Christian Perspectives

No worse poverty than preventing people from earning a living - Pope

Members of the “Centesimus Annus - Pro Pontefice” Foundation, which was established 20 years ago by Blessed John Paul II, were received this afternoon by Pope Francis during their annual international conference. This year's theme is Rethinking Solidarity for Work: Challenges of the 21st Century.

In his address to them, the Bishop of Rome noted that the foundation bears the same name as an encyclical published by John Paul II on the centenary anniversary of “Rerum Novarum” and has, therefore, the Church's social doctrine as the scope of its analysis and action.

“Rethinking solidarity,” he said, “doesn't mean questioning the recent Magisterium that, in fact, demonstrates ever more its vision and its relevance. Rather, ‘rethinking’ seems to me to mean two things: first of all combining the Magisterium with socio-economic development that, being constant and quick, always presents new aspects and second, ‘rethinking’ means going more in depth, reflecting further, to make all of a value's worth emerge, solidarity in this case, which draws upon the Gospel profoundly, that is, upon Jesus Christ and thus contains inexhaustible potential.”

“The current economic and social crisis adds urgency to this ‘rethinking'. It is a phenomenon, like that of unemployment, the lack and the loss of a job that is spreading like wildfire in large areas of the West and that is alarmingly extending the boundaries of poverty. And there is no worse material poverty, I would like to emphasize, than that which deprives someone of earning their living, deprives them of the dignity of work. By now this ‘something wrong’ is not just affecting the southern regions of the world, but the entire planet. Hence the need to ‘rethink solidarity’, no longer as simple assistance to the poor but as a global rethinking of the entire system, seeking ways to reform and correct it in a manner consistent with fundamental human rights, the rights of all men and women. This word ‘solidarity’, which isn't seen in a good light by the economic world, as if it were a bad word, needs to have its deserved social citizenship restored.”

At the end of his address, the Holy Father reiterated that the crisis is not just an economic or financial one, but rather is rooted in an ethical and anthropological crisis. “Chasing the idols of power, profit, and money over and above the value of the human person has become a basic rule of operation and a decisive criterion of organization. It has been forgotten, and still we forget, that above business logic and the parameters of the market lies human being and that there is something owed to humans as humans, in virtue of their profound dignity: the opportunity to live in dignity and to actively participate in the common good.”

VIS

Saint of the workers’ feast

May 1 is bestowed as Universal Workers’ Day. It is being celebrated in many ways to suit a particular country’s requirement. In Sri Lanka mostly it had enveloped with politics and suggestions and commendations are made through colours, blue, green, red and many more depicting a political party. Celebrations are held at different spots for each colour to express their views at liberty, except Moratuwa.

Moratuwa being a town in the sea coastal area, St. Joseph’s Church is found just 30 yards away from the railway lines. Moratuwa folks from time immemorial had been celebrating St. Joseph’s feast on May 1 as he was the Foster Father of Jesus and the Guardian to Virgin Mary. As St. Joseph had been a carpenter, May 1 – the World Workers’ Day became the feast of St. Joseph’s Church.

Another great consideration of celebrations is the feasts of St. Joseph and St. Sebastian church where the land in between the two boarders of the churches and three quarters of the Moratuwa town was saved by the Tsunami. This being a land which could have swept away miraculously remained for future generations to possess their ancestral treasures.

The celebrations commenced with the First Novena held on April 22 and ending on April 29. Vespers mass took place on April 30 with Guest Speaker Rev. Fr. Lawrance Ramanayake as he had been saved from the Tsunami in 2004.

On May 1, the day of the feast, High Mass was held at 7.30 am by the Chief Celebrant Rev. Fr. Dharshana Jayamanne and the Vice Rector of Aquinas College. The mass which was held at 11am was supposed to be the high mass, as the whole church was packed with a large congregation of parishioners. This mass was held by Rev. Fr. Merl Mendis. In both masses the most significant event was that from the position of a PHD Professor to the carpenter, they all brought whatever they used to earn fishing nets, carpentry tools, stethoscopes, keys to vehicles, for St. Joseph to bless their careers to eat their plate of rice. Kitchen utensils, vangediya, molgaha and typewriters too were brought for blessings.

When Colombo proclaimed Jayawewa in colours of blue, green, red with slogans kanna Diyaw, Apita Bonna Diyaw, the Moratuwa folks by 4pm began the procession from the church carrying the Statue of St. Joseph decorated with flowers and illuminated chariot walked down, serenely and piously down lane, singing hymns and reciting rosaries for the blessings to be ushered upon the Moratuwa folks immaterial political party, cast, creed or gender. The rays of St. Joseph fell upon every house poor and rich for a better future till next year.

St. Sebastian College Band clad in their school colours green led the procession quite smart, trailing behind the prayerful crowd, beating drums with the rhythmic sound, “here we bring you solace to your body and little fingers to earn for your daily broth”. The procession covered the Uyana and Idama areas including the outskirts of Kurusa Handiya and back to church. The pealing of the church bells did not stop until the church accepted back the Statue which went out.

In spite of the heavy down pour, devotees were on either side of the roads waiting to welcome the statue to garland and sprinkle flowers as a tribute. Some devotees served the tired prayerful procession with soft drinks and short-eats.

A reader of this Christian Article sometimes may be not aware that when you reach Kurusa Handiya in Moratuwa (the cross junction where five roads meet, just near the colour lights) has a tell-tale behind it all. It is of Great historical value. According to a former Parish Priest, the late Rev. Fr. Francis Fernando’s traditional records reveal that 40 Catholics of this church had been murdered at this place by the Dutch Regime during the 17th Century. Also, they should note that the Centenary celebrations of the church held in 1998 had the old wooden cross replaced by a Granite Cross, just near the colour lights by the then President and Committee of St. Joseph’s Church Society. Though the Granite cross was removed to widen the road, the Government did not forget to install a small statue where the cross stood to unfold the necessity of this sacred place.

Amidst a thundering applause of the congregation, the final blessing was given by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Bertrum Ranjith, thus ending the 115th anniversary feast of St.Joseph’s church.

Malathi Perera

St Anthony’s Church, Soysapura

Twenty years ago, in 1994 the first step towards building a beautiful Church dedicated to St Anthony was by placing the Saint's statue on a table in a small land area. This was done under the guidance of then Parish Priest, Rev Fr Edward Ravel. Within two decades this small Church has achieved numerous blessings and success. In 2002, Rev Fr Sri Lal Fonseka invited Bishop Emeritus Nicholas Marcus Fernando to bless the Church and establish it.

The parishioners are grateful for the immense support given by the Minister of Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities, Wimal Weerawansa who confirmed the ownership of the Church and gave it in writing to us in September, 2011. We also recall the contribution of Mrs Leslin Cooray of Katubedda in accomplishing this task.

Along with the Churches in Lunawa and Angulana, Soysapura Church is also substation of the Rawathawatte Parish. We appreciate to dedicated service of the priests of our parish who offer us the necessary services without any negligence despite their busy administrative tasks. This small Church of Soysapura, attracts crowds from both Catholic and non Catholic backgrounds fro morning till night.

St Anthony was born on August 15, 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal to Vicente Martins de Bulhoes and Teresa Pais Taveira and was given the name Fernando Martins de Bulhoes. Though he was born to a rich noble family, he began his service to the Lord at a very young age. He died on June 13, 1231 and in a year's time was canonized as a Saint on May 30, 1232. St Anthony is known as the Saint of the Poor, Saint who finds lost things among the devotees who seek his intercession to fulfill their needs of life.

St Anthony's Basilica situated in Italy takes a prominent place among all the Churches dedicated to this Saint. Millions of people flock at this basilica to venerate this Saint. The main attraction of the basilica is the relic of the tongue of St Anthony which still remains.

After the Vesak celebrations, the Soysapura inhabitants get together to celebrate the feast of St Anthony. This shows the religious unity among the people of this community. This year we celebrate the 20th Annual Feast.

On June 8, we will be hoisting the flag and from then till June 14, we will have the novenas at 7 pm. The vespers will be held on June 15, and the Festive High Mass will be on June 16, followed by the procession with the statue of St Anthony. The Acting Parish Priest Rev Fr Christo Viraj, Assistant Parish Priest Rev Fr Kasun Ishara and the parishioners invite everyone to participate in the feast of St Anthony's Church, Soysapura.

Douglas Cooray
Secretary, St Anthony's Church, Soysapura

Pope on UN’s role in resolving conflicts

This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the president for the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Vuk Jeremic, who then went on to meet with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

During the course of the cordial conversations, some issues of mutual interest were discussed, in particular, the resolution of international conflicts through peaceful means, with specific reference to the Middle East and the serious humanitarian emergencies those conflicts have caused.

In this context, the importances of reconciliation between the communities that make up the various societies and respect for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities were emphasized.

Attention was also given to the problem of human trafficking and the plight of refugees and migrants.

Regarding the present global economic crisis, mention was made of the role that the General Assembly of the United Nations could undertake in its programmes, that would be environmentally friendly and, at the same time, capable of reducing the distance between the rich and the poor, for an agenda of sustainable development after 2015.

Today’s meeting confirmed the Holy See’s appreciation for the United Nation’s central role in seeking the common good of humanity. Also, the Catholic Church’s contribution, with the means proper to her and respectful of her identity, in promoting the complete dignity of the human person as well as peace and a culture of encounter was not overlooked, with the hopes that such values might always inspire the General Assembly’s debates and deliberations.

VIS

Dunakederuya and Baththuluoya St Anthony’s 125th feast

Arachchikattuwa group corr

The 123rd anniversary feast of the St Anthony’s Church, Dunakederuya will be held on June 8 and 9.

The evening service (vesperse) will be held on June 8 at 7pm and festival high mass will be afficiated by Kurunegala Bishop Most Rev Harold Anthony Perera on June 9 at 8am.

The procession carrying the St Anthony’s statue will parade the streets at 5pm on the same day.

The centenary Jubilee feast of the Baththuluoya St Anthony’s Church will be held on June 8 and 9. Chilaw Bishop Most Rev Vallence Mendis will conduct the evening service on June 8 at 7pm. Anuradhapura Bishop Most Rev Norbert Andradi will be the Chief celebrant at the Jubilee high mass on June 9 at 7.30am.