‘Studio Paradiso’, a state of the art studio with audio and video record-ing facilities was blessed and open at the St. John Vianney Seminary, Mat-takkuliya recently by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Arch-bishop of Colombo.

The three million Rupee venture is an initiative by the Faith Animation Team to promote faith animation using cyberspace. The Stu-dio dedicated to St. Philip Neri was funded by Rev. Fr. Basil Rohan Fernando, Na-tional Director of Ponti�i-cal Mission Societies along with the support of several

For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there ... (Isaiah 55:10)

Sunday July 12, 2020 Vol 151 No 27 16 Pages Rs: 50.00 Registered as a newspaper

“ R E G I S T E R E D I N T H E D E PA RT M E N T O F P O S T S O F S R I L A N K A” U N D E R N O. Q D / 7 4 / N E W S / 2 0 2 0“ R E G I S T E R E D I N T H E D E PA RT M E N T O F P O S T S O F S R I L A N K A” U N D E R N O. Q D / 7 4 / N E W S / 2 0 2 0

THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY OF SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka was saved from causing dam-age to human life

and property through the timely intervention and paternal advice given by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Arch-bishop of Colombo in the face of Easter Sunday

massacre caused by the suicide bombers, said His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, Bishop of Kurunegala participating as the Chief Celebrant of the Festive High Mass on the Feast of Visitation of Our Lady to her cousin Elizabeth.

Delivering the Homily during the Festive High Mass at the Shrine dedi-cated to Our Lady of Mad-hu His Lordship observed that the country was able to avoid a greater crisis after the Easter attack, thanks to His Eminence

Rev. Fr. Raymond Ambroise, 75, passed away on

Tuesday, July 7 in India. He was the former Ex-ecutive Secretary of the FABC Of�ice of Social Communications (OSC) and served the Of�ice from 2010 to 2019. Af-ter he completed his second term as OSC Executive Secretary in 2017, he was granted a further extension by the Bishop Chairman and Bishop Members of OSC, to complete the

digitization of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) and to prepare for the 50th Anniversary of RVA. The Golden Jubilee cer-emony was held from April 10 to 11,2019, in Manila, Philippines.

- Bishop Harold Anthonyby Rashmi Benhur, T. Sunil Fernando and Roshan Pradeep

➢ CONTD ON PG. 2

Doctors, Nurses and the Medical staff attached to the Ragama Hospital have shown keen interest in popularising The Messenger, and Gnanartha

Pradeepaya among the medical staff. The picture shows doctors and nurses getting their copies from Rev. Fr. Chrishnaka Dilan Perera, Hospital Chaplain at the hos-pital premises.

Catholic weeklies promoted among Ragama Hospital staffThe Director-General of Health Services has

granted permission to recommence Sun-day Schools observing the guidelines is-

sued by the health authorities.His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis,

Chairman CNC Catholic Education, Catechet-ics and Bible Apostolate issuing a special notice states that the Diocesan Directors may consult the respective Bishop of the Diocese to decide on an exact date to begin Sunday Schools.

Recommencing of Sunday Schools

‘Studio Paradiso’ launched to facilitate online faith animation

Fr. Raymond of FABC passes away

Talawila Feast on August 2

The Feast of St. Anne’s Na-tional Shrine in Talawila will be held on Sunday August 2.

By the grace of God and the lov-

ing intercession of St. Anne, our people and our devotees were pro-tected to a great extent and saved from a ➢ CONTD ON PG. 2

Blessing of the sick at Tewatta on August 30 with restricted

participation

The annual blessing of the sick will be held August 30th at the Basilica of Our

Lady of Lanka, Tewatta.Number of participants at-

tending this year’s blessing of the sick has been restricted consider-ing the present pandemic situa-tion and government health regu-lations.

Blessing of the sick at Tewatta on August 30 with restricted

participation he annual blessing of the sick will be held August 30th at the Basilica of Our

Number of participants at-tending this year’s blessing of the sick has been restricted consider-ing the present pandemic situa-tion and government health regu-

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donors who wished to re-main anonymous.

Picture shows His Eminence examining some

of the facilities at the Stu-dio Paradiso.

See text and pics on Pg 8 &9

Rev. Fr. Prasad Harshana

Notice by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Valence Mendis, Bishop of Chilaw

Be alert and vigilant!

While we concentrate on �ighting a deadly virus let us also keep in mind that it is equally impor-

tant to be vigilant about the security of churches. Be alert of any strangers or suspicious persons entering your church or other places of worship.

Reportedly, Jaffna police last week arrested a man who had suspiciously ➢ CONTD ON PG. 2

Country saved from great calamity - � anks to His Eminence

2 The Messenger July 12, 20202 Messenger July 12, 2020

The Feast of Sacred Heart Church, Aningkanda

The Feast of Sacred Heart Church, Aningkanda, Deniyaya was celebrated recently.

leading to the feast day Novenas were conducted and highlight of the week was the Penitential Service held on Thursday (9). The Faith Animation Team of Colombo Archdiocese conducted a special healing programme on Friday (10). This is the irst and

the only church dedicated to St. John Biotteconi or commonly known as John Dal Bastone, a Sylvestro Benedictine Monk, from Italy who lived in the 13th century and Pope Clement XIV canonized the Blessed on August 29, 1772.

and security guidelines this year feast has been organized to ensure safety of the parishioners and devotees attending the feast day celebrations.

The Parishioners have taken steps to distribute dry ration parcels among low income families on the afternoon of the feast day.

During the week

... till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to him who sows... (Isaiah 55:10)

Rev. Deacon Sameera Buddisha Silva was born on January 20, 1985 in Kottawa and is the Son of Mr. Prasath Silva and Kris-hanthi De Silva are the pa-rishioners of Pannipitiya. He studied at Daramapala College, Kottawa.

In 2010 he entered the minor seminary of the Im-maculate Heart of Mary in Kegalle. He entered

the National Seminary in 2011 and completed his Theological and Philo-sophical studies as a Ma-jor Seminarian.

He was ordained a deacon on the 09th of September 2019 at St. Theresa’s Church, D e h i g a h a p i t i y a , Avissawella. As a deacon he served in the Diocesan

English Academy at Buluthota, Sooriyakanda. His ordination takes place on July 18th at 10.00 am at St. Mary’s Church, Maharagama by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Cletus Chandrasiri Perera O.S.B.,the Bishop of Ratnapura.

Rev. Fr. Ayal Fernando, Bishop’s Secretary

Defense Secretary assures to strengthen security at the Shrine

St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade badly damaged by the Easter Sunday Bomb attack was inspected by Defense Secretary Major General Kamal Gunarathne, recently.

Paying a courtesy call on the Administrator of the Shrine Rev. Fr. Jude Raj Fernando the Defense Secretary assured to expedite the remaining reconstruction work with the support of the Sri Lanka Navy.

At the meeting held

Renovation Work of St. Anthony’s Shrine to Reach Completion Soon

St. John Dal Bastone, Church, Thalangama will celebrate the 139th Annual Feast today.

Adhering to health

SJDB Thalangama celebrates Annual Feast today

Legion of Mary, Peralanda resume activities

After almost a three month break the members of the Presidium of Legion of Mary, Peralanda parish recommenced their activities. They will be carrying out their service to the community in-line with the health guidelines. The Picture shows Members joined at the discussion to plan future work.

Anton Isidor Jayamanne

Episcopal Ordinations

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Cletus C. Perera OSB

(2007)

His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. Dr.

Oswald Gomis(1968)

Ad Multos Annos Vivat!

Jesuni Oba Soya’ a DVD comprising 14 Gospel songs in Sinhala and Eng-lish was launched recently by the Faith Animation Team of Archdiocese of Colombo.

Faith animation team launches DVD with Gospel songs

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera celebrated His 40th anniversary of Priestly Ordination on July 5th and on July 11th marked the 11th Anniversary of canonical installation as Bishop of the Diocese of Kurunegala.

Ad Multos Annos Vivat!

with the Administrator of the Shrine Fr. Fernando, the Defense Secretary Gunarathne assured to strengthen security provided to St. Anthony’s Shrine, responding positively to the request

made by the Administrator. Fr. Fernando informed the Defense Secretary the importance of strengthening security at the Shrine as a large number of devotees pay visit on daily basis.

The irst copy ofthe DVD was handed over to His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo who is also the founder and animator of the Faith Animation Team.

Priestly Ordination on Saturday 18th at Maharagama

Bishop Harold Priest of God for

four Decades

Contd. from Pg. 1 Country saved...for the timely action taken to calm down the irritated polity who would have taken law unto their hands," His Lordship said .

“His Eminence, a great religious leader set the example as to how one should overcome evil. We have amongusleaderswho ightoverearthlythroneswhich,one day they will have to leave and go. His Eminence unlike others, always raised his voice to gain nothing for his own self but for Justice and for the Rights of the people,” His Lordship observed.

Continuing the homily, His Lordship went onto say that the Virgin Mary, Our Holy Mother had set the example for us to follow. “She set the example through her own life as to how we should bear pain and suffering. Most of us today, do not have the strength to bear pain and suffering. We try to escape pain in whatever way we can. As followers of Christ, we must understand that pain and suffering are unavoidable parts of our life. Patience and endurance are not weaknesses or defeat, but the very path that leads us to the door of victory.”

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Noel Christian Emmanuel, Bishop of Trincomalee delivered the homily in Tamil.

A number of priests including His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, Bishop of Mannar and the Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Victor Sosai also joined the celebrations organized by Rev. Fr. Joyce Peppi Sosai, Administrator of the Shrine.

In view of the prevailing Coronavirus pandemic, health measures were prioritized and the Feast was held with the participation of a limited number of devotees.

Contd. from Pg. 1 Talawila Feast...disaster. This feast will be a time of thanksgiving to God for His merciful love upon us.

The feast has been organized this year keeping in line with the advice of the health and security guidelines in or-der to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.

Accordingly, the week starting from Sunday July 26, to Sunday August 2, has been named as a week of pilgrimage.

During the entire week arrangements have been made for regular Holy Masses, Sacrament of Reconciliation and Counselling services from 6 am till 8 pm daily for spiritual bene itsofthepilgrims.

On Saturday August 1, the Vespers will be held with the participation of the Priests and Religious of the diocese. The Eucharistic Adoration will be conducted by the clergy and religious pleading with God to eliminate the Covid 19 virus from the world and to protect our people and par-ticularly our country.

On Sunday August 2, the Festive High Mass will be of-fered with a limited participation. There will be a live tele-cast on Sirasa TV starting at 7 am.

However, there will be several Holy Masses during the dayforthebene itofthepilgrims.Thehoistingof the lagstaff andNovenaswill not be

conducted this year.Please note that there is no permission for camping

due to health and safety reasons.The mobile shopping complex too will not be permitted.This year the feast will be held with the participation

of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Jaffna.

Contd. from Pg. 1 Blessing of the sick...Measures have been taken to telecast the service via

television providing the opportunity for the devotees to participate live.

Further details about the programme will be an-nounced later by the Administrator of the Basilica and the organizing committee.

Contd. from Pg. 1 Be alert ...entered a church in Pesalai, Mannar. His suspicious be-haviour inside the church was recorded on surveillance cameras.

Therefore, the Security measures initiated and car-ried out in churches following the Easter attack should not be neglected. Let us organize at parish level to strengthen security in our churches and the surround-ings. Be vigilant! Safety of you and your loved ones lies in your hands.

3 The Messenger July 12, 2020 3 July 12, 2020 Messenger

The irstSeminary in Sri Lanka was St. Bernard’s Seminary in Borella, Colombo. It was located where presently Aquinas University College

is, adjoining the Archbishop’s House. Initially, the property for this was purchased in 1890 with a low roofed building. A two-storeyed building was added in 1920 and the low-roofed buildings were used as chapel, recreation hall and professors’ quarters.The irstRectoroftheSeminarywasRev.Fr.Louis

Coquil O.M.I. Later he was joined on the staff by Rev. Fr. E. Nicolas and Rev. Fr. E. Sergent. They were well quali ied in Sacred Scripture, Philosophy and MoralTheology. This trio is reported to have performed excellent service in training a large number of native clergy both Religious and Diocesan at the beginning. Candidates of three dioceses were sent here.

The second Rector was Rev. Fr. E. Nicola and then Rev. Fr. Monnier. Rev. Fr. E. Nicola remained in the Seminary as a lecturer for long years even in retirement and inallydiedin1954–oneyearbeforetheSeminaryshifted to Kandy. In the meantime younger priests like Rev. Frs. Gurusamy and Margez, who returned from Rome after studies, put in periods of service until 1937.

In 1937 the Superior General of the Oblate Fathers, Very Rev. Fr. Theodore Laboure visited the Seminary.

He removed the entire staff and replaced them with ex-alumni from the Angelicum (Rome) under the Rectorship of Rev. Fr. Gueguen. He was succeeded by Rev. Fr. G. Fortin in 1942 and then by Rev. Fr. Martin Gunaratne in 1947, both Roman graduates. Several staffchangestooweremadeatthistime,andthe inalgroupin1955was–Rev.Frs.Crevacore,StanislausM.Fernando, Angelo Papa and Martin Quere.

From its very commencement St. Bernard’s Seminary catered to both Religious and Diocesan priests. At that time the number of candidates was not suf icient to maintain two institutions. Furthermoreit was thought that the formation, traditionally given to the Oblate scholastics, would also form a good foundation for the spirituality of the Diocesan clergy. Thus both Oblate scholastics and Diocesan candidates were in this Seminary together for their studies.

The two groups not only followed lectures together but also lived together thus maintaining a good family spirit. At the beginning they even spent their holidays together under the same Superiors in Pussellawa. This arrangement continued until 1935.

In 1935 the Oblate Scholastics were placed in a separate house, close to the Seminary at the Kynsey Road corner. They had a separate Superior in the

person of Rev. Fr. A. Margez. However, they followed lectures at St. Bernard’s. In 1937 the Scholasticate was given a complete new staff. And in 1948 it was shifted to a new location in Kohuwala and completely separated from St. Bernard’s Seminary. The new location was the country house of Sir Chittampalam Gardiner which he donated to the OMI Fathers.

This separation lasted until 1955. With the establishment of the National Seminary in 1955 both Oblate and Diocesan candidates once again lived together in two sections of the National Seminary building. A separate building was constructed for the Oblates in Peiris Waththa, Ampitiya (a portion of the old Papal Seminary land) and was declared open and blessed by the Superior General Very Rev. Fr. Leo Deschatelets in 1959. With that the Oblate Scholastics have moved out of the National Seminary but they follow lectures in the National Seminary together with the Diocesan candidates.

globalized capitalist market economic system which was foisted upon the world by President Ronald Reagan and the then British Prime Minister Margret Thatcher. Most economic experts now believe the capitalist globalized economic market system has failed because it has made the rich richer and the poor poorer. Other economic analysts are suggesting a socialist market economy but we know that in so-called socialist countries such as China and Russia it is more a matter of State Capitalism with the ruling party leaders and their lackeys becoming rich and powerful while hundreds of millions of people are oppressed.

For all citizens to improve their lives, while contributing to the economic, social, cultural and political development of the country, we hope the government will consider the renewal of the Co-operative Movement and also use modern hi-tech or digital methods to make the co-operatives more effective in making a valuable contribution towards poverty alleviation.

In Christian terms our model is the Lord Jesus Himself. After His Baptism He was illed with theHoly Spirit and came to the full realization that He was the beloved Son of God with the mission to change history. The Lord Jesus willingly and voluntarily declassed Himself and became poor. He lived in a simple and humble way with no wallet or travelling bag and not even a house to stay. That is why He says, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head”. (Matthew8:20).Whateverthesel ishworldtellsusour vision and mission in life is to be like Jesus who told us, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves (or die to themselves) and take up their cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24). He gave us only one commandment, “love one another as I love you”(John 15:12). The Lord preached only what He practised. He died to the self, went through suffering and rejection by religious leaders who eventually got Him cruci ied like a criminal of criminals. But Godintervenes and raised Him from the dead. Through the Cross, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus we also have the reward of a supernatural eternal life after death, when we do what the Lord tells us to do through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Don’t feel bad if people remember you only when they need you.

Feel privileged that you are like a candle that comes to their mind

when there is darkness.

EDITORIAL

Email:ccpmessenger@yahoo.comWebsite:colomboarchdiocesancatholicpress.com Telephone: 011 2695984 Fax: 2692586 / 2670100

July 12, 2020

SINCE FEBRUARY 1869

Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis

Archbishop Emeritus

... and bread to him who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; ... (Isaiah 55: 10-11)

Co-operate with ChristAs the Covid-19 pandemic continues with an

upsurge mainly in the United States, many progressive Bible scholars believe God is

taking this catastrophe and turning it into great blessings including a historic change to bring about racialequality,socialjusticeandintensi iesmovestowin the battle against climate change.

Pope Francis, in prophetic proclamations made during the past few years has been calling for major and sustainable structural changes to end the poverty pandemic and bring about a more equitable distribution of world wealth and resources. He has also been calling for an end to the centuries-long white racist supremacywhichhas led to a glori iedblunder of the resources of the third world.

Pope Francis is also calling on all nations to come together for the battle against climate change which heseesasanattemptbyasel ishandawickedsocietyto distort, damage or even destroy God’s creation with its delicate eco-balance and biodiversity.

The US President Donald Trump—describing climate change as a Chinese hoax—has pulled his powerful country out of the Paris climate change treaty which almost all nations have agreed to. When the US President visited the Pope in the Vatican, the Pontiff engaged in what could be seen as diplomatic prophecy when he presented Mr. Trump with a copy of the Paris climate treaty.

These and other events came to mind on July 4 as we linked up with the United Nations in celebrating the International Day of Cooperatives with this year’s theme being: “Cooperatives for Climate Action”. Inviting all nations to follow the principles of this day not only on July 4 but throughout 2020 and years to come, the UN says, the country is immune from climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are more than 50 percent higher than it was in 1990, and global warming is causing long-lasting changes to our climate system. It threatens irreversible consequences if we do not act. But most independent world analysts believe the dangerously inconsistent Mr. Trump will reject this justasherejectsexpertscienti icadviceontheCovid-19 pandemic. That is why the analysts believe that if Mr. Trump is re-elected at the November 3rd presidential election, not only the US but the whole world might be plunged into one of its worst health and economic crises while as usual, those who suffer most will be billions of poverty trapped people in Third World countries including Sri Lanka.

Accordingly the UN Cooperatives for Climate

Action was chosen as this year’s theme to address climate crisis, and to support Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action. Climate change severely impacts people’s livelihoods around the world, especially the most disadvantaged groups such as small-scale farmers, women, youth, indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, who have to cope with extreme natural disasters and degradation of natural resources. This year the UN will focus on the contribution of cooperatives to combating climate change.

The International Day of Cooperatives is an annual celebration of the cooperative movement. It has taken place on the irst Saturday of July since 1923. Since1995, the UN and the International Cooperative Alliance has been setting the theme for the celebration of the Day. The aim is to increase awareness of Cooperatives. The event underscores the contributions of the cooperative Movement to resolving the major problems addressed by the United Nations and to strengthening and extending the partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other actors.

According to the UN and the International Cooperative Alliance, the earliest record of a cooperative comes from Fenwick in Scotland where in March 14, 1761, in a barely furnished cottage local weavers carried sacks of oatmeal into John Walker’s whitewashed front room and began selling the contents at a discount, forming the Fenwick Weavers’ Society. Co-operatives have been acknowledged as associations and enterprises through which citizens can effectively improve their lives while contributing to the economic, social, cultural, and political advancement of their community and nation. The co-operative movement has been also recognized as a distinct and major stakeholder in both national and international affairs.

What is the situation in Sri Lanka? In the battle against climate change, Sri Lanka is cooperating fully with at least two ministries directly involved in addressing problems relating to climate change. Thankfully this is one area where most major parties are cooperative because Sri Lanka, being an island might lose large portions of our coastland if the sea levels continue to, rise. If that happens thousands of our people would be displaced and it would worsen our housing problems, the debt crisis, and other economic issues.

In 1956 after the SWRD Bandaranaike government took over—in what most analysts saw as a social revolution—the then Trade Minister T. B. Illangaratne launched the Cooperative Movement throughout the country. Gradually they became more popular and powerful.Millionsofmiddleclassandpoverty–strickenpeople were able to obtain rice and other essential commodities at affordable prices. This was done through a Ration Book which was then like our national identity card. But when the J. R. Jayewardene government took over in 1977, it virtually swallowed wholesale the

THE FIRST SEMINARY IN SRI LANKA

4 The Messenger July 12, 2020

... It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

Church in the Modern World

Pope Francis says he hopes a new UN Security Council resolution calling for a global cease�ire will be implemented “effectively and promptly,” in order to provide aid for peoples suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implement global cease� re e� ectively and promptly -Pope Francis

VATICAN NEWS: Pope Francis has once again lent his support to appeals for a global cease�ire in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The call for a global and immediate cease�ire is commendable, which would allow the peace and security essential to pro-vide the humanitarian as-sistance so urgently need-ed,” he said in remarks following the Angelus on Sunday.

On 1 July, members of the United Nations Secu-rity Council unanimously

ately in a “durable human-itarian phase” provide aid to countries to help �ight the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the resolution, the Coun-cil also voiced support for UN Secretary-General An-tonio Guterres, who �irst proposed a global cease-�ire on 23 March. That ap-peal has been echoed by world leaders, including Pope Francis, who, at the Angelus on 29 March in-vited everyone “to follow it up by ceasing all forms of hostilities, encourag-ing the creation of corri-dors for humanitarian aid, openness to diplomacy,

adopted a resolution de-manding “a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all situations on its agenda.” The reso-lution calls on parties to armed con�licts to immedi-

Pope donates money to WFP

VATICAN NEWS : Pope Francis, continuing his many gestures of closeness in recent times amid the Covid-19 crisis, has donated 25,000 Euros to the World Food Programme (WFP).

Announcing the Pope’s donation last week, the Dicast-ery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development said in a statement that it is “an immediate expression of the Holy Father’s closeness” to people affected by the pandemic and those “engaged in essential services in favour of the poor.”

The Holy Father made this donation through the Dicast-ery in collaboration with the Holy See’s Permanent Rep-resentative to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Develop-ment (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

The recent donation is also “a paternal gesture of en-couragement” to the WFP and to other countries that provide support for integral development which “com-bat social instability, food insecurity, growing unem-ployment and the collapse of the economic systems of vulnerable nations.”

and attention to those who �ind themselves in situa-tions of vulnerability.”

In response to the Secu-rity Council’s resolution, Pope Francis this Sunday said, “The call for a global and immediate cease�ire, which would allow the peace and security essen-tial for providing the hu-manitarian assistance so urgently needed, is com-mendable.”

Pope Francis prayed that the Security Council reso-lution might “become a courageous �irst step to-wards a peaceful future.”

Bishops call for an end to corporate abuseVATICAN NEWS: More than 110 Bishops from all over the world have signed a statement calling on states to put an end to corporate abuse by both local and trans-national companies.The statement published Monday on the website of In-ternational Cooperation for Development and Solidar-ity (CIDSE) points out that ongoing corporate abuse has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis, especially in vulnerable communities which lack social protection.“Corporate abuse at the detriment of the people is still widespread,” the statement notes. “But States all over the world have a unique opportunity to step up and stop this by introducing binding measures nationally, but es-pecially at international and regional level where the major gaps lay.”In the statement, the Bishops highlight the need for “mandatory supply chain due diligence to stop corpo-rate abuse and guarantee global solidarity.”They point out that “the violations of workers’ rights and the damaging consequences on the environment of unprecedented levels of consumption and production” are under the spotlight and “governments are trying to counter-act these systemic violations.”According to the Bishops, “our economies should follow

values of dignity and justice, and be respectful of the rights of the people and the environment.”Highlighting that women have “once again been dispro-portionately affected” by the Covid-19 crisis, they insist that the pandemic has “exposed our interdependency…exposing our dependence on vulnerable laborers doing essential work across the globe.”Without adequate legislation – the Bishops say – it will not be possible to prevent transnational corporations from “carrying out tax evasion, abusing human rights, infringing labor laws, and the destroying of entire eco-systems.”They argue that mandatory due diligence laws are the

“only legislative option to protect communities and cel-ebrate the interconnectedness of our human nature.”According to the statement, a recent study published in February by the EU af�irms that “voluntary measures and failing and there is urgent need for regulatory ac-tion at EU level.”In this regard, the Bishops welcome the decision of EU Justice Commissioner, Didier Reynder, who announced in May that EU legislation on mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence for corporations will be developed soon.They call on State leaders to advance on binding legisla-tion by participating in United Nations (UN) negotiations for a treaty on human rights and business activities. This, the Bishops hope, “will prevent any country or company to make use of exploitative models of production and ac-cept the destruction of creation in order to improve their competitive position in the world market.”Concluding the statement, the Bishops note that “the existing system hurts people and the planet and we are called to do better.” They invite everyone to take this cri-sis “as an opportunity to start a just transition to put in place a new economic system that serves people and the planet �irst.”

VATICAN NEWS: Georg Ratzinger, the older broth-er of the Pope emeritus, died Wednesday morning, aged 96. He had been hos-pitalized in Regensburg, the city where he lived the greater part of his long life. With his death, Joseph Ratz-inger – who had desired to make the journey by plane to see his dying brother one last time – remains the only member of the family still alive. The two broth-ers – one a musician and kappellmeister of a famous choir, the other �irst a theo-logian and then a bishop, cardinal, and �inally pope - were ordained together on the same day, and were

Georg Ratzinger, brother of Pope emeritus Benedict dies

Caption - Pope Benedict XVI prays with his brother Msgr Georg Ratzinger in his private chapel at the Vatican (�ile photo)

always closely united. Born in Pleiskirchen, Ba-varia, on 15 January 1924, Georg Ratzinger began playing the organ in the parish church when he was 11 years old. In 1935 he entered the minor sem-inary in Traunstein, but in 1942 he was conscripted into the Reichsarbeitsdi-enst (the Reich Labour Ser-vice), and later in the Weh-rmacht, with which he also fought in Italy. Captured by the Allies in March 1945, he remained a prisoner in Naples for several months before being released and allowed to return to his family. In 1947, together with his brother Joseph, he en-

tered the Herzogliches Georgianum seminary in Munich. On 29 June 1951, both brothers, along with about forty other com-panions, were ordained priests in the Cathedral of Freising by Cardinal Mi-chael von Faulhaber. Af-ter directing the choir in

Traunstein for thirty years, from 1964 to 1994, he be-came the Kappelmeister of the cathedral choir of the Regensburg, the “Regens-burger Domspatzen”. He toured the world conduct-ing numerous concerts, and directed many record-ings for Deutsche Gram-

mophon, Ars Musici and other important record labels, with productions dedicated to Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn and other composers.On 22 August 2008, thank-ing the mayor of Castel Gandolfo for having grant-ed Georg honorary citizen-ship, Benedict XVI said of his brother, “From the be-ginning of my life my broth-er has always been for me not only a companion, but also a trustworthy guide. For me he has been a point of orientation and of refer-ence with the clarity and determination of his deci-sions. He has always shown me the path to take, even in dif�icult situations.”

“My brother and I,” said Georg Ratzinger in an in-terview eleven years ago, “were both altar boys, we both served Mass. It was soon clear to us, �irst to me and then to him, that our life would be at the ser-vice of the Church.” And he shared memories of their childhood: “At Tittmon-ing, Joseph had received Con�irmation from Car-dinal Michael Faulhaber, the great Archbishop of Munich. He had been im-pressed, and said he too wanted to become a car-dinal. But, only a few days after this encounter, see-ing the painter who paint-ed the walls of our house, he also said that when he grew up, he wanted to be a painter…”

“the violati ons of workers’ rights and the damaging consequences on the environment of unprecedented levels of consumpti on and producti on” are under the spotlight and “governments are trying to counter-act these system-ic violati ons.”

5 The Messenger July 12, 2020 5 July 12, 2020 Messenger

Liturgical Calendar Year A - 12th July - 19th July 2020

Sun: 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time Is. 55: 10-11; Rom. 8: 18-23; Mt. 13: 1-23 Mon: Memorial of St. Henry, Bishop & Doctor Is. 1: 10-17; Mt. 10: 34- 11: 1Tue: Memorial of St. Camillus de Lellis, Priest Is. 7: 1-9; Mt. 11: 20-24Wed: Memorial of St. Bonaventure,

Bishop & Doctor Is. 10: 5-7, 13-16; Mt. 11: 25-27Thu: Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Is. 26: 7-9, 12, 16-19; Mt. 11: 28-30Fri: Is. 38: 1-8, 21-22; Mt. 12: 1-8Sat: Mic. 2: 1-5; Mt. 12: 14-21Sun: 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time Wis. 12: 13, 16-19; Rom. 8: 26-27; Mt. 13: 24-43 (or 13: 24-30)

First Reading:Isaiah 55: 10-11

The prophet announces God’s message on the Word of God to the people. The Word is like a river; it brings forth a rich harvest. And it accomplishes the purpose for which it was sent.

Second Reading: Romans 8: 18-23

The reading speaks of the afterlife as glorious and hence is not worth comparing it with the present. The whole world awaits the redemption, whereby it will free itself from, decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Gospel: Matthew 13: 1-23The Gospel relates the Par-

able of the Sower. The sower sowed seed but the harvest de-pends on the ground on which it fell. Some die while the oth-ers give a harvest of thirty, sixty and hundredfold. The seed is the Word of God and the ground is our soul.

Re lectionToday’s Readings speak of

the Word of God. It is powerful and has a purpose. This Word is for the salvation of the world and it make us repent and change from our sinful ways. It will save all mankind and the world will enjoy the glory of God. Therefore we need to liberate ourselves from the world with the help of the Word of God, to accomplish this we should allow this Word of God to take root in our lives and allow it to bring forth a good harvest so that its purpose may be realized in our lives.

In the First Reading the prophet announces to the peo-ple; the Lord’s message on the Word of God. The Word is like rain and snow that falls down from heaven, and returns thith-er watering the earth, making it bring forth a harvest, thus giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater. It is very powerful and has a purpose and if it is uttered by God it will not return empty but shall accomplish the pur-pose for which it is sent, such is the power of the Word of God.

When it is sowed on men the result depends on the one who received it. This is made clear in the Gospel, viz the Par-able of the Sower. The Word of God is sowed into our lives. The harvest depends on the state of our lives. If our souls are as hard and dry as a rock; the seeds will die immediately. If they are to grow among thorns and bushes they will die because of the tri-als and tribulations of life. If our hearts be good soil they will give a harvest some thirty, sixty and even hundredfold. It all depends on us and how open we are to the Word of God. Therefore the

state of our life is important for the Word of God to take root and bring forth a good harvest.

The Second Reading tells us that in order to gain good results from the Word of God we need to put all our trust in God because of the glory that awaits those who are faithful to the Word of God. St. Paul says “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Through the Word of God the creation itself will be set free from its bondage, to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the Children of God. We all groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bod-ies. This could be realized if we adhere to the Word of God and turn away from our sinfulness. For the Word of God will set us free and save us.

Aid Story 1Once a missionary went into

Africa and started his work in a jungle settlement. After about an year or so a friend of him vis-ited him. The missionary picked him from the Airport. On their way the missionary told him about the hopeless situation in which he began his work and about the huge progress that he has made during this short period. They came to the jungle and were walking with all their heavy bags through the huts. Nobody came out to greet or give them a helping hand. The friend said, “I thought you said that you have brought lot of im-provement to the community, see it is long time since we came into the settlement but none of your people came to welcome us or give a helping hand. Look as if they have no hospitality.” “There is certainly a big change. If you had come to the settlement, just before I came and taught them about Jesus and his love, even before you have entered the set-tlement they would have eaten you alive. For, they are Canni-bals.”

Aid Story 2An obviously inebriated,

meets the parish deacon and his wife coming out of a restaurant late one evening. The deacon asks where the man is heading. The man replies, “I am going to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body.”

The surprised deacon re-sponds, “Really? Who’s giving that lecture at the middle of the night?”

The man replies, “My wife.”

SAYING. To live with the true and the heavenly Saints is heaven and glory, To live with the ones who pretend to be saints is another story.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Very Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. (Matthew 13:1)

By Andrea Tornielli

In recent days, the United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution calling

for “an immediate cessation of hostilities in all situations for at least 90 consecutive days”, in order to guarantee humanitarian assistance for the affected populations, and to counter the devastating consequences of the spread of Covid-19.

Pope Francis, with his intervention at the conclusion of the Angelus on Sunday, desired to lend his support to the initiative, hoping that the global cease ire would be observed“effectively and promptly”. The Pope’s initiative represents a new step on a long road — a step made even more urgent by the crisis caused by the pandemic, whose most devastating consequences, on a par with those of wars, fall on the poorest.

On Sunday, 29 March, the Pope had already made this request, supporting the appeal made ive days earlier by the Secretary-General of

the United Nations. António Guterres had called for a “global and immediate cease irein all corners of the world”, recalling the Covid-19 emergency, which knows no borders. Pope Francis had associated himself “with those who have welcomed this appeal” and had invited “everyone to follow it by ceasing all forms of hostility, promoting the creation of humanitarian aid routes, openness to diplomacy, and attentiveness to those who are in situations of great vulnerability.”

The Pope had expressed his hope that the joint commitment against the pandemic, “might bring everyone to recognize the great need to reinforce brotherly and sisterly bonds as members of a single human family.” In particular, he said, “May it inspire a renewed commitment to overcome rivalries among the leaders of nations and the parties involved. Con licts cannot be resolved through war!

Antagonism and differences must be overcome through dialogue and a constructive search for peace.”

Pope Francis, in the following weeks, had returned twice more to lament the costs of con lict. In the homily for the Easter Vigil,celebrated in St. Peter’s, he said: “Let us silence the cries of death, no more wars! May we stop the production and trade of weapons, since we need bread, not guns”. Pope Francis desired to recall once again this theme, which has been a constantthemeofhisponti icate,inthelongerof the two Marian prayers suggested to the faithful to be prayed at the conclusion of the Rosary in the month of May: “Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by farsightedness and solidarity. Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences, so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.”

Several times and on different occasions, in previous years, Pope Francis had denounced “the hypocrisy” and “sin” of the leaders of those countries that “speak of peace and sell weapons to make these wars” — words he also repeated on his return from the last international journey before the outbreak of the pandemic, the one to Thailand and Japan: “In Nagasaki and Hiroshima I paused in prayer; I met some survivors and relatives of victims, and I renewed my irm condemnation of nuclearweapons and the hypocrisy of talking about peace while building and selling weaponry.”

According to an Oxfam report, in 2019 global military spending reached two trillion dollars, and currently there are two billion human beings trapped in countries at war, exhausted by violence, persecution, famine — and now, the pandemic emergency.

A magisterium for peace and against hypocrisy

Vatican News (CNUA)PopeFrancisre lectsonthe Gospel reading of the 14th Sunday in Or-dinary Time noting that the solace that Christ offers to the weary and the oppressed is not merely psychological relief or almsgiving. Pope Francis addressed a scattering of well-dis-tanced faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday withare lectionontheGospelreadingoftheday (Matthew 11: 25-30), which he explained, is divided into three parts. In the irst part,he said, “Jesus raises a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving to the Father, because He revealed to the poor and to the simple the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven.” Then, he continued, “He reveals the intimate and unique relation-ship between Him and the Father.” Finally, the Pope added, “He invites us to go to Him and to followHimto indrelief.”

Giving thanks - When Jesus gives thanks to the Father, he explained, He praises Him for having kept the secrets of His Kingdom hidden from those He ironically calls “the wise and the learned”. Pope Francis explained that he calls them so “with a veil of irony, because they presume to be so and therefore have a closed heart.” But Jesus, he continued, says that the mysteries of His Father are revealed to the “lit-tleones”,thatis,tothosewhocon identlyopenthemselves to His Word of salvation, who feel the need for Him and expect everything from Him.

Total reciprocity - Then, the Pope said, Jesus explains that He has received everything from theFather.HecallsHim“myFather”,toaf irmthe unique nature of His relationship with Him. “There is total reciprocity only between the Son and the Father”, he said, “each one knows the other, each one lives in the other.” It is this unique communion that gives life to Jesus’ in-vitation: “Come to me…”, he explained, because the Son wishes to give what He receives from the Father.”

Preference for the ‘little ones’ - The Pope then went on to point out that “Just as the Fa-ther has a preference for the “little ones”, Jesus also addresses those “who labour and are bur-dened”. He highlighted that Jesus’ full dedica-tion to the Father, and His meekness and hu-mility are not a model for the resigned, nor he said, “is He simply a victim,” but rather He lives this condition “from the heart” in full trans-parency to the love of the Father, that is, to the Holy Spirit. “Jesus is the model of the ‘poor in spirit’ and of all the other ‘blessed’ of the Gos-pel, who do the will of God and bear witness to His Kingdom,” he said. Pope Francis wrapped-uphisre lectionpointingoutthatthe“solace”that Christ offers to the weary and oppressed is not merely psychological relief or almsgiving, but the joy of the poor to be evangelised and to be builders of the new humanity.

Poor are the builders of new humanity

6 The Messenger July 12, 2020

Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down. ... (Matthew 13:2)

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time– Meditation (Matthew 13:1-23) – Year A

Why Does God Allow Evil?

Rev. Fr. Nilindra Gunesekera

In our meditation we place ourselves at the scene of the Gospel, to re-live it, and to be nourished and challenged by it, today. We picture ourselves in

Capernaum. Today has been a day full of controversy (Matthew 12:1-27).

Late in the evening, Jesus goes out of the house and sits beside the sea, and despite the controversies, great crowds gather about Jesus, and He tells them many things in parables, saying, ‘A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and im-mediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear’ (Matthew 13:1-9). Then the disciples come and say to Jesus, ‘Why do you speak to them in parables?’ Jesus replies, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. With them is ful�illed the prophecy of Isaiah which says: `You shall indeed hear but never un-derstand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed,

lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal themˊ. But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it (Matthew 13:10-17).

The �irst part of the Gospel scene has ended, but we continue our meditation. We ask Peter, ‘Why does Je-sus quote the Isaian text?’ Peter replies, ‘God liberally proclaims His word knowing Israel’s unbelief. So, their guilt will be greater. The parable itself is one of failure, for in three of the four instances the seed does not bear fruit. The problem is Israel’s unbelief, but the abun-dance of the harvest points to the eschaton. So, Jesus is congratulating His disciples for being present when the age of ful�illment dawns. For, understanding disciples see and hear all the prophecies of the OT prophets and ‘just men’.

Then as the second part of the Gospel states, Jesus says, ‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not under-stand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and under-stands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case

a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty’ (Matthew 13:19-23).

The second part of the Gospel scene has ended, but we continue our mediation. We ask Peter again, ‘Why does the sower permit the seed to be wasted?’ Peter re-plies, ‘In Palestine the seed is sown before the ground is tilled. When the soil is tilled, the earth is ploughed up, and the seed buried into the ground in one and the same action of ploughing. The sower prodigally casts his seed everywhere in the �ield, for he is unaware of what may lie beneath the thin topsoil. Much seed may seem to be wasted, yet the abundance of the harvest is assured. In other words, despite so much opposition from of�icials and so little response from the people, Je-sus expresses His con�idence that God will see the tri-umph of His kingdom and of its proclamation. You must also ask, ˋHow did the path, the rocks and the thorns appear in the soil?ˊ For, in the First Creation Story, God created the earth to produce fruit bearing trees and seed bearing plants (Genesis 1:12). The path, the rocks and then thorns are the �laws in us. The �irst type hears but does not understand, and never really become dis-ciples (Matthew 13:19). So, the devil, like a robber bar-on, snatches the word by force. The second type of soil represents inconstant persons who display great joy in their Christian life until faith proves inconvenient due to trouble and persecution. The third type of soil rep-resents persons whose faith is either strangled by the silken cord of deceitful wealth or suffocated by a pile of anxieties over worldly success. The fourth type are true disciples who understand and do God’s will and continue bearing fruit despite the varying results they obtain, and despite the sad history of false teaches who apostatize’.

The mystery of evil“I went out a couple of weeks ago... Because of my

stupidity, I put my mom and sisters and my family's health in jeopardy...This is no joke. If you have to go out, wear a mask, and practice social distancing… Hopefully, with God's help, I'll be able to survive this.”

Tommy Macias posted this message on Facebook and he died from Covid-19 the following day. He is one of the more than half a million coronavirus pandemic casualties. Little did he think it was his time to go.

When we do not expect something evil to happen, we tend to rebel and ask the question “why?”. People are dying of COVID-19 by the thousands. Why?

There are various explanations about why some believers cool down and even lose faith in God. More often than not, the reason is the existence of evil in the world, especially in its most acute and hard to under-stand forms.

“When things happen that seem unjust and mean-ingless,” St. John Paul II writes in his Apostolic Letter Salvi�ici Doloris, “when we face tragic situations where we feel powerless, the question naturally arises: how can God permit this? Why should the good and all-powerful God allow such evils to occur? Why should humble people who are already burdened by life be forced to face an unexpected tragedy such as a natu-ral disaster? Why does not God intervene? We address these questions, not to public opinion or those around us, but God Himself because we acknowledge Him as Creator and Lord of the world.” In the present context, we could ask, “why this pandemic?”

The answer to these questions falls beyond the scope of Revelation and impinge into the realm of the mystery of God Himself since nothing in creation falls outside God’s wisdom and will. Just as we cannot fully grasp God’s in�inite goodness, neither can we fathom His plans completely. Hence, faced with evil and suf-

fering the best attitude should be a trusting abandon-ment in God: He knows best and can bring about what is best.

Nonetheless, it is only natural that we try to probe deeper into the obscure mystery of evil, so that our faith does not wane before the harsh realities of life, but continues to be a clear “light to my path” (Psalms 119:105).

The mystery of created freedomGod could have created human beings without free

will. But then again, how could we love and be happy if we are left with no choice?

The Creator endowed free will to man so He could love and collaborate with him in bringing to perfec-tion the world He has created. The Lord’s design is for men and women to inhabit it and bring it to ful�illment through their initiative. “He has created us intelligent and free and gives us the means to develop our talents, wrote Fr. Ducay. “In bringing us into existence God puts us to the test, entrusting us with the task of doing all the good we can. And this is often a demanding task.”

“Trade until I come (Luke 19:13),” Jesus says in a well-known parable, making clear that our gifts and talents are not meant to be buried or hidden. Each of us is called to bear fruit by developing the talents we have received. But often enough we do not do so, or even do the opposite: we freely choose to do what is wrong and are repeatedly guilty of what is evil.

Ever since that decision of our �irst parents in Para-dise, which became the fountainhead for all other evils, we inherit a fallen nature. Everything evil in the world stems from a misguided use of freedom, from our ca-pacity to destroy God’s works in ourselves, in others, and in nature. By doing so we deprive ourselves of God and our heart becomes clouded. Sin is the true evil we must fear for from it stems all other evils.

Evil as a trialBut is evil always the direct result of human guilt?

First, we need to clarify the notion of evil. In itself, evil is merely the �lip side of the good, the

side we see in the world when good is not present. When the good that should be present is lacking, evil appears. Evil is a privation and possesses no positive entity.

Evil is not something, says the then-Cardinal Ratz-inger. It does not subsist but “is simply a negation. And when I take a step into evil, I leave the realm of the pos-itive development of being in favour of the status of a parasite, of the corrosion of being and the negation of being.” We suffer when we experience any absence of the due good. Certainly, any guilty deed, whether ours or that of others, always causes harm. Nevertheless, whenever we suffer harm it is not necessarily because we are guilty.

In the person of Job, we see an epitome of evil as a trial sent by God. Job’s friends wanted to convince him that the misfortunes the Lord has sent him are the re-sult of his sins, of his injustice. Although often this may be the case, since misdeeds merit punishment (both on the human and divine level), Job’s case shows us that the just and innocent suffer too.

Referring to the Book of Job, Pope St. John Paul II wrote: “While it is true that suffering has a meaning as punishment when it is connected with a fault, it is not true that all suffering is a consequence of a fault and has the nature of a punishment.” Job’s suffering repre-sents a trial to test his faith, which he emerges from greatly strengthened. Sometimes God tests us, but He always gives us His grace to win out and �ind a way to grow in love, which is the ultimate meaning of good. Cont on Pg 13

7 The Messenger July 12, 2020

... and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables,... (Matthew 13:2-3)

Are you harvesting a hundredfold?

“I am a little upset about something Jesus said, Little Bird”“What’s it?”“Jesus said…, ‘Anyone who has, will be given more and he will have more than enough… but from the person who doesn’t have, even what he has will be taken away’…”“So, what are you upset about?”“It’s so unjust...unfair…Things should be given to those who don’t have enough, not to those who have in abundance..”“No, you have not understood what He meant. Jesus is not unfair...He poses a challenge to peo-ple…”“I don’t quite understand. Can you explain it to me Little Bird?”“See…if you give some money to some person to start a business and thrive, and if he mismanages and makes a mess… what will you do?”“I will try to get the money back..”“Will you be happy about his work?”“No”“This is exactly what Jesus meant… God has given us a beautiful world. A fertile soil, timely show-ers, sunshine and wind,...all the miraculous in-gredients to make this world fruitful, luscious and abundant. The world operates according to a wonderful and perfect system . God entrusted this world to us and made us its co-creators …and He wants us to manage the physical world as well as the spiritual world ef�iciently….In the Parable of the Sower Jesus speaks about the potential of becoming fruitful and abundant…and also He reminds about the unfortunate peo-ple who neglect God’s word and become less than what they could be. God said.. be fruitful…not be seedful! God has given us the seeds, a rich soil and the po-tential.But are we producing a hundredfold? Many are lazy, and look for easy short cuts and corrupted roads to abundance, neglecting the Word of God… Isn’t this mismanagement?God expects you to make this world spiritually rich and physically abundant. So, if you are not a good manager of the resources, then God has to protect the world from you….Isn’t it so?So, if you waste your talents and neglect the Word of God, if you are not a good and faithful manager of God’s resources,…isn’t it fair and reasonable to take it from you and give to a good ‘manager’ who makes it more fruitful and abundant?God has the right to withdraw whatever He has given to you, and give it to a better person who can manage things well...You can’t grumble and blame God if He does that.When you can de�initely create a hundredfold, and if you are producing only thirty or not producing anything…then why should God give you more?I’m speaking about both the physical world and the spiritual realm. While making this world an abundant place, God wants us to ‘sow’ the seeds of His word and ensure that they take root in all human lives and become truly fruitful.So manage your life well, so that God will give you more, and not take back what you are already en-joying.

Michael Angelo Fernando

Angeljune2@hotmail.com

It does not augur well for any politician of whatever hue or af�iliation to speak disparagingly of a reli-gious dignitary of any creed. The Politician must

remember that whatever power that is vested in him or her is given to them from above and the religious dignitaries whom they belittle are the representatives on earth of that Power and by implication are belittling that Power which we as Christians have been taught to recognize and call God. I believe this Politician who made those disparaging remarks against His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith being a Catholic and there-fore well aware of this fact.

At the outset, the irreverent manner in which this politician spoke of His Eminence is not worthy of his membership in the Catholic Church and therefore has to be roundly condemned in no uncertain terms by all right thinking persons of all religions and should be called upon to tender an unconditional apology.

The reason for the outburst by this politician I be-lieve is in regard to the Easter Sunday attack on April 21, 2019 when he made a declaration to the Media that when he visited his father in Hospital just a few days prior to the purported attack, he was advised by his father not to visit a particular church in Colombo as an imminent bomb attack was planned to take place and therefore he refrained from going to that Church. When this fact was made know by the Media, His Emi-nence in one of the Press brie�ing that took place after the attack questioned as to why this politician who was made aware that an imminent attack by detonation of a bomb was about to take place and did not bring this information to the notice of His Eminence so that so many lives could have been saved by cancelling the Easter Services that were scheduled to be held on that day. Unfortunately the politician by keeping this infor-mation to himself, had failed in his responsibility and thereby compromised the lives of a large number of persons who perished and others who having suffered gruesome injuries were made disabled for life as a re-sult of the bomb blast that eventually took place on that fateful Easter Sunday. Now this same politician is ac-cusing His Eminence of playing politics because he had pointed out this lapse on his part had thereby caused a loss of Catholic votes to the presidential candidate �ielded by his party who had contested the last Presi-dential Elections. It has to be categorically stated that

His Eminence had on numerous occasions stated that he does not support any political party in this world and the only party and leader whom he recognizes and owes allegiance to is God. Therefore this Politician is utterly out of his wits to make such a nonsensical accu-sation, and now being troubled by a guilty conscience, will not be able to silence or assuage his conscience, by making unfounded accusation aimed at His Eminence. “Do not be deceived God is not mocked for you reap whatever your sow. If you sow to your own �lesh you will reap corruption from the �lesh, but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit” (Galatians.6:7-8).

It has to be stated further, that His Eminence is a Spiritual leader and his only concern is for the spiritual welfare of the �lock entrusted to him by God and there-fore has no other af�iliation other than his af�iliation to Jesus Christ whom he has pledged to serve unreserv-edly who dedicated and committed Himself and sacri-�iced His life, for the freedom of the people from the enslavement of Satan and sin.

The politician in question might do well to recall that on the mountain top Satan had tried to make our Blessed Lord concentrate on a political career but failed. It was the political that was to serve the Divine and not Divine the political. Just as Jesus his leader had no political ambitions so His Eminence being His faith-ful representative also does not entertain any political ambitions, as true freedom being spiritual and meant liberation from sin. Fighting and defeating the scourge of sin which most politicians are blind to see is more important than party politics, which ultimately is self-destructive. Just as politicians engage in useless battles to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, so His Eminence would give his life to have them render unto God the things that are God’s. (Matthew 22:21-22) Therefore the decisive battle that His Eminence has taken upon himself to wage is not against petty politics but as St. Paul says in his Letter to the Ephesians “For our strug-gle is not against enemies of �lesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness of the world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – (Ephesians 6:10-12).

Ridley Casie Chitty

Caesar Or God

Discipline First...By helping others we help ourselves

For many of us, it was nuisance, when the Health Authority gave orders to wear health masks in public places, with the spread of Covid -19. When

we are free of the virus, why should we wear masks? That was our argument at the beginning.

A health mask plays an anti-mutual role. It prevents me from getting the virus from others and others get-ting it from me. When the country faces such unexpect-ed, sudden and unplanned situations, our contribution to such circumstances would be �irst of all, our self, dis-ciplinary behaviour and capacity to listen to Country's Authority.

When the schools had been under the Authority of the Catholic Church, the �irst concern was discipline. Punishments were given not as measures equivalent to the mistake committed by the student, but as means to discipline him or her. In nutshell, discipline means, the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of be-haviour, using punishment to correct disobedience.

The most discipline strategies can be categorized into three styles or approaches. * Preventative Discipline

* Supportive Discipline * Corrective Discipline

A well-disciplined person prevents what is harmful to one self and the society at large. He is submissive to corrections. The supportive discipline is the type that we need bountifully at the present moment, as we all are disturbed by the mission of Covid - 19, Now we can ask ourselves, why should I wear a health mask in pub-lic and common places? A health mask plays the role of anti-mutuality to the virus, and at the same time pre-vention from virus, plays the role of mutuality.

Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up.

(Galatians 6:9)

8 The Messenger July 12, 2020

... saying; “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed some seed fell on the path and birds came and ate it up. (Matthew 13: 3-4)

The name of Rev. Fr. Jacome Gonsalves stands out in the annals of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka as second only to

that of St. Joseph Vaz. It was due to the great efforts of these two gigantic missionaries taht Sri Lanka Catholic Church survived and grown up to what it is today. St. Joseph Vaz soon realized that he urgently needed a “handful” of Oratorians to assist him in his “Herculean Task” of facing the “challenge” set before him in the form of the rigourous Dutch persecution which engulfed the “Church.” This certainly was the darkest ‘hour’ faced by the “Church” in Ceylon. To combat this challenge “Divine Providence" provided a little “Brigade” of Oratorians. Hence in August, 1705, Rev. Fr. Jacome Gonsalves in the company of three other Oratorians arrived in Mannar under cover of darkness. No one was aware of their intended arrival – not even Fr. Joseph Vaz. However Divine Providence saw to it, that a large concourse of Catholics were present at the seashore shortly after dusk on the 31st of August 1705 all of whom gave a rousing “welcome” to this “Little Brigade” of Oratorians and led them into safety that night. The following day they proceeded to Silena – Madhu via Mantota where Fr. Superior (Fr. Joseph Vaz) embraced them warmly with Tears of joy. Their joy was even more when Fr. Monezes arrived from Puttalam. Now, there gathered in Madhu seven Oratorians, where the Feast of Our Lady was celebrated in all Solemnity on September 7th. Here, the good Lord willed, that this “Brigade” was soon to “wage war” against all hell and thus “lift” the Church from the abyss to which it had “fallen” as a result of persecution. Towards this Fr. Vaz saw to the urgency of having Prayer books in the vernacular, so as to instruct and fortify those Catholics who were in “dire-straits,” some of whom had even given up the faith.

“There is a Divinity that shapes our ends,Rough – hew them how we will” William Shakespeare

The person Fr. Vaz chose for this gigantic task was Fr. Jacome Gonsalves and right royally he did rise to the occasion. Inspite of an arduous life of active Apostolate, he acquired

the vernacular languages of the island to perfection. At his death he left behind a large number of Sinhala and Tamil compositions in prose and verse. Not only did these serve the immediate purpose of fortifying the Catholics but in addition brought thousands of converts to the bosom of the Church and even made him the greatest Literary man of the age in a land where hitherto the Buddhist monks were recognized as the foremost writers. Hence Fr. Gonsalves is hailed as the Father of modern Catholic Literature in Sri Lanka, and even though nearly three centuries have lapsed since he was called to his eternal reward, his literary works have not, up to this day been equalled either in volume or excellence, much less surpassed.

It must be said to his credit that Fr. Gonsalves virtually “threw up” his career as Professor of Philosophy in Goa’s prestigious University in order to serve in the Sri Lankan vineyard assisting Fr. Joseph Vaz. The following is a summary of his colossal Missionary achievements according to Fr. Sebastian de Rego:-1. The conversions he made in different parts of the Island which at his death amounted to a little over 10,000.2. The large number of heretics, pagans and Moors which he won over to the Catholic Faith.3. The vast number of demons he expelled from those who had been “possessed.”4. The innumerable number of miraculous cures he effected.5. Many were the “close encounters” he met with wild animals from which, through God’s grace he came off unscathed.6. The perils he encountered on account of his faith.7. The visits he paid to Dutch territories (for missionary work) braving the death penalty for any catholic priest.8. The many controversies he had with heretics and pagans.9. The vast number of Churches and Chapels he built.10. The common exercises he introduced in the “Mission” among his brother Oratorians?11. The vast number of books he composed in

Sinhala /Tamil, in spite of the heavy expenses with copying clerks as the Printing Press was taboo to Catholics.

Fr. Jacome’s biographer, Rev. Fr. S.J. Perera, besides all of the above narrates a series of incidents of his “marvelous immunity” from “attacks” by wild animals.

The above achievements of Fr. Jacome are but a “fraction” compared to his achievements in the literary ield. It was in this “area”that Fr. Jacome “excelled” and which won for him the title “Father of Sri Lankan Catholic Literature.” In all, he produced a total of 42 Books, to commemorate his 42 years as an Oratorian. Of these, 22 were in Sinhala, 15 in Tamil, 4 in Portuguese and 1 in Dutch.

Sinhala Books1. Pasan Potha2. Deva Parihara3. Prathihara Avalya4. Sathya Upadesa5. Suisesha Visandima6. Matara Prataseya7. Christhiani Palliya8. Dukprapti Prasangaya (to be sung)9. Mangalla Geethaya (Modelled on Seth Kavi and goyam Kavi)10. Ananda Kallippuwa (A Poem in 20 verses) In Vannam style And 12other BooksTamil Books1. Viagula Pirasangam2. Christiani Alayam 3. Suvisesha Virritturai4. Deva Arulveda Puranam5. Sukirta TharpanamAnd 10 other BooksDictionariesOf the four dictionaries attributed to Fr. Jacome only the following has “survived” to date:

1. Portuguese – Tamil – Sinhala DictionaryFr. Jacome’s Sinhala writings run to 1094 Folios with writings on both sides (total of 2188 pages). This is the most compact manuscript record of his writings so far available.

Prayers,chants and HymnsHis rendition of the “Paramandalaya” (The Our Father) to musical notation and the “Maha Padhanamaskaraya” (the great Way of the Cross) has since stood the test of time and are

in use in many of our Churches. Also prayers such as the “Kayaduskara Prarthanawa” are chanted even today. Himself an accomplished, musician, who excelled in playing the Organ and the Violin, he composed a series of hymns in Sinhala and Tamil set to Carnatic Ragas, Folk Music and the “Vannam”. The concluding hymns were composed in “Jayamangala” metre. In bygone days, these hymns were sung on Feast days in many of our Churches, to the accompaniment of drums (bera) and symbols. The classic hymn “Daya Wenawa Sunde Swami” is “echoed” in many if not in all our Churches on Good Friday together with his “Pasan” (Lamentations). Likewise, practically in all the Tamil Services on Good Friday,his“Viagula–Pirasangam” illedwithpathos, holds pride of place.

Fr. Jacome also composed Tamil Passion chants of which the “Oppari” and the “Oppade” both of which “excel” in pathos and beauty said to be “seldom found in prose or verse in any language.” Originally, these were used in his Passion Plays so as to “move” the audience to tears. Very unfortunately, since of late the present generation seems to have “branded” the chanting/crying of these classics as hired mourners at funerals which is certainly slur

on Fr. Jacome’s “masterpiece” in his Passion Plays. His “Viagula-Pirabamgam” is a collection of soul stirring Tamil sermons on the Passion of Christ, to be chanted in plaintive tone.

DramasThe earliest form of recognized dramas

in Sri Lanka, the “Nadagams” drew their inspiration from Fr. Jacome’s works, some of his most beautiful compositions are found in its lyrics and songs.

CarolsFr. Jacome composed Christmas Carols,

according to Sinhala folk tradition which were set to Oriental music. His classic "Devindu Uppanneya" is sung in almost all our Churches during the Christmas season. These carols were quite popular in Ceylon long before the advent of Western carols during British rule.

Prayer Books1. The oldest Tamil Prayer Book in Sri Lanka is his “Christiani Alayam,” the Sinhala counterpart being “Christhiani Palliya”. Also the “Suvisesha Virriturai and in Sinhala the “Suvisesha Visandima.”

Compendiums1. Deva Veda Puranaya – a compendium of sacred history (Genesis to Apocalypse). contains 44 Chapters. “Truly a Masterpiece in Prose resembling the graceful presentation of the “Pujavaliya.”2. The Deva Neethi Visarjanaya (Last Judgement) Divine Justice Enthroned. Written in 3 Acts and meant to be sung. In the past they were sung in many homes. This had even impressed the King of Kandy. In it is presentation, language and style Fr. Jacome has followed the Sinhala popular works “Guttilaya” and the “Kusa Jathakaya.” This is indeedasplendidattemptata inesynthesisbetween Christian themes and Sinhala poetic diction.

Passion PlaysFr. Jacome modelled his Passion Plays

follwoing those in Goa. He wrote his “Dukprapti Prasangaya,” a book of nine lessons to be chanted while the “Dumb Show” was in progress. To “Break” the monotony of listening to sermons, his “Pasan" (Lamentations) were

meant to be recited in the typical plaintive tone. His irst Passion Play was staged in silena-Madhu during Holy week in 1706. The costumes and statues were brought from Goa. In the same year on Palm Sunday, Fr. Jacome introduced “Gokkola,” which has since stood the test of time in all our churches up to the present day. Subsequently Passion Plays of repute were staged in Pesalai, Jaffna, Mannar, Bolawatte, Boralessa, Duwa, Pitipana, Negombo, Ja-Ela, Moratuwa, Payagala and Maggona. In course of time the Duwa Passion Play surpassed all the traditional Passion Plays when late Rev. Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, Parish Priest of Duwa (1939) recast the Passion Play using human actors for all the scenes except for Christ and Mary. Thus did away with age old puppetry.

Impact on Sri Lankan Music and DramasThedeepin luenceandimpactwhichthe

Catholic prayers, Hymns, Chants, Christmas Carols, Pasan (Lamenmtations), Nadagam and in particular the Passion Plays devised by Fr. Jacome have had over Sri Lankan Music and Drama can never be prepared. Many eminent Sri Lankans and writers such as Tissa Abeysekera, Sunil Ariyaratne and Prof. Tissa Kariyawasam have publicly acknowledged his invaluable contribution to Sinhala culture. Prof. C.E. Godakumbure states: “His importance lies in the fact that he uses the vehicle of the Sinhalese language to convey ideas which were “foreign” to Sinhalese classics.” Prof. E.Sarathchandra refers to the Pesalai Passion Play in one of his writings. Finally, prof. K.M. de Silva in his “History of Ceylon” states: “Rev. Fr. Gonsalves’ Tamil writings on the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and refutations of heretical beliefs are the largest in number in that language produced by any single author.”

His writings are important not only as religious and spiritual inspiration, but also equally for their literary mastery and linguistic value. He was truly a master in the use of the simile to elucidate his thoughts. All his colossal literary achievements were the result of St. Joseph Vaz introducing him to the learned monks for the Malwatte Vihare in Kandy.

Fr. Jacome Gonsalves – A Missionary Par Excellence (A Literary Genius)By Roggy Corera

An ancient statue of Our Lady of Livramento has been venerated in St.

Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya for many years. Many devotees come to St. Mary’s Church to pray to Our Lady of Livramento and seek her intercession in their troubles. The prayer to Our Lady of Livramento is recited after Wednesday evening Mass followed by the veneration of the statue. It is therefore useful to trace the history and traditions surrounding the statue.

This article is based largely on the chapter “The Shrine of Livramento” in Studies in Ceylon Church History by Rev. Fr. W. L. A. Don Peter (Colombo Catholic Press-1963).

We give below historical accounts which provide interesting facts on the Shrine and its present day status.

In 1720, an exhaustive work on the history of Marian shrines throughout the world titled “Santuario Mariano” was compiled by the Augustinian monk Agostinho de Santa Maria. This work recounts some of the Marian Shrines in Ceylon. One of the shrines he gives an account of is the ermida (a church or chapel in a secluded spot) of Our Lady of Deliverance (Nossa Senhora de Livremento) in Narapeti (present day Narahenpita) in Colombo. The Santuario Mariano states that one of the statues the Augustinian friars had in their charge was a miraculous image of the Mother of God “which was much sought after and greatly venerated under the title of Our Lady of Deliverance”. According to this work the ermida stood in a small farm belonging to the Augustinians in a locality known as Narapeti ( Now Narahenpita). It goes on to state that the ermida was a place of great devotion and drew a large crowd of pilgrims who came there from distant places, sought relief from their af lictions and drank the water from the well which wasrenowned for its miraculous properties.

This pious belief in the Shrine and in the healing power of the waters of the well persisted well into the 19th century. This is attested to by Cordiner (A Description of Ceylon. London 1807). Cordiner gives a clear description of the well as follows: The perpendicular descent into the well is of a square form cut out of solid rock to a depth of 30 feet after which the well is contracted into a circular form and is at the top of the water surrounded by sand. A subterranean slanting passage with steps hollowed out of the rock leads down to the place where a person can taste the water by taking it up with his hand. It seems that from sometime in the 19th century the shrine fell into neglect. Fr. Charles Collin(whoincidentallywasthe irstRectorofSt.Joseph'sCollege) writing in 1892 states “there still remains very near to that place (i.e. Narahenpita) some vestiges of a church and a well held in great veneration by the Catholics of Colombo. The place is called Livramento…which indicates that the ancient church was dedicated to Our Lady of Deliverance.”

There are historical records which trace the Shrine of Our Lady of Livramento well into the time when Ceylon was a Portuguese colony. However the shrine and the image of Our Lady of Livramento went through turbulent times during the Dutch occupation of Ceylon after 1658. The Dutch entered Ceylon in 1655 and laid siege to the Fort and city of Colombo. They destroyed the monasteries and robbed them of their possessions. The religious for their own protection withdrew from the island taking with them the relics and images that they were able to hide. The religious who had charge of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Deliverance brought this image secretly to Goa where it was venerated in the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace (Nossa Senhora de Graca).

In his “Manual Eremetico -the History of the Augustinians upto 1817” Fr. Manoel de Ave Maria writes on the Monastery of Our Lady of Grace (Nossa Senhora de Graca) in Goa. He states that in this monastery two religious images are venerated. One is the statue of Our Lady of Deliverance which has been venerated since 1688 and which belonged to the ermida of Narapeti. He goes on to state that after the loss of Ceylon to the Dutch the image of Our Lady of Livramento was brought to Goa and placed in the monastery of Our Lady of Grace. Since he wrote after 1817 it is clear that the statue was in Goa in 1817. There is no record of what happened to the statue after 1817. We know that in 1830 on the orders of Portugal all religious orders were suppressed. The churches, convents and monasteries fell into ruins. Nothing is known of what happened to the original image of Our Lady of Livramento or the fate of the chapel of Our Lady of Grace since then.

Our Lady of Livramento

Contd. on Pg. 13

By Terrence Savundranayagam

Studio Paradiso was blessed and open by His Eminence

DirectorofPonti icalMissionSocietiesagreedtoprovidethe required funding along with the support of several donors who wished to remain anonymous.

On May 26th, the Feast day of St. Philip Neri, the team commenced the work of realizing their dream of

Studio Paradiso, a dream that became a reality within thirty days is now operational and fully geared for

cyber evangelisation. During the lockdown period, the Faith Animation Team

of Archdiocese of Colombo realized the importance of using the cyber space for faith animation. The idea of a studio to facilitate online activities was then shared with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, who is also the founder and animator of the Faith Animation Team.

With the blessings and guidance of His Eminence and support of the His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. J. D. Anthony Jayakody, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, who is also in charge of the Faith Animation Team, plans were afoot to kick off the Rs. 3 million project venture.

Meanwhile Rev. Fr. Basil Rohan Fernando, National

Faith Animation Team begins online mission with Studio Paradiso becoming cyber missionaries. Their main inspiration was St. Philip Neri whose foremost tools of evagalisation were music, drama and art. The Studio is dedicated to St. Philip Neri and named Studio Paradiso honouring the Saint’s favourite song ‘Paradiso il preferisco’ meaning ‘I prefer heaven’.

The studio located at St. John Mary Vianney Seminary, Mattakkuliya provides audio recording with acoustic facilities and video recording with green screen facility. The studio will be mainly used for online faith animation activities.

Studio Paradiso was blessed and open by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo on June 29th, the day of his 45th ordination anniversary.

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. J. D. Anthony Jayakody, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and main benefactor of

By Rev. Fr. Prasad Harshana

The state of the art sudio The studio with green screen facility The Faith Animation Team His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. J. D. Anthony at the studio

His Eminence with His Lordship J. D. Anthony and Rev. Fr. Basil Rohan Fernando Young volunteers: Mr. Roshan Sagara, Mr. Ruvindu

Peiris, Mr. Hansa Fernando and Arjuna Liyanage

the studio Rev. Fr. Basil Rohan Fernando, were also present at the opening.

Studio Paradiso will certainly be a blessing for future missions of the Faith Animation Team.

Contd. on Pg. 13

9 The Messenger July 12, 2020

... saying; “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed some seed fell on the path and birds came and ate it up. (Matthew 13: 3-4)

The name of Rev. Fr. Jacome Gonsalves stands out in the annals of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka as second only to

that of St. Joseph Vaz. It was due to the great efforts of these two gigantic missionaries taht Sri Lanka Catholic Church survived and grown up to what it is today. St. Joseph Vaz soon realized that he urgently needed a “handful” of Oratorians to assist him in his “Herculean Task” of facing the “challenge” set before him in the form of the rigourous Dutch persecution which engulfed the “Church.” This certainly was the darkest ‘hour’ faced by the “Church” in Ceylon. To combat this challenge “Divine Providence" provided a little “Brigade” of Oratorians. Hence in August, 1705, Rev. Fr. Jacome Gonsalves in the company of three other Oratorians arrived in Mannar under cover of darkness. No one was aware of their intended arrival – not even Fr. Joseph Vaz. However Divine Providence saw to it, that a large concourse of Catholics were present at the seashore shortly after dusk on the 31st of August 1705 all of whom gave a rousing “welcome” to this “Little Brigade” of Oratorians and led them into safety that night. The following day they proceeded to Silena – Madhu via Mantota where Fr. Superior (Fr. Joseph Vaz) embraced them warmly with Tears of joy. Their joy was even more when Fr. Monezes arrived from Puttalam. Now, there gathered in Madhu seven Oratorians, where the Feast of Our Lady was celebrated in all Solemnity on September 7th. Here, the good Lord willed, that this “Brigade” was soon to “wage war” against all hell and thus “lift” the Church from the abyss to which it had “fallen” as a result of persecution. Towards this Fr. Vaz saw to the urgency of having Prayer books in the vernacular, so as to instruct and fortify those Catholics who were in “dire-straits,” some of whom had even given up the faith.

“There is a Divinity that shapes our ends,Rough – hew them how we will” William Shakespeare

The person Fr. Vaz chose for this gigantic task was Fr. Jacome Gonsalves and right royally he did rise to the occasion. Inspite of an arduous life of active Apostolate, he acquired

the vernacular languages of the island to perfection. At his death he left behind a large number of Sinhala and Tamil compositions in prose and verse. Not only did these serve the immediate purpose of fortifying the Catholics but in addition brought thousands of converts to the bosom of the Church and even made him the greatest Literary man of the age in a land where hitherto the Buddhist monks were recognized as the foremost writers. Hence Fr. Gonsalves is hailed as the Father of modern Catholic Literature in Sri Lanka, and even though nearly three centuries have lapsed since he was called to his eternal reward, his literary works have not, up to this day been equalled either in volume or excellence, much less surpassed.

It must be said to his credit that Fr. Gonsalves virtually “threw up” his career as Professor of Philosophy in Goa’s prestigious University in order to serve in the Sri Lankan vineyard assisting Fr. Joseph Vaz. The following is a summary of his colossal Missionary achievements according to Fr. Sebastian de Rego:-1. The conversions he made in different parts of the Island which at his death amounted to a little over 10,000.2. The large number of heretics, pagans and Moors which he won over to the Catholic Faith.3. The vast number of demons he expelled from those who had been “possessed.”4. The innumerable number of miraculous cures he effected.5. Many were the “close encounters” he met with wild animals from which, through God’s grace he came off unscathed.6. The perils he encountered on account of his faith.7. The visits he paid to Dutch territories (for missionary work) braving the death penalty for any catholic priest.8. The many controversies he had with heretics and pagans.9. The vast number of Churches and Chapels he built.10. The common exercises he introduced in the “Mission” among his brother Oratorians?11. The vast number of books he composed in

Sinhala /Tamil, in spite of the heavy expenses with copying clerks as the Printing Press was taboo to Catholics.

Fr. Jacome’s biographer, Rev. Fr. S.J. Perera, besides all of the above narrates a series of incidents of his “marvelous immunity” from “attacks” by wild animals.

The above achievements of Fr. Jacome are but a “fraction” compared to his achievements in the literary ield. It was in this “area”that Fr. Jacome “excelled” and which won for him the title “Father of Sri Lankan Catholic Literature.” In all, he produced a total of 42 Books, to commemorate his 42 years as an Oratorian. Of these, 22 were in Sinhala, 15 in Tamil, 4 in Portuguese and 1 in Dutch.

Sinhala Books1. Pasan Potha2. Deva Parihara3. Prathihara Avalya4. Sathya Upadesa5. Suisesha Visandima6. Matara Prataseya7. Christhiani Palliya8. Dukprapti Prasangaya (to be sung)9. Mangalla Geethaya (Modelled on Seth Kavi and goyam Kavi)10. Ananda Kallippuwa (A Poem in 20 verses) In Vannam style And 12other BooksTamil Books1. Viagula Pirasangam2. Christiani Alayam 3. Suvisesha Virritturai4. Deva Arulveda Puranam5. Sukirta TharpanamAnd 10 other BooksDictionariesOf the four dictionaries attributed to Fr. Jacome only the following has “survived” to date:

1. Portuguese – Tamil – Sinhala DictionaryFr. Jacome’s Sinhala writings run to 1094 Folios with writings on both sides (total of 2188 pages). This is the most compact manuscript record of his writings so far available.

Prayers,chants and HymnsHis rendition of the “Paramandalaya” (The Our Father) to musical notation and the “Maha Padhanamaskaraya” (the great Way of the Cross) has since stood the test of time and are

in use in many of our Churches. Also prayers such as the “Kayaduskara Prarthanawa” are chanted even today. Himself an accomplished, musician, who excelled in playing the Organ and the Violin, he composed a series of hymns in Sinhala and Tamil set to Carnatic Ragas, Folk Music and the “Vannam”. The concluding hymns were composed in “Jayamangala” metre. In bygone days, these hymns were sung on Feast days in many of our Churches, to the accompaniment of drums (bera) and symbols. The classic hymn “Daya Wenawa Sunde Swami” is “echoed” in many if not in all our Churches on Good Friday together with his “Pasan” (Lamentations). Likewise, practically in all the Tamil Services on Good Friday,his“Viagula–Pirasangam” illedwithpathos, holds pride of place.

Fr. Jacome also composed Tamil Passion chants of which the “Oppari” and the “Oppade” both of which “excel” in pathos and beauty said to be “seldom found in prose or verse in any language.” Originally, these were used in his Passion Plays so as to “move” the audience to tears. Very unfortunately, since of late the present generation seems to have “branded” the chanting/crying of these classics as hired mourners at funerals which is certainly slur

on Fr. Jacome’s “masterpiece” in his Passion Plays. His “Viagula-Pirabamgam” is a collection of soul stirring Tamil sermons on the Passion of Christ, to be chanted in plaintive tone.

DramasThe earliest form of recognized dramas

in Sri Lanka, the “Nadagams” drew their inspiration from Fr. Jacome’s works, some of his most beautiful compositions are found in its lyrics and songs.

CarolsFr. Jacome composed Christmas Carols,

according to Sinhala folk tradition which were set to Oriental music. His classic "Devindu Uppanneya" is sung in almost all our Churches during the Christmas season. These carols were quite popular in Ceylon long before the advent of Western carols during British rule.

Prayer Books1. The oldest Tamil Prayer Book in Sri Lanka is his “Christiani Alayam,” the Sinhala counterpart being “Christhiani Palliya”. Also the “Suvisesha Virriturai and in Sinhala the “Suvisesha Visandima.”

Compendiums1. Deva Veda Puranaya – a compendium of sacred history (Genesis to Apocalypse). contains 44 Chapters. “Truly a Masterpiece in Prose resembling the graceful presentation of the “Pujavaliya.”2. The Deva Neethi Visarjanaya (Last Judgement) Divine Justice Enthroned. Written in 3 Acts and meant to be sung. In the past they were sung in many homes. This had even impressed the King of Kandy. In it is presentation, language and style Fr. Jacome has followed the Sinhala popular works “Guttilaya” and the “Kusa Jathakaya.” This is indeedasplendidattemptata inesynthesisbetween Christian themes and Sinhala poetic diction.

Passion PlaysFr. Jacome modelled his Passion Plays

follwoing those in Goa. He wrote his “Dukprapti Prasangaya,” a book of nine lessons to be chanted while the “Dumb Show” was in progress. To “Break” the monotony of listening to sermons, his “Pasan" (Lamentations) were

meant to be recited in the typical plaintive tone. His irst Passion Play was staged in silena-Madhu during Holy week in 1706. The costumes and statues were brought from Goa. In the same year on Palm Sunday, Fr. Jacome introduced “Gokkola,” which has since stood the test of time in all our churches up to the present day. Subsequently Passion Plays of repute were staged in Pesalai, Jaffna, Mannar, Bolawatte, Boralessa, Duwa, Pitipana, Negombo, Ja-Ela, Moratuwa, Payagala and Maggona. In course of time the Duwa Passion Play surpassed all the traditional Passion Plays when late Rev. Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, Parish Priest of Duwa (1939) recast the Passion Play using human actors for all the scenes except for Christ and Mary. Thus did away with age old puppetry.

Impact on Sri Lankan Music and DramasThedeepin luenceandimpactwhichthe

Catholic prayers, Hymns, Chants, Christmas Carols, Pasan (Lamenmtations), Nadagam and in particular the Passion Plays devised by Fr. Jacome have had over Sri Lankan Music and Drama can never be prepared. Many eminent Sri Lankans and writers such as Tissa Abeysekera, Sunil Ariyaratne and Prof. Tissa Kariyawasam have publicly acknowledged his invaluable contribution to Sinhala culture. Prof. C.E. Godakumbure states: “His importance lies in the fact that he uses the vehicle of the Sinhalese language to convey ideas which were “foreign” to Sinhalese classics.” Prof. E.Sarathchandra refers to the Pesalai Passion Play in one of his writings. Finally, prof. K.M. de Silva in his “History of Ceylon” states: “Rev. Fr. Gonsalves’ Tamil writings on the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church and refutations of heretical beliefs are the largest in number in that language produced by any single author.”

His writings are important not only as religious and spiritual inspiration, but also equally for their literary mastery and linguistic value. He was truly a master in the use of the simile to elucidate his thoughts. All his colossal literary achievements were the result of St. Joseph Vaz introducing him to the learned monks for the Malwatte Vihare in Kandy.

Fr. Jacome Gonsalves – A Missionary Par Excellence (A Literary Genius)By Roggy Corera

An ancient statue of Our Lady of Livramento has been venerated in St.

Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya for many years. Many devotees come to St. Mary’s Church to pray to Our Lady of Livramento and seek her intercession in their troubles. The prayer to Our Lady of Livramento is recited after Wednesday evening Mass followed by the veneration of the statue. It is therefore useful to trace the history and traditions surrounding the statue.

This article is based largely on the chapter “The Shrine of Livramento” in Studies in Ceylon Church History by Rev. Fr. W. L. A. Don Peter (Colombo Catholic Press-1963).

We give below historical accounts which provide interesting facts on the Shrine and its present day status.

In 1720, an exhaustive work on the history of Marian shrines throughout the world titled “Santuario Mariano” was compiled by the Augustinian monk Agostinho de Santa Maria. This work recounts some of the Marian Shrines in Ceylon. One of the shrines he gives an account of is the ermida (a church or chapel in a secluded spot) of Our Lady of Deliverance (Nossa Senhora de Livremento) in Narapeti (present day Narahenpita) in Colombo. The Santuario Mariano states that one of the statues the Augustinian friars had in their charge was a miraculous image of the Mother of God “which was much sought after and greatly venerated under the title of Our Lady of Deliverance”. According to this work the ermida stood in a small farm belonging to the Augustinians in a locality known as Narapeti ( Now Narahenpita). It goes on to state that the ermida was a place of great devotion and drew a large crowd of pilgrims who came there from distant places, sought relief from their af lictions and drank the water from the well which wasrenowned for its miraculous properties.

This pious belief in the Shrine and in the healing power of the waters of the well persisted well into the 19th century. This is attested to by Cordiner (A Description of Ceylon. London 1807). Cordiner gives a clear description of the well as follows: The perpendicular descent into the well is of a square form cut out of solid rock to a depth of 30 feet after which the well is contracted into a circular form and is at the top of the water surrounded by sand. A subterranean slanting passage with steps hollowed out of the rock leads down to the place where a person can taste the water by taking it up with his hand. It seems that from sometime in the 19th century the shrine fell into neglect. Fr. Charles Collin(whoincidentallywasthe irstRectorofSt.Joseph'sCollege) writing in 1892 states “there still remains very near to that place (i.e. Narahenpita) some vestiges of a church and a well held in great veneration by the Catholics of Colombo. The place is called Livramento…which indicates that the ancient church was dedicated to Our Lady of Deliverance.”

There are historical records which trace the Shrine of Our Lady of Livramento well into the time when Ceylon was a Portuguese colony. However the shrine and the image of Our Lady of Livramento went through turbulent times during the Dutch occupation of Ceylon after 1658. The Dutch entered Ceylon in 1655 and laid siege to the Fort and city of Colombo. They destroyed the monasteries and robbed them of their possessions. The religious for their own protection withdrew from the island taking with them the relics and images that they were able to hide. The religious who had charge of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Deliverance brought this image secretly to Goa where it was venerated in the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace (Nossa Senhora de Graca).

In his “Manual Eremetico -the History of the Augustinians upto 1817” Fr. Manoel de Ave Maria writes on the Monastery of Our Lady of Grace (Nossa Senhora de Graca) in Goa. He states that in this monastery two religious images are venerated. One is the statue of Our Lady of Deliverance which has been venerated since 1688 and which belonged to the ermida of Narapeti. He goes on to state that after the loss of Ceylon to the Dutch the image of Our Lady of Livramento was brought to Goa and placed in the monastery of Our Lady of Grace. Since he wrote after 1817 it is clear that the statue was in Goa in 1817. There is no record of what happened to the statue after 1817. We know that in 1830 on the orders of Portugal all religious orders were suppressed. The churches, convents and monasteries fell into ruins. Nothing is known of what happened to the original image of Our Lady of Livramento or the fate of the chapel of Our Lady of Grace since then.

Our Lady of Livramento

Contd. on Pg. 13

By Terrence Savundranayagam

Studio Paradiso was blessed and open by His Eminence

DirectorofPonti icalMissionSocietiesagreedtoprovidethe required funding along with the support of several donors who wished to remain anonymous.

On May 26th, the Feast day of St. Philip Neri, the team commenced the work of realizing their dream of

Studio Paradiso, a dream that became a reality within thirty days is now operational and fully geared for

cyber evangelisation. During the lockdown period, the Faith Animation Team

of Archdiocese of Colombo realized the importance of using the cyber space for faith animation. The idea of a studio to facilitate online activities was then shared with His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, who is also the founder and animator of the Faith Animation Team.

With the blessings and guidance of His Eminence and support of the His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. J. D. Anthony Jayakody, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, who is also in charge of the Faith Animation Team, plans were afoot to kick off the Rs. 3 million project venture.

Meanwhile Rev. Fr. Basil Rohan Fernando, National

Faith Animation Team begins online mission with Studio Paradiso becoming cyber missionaries. Their main inspiration was St. Philip Neri whose foremost tools of evagalisation were music, drama and art. The Studio is dedicated to St. Philip Neri and named Studio Paradiso honouring the Saint’s favourite song ‘Paradiso il preferisco’ meaning ‘I prefer heaven’.

The studio located at St. John Mary Vianney Seminary, Mattakkuliya provides audio recording with acoustic facilities and video recording with green screen facility. The studio will be mainly used for online faith animation activities.

Studio Paradiso was blessed and open by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo on June 29th, the day of his 45th ordination anniversary.

His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. J. D. Anthony Jayakody, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and main benefactor of

By Rev. Fr. Prasad Harshana

The state of the art sudio The studio with green screen facility The Faith Animation Team His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. J. D. Anthony at the studio

His Eminence with His Lordship J. D. Anthony and Rev. Fr. Basil Rohan Fernando Young volunteers: Mr. Roshan Sagara, Mr. Ruvindu

Peiris, Mr. Hansa Fernando and Arjuna Liyanage

the studio Rev. Fr. Basil Rohan Fernando, were also present at the opening.

Studio Paradiso will certainly be a blessing for future missions of the Faith Animation Team.

Contd. on Pg. 13

10 The Messenger July 12, 2020

On the day I die a lot will happen.

A lot will change.The world will be

busy.On the day I die, all the

important appointments I made will be left unat-tended.

The many plans I had yet to complete will re-main forever undone.

The calendar that ruled so many of my days will now be irrelevant to me.

All the material things I so chased and guarded and treasured will be left in the hands of others to care for or to discard.

The words of my crit-ics which so burdened me will cease to sting or cap-ture anymore. They will be unable to touch me.

The arguments I be-lieved I'd won here will not serve me or bring me any satisfaction or solace.

All my noisy incoming

noti�ications and texts and calls will go unanswered. Their great urgency will be quieted.

My many nagging re-grets will all be resigned to the past, where they should have always been anyway.

Every super�icial worry about my body that I ever laboured over -- about my waistline or hairline or frown lines -- will fade away.

My carefully crafted image, the one I worked

so hard to shape for oth-ers here, will be left to them to complete anyway.

The sterling reputa-tion I once struggled so greatly to maintain will be of little concern for me anymore.

All the small and large anxieties that stole sleep from me each night will be rendered powerless.

The deep and tower-ing mysteries about life and death that so con-sumed my mind will �i-nally be clari�ied in a way

that they could never be before while I lived.

These things will cer-tainly all be true on the day that I die.

Yet for as much as will happen on that day, one more thing that will hap-pen.

On the day I die, the few people who really know and truly love me will grieve deeply.

They will feel a void.They will feel cheated.They will not feel

ready.

They will feel as though a part of them has died as well.

And on that day, more than anything in the world they will want more time with me.

I know this from those I love and grieve over.

And so knowing this, while I am still alive I'll try to remember that my time with them is �inite and �leeting and so very precious -- and I'll do my best not to waste a second of it.

I'll try not to squander a priceless moment wor-rying about all the other things that will happen on the day I die, because many of those things are either not my concern or beyond my control.

Friends, those other things have an insidious way of keeping you from

living even as you live; vying for your attention, competing for your affec-tions.

They rob you of the joy of this unrepeatable, uncontainable, ever-evap-orating Now with those who love you and want only to share it with you.

Don't miss the chance to dance with them while you can.

It's easy to waste so much daylight in the days before you die.

Don't let your life be stolen every day by all that you believe matters, because on the day you die, much of it simply won't.

Yes, you and I will die one day.

But before that day comes: let us live.

(by John Pavlovitz)

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, (Matthew 13:5)

On � e Day I Die

Saint Maria Goretti’s StoryOne of the largest crowds ever assembled for a

canonization—250,000—symbolized the re-action of millions touched by the simple story

of Maria Goretti. She was the daughter of a poor Ital-ian tenant farmer, had no chance to go to school, never learned to read or write. When Maria made her First Communion not long before her death at age 12, she was one of the larger and somewhat backward mem-bers of the class.

On a hot afternoon in July, Maria was sitting at the top of the stairs of her house, mending a shirt. She was not quite 12 years old, but physically mature. A cart stopped outside, and a neighbour, 18-year-old Ales-sandro, ran up the stairs. He seized her and pulled her into a bedroom. She struggled and tried to call for help. “No, God does not wish it,” she cried out. “It is a sin. You would go to hell for it.” Alessandro began striking at her blindly with a long dagger.

Maria was taken to a hospital. Her last hours were marked by the usual simple compassion of the good—concern about where her mother would sleep, forgive-ness of her murderer (she had been in fear of him, but did not say anything lest she cause trouble to his fam-ily), and her devout welcoming of Viaticum, her last Holy Communion. She died about 24 hours after the attack.

Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison. For a long time he was unrepentant and surly. One night he had a dream or vision of Maria gathering �lowers and offering them to him. His life changed. When he was released after 27 years, his �irst act was to beg the for-giveness of Maria’s mother.

Devotion to the young martyr grew, miracles were worked, and in less than half a century she was can-onized. At her beati�ication in 1947, her 82-year-old mother, two sisters, and her brother appeared with

Pope Pius XII on the balcony of St. Peter’s. Three years later, at Maria’s canonization, a 66-year-old Alessandro Serenelli knelt among the quarter-million people and cried tears of joy.________________________________________

Re�lectionMaria may have had trouble with catechism, but she had no trouble with faith. God’s will was holiness, de-cency, respect for one’s body, absolute obedience, total trust. In a complex world, her faith was simple: It is a privilege to be loved by God, and to love him—at any cost.

Franciscan Media

Good Enough

God wants me to be myselfFor He created me this way,

And since God made me who I am,Myself I’m quite content to stay.

In His eyes I’m good enough –It matters not what others say;

I need not act as if I’m toughOr copy other children’s ways.

God doesn’t care if I’m not cool –If I’m not stronger; thinner;

In His hands I am a toolTo reach out to another sinner.

Though I am still young and smallIn Jesus Christ I’m strong and tall;

So when people look at meMay it be God’s own Son they see.

Belinda van Rensburgs

Want to share your own work on this page? Send your poems, essays and news articles to:

ccpmessenger@yahoo.com

11 The Messenger July 12, 2020

and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. (Matthew 13:6)

Health relatedIssues in Sri Lanka

By Dr. Maxie FernandopulleEmail: maxiefernandopulle@gmail.com

BIRTH DEFECTS / CONGENITAL DISORDERSBirth defects also known as congenital

defects are conditions present at birth regardless of the cause. Birth defects

may result from genetic or chromosomal dis-orders, exposure to certain medications and chemicals, pesticides, tobacco or alcohol con-sumption by the pregnant mother, exposure to irradiation, excessive intake of vitamin A, X-rays and certain infections during the preg-nancy like the Zika virus, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Cytomegalo virus, Toxoplasmosis, Herpes sim-plex.

Often the cause is unknown. It is most com-mon in certain ethnic groups like the Jews. Consanguineous marriages or when blood rel-atives marry the baby has a higher chance of having a birth defect. Elderly or teenage moth-ers are more likely to have babies with birth defects. In the former it is due incomplete separation of the chro-mosome during the stage of cell division and the baby having three 21 chromosome instead of two. The dis-order is down syndrome also referred to as trisomy 21. The latter is common in babies born to elderly mothers. Babies whose fathers are elderly to lesser extent have birth defects. The incidence of congenital heart defects is �ive per cent higher. There is a higher incidence of miscarriages and foetal deaths if the father is elderly. There is also slightly higher chance of the baby being a Down syndrome. Working in or near waste sites, smelt-ers and mines are considered causative factors. Lower socio economic groups with lack of nutritious food, exposure to infections, poor health care are also con-tributory factors.

External physical shock or constraints to growth due to restricted space may result in deformation or separation of cellular structures resulting in an ab-normal �inal shape or damaged structures of the baby unable to function as expected. An example is Potter’s syndrome due to oligohydramnios. (decreased water in the womb which normally acts like a cushion and prevents pressure on the foetus.) This baby has abnor-malities specially in the kidney system and facial skel-eton. Conjoined twins can also be related to the same mechanism of lack of space which causes exertion of pressure on the twins causing destruction of some ar-eas of twins and the raw surfaces joined to each other ending with conjoined twins. The sex of the foetus too has a roleplay in the type of birth defect. Some defects are most common in two sexes. Congenital dislocation of hips is four to �ive times common in females and py-loric stenosis causing obstruction to the �low of milk out of the stomach to the intestine is common in males. This difference is seen in many birth defects.

Globally over 300,000 new born babies die in their �irst month due to birth defects. Birth defects can con-tribute to the long term disability which has a signi�i-cant impact on individuals, families, society and health

care systems. The most common birth defects are con-genital heart defects, neurological defects, deafness and Down syndrome referred to as mongol baby, the name not used any more. Some with congenital defects may not have any symptoms.

Congenital brain or neurological defects After the conception of a baby the brain begins to form in the �irst month itself and continue to form and de-velop throughout the pregnancy. When this process is disturbed it can have structural defects in the brain and the skull. The manifestations of brain defects may take some time to manifest. Some are manifested only in adulthood e.g. Krabbe’s Disease, Tay Sachs disease. Children with brain defects may have secondary de-fects in the heart or the intestines. They could have hare lip and cleft palates. They get recurrent �its and suffer from headaches. There is muscle weakness with blurred vision. They may not have bladder and bowel control. The effects vary greatly. Presence of other im-pairments and environmental factors contribute to the outlook. Those with minor defects can function inde-pendently.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Women who drink al-cohol during their pregnancy can give birth to babies with birth defects. This baby is called one with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome – F.A.S. Fortunately it is not common in Sri Lanka at least up to now. Young fertile ladies who wants to have a baby, do not let your baby be a victim of F.A.S. Stop any alcohol you are used to, if you are plan-ning to be pregnant and want a healthy normal baby. There are varied mental and physical defects due to the mother consuming alcohol during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol it directly passes to the foetus. The foetus does not process alcohol the same way as an adult. The alcohol is more concentrated in the foetus and it can prevent enough oxygen and nu-trients from getting to foetuses vital organs. Dam-age can occur in the �irst few weeks, when a woman might not know that she is pregnant. The risk is high in heavy drinkers. The ill effects are mainly in the �irst three months but alcohol take at any time of the preg-

nancy can be harmful. The F.A.S. baby has a small head with a smooth ridge between the nose and the upper lip which is very thin. The eyes are set wide apart. The height and weight are below average. They are hyper-active with loss of focus and poor concentration. Their development is delayed and have problems in thinking and speech and social skills. They have poor judgement and mood swings. They could have defects in the heart and the kidney with deformed limbs and �ingers.

As an intervention there are no drugs that will cure F.A.S. But they bene�it by living in a stable home where there is love and affection. They can be sensitive to disruptions. They are likely to develop problems with violent tendencies and substance abuse later in life. They do well with regular routine rules to follow and rewards for positive behaviour.

The personality growth of a child has to be thor-oughly understood irrespective of any religion, caste race and language. This is a fact indeed,

comprehended by every one. Thus, this cannot be achieved only through the knowledge gained by the present education system, yet this fact is conveniently neglected in the society.

It is true that the knowledge achieved according to a certain syllabus within the class room causes to in-crease the cognitive capacity of a child, yet it is not suf-�icient enough for the growth of a child specially in the �ield of his / her personality skills.

The context and the background of a family into which the child is born directly and positively affects the personality development of a child. In this context, the role of parents is to be considered very important. Parents as well known, are the �irst teachers of the child. The sense of affection (love) and protection that the child gains from his / her own parents can be con-sidered and interpreted as the basic foundation of child personality growth. The child who is not gifted with the

sense of affection and protection from parents will not be in a position to be �it in his/her personality growth.

Can we even say that the personality growth (de-velopment) is not necessary? As the child needs food, clothing and shelter, affection and protection together with human values and healthy attitudes are a must in the context of personality growth of a child. Such val-ues and attitudes are born basically within the family; among the parents and other members of the family.

The child can be automatically devalued and under-estimated in this process due to the less awareness of adults in this regard. Hence the adult who should be responsible in this whole issue are to be constantly re-minded of this factual situation.

Thus, the child should not be guided and be led only in the pattern of education. "Head-�illing mentality" of parents in this process of personality building of child is not be gradually cut off. Head �illing mentality alone is not suf�icient at all in achieving this goal.

Perhaps, this could be a challenge; challenge of en-lightening our hearts and minds to be very well aware of the reality.

by Rev. Fr. Indra Ratnasiri Fernando

Personality growth of a child

by Sirohmi Gunesekera

Trying

“Why don’t you clean your room without watching cartoons on television?” said Haren.“I love cartoons, Daddy” said Manil.“But your room is a real mess. I’ll tell you. You spend another �ifteen minutes watching cartoons and then you must get down to work” said his fa-ther.“Daddy hates to see me enjoying myself. What’s wrong with watching tv?” muttered Manil.“I agree with Daddy that your room needs to be cleaned. There are plenty of cartoon programmes on tv so you can always watch them” said his sister Jessica.“I’ll try arranging my room but it will take me a long time. Why can’t parents understand that chil-dren need time for themselves? Daddy is always at me to do things and won’t let me be!” complained Manil.“I think that Daddy wants you to be a better per-son to live with. After all, you are now twelve years old. It is high time you took responsibility I am one year older than you and my room is very tidy!” said Jessica.“I can’t help my room being messy. I have to do homework and have no time to arrange things” said Manil.“But you have plenty of time to watch cartoons” protested Jessica, adding “I suggest you try to please Daddy and when your room is neat, he will let you watch cartoons without bugging you. Let’s pray about it.”

12 The Messenger July 12, 2020

Some seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, ... (Matthew 13: 7-8)

Appreciation

Camillus was born of distinguished parents in Abruzzi Italy. It was very unfortunate that his parents died when he was very young. Naturally

therefore his early formation was very foggy and faulty. There was no one to guide his life and he took to gambling as a teenager.

He joined the army at the age of 17 in Naples. It was preparing itself to drive away from the Turks. While in the army, a wound on his leg was festering even to the point of his being sent away from the army. He was admitted to be nursed in a Roman hospital. Even in that sad state of being a sick man, he was drawn to gambling. So he was discharged in a huff. At the age of 24, his grisly gambling led him even to lose his shirt!

It is most astonishing how in that frame of mind he was inspired to knock at the door of a Capuchin Monastery which eventually admitted him. A homily that he heard the monastery made the crook turn a new leaf in his life. He was well on the way to turn over a new leaf. But the hope for everyone was short-lived. For the gangrene began to re-appear. Eventually, he was pushed out. He got nearly admitted to the Giacomo hospital. There he got somewhat cured of the sickness.

Once again the gambler-convert knocked at the door of the Capuchins and again got admitted. But again he was out due to the festering wound! It is here we must closely follow how Providence carefully guided his every step. ‘His past life of ups and downs - more downs than ups - had groomed him to become a most pliable instrument in God’s hands even in such out of the way circumstances, the ever Loving and Merciful

God inspired him to opt for the priesthood and as a priest to devote himself to the service of the sick, both to look after the bodily as well as the spiritual health! At this de�ining moment in Camillus’s life, God sent Philip Neri, another future Saint, as his mentor. Both of them sat up and prepared a blue-print for a Religious Congregation of Priests solely to look after the sick in hospitals. The members of the Congregation had to be ready to serve patients in prison-cells. In his time, the plague was a scourge that used to take a heavy toll almost every year. Camillus told his members their vocation was to render service even to the plague-stricken.

Fr. Camillus returned to his village to sell his property and distribute the more to the poor. In the year

1588, he was invited to Naples, and with twelve companions founded there a new house. Certain galleys that had people with the plague on board were forbidden to enter the harbour, so the Ministers of the Sick that was the name chosen by Camillus for his Congregation went on board and attended them. Two of their members died of the

pestilence and were the �irst martyrs of charity in this institute.

In the years 1590 and 1591, a terrible epidemic swept through Rome taking many lives. Hunger, misery, death, and tears were everywhere. In the midst of all these sufferings moved Fr. Camillus, bringing comfort and consolation wherever he went. He courageously tended even to the most revolting cases. After having served them, he would drop to his knees beside the bed and say. “Praise be the Lord! I have served His Divine Majesty”. Everyone was surprised to see this big-built, broad-shouldered man nicknamed “the giant” so humbly stooping down before the sick and the suffering.

What is most surprising is such a devoted and saintly founder, in spite of senility and with an incurable wound would literally drag his feet, reach the patients in their beds to look after them and see if they needed further help. When God called Camillus to his reward at the age of 64, there were 300 members in the Congregation known as Hospitallers.

Let us ponder: “Camillus”s charity was so great and wide-ranging that he took to his kind and loving heart not only the sick and the dying but also all other poor and wretched people. His heart was full of devotion for the needy that he used to say: “If there were no poor to be found on the face of the earth, people would have to search them out and even pluck them from below the earth in order to do good to them and show them mercy” (From the life of St. Camillus written by his companions.)

St. Camillus de Lellis, Priest (1550-1614)

by Rev. Fr. Athanasius Samarasinghe

Dorinda De S Wijeyeratne

A shining light in all our livesLived her life dedicated to God and inspired by the teachings of Jesus.Her morning walks to church and her endless love for the church will never be forgotten.She spent most of her time devoting herself to serve the church through St. Vincent De Paul Society that brought her immense joy.As grandchildren, she was the best grandmother we could ask for. We saw her faith through her daily prayers and we experienced her love through her presence.We could speak to her for hours and yet she would lis-ten to us like she was our own mother.She would be the rock all of us needed in our lives and would advise us on matters we had no answers.She was the most loving and caring person anyone could ask for. Even as days past, years went by, her love for us did not stop.We miss her presence around the house but we know she’s watching over us and listening to all our prayers.We love and miss you Archi!!!From,Dimitri, Amanda, Tivanka, Navisha, and Ravishka.

Continued from last weekThe God of Nature is the Lord of History: A Biblical Re�lection on Covid-19 By Rev. Fr. Nilindra Gunesekera SSS

The Covid-19 pandemic is the de�ining global crisis of our time since World War Two. At the time of writ-ing, infections totalled 5,016,742 and mortality stands at 325,556. Fortuitously, in Sri Lanka only 10 deaths have been reported as at the time of writing, 1,558 in-fections and 754 recoveries. The virus is also causing devastation socially, economically and politically. Many neighbourhood communities worldwide are now un-recognizable. Dozens of the world’s greatest cities are deserted as people stay indoors, either by choice or by government order. Across the world, shops, theatres, restaurants and bars are closing. Every day, people are losing jobs and income, with no way of knowing when normality will return. Small island nations like Sri Lan-ka, heavily dependent on tourism, have empty hotels and deserted beaches. The International Labour Orga-nization estimates that 195 million jobs could be lost. Job losses have made us painfully aware of the need to protect employment. The God of Nature has intervened through the Covid-19 pandemic and exposed the domi-nant culture of af�luence as fraudulent, and halted the globalization of the technocratic paradigm which domi-nates economic and political life. This paradigm exalts the concept of a subject who, using logical and rational procedures, progressively approaches and gains control over an external object. This subject makes every effort to establish the scienti�ic and experimental method, which in itself is already a technique of possession, mas-tery and transformation. It is as if the subject were to �ind itself in the presence of something formless, com-pletely open to manipulation. Men and women have constantly intervened in nature, but for a long time this meant being in tune with and respecting the possibili-ties offered by the things themselves. It was a matter of receiving what nature itself allowed, as if from its own hand. Now, by contrast, we are the ones to lay our hands on things, attempting to extract everything possible from them while frequently ignoring or forgetting the reality in front of us. Human beings and material objects no longer extend a friendly hand to one another; the re-lationship has become confrontational. This has made it easy to accept the idea of in�inite or unlimited growth, which proves so attractive to economists, �inanciers and experts in technology. It is based on the lie that there is

an in�inite supply of the earth’s goods, and this leads to the planet being squeezed dry beyond every limit. Thus, in halting through the Covid-19 pandemic the globaliza-tion of the technocratic paradigm which dominates eco-nomic and political life, and by exposing the dominant culture of af�luence as fraudulent, the God of Nature is re-shaping human history as He once reshaped the his-tory of Israel through the Ten Plagues.

2. How does the Holy Bible view such disasters? The magnitude of the disaster makes the believer search for its divinely ordained meaning in apocalyptic literature; for it is the literature of the dispossessed, the alienated and the oppressed, who have little chance of �ighting back. The apocalypse of Mk. 13 for instance ad-dresses Christians who have suffered, and can expect to suffer more for their faith (Mk. 13:9-13). Yet, the end will not come soon. Hence, Mk. 13:10 (it is necessary that the gospel �irst be preached to all nations) greatly extends the timetable for the eschatological events.

3. The Covid-19 Pandemic as a Sign of the Times? Indeed, the economic and social upheaval caused by the pandemic is unprecedented. The gospels state unequiv-ocally that the ˋend timesˊ will be preceded by great suf-fering. The question arises ˋHave the end times begun?ˊ Mk. 13:19 speci�ies that for in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be. The text of Lk. 21:8-9 offers greater illumina-tion - ˋAnd when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terri�ied; for this must �irst take place, but the end will not be at onceˊ. Due to wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences and great cosmic signs the world will be in chaos but this chaos itself is not, however, a sign of the end. The end with all its terror of judgment is still not near. There is a necessity to these events which are part of God’s movement towards the end, since one event guarantees another. But it is still not the end.Suspicion surrounds the genesis of the Covid-19 pan-demic: Is it natural or man-made? According to US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley the “weight of evidence” shows that the corona virus pandemic points towards natural origins. Two features of the virus, the mutations in the RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) por-tion of the spike protein and its distinct backbone, rules out laboratory manipulation as a potential origin for SARS-CoV-2. Could it have ‘escaped’ from a research fa-cility? This is just speculation.

(Continued on next week)

Jesus pities all my griefs and forgives me everyday,He protects my soul and guides me the correct way.I completed 89 years on earth in June this year,I praise and thank Jesus for I live happily without shedding a single fear.Deaf and blind in one eye, feeble, yet without any-body’s help I can my duties perform,I live a peaceful life without any raging storm.As Jesus is the refuge of my soul,I will not fear when death bellows on me roll.Jesus is my God, y King and my friend,He is also my Lord, My Life my Way and My End.

J. A. Dulcie Perera

July 14

My life, My way, My end

13 The Messenger July 12, 2020

On his arrival in Ceylon in September 1705 he did not know a word of Sinhala. As such, this is how Fr. Antony Fernandopulle refers to him in his book “Life of Fr. Jacome Gonsalves” published in Canada:

“How a Konkani Brahmin of Goa and a missionary who had no knowledge of the socio-cultural, religious and linguistic background of Sri Lanka became disciple of local Buddhist monks of the Malwatte Chapter in Kandy?”

King Vimaladharmasuriya II and his son, King Na-rendrasinghe always held Fr. Jacome in high esteem. Some of his writings had even pleased them. More-over, these two kings held the Dutch as their common enemy. Royalty even sought advice from Fr. Jacome as though he was an astute diplomat. The King of Kun-dasala sought his advice when a war with the Dutch became almost imminent. Fr. Jacome persuaded the King against a war. The King was astonished at his ad-vice since the war had been declared. Fr. Jacome and the Catholics at large would have won their freedom of worship, if the Dutch were expelled from Ceylon af-ter winning the war. Fr. Jacome’s response to this was: “yes, but my duty at the moment is not to safeguard my own interests, but to give your Majesty wise and pru-dent advice". The King was highly impressed with his wisdom and honesty and offered him a post of Adigar, which honour Fr. Jacome has politely declined. Thus, Fr. Jacome’s relations with Kandyan royalty prompted critic Ine’s Zupanov to state: “The times are now top-sy-turvy. An Asian heathen king protects the Catholic priests and their charges while a Christian European heretic Administration is doing everything possible to “pervert” the Catholics and stamp their religion."

Fr. Jacome's last days

His last days were spent in Bolawatte in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption which he himself had so lovingly built. Around Bolawatte he had converted a se-ries of villages. From the beginning of July, 1742 he was con�ined to bed as a result of acute Tuberculosis. Thus from his sickbed he handed over to Fr. Xavier Martinho the governance of the Mission. As Fr. Xavier entered his

Room, he arose from his bed with great dif�iculty, so as to receive him with due honour and then chanted his last “Te Deum Laudamus”. The end came around

11.00 p.m. on the 17th of July, 1742. He retained his full senses to the very end. On hearing this sad news a large crowd converged on Bolawatte. As a result the body had to be kept for three days after which he was buried in his church with great solemnity. A “touching” funeral oration was delivered by Fr. Custodio Andrade – his as-sistant and companion. The Oration commenced thus “I have planted, Apollo has watered and God has pro-vided." The entire congregation was moved to tears, as Fr. Andrade himself “broke” down several times during the Oration. Fr. S.G. Perera describes how for months unending, representatives from every village with a Catholic population came to visit his grave, distrib-ute alms and had many Masses offered as suffrage for his soul. Even after 25 years of his death, people were visiting his grave lighting candles and even collecting some earth from his grave. Even now, many pilgrims visit his grave in the Bolawatte Church including some from distant Goa.

His home parish in the Island of Davar in Goa is pro-ceeding with the requisite formalities towards his can-onization. We in Sri Lanka should support his cause by our unstirred Prayers so that in the near future, he, like his mentor and guru St. Joseph Vaz will be raised to the honours of the Altar.

In conclusion, Fr. S.G. Perera, Fr. Jacome’s biogra-pher, has this to say:

“But so long as Sinhala/Tamil are read, the name of Fr. Gonsalves will be held in benediction as the Father of Catholic Literature. Up to this, he is still far and away the greatest Catholic writer in Sri Lanka.”

At the time of his death, Fr. Jacome was 66 years of age after a life of 42 years as an Oratorian of which 37 years were spent in the Sri Lankan vineyard (1705 – 1742).

The two gigantic missionaries from Goa have given of their BEST to the Sri Lankan “Church.” St. Joseph Vaz planted a new Church over the ashes of the old while Fr. Jacome Gonsalves watered and tended this church to what it has grown up today.

“Fr. Jacome gave the oil of Faith to the loving people of Ceylon and the best of his life to the land of Ceylon.”

... and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Matthew 13: 8-9)

Contd. from Pg. 6Why Does God...

Contd. from Pg. 8Fr. Jacome.....

Fr. Don Peter, after extensive research also attests that there are reliable sources indicating that the origi-nal image of the Shrine was taken to Goa. There is no record that the statue was brought back to Ceylon.

Fr. S. J. Perera in (Historical Sketches-Jaffna 1938) makes reference to the church of Livramento where he notes “there is a most romantic story attached to the image of that church which was put into a well at the outbreak of the Dutch persecution, later taken up and removed to Galle whence it was brought back to Co-lombo and is I believe now at St. Mary’s Church, Bam-balapitiya. Fr. S. J. Perera goes on to state: “It is certain that the image of Our Lady at St. Mary’s Church is not the (original) image of Our Lady of Livramento. The im-age of the shrine was taken to Goa. It continued to be venerated in Goa in the monastery Nossa Senhora de Graca (Our Lady of Grace) till the early part of the 19th century”.

However reference is also made to an image discov-ered in Colombo sometime after the advent of the Dutch which was thought to be the image of Our Lady of Livra-mento in the Narahenpita Shrine. The story of the dis-covery of the image is related in the Santuario Mariano. A brief account of the story is as follows : the location of a buried statue was revealed to a pious Christian in a dream. The man found a box containing some images among which was a statue of Our Lady of Livramento. It was carved in wood, on its head was a gold crown and it had earrings studded with pearls. The image was later handed to a pious Sinhalese lady Constanca de Silva who welcomed it to her house and venerated it with great devotion. This story is con�irmed by Fr. Jacome Gonsalvez. This is also attested by Agostino de Santa Maria who states that he got this information from the Reports of the Indian Oratorians.

What then is known of the image at St. Mary’s in Bambalapitiya ? During the Dutch persecution some pi-ous folk fearing that the holy images might be profaned

and desecrated hid some of these images and buried others. The image that was unearthed was presumably a replica of the original image of Our Lady of Livramen-to which was taken to Goa.

Available information indicates that the Church of Livramento had been a popular shrine in Portuguese times. Even after the Dutch persecution following which the shrine was reduced to ruins, devotion to our Lady of Livramento and the attachment of devotees to that spot in Narahenpita continued. This is evident from the ref-erences to Cordiner and Fr. Charles Collin which have been made above. Fr. Don Peter gives an interesting fact from Fr. Charles Collin. As the spot in Narahenpita was dear to the Catholics Dr. Christopher Bonjean, the �irst Archbishop of Colombo had the intention of acquiring some land at the old site and building a church there. To quote Fr. Charles Collin “Msgr. Bonjean hopes to obtain from the government by way of compensation for the ancient church properties (con�iscated by the Dutch) two acres of land here of which we have been deprived, where we hope to see the church of Our Lady of Deliv-erance rebuilt.” Unfortunately the plans of Archbishop Bonjean did not materialize.

The image of Our Lady of Livramento at St. Mary’s Church although a replica of the original image dates back to at least the Dutch period and is therefore about 250 years old. This image has therefore been venerated for over two and a half centuries. The well attached to the shrine at Narahenpita has been frequented for its health giving properties till the late 19th century but is now in ruins. This image of Our Lady as well as the site of the well next to the shrine has special signi�icance to the Catholics of Bambalapitiya.

It is laudable that St. Mary’s Church has taken steps to popularize devotion to Our Lady of Livramento. It is noteworthy that the shrine and the image of Livra-mento have been venerated through good times and persecution for well over two and a half centuries and is therefore one of the oldest images dedicated to Our Lady in Sri Lanka. Perhaps the Catholic Church should consider ful�illing Archbishop Bonjean’s dream and re-store the site of the shrine, rebuild the well and build a little chapel there.

Contd. from Pg. 8Our Lady...

They no longer live

They lived with us,And they departed from us.We should not cry,But have to say goodbye.Lament we not, but sing to the Lord,To relieve them from hell�ire,And then raise towards eternity.When white snow covers their tombs,When the sun is about to set,Where the sound of drums echoBride of deathHas covered tombs with her veil.“The undiscovered country fromWhere bourne no traveller returns”Vales and valleys echo theDesperate cry

(In memory of those who surrendered to Covid - 19 plague)

- Anton Paaris

Evil as a means of puri�icationAt other times, suffering takes on a meaning of pu-

ri�ication. As what happened to Israel in Moses’ time, when the people were �ickle and capricious, God pu-ri�ied them through a long desert journey that lasted many years, guiding and teaching them until they were ready to enter the Promised Land and acknowledge God’s �idelity to His word.

By divine Providence suffering often acquires a pu-rifying value like this. Many people caught up in life’s hustle and bustle fail to face the all-important issues in life until a viral infection or a �inancial or family setback leads them to a deeper soul-searching. And this can of-ten lead to a change, a conversion, accompanied by an opening to others’ needs.

Thus, suffering or evil may become part of God’s pedagogy. He does not want us to get lost on the way, wasting our time pursuing transient delights and worldly aims. Although everyone’s life includes a mea-sure of evil, if we trust in God, His divine Providence can turn this evil into a means to attain our true good (cf. The Mystery of Evil and Suffering).

A case in point is Mohini Christina, born Mahalak-shmi Srinivasan in Chennai, India, to a Hindu Brahmin family. She had a comfortable upbringing. Brahmins are traditionally teachers and priests and among the high-est caste in Indian society, and the Srinivasan family was a prominent one. Faced with tremendous suffering, this actress responded by praying perseveringly, strug-gling to make sense out of her miseries. Her prayers were answered. Led by the hand of our Lady, she found the path of conversion from Hinduism to Catholicism. Thanks to her sufferings, Mohini is currently a Catholic evangelist.