our Parsih Priest and shepherd. The National flag was hoisted by the Venerable Viharadhipathi of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya. An unforgettable occasion where, amity, love, tolerance and peace reigned supreme. The bands of the Pilapitiya and Waragoda churches filled the air with solemn instrumental music. Later, after the final blessing, when the chariot reached the church, our musicians kept the parishioners and visitors thrilled with some lively music. We are certain that those up above with our Saint too must have tapped their feet.

The festive mass was celebrated by Rev Fr Gehan Gunatilleke, Principal of the Primary School of St Josephs College, Maradana with our very own Fathers Gehan and Ruwan by his side. I am sure the young Josephians in our parish must have been thrilled to see him. It also brought back memories of our Chief Festive Celebrant a few years back. Rev Fr Sylvester Ranasinghe, the present Rector of St Josephs. The parishioners were there in the evening, to say “Thank You” to our Heavenly Father for giving us good weather. Also to Jesus, who was with us to show His love for a very young Saint of His and also to Bless us, our historic Kelaniya ‘Gramaya’ and our Blessed Resplendent Isle who is under the protection of His Gracious Mother.

Importance of praise

To praise God is vital and pragmatic approach of our Christian life. Our one and only God always admires the praise of His own children. Praise can be divided into two types. Praising God by our words and praise to God by our activities, works and deeds.

Absolutely God does not expect our praises in too. Although praising, glorifying to God is our paramount response and responsibility. In the sense of the word He had provided our senses, bodies, talents, parents and so on.

Sometimes we do not feel much of quality and reality, because of our problems, diseases, mistakes emanate in our daily lives. In fact it is a great sin done by us.

When we thank God, we will receive the power of Him. Not only that, by thanking God we become free of our sorrows, difficulties and attachments. In the Bible, there is a book called Psalms which strives to appreciate God.

We should be aware of experiencing the affection of God through our tears burdens and pains. Certainly we cannot thank Him in such conditions. Therefore we do anticipate the active and changeless power of the Holy Spirit.

When we receive it, very easily we can glorify to God. So we should take a stern step to praise our heavenly father.

To participate in a fruitful and meaningful manner for the Holy Eucharistic celebration (mass) is an incomparable action of our Christian lives.

Malintha Bopearatchy Dalugama,Kelaniya.

Darren Sammy gives glory to God for ‘Windies win

Ken de Joodt

Sri Lanka’s entry into the magnificent Finals of the ICC Cricket T20 World Cup on October 7, saw frenzied fans go wild, in and around the Khettarama Stadium Colombo-as well as in the rest of our beloved ‘cricket crazy’ country! Many folk were caught-up in a joyful, chronic “Cricket fever” - to enjoy the pomp and pageantry and the fun and frolic! Sri Lankans living abroad flew in by the scores, with one hope of seeing Sri Lanka win!

Many ardent lovers of cricket were literally glued to their home Televisions, watching intently and expectantly. There were TV set-ups in numerous hotels, clubs, parks and even a ‘big screen’ at the Galle Face Green.

Among many colourful ‘Cheering Squads’ from other countries, one contingent calling themselves the “Balmy Army” from England, proved to be a lively, vociferous ‘bunch’ of Cricket fans - that added great fun and wit to most of the matches.

In the ‘run-up’ to the grand “Final”, from the twenty-two ‘simply the best’ teams that participated in T20 Cricket, fourteen teams were eliminated and the rest qualified to enter the exciting “Super Eight”! This included Sri Lanka at the top of the points table, to face up to really stiff competition from other competent sides such as England, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the West Indies.

After some well-fought battles, Sri Lanka and the West Indies made their way into the long awaited Finals.

West-Indies captain Darren Sammy, a man of great faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, said in his interviews and run-up to the Finals of the Tournament, that he believes in God - “Jesus Christ works in mysterious ways.

He performs wonders!” Presumably, divine intervention and God’s favour was poured out on the West Indies, as many of the players believe and put their trust in the Living God Lord Jesus Christ. Darren Sammy won the ‘toss’ in the Final and chose to bat first.

Sri Lanka’s skipper Mahela Jayewardene said he would have preferred to do the same, as the state of the wicket was already known, which would favour the side that bats first! So, Sri Lanka went in with the supreme confidence that the back-up fielding for brilliant bowlers Lasith Malinga and Ajantha Mendis, could stem the flow of runs from some of the best ‘master-blasters’ in the world, namely Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard and a few others.

In the first ten overs, Sri Lanka did so well and tied them down to 32 runs for 2 wickets, which included the mammoth ‘scalp’ of the “hurricane hitter” Chris Gayle! With this, Sri Lanka’s expectations were running high at that time - but as Skipper Sammy believes, God answered his Prayers and performed a Miracle, when Marlon Samuels came in to bat! He began to slam “sixes” with such power, that he produced the biggest six in the Tournament, with a distance of 108 metres! In lighter vein, these sixes were hit so high, any fielder would tremble with fear to catch it - but to the great relief of the Sri Lankan fielders, the ball soared out of the grounds, which had the spectators scattering for protection! With more divine favour, the West Indies raised their paltry score of 48 runs for 2 wickets in 12 overs, to a total of 138 in 20 overs.

It was now Sri Lanka’s turn to show their mettle, with a strong, solid batting line-up comprising of Captain Mahela Jayewardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillekaratne Dilshan, Angelo Matthews, Thisara Perera and a few others.

This score of 138 runs seemed gettable and it gave Sri Lanka a fair chance of reaching the target set by the West Indies.

Yet the unexpected happened when wickets began to tumble and Sri Lanka flopped and failed to reach the score! Nevertheless, Sri Lanka did magnificently well throughout the Tournament, to become the “T20 World Cup” Runners up. “Congratulations and well done” to skipper Mahela Jayewardene and the entire Sri Lanka team. Both teams played such scintillating, entertaining Cricket.

After the Victory was achieved, West Indies Captain Darren Sammy, faithfully honoured God and boldly proclaimed when he was asked by the commentator, how do you see your achievement? He said “The most important thing is that the Team did well.

"I always live my life one way…Jesus Christ died for the whole world – What have I done, man?”- A humble and truthful answer from a Windies Captain who led his team by example – through Prayer and Trust in God!

Darren Sammy also had the joy and co-operation of his team-mates, who rallied round him to help the West Indies to World-Cup glory! He received a Victory and a World Trophy, after many years of cricketing defeats.

Perhaps, it will earn him a hero’s welcome back home along with the team-mates! Well Done! Good and conquering cricketing king Darren Sammy, for publicly giving honour to the King of kings – Lord Jesus Christ!

The writer is former Sri Lanka and Trinity Rugby Captain and Trinity lion

Realization of God’s plan in my Life - Part 2

Ken de Joodt

When I obediently respond to His ways, I am blessed in many unexpected ways! As a good soul once said “It is not wrong to make mistakes. BUT you must learn from your mistakes!” In my younger days, as a keen and ‘clean’, versatile sportsman, as a Captain of teams I faced critical crises on the sports fields! Later, off the field in society and personal life – the crises were even more critical…sometimes winning handsomely and often losing disastrously. Yet, despite the losses, victory came to me when I focused on God…and Lord Jesus has now transformed my life to have ‘purpose and hope in God’s Plans’ for future success, too. Healing has taken place in my life in numerous, incredible ways, which are too many to share in this limited space.

So far, Lord Jesus has “healed me by His Stripes” (Isaiah 53 v 5), sustained me in His Loving Care (Isaiah 58 v 11) and helped me to see success through His purpose and plan for my life.

When a question was asked from the merciful, mercurial, Mother Theresa (Calcutta Catholic Saint) – “How do you measure Success in life?”- She replied, “Success is doing my Best…and leaving the rest to God!”…that too, is in God’s Plan! (Concluded)

Our eternal quest for happiness

CHRISTIE FERNANDO - Chilaw special correspondent

People are inclined to seek new thrills in life. They are prone to find pleasures in life, in a spirit of restlessness. If you see hordes of people crowding into theatres or charging cocktail bars, you are sure they have not been completely satisfied in life.

Again if you observe a motley group of shoppers tramping the streets on a buying spree, you would know they are seeking for something to make them happy. Otherwise, they would not be looking for it.

The fact that you conceive of greater happiness and contentment in life indicates that you are not bona fide contented with everything you have got. In other words, the pleasures in this life are purely transient. It indicates that our fulfillment of happiness is temporary. The pleasures we enjoy do not satiate us absolutely in this world. In other words, it means the things we take pleasure in, are conditional and not supreme. They are merely fleeting, finite or temporal. We crave for something greater, fuller and infinite in the Spiritual realm.

It is said, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what good things God has prepared for those who love Him. Our inner hearts are restless until they rest in God.”

Thomas A. Kempis wrote in the Imitation of Christ: “Vanity of vanities; and all is vanity, but to love God and serve Him alone.”

We see the tremendous disproportion between our desires and our ultimate realisations. Our souls are infinite because they are spiritual. The ideal and reality is dissimilar. Our souls being spiritual, we may involuntarily feel the transitory pleasures and the delights are for a time. They are not enduring or eternal.

Every disillusionment, every earthly blasted hope, every frustrated and carnal pleasure and desire, points to God who is extramundane, sublime and heavenly.

God is perfect Truth, Perfect Love and Perfect Life. Would there be an eye if there was no beauty to see? Would a baby cry if there was no such thing as milk to suckle? Would there be ears unless there were harmonies to hear?

We do have a craving for Unending life, Perfect truth and Ecstatic love because God is Perfect Life, Truth and Love; and only in Him we can rest when we die. He is our perpetual and timeless aspiration and goal in life. In other words, we were made for God and God alone. That’s why nothing short of the Infinite satisfies us.

Earthly beauty does not satisfy or slake our craving. All earthly loveliness is a mere shadow of something infinitely greater.

For the ideal beauty is not in time but in the infinite. In other words, God is Infinite Beauty. All perfection and beauty are in Him, our Creator. We find true happiness in God and no other.

Having blown out the last Christmas light and finding that the toys no longer amused us we climbed into our beds, whispering in our heart of hearts, that somehow or other the thrills did not come up to our expectations. Have we not lived that experience many a time?

We look forward to the joy of travel and when our weary feet carried us home, we may admit that we were wishing to return home. It may be marriage that you thought would bring you perfect happiness. Even though it did bring a measure of happiness, you now admit that you now take your companion’s love for granted. It succinctly shows that all delights and pleasures later bring disillusionment and disenchantment. In other words, regret and frustration befall in the end.

It is said that an individual woke up in the morning and looked out of the window and saw gloom, unhappiness and impermanence in this world. But the other person who got up, looked up towards the heavens and said: “Dear Lord, I am searching for you and hope to meet you cheerfully someday in heaven.

Russian priest saves 2,000 babies from abortion

Thaddeus Baklinski

An Orthodox priest in the Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) region of Russia has been commended by the Russian Ministry of Health for his work in reducing the number of abortions in his district. His personal efforts in counseling and helping women to keep their babies has reduced the abortion rate in the Volgograd region by 25 percent over the past five years.

Father Alexis Tarasov began his life saving work in his own parish in the town of Voljsk, where he said he spent hours talking with women who were considering abortion. He expanded his pro-life work with visits to the local hospital. Then, he and other like-minded priests, established a crisis pregnancy center. Fr. Alexis Tarasov helps Russia's women find a better path in life.With the support of his diocese, he approached the local authorities for help to expand the project.

"The program was approved in 2002 by the administration of Voljsk," said Father Alexis. "Then the idea developed to create a regional center, with the support of the administration of Volgograd."

The result was the creation of the Center for the Protection of Motherhood and Childhood, under the supervision the Archangel Raphael Orthodox Medical Society.

According to the Department of Health, more than 2,000 Volgograd women have chosen to abandon their original intention to have an abortion since that time. Father Alexis explained that the focus of his project is simple: to provide women with trained and sympathetic listeners who will hear their concerns, give them full information on the abortion procedure and its potential effects on their own health and well-being, and offer them the material help they need.

"Quite often, the only thing needed to dissuade a mother from this terrible decision is simply to talk to someone with an open heart," Father Alexis said.

Natalia Ermishkina, 31, is one of the women that Father Alexis dissuaded from abortion.

www.lifeSiteNews.com

A relic of Blessed John Paul II will be taken to Lourdes

Vatican City, 19 October 2012 (VIS) - A relic of Blessed John Paul II will be transported to the French shrine of Lourdes during a pilgrimage organised by UNITALSI (Italian National Union for Transport of the Sick to Lourdes and International Shrines).

The pilgrimage is to take place from 21 to 27 October. Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care, has granted UNITALSI permission to take a reliquary containing blood of John Paul II, so that it can be seen and venerated by pilgrims from all over the world. Speaking on Vatican Radio Salvatore Pagliuccia, president of UNITALSI, noted that we currently are in the Year of Faith, and the Synod of Bishops is meeting to examine the question of new evangelisation, "a theme very close to John Paul II's heart".

That Pope's "influence is still felt in the Church and among the faithful", he said.

Thus, "the presence of the reliquary of the blessed on the pilgrimage is a very significant sign, because it represents the presence of his ideas and his sentiments, above all the presence of the love which, as man and as pastor, he gave to people, to the faithful, and in particular to the sick and those with disabilities.

Prayer is the soil

Where Hope Grows Best
Troubles, troubles, they never come single: This is the way not one but many grumble so many troubles
have fallen on me. To overcome them where can I flee ? When ‘adrift’, in darkness ‘afflicted’ fear not there's a hand that could take you to a safe spot
‘Ask and you shall receive,” said He safe spot
So let's, rush to Him, rush to Him delay not you see

When all is blurred and dark as night;
To reach the goal the rule light
Pray to the God who has such power
Let's cling to Him, cling to Him that very hour

With hope and trust pray to the end
He then solace and comfort will send
Acknowledge God's love, kindness, faithfullness, as you pray
Prayer will strengthen your grip on God that way

Never stop praying, pray and pray
Closer to God you'll make your way
Prayer can move mountains is a saying
This will be proved when you continue praying

“In solitude, on wings of prayer
My soul ascends before the throne;
My only hope of strength is where
My heart and His meet all alone”,Z

Norma Perera