philosophizes Msgr. JD Anton Jayakody

20 Pages·2017·5.99 MB·English

HOLY TRINITY
SUNDAY
THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY OF SRI LANKA
“REGISTERED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS OF SRI LANKA” UNDER NO. QD /74 / NEWS / 2018
May 27
Sunday May 27, 2018 Vol 149 No 20 24 Pages Rs: 30.00 Registered as a newspaper
“The Holy Spirit, the Principal Agent
Founder of Sahana Medura
fi nds his eternal reward
of Metamorphosis” philosophizes
A well-kn‘Soawhna npa sMycehdoutrhae’,rapist,
Msgr. J. D. Anton Jayakody counsellor and the founder direc-
tor of the a psy-
chology and counselling centre
in Ja-ela, Rev. Fr. Fraccid Antho-
ny Fernando OMI, passed away
on Monday May 21 at Dayawe
Asapuwa at Raddoluwa, in Kotu-
goda. He was 84 years-old.
Born on May 11, 1934
Fr. Fraccid was ordained a priest
on March 25, 1961 by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Leo
Nanayakkara OSB, Bishop of Kandy. He had celebrated
57 years of priesthood and 60 years in religious life.
During his seminary days Fr. Fraccid was
known to be a brilliant student and an excellent athlete,
unbeatable in all the long-distance races and the mara-
thon. After his ordination his first obedience was on the
staff of St. Joseph’s Seminary in Nugegoda for a short
period, after which, he was sent to ‘Nazareth’, Wennap-
Holy Mass
puwa which moulded him to be a fine preacher. There-
after he was sent to the East Asian Pastoral Institute
(EAPI) in Manila to follow a pastoral course.
ast Sunday the come down? That person Fr. Fraccid was made the first Director of Reli-
faithful of ‘Little is radically changed as a Veneration gious Teachers’ Ins‘Stiathuaten ain M1e9d7u3r, af’ounded by His Emi-
Rome’, Negombo, result.” nence Thomas Cardinal Cooray OMI, at Tammita. In
were gathered in the Combing the 1994, he opened , a home for those
historic and hallowed Hebrew Scriptures, the from its very crude and the Spirit that the disorder suffering from mental disorders, the first centr‘eS aihna Snrai
Shrine of Our Lady of Epistemologist Bishop- chaotic inception, was changed significantly into LMaendkuar ain’, the field.
Madhu, Mannar for their elect of Colombo explained: His mortal remains were laid to rest at
L under the power of the oCrdOerN.” TD ON PG. 15
annual feast. Their joy “In the beginning, when Jaela on Wednesday May 23, after the Funeral
Spirit of God. It was with
was doubled since it God created the heavens Peterites stilMalss ati Stn. Josevph’s iChnurch,c Kaniuwbana, lJaeela.
the moving presence of
was the new Auxiliary and the earth, the earth
Bishop-elect of the remained a formless
Archdiocese of Colombo, a wasteland and darkness
distinguished son of their covered the primordial
St. Peter’s College convinc-
soil, Pamunugama, Msgr. ocean. The sacred author
ingly clinched the Overall
J. D. Anton Jayakody, who of these words does
Championship Trophy at
celebrated the Festive not leave us with this
the Saints Quadrangular
Mass. disorderly picture arising
Athletic Meet held at St.
In his soul-stirring from the an‘rcuieanht ESelomhiitmic’ Peter’s College, Grounds
and heart-throbbing cosmogony. He then
on May 19 and 20, by
sermon, Msgr. J. D. Anton introduces ruah Elohim amassing a comprehen-
rhetorically queried: into the biblical scene,
sive total of 590 points.
“Where does the Holy sayin g‘r u‘wahh ilEelohim’ Mr. Priyantha Rose, a Dis-
Spirit descend? There swept over the waters.’
tinguished Old Antonian
is, for sure, a dramatic This is the
graced the occasion as the
change in that place. On wind, breath or spirit of
Chief Guest.
whom does the Holy Spirit God. The universe, thus, CONTD ON PG. 15 Pics and Text: Bernard Pradeepan Jesuthasan
St. Benedict’s College,
EPISCOPAL ANNIVERSARIES
35th Anniversary 41st Anniversary of 35th Anniversary 9th Anniversary
of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Archbishop Emeritus of His Lorship Rt. Rev. ooff HHiiss LLoorrddsshhiipp RRtt.. RReevv..
Rev. Dr. Joseph Kingsley His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Dr. Vianney Fernando Dr. Joseph Ponniah
Swampillai Nicholas Marcus Fernnado Bishop of Kandy Bishop of Batticaloa
May 7 May 14 May 21 May 24
Marian Procession
Thank
you
M0m &
Dad
June 1
Ad Multos Annos Vivat!
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfi lled, they were all in one place together” (Acts 2,1)
2 The Messenger May 27, 2018
"Grant Kerosene subsidy to Fishermen"
St. Joseph, the Worker
urges His Eminence venerated at
Veppankulam
to overcome the plight
they are faced with.
This event was
organised by Rev. Fr.
Tony Pinto, Parish Priest,
Pallansena and with the
participation of Rev. Fr.
Clement Rozairo, Dean
of Negombo Region to-
gether with Rev. Fathers,
Religious Sisters and the
parishioners.
Picture shows His Emi-
nence being welcomed
by the Rev. Fathers and The Annual Feast of St. Joseph's Church, Veppanku-
Archbishop of Colombo, Kochchikade which was the Holy Mass appealed theT .P Saurnisihl iFoenrenrasn. do and lam, Vavuniya was celebrated recently.
His Eminence Malcolm renovated, recently. to the Government to His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernan-
Roshan Pradeep
Cardinal Ranjith, blessed His Eminence speak- grant a kerosene oil sub- do, Bishop of Mannar made his first pastoral visit to
and declared open the ing at the function held sidy without delay, for the Parish and celebrated the festive Holy Mass and
HolyC eSlpeiribt raChtuiroch,n a fotefr Fthei rcesletb rHatioonl yof Mthea bsursd e nbedy f isnheer wfolkl y ordained participated in a cultural event.
Seth Sarana Legal Help

Archdiocesan Priests
� �
Caritas Colombo-Seth Sarana recently, launched a
At St. Mary's Chuch, Katukurunda, Moratuwa, Rev. At St. Mary's Church, Welivita, Legal Help Programme to link clients with lawyers,
Fr. Chamila Chrishantha Fernando Rev. Fr. Rajith Clamantha Edirisinghe with a view to helping those who have no or lim-
ited income to receive satisfactory legal service.
This service was introduced by Rev. Fr. Lawrence
Ramanayake, Director Seth Sarana according to the
instructions of Rev. Fr. Noel Dias, Attorney at Law.
Several Catholic lawyers have voluntarily agreed to
support this programme.
Those who have legal issues and need assis-
tance could present their problems over the phone
by contacting No. 0716389996, every Friday from
9.30 am to 4.30 pm. This service will be implement-
Pic. Asika Priyadharshana Pic. Sunil Harrison ed with a reasonable charAges hina no rWdiecrk troa mrealesainseg hfie-
nancial burdens. Project Manager,
�
� Caritas Colombo Seth Sarana
At St. Anne's Chuch, Pilapitiya, Kelaniya,
At Ss. Peter and Paul's Church, Ragama "God will make a -way"
Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony Baldsing
Rev. Frs. Sumedha Pathum Fonseka and Sanath
Udara Senadeera.
An evening of Sacred and secular music presented
by Eshantha de Andrado, accompanied by Neranjan
de Silva and featuring Anila de Silva, the LG singers
and the Sunday school choir will be held on Satur-
day, May 26, 2018 at St. Mary's Church, Bambalapiti-
ya commencing at 7.15 p.m.
Proceeds will be in aid of the Parish Com-
munity Centre building project.
Pic. Sisil Perera
Entrance Fee - Rs. 1,000/- (including re-
� freshments)
Pic. T. Sunil Fernando
For details contact: Rev. Fr. Felician R. Pere-
At St. Mary Magdalene's Church, Dungalpitiya, � ra (0771298750), Nirasha (0777280759), Shalini
Rev. Fr. Niranjan Marshal Peiris (D077o30n28a71t7i)on for St. Joseph's
At St. Mary's Church, Uswetakeiyawa,
Rev. Fr. Amila Maduranga Jayatilaka and Church, Pamunugama
Rev. Fr. Pathum Chinthaka Perera
Pic. Benjamin Kirihetty
�
At St. Sebastian's Church, Diyalagoda,
Rev. Fr. Hirushan Hasantha Fernando
Pic. Pascal Jayamanne
Requiem Mass A substantial donation amounting to several lakhs of
Rupees from the proceeds of the food stall organised
by the Sacred Heart Society of Pamunugama during
the Church Feast was presented recently, to the Par-
A service of remembrance will ish Priest by the President and the office bearers of
be held for the soul of the late the Society for the on-going develpment activities of
Dr. Lester James Peries, at St. the Church.
Mary’s Church, Bambalapitiya, Picture shows the ParishB Pernijeasmt, Rine vK.Firr.i hFreatnty-
Pic. D. Anselm Fernando
on May 28, at 6.30 p.m. cis Jayakody receiving the donation.
. “… ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of?” (Deuteronomy 4,32)
3 The Messenger May 27, 2018
Message from the Ponti�ical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
SINCE FEBRUARY 1869
Christians and Muslims: From
EDITORIAL
Email:[email protected]
Website:colomboarchdiocesancatholicpress.com
Telephone: [phone] Competition to Collaboration Al-Fitr
Fax: [phone]
May 27, 2018
Batter my heart, three
Dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters,
person’d God
I religious and moral values that we share,
while acknowledging our differences. By
n his Providence, God the Almighty recognising what we hold in common and
has granted you the opportunity to by showing respect for our legitimate dif-
The Trinity Sunday takes us to the Holy Sonnet 14 of John Donne
observe anew the fasting of Ramadan ferences, we can more firmly establish a
(1572-1631) as it, with its plurality of profound paradoxes as well
and to celebrate 'Id al-Fitr. solid foundation for peaceful relations,
as extensive mixed metaphors and charged with the language of sen-
The Pontifical Council for Inter- moving from competition and confron-
timentality and deeply impassioned plea, still speaks to every heart
religious Dialogue appreciates the impor- tation to an effective cooperation for the
that believes in the One and Triune God. The poem runs as follows:
tance of this month and the great effort common good. This particularly assist
by the Muslims throughout the world to those most in need and allows us to offer
BATTER my heart, three person’d God; for, you
fast, pray and share the Almighty's gifts a credible witness to the Almighty's love
As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend;
with the poor. for the whole of humanity.
That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow mee,'and bend
Mindful of the gifts prompted by We all have the right and the
Your force, to breake, blowe, burn and make me new.
Ramadan, we join you in thanking the duty to witness to the All-Powerful One
I, like an usurpt towne, to'another due,
Merciful God for his benevolence and we worship and to share our beliefs with
Labour to'admit you, but Oh, to no end,
generosity and we extend to you our others, while respecting their religion
Reason your viceroy in mee, mee should defend,
heartfelt' best wishes. and religious sentiments.
But is captiv'd, and proves weake or untrue.
The thoughts we would like to So that we may further peaceful
Yet dearely'I love you,'and would be loved faine,
share with you on this occasion, dear and fraternal relations, let us work to-
But am betroth'd unto your enemie:
Muslim brothers and sisters, concern a gether and honour each another. In this
Divorce mee,'untie, or breake that knot againe;
vital aspect of relations between Chris- way we will give glory to the Almighty
Take mee to you, imprison mee, for I
tians and Muslims: the need to move and promote harmony in society, which
Except you'enthrall mee, never shall be free,
from competition to collaboration. is becoming increasingly multi-ethnic,
Nor ever chast, except you ravish mee.
A spirit of competition has too multi-religious and multi-cultural.
often marked past relations between We conclude by renewing our
Donne, who seems to have been taken over by other forces,
Christians and Muslims, the negative best wishes for a fruitful fast and a joy-
pleads the Triune God, in stark desperation, for deliverance and for
consequences of which are evident: jeal- ful 'Id' and, assure you of our solidarity in
a renewal of spirit. He, first, prays that God should batter his “heart”,
ousy, recriminations and tensions. In prayer.
as if it were the gates of a fortress town. He pleads Him to “batter”
some cases, these have led to violent con-
his heart, as opposed to what God has been gently doing so far: just From the Vatican, 20 April 2018
frontations, especially where religion has
knocking, breathing, shining, and trying to help him heal. All these
been instrumentalized, above all due to Jean-Louis Cardinal Tauran
ordinary methods of persuasion have, it seems, failed. So he wants
self-interest and political motives. President
the Triune God to “batter” his heart just like the soldiers of the me-
Such interreligious competition
dieval times broke down the doors of a castle with a battering ram,
wounds the image of religions and their
a huge pole of wood, possibly with a ram carving on the front.
followers and it fosters the view that reli-
Further the poet wants the Triune God to bend His force to
gions are not sources of peace, but of ten- Bishop Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot,
break, blow and burn (alliterated b-words with onomatopoeic ef-
sion and violence. M.C.C.I.
fect) as well as to shatter and re-shape him. He desires that God will
To prevent and overcome these Secretary
act like a potter or craftsman who repairs a damaged vessel blowing
negative consequences, it is important
life into the object – reminiscent of the biblical anthropomorphic
that we Christians and Muslims recall the
Rev. Fr. Fraccid Anthony Fernando OMI
presentation of God the Creator as life blower, potter, surgeon and
sculptor (Genesis 2). God should, the poet urges, enter his heart ag-
gressively and violently, instead of gently, so that he may rise, stand
Priest, Missionary and Healer
and make new.
The poet, then, likens himself to “an usurpt towne” which
belonged to God originally. But subsequently he is captured, occu-
R
pied and ruled by an unspecified “another.” He is now barricaded By Rev. Fr. Leopold Ratnasekera OMI
from God’s advances. He, hence, labours to let God enter into the
ev. Fr. Fraccid
town but in vain. The reason within him, “viceroy” of God, is cap-
Anthony Fer-
tive and is succumbed too. Nevertheless he, the victim of this ad-
nando, Oblate
National Seminary, Ampitiya to follow his
verse situation, continues to love God, admits in a quite candid and
of Mary Immaculate,
ecclesiastical studies and to receive his
straightforward way, “I love you” and expects love in return.
priest of God and mis-
missionary formation. He excelled bril-
The poet, who now compares himself to a woman, com-
sionary son of St. Eu-
liantly in his studies and sports while in
pelled to marry against her will, urges God to untie the nuptial knot
gène de Mazenod, the
Ampitiya. He was always the unbeatable
tied to His unspecified enemy and imprison him, without letting him
founder of the Oblate
winner in all the long-distance races and
go free.
Congregation, sud-
the marathon.
The poet then explains why he wants all of this, reasoning
denly succumbed to
Ordained in 1961, his first obe-
with paradoxes of faith and double entendres. He cannot really be
a heart attack and entered the home of
dience was to Nazareth Wennappuwa
free unless God enslaves and excites him, and he cannot be chaste,
the heavenly portals on the morning of
where he excelled as a fine preacher and
unless God carries him away and delights him. Others could be
May 21st. It was a happy coincidence,
after a five-year stint of this ministry, he
wooed into salvation by God the husband. But in the case of Donne,
since this day marked the day of the Ob-
was sent to the East Asian Pastoral Insti-
he wants God to be a ravisher, more than a husband.
late Founder’s entering into glory! We are
tute (EAPI) in Manila for a pastoral course
The poet puts, we observe, the world and the sensuous life
sure that Fr. Fraccid is for all the simple,
after which he registered for an MA, in
completely behind him and probes with anxiety for the right rela-
dedicated and unstinted priestly and
Psychology and Counseling at the Ate-
tionship with God. He is well aware of the manner of his life and
missionary life he led, would now be in
neo de Manila University. On his return in
God’s limitless mercy and hence, surrenders himself completely to
the company of his saintly founder and
1973, a great responsibility awaited him
Him who alone can make, he fully believes, him anew.
joined to the host of other saintly Oblate
as the first Director of Religious Teach-
Donne, the afflicted lover of God who feels hurt because he
missionaries in heavenly bliss. He was
ers Institute founded by Thomas Cardi-
is deviated from the holy path to the sinful path, concludes declar-
ordained by Bishop Leo Nanayakkara
nal Cooray at Tammita where he began
ing, in erotic language, his continuing love for the Triune God and
OSB on March 25, 1961. Born on May
training the future Daham Pasala Teach-
his desire to receive His love. Unless God really acts and takes him
11, 1934, he passed away at the age of
ers. His next appointment was to the staff
by force, he is never going to get out of his present spiritual state of
84 having celebrated 57 years as a priest
of the Oblate Scholasticate in Ampitiya
sinfulness and indifference and hence he urges God to act violently
and 60 years in religious life.
where he also did a short stint of lectur-
and aggressively.
Fr. Fraccid entered St. Aloysius’
ing to the seminarMiaensss einn gPesrychology and
Donne here is not unique but is echoing the cry of many of
Minor Seminary in Borella at a very early took charge of the Sunday Scripture Com-
us, Christians, down the centuries who have expressed a desire to
age and having completed his secondary mentaries for the .
be free to love and serve God more deeply, yet who have felt that
education decided on becoming a mis- Having decided on pursuing
something has held us back or else, who want to do something good
sionary Oblate which also made Fr. Yves his further studies he went to Germany
or loving but find it difficult. His Sonnet expresses the groanings and
Merret OMI, the Parish Priest of Bolawala- to brush up his German and from there
laboured breaths of the Church, married to the One and Triune God.
na who sent him to the seminary greatly proceeded to New YorkC oUnStAd .t oon r Peggi.s 1te5r
Hence the struggle of Donne to be otherworldly in a carnal world is
elated. Accordingly, he did his novitiate, at Fordham University to continue
not surprising!
Did a people ever hear the voice of God speaking fromto tohke hmisid fsitr sotf vfi orwe,s a asn ydo up rdoicde, eadnedd l itvoe ?th”e (Dpeuurtesruoinngo m y 4,33 )
4 The Messenger May 27, 2018
Church in the Modern World
Call to safeguard religious freedom in Hong Kong and China
Christians in Hong Kong rie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, estant and Catholic church- and Uygur Autonomous
urged the Chinese Govern- proposed setting up a re- es, as well as banners with Region in Xinjiang.
ment to stop suppressing ligious affairs unit during religious messages are be- The Chinese gov-
religious freedom during her election campaign in ing taken down by force by ernment's suppression
a prayer service outside early 2017. the government. of religious activities and
the Liaison Office of the Or Yan Yan, The statement prohibition of minors
Central People's Govern- spokesperson of the Jus- also expressed shock at from having religious be-
ments, Western District, tice and Peace Commis- reports of government of- liefs seriously violates the
on the evening of April 30. sion, said that Lam's pro- ficials going to Christian constitution and infringes
The gathering, posal to set up a religious homes to inform them on the right to religious
organised by the Justice affairs unit might have that they are prohibited freedom protected by in-
People place crosses on a map of China while praying for
and Peace Commission, been a trail balloon to see from having gatherings. ternational human rights
the religious freedom of the country ourtslde the Liaison
Christians for Hong Kong if the religious freedom People have re- covenants, the statement
Of�ice of the Central People's Government
Society, the City Concern in Hong Kong could be portedly been discour- said.
of Christian Fellowship controlled. She believes aged from exercising their The groups called
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Lam pulled the idea from faith through threats to on the Chinese govern-
Christian Institute along her manifesto due to the deduct allowances for the ment to immediately stop to release all priests ar- cerns that the high-hand-
with other Christian or- strong opposition from aged. It also expressed banning house Churches rested without charge, in- ed control being exerted
ganisations, sought to religious leaders and the concerns about the prohi- or unofficial Churches and cluding Bishop James Sue on religion in mainland
demonstrate concern over general public at that bition on minors entering to stop suppressing reli- Zhimin as well as Father China is a sign that the
the tightening of control time. churches or parStiucnipdaaty- gious people; to protect Liu Honggeng of Baoding proposal to set up a reli-
on religious freedom after In an online iEnxga minin reerligious activities the freedom of religion of Diocese of Hebei prov- gious affairs unit in Hong
the revised Regulations statement, signed by over starting this year. ( minors; to stop demolish- ince and others. It called Kong could re-emerge if
on Religious Affairs was 200 people, the Christian , April 29). ing crosses, churches or on the government to stop people become numb to
implemented in February groups said that they were The statement religious banners and to suppressing lawyers who the deterioration of the
this year. angered and saddened by noted that the demolition cease installing surveil- protect the rights of the human rights situation in
The groups ex- the religious suppression of crosses and churches lance devices in religious churches, such as Zhang Hong Kong.
pressed their worry that suffered by the Christians has become more wide- venues and respect the Kai, a lawyer in Beijing She urged people
the stricter measures in China, particularly in spread. Beginning in Zhe- freedom to sell the bible defending churches with in the territory to remain
might be extended to Henan province where the jiang province in 2014, the and other religious books. their crosses forcefully re- aColeurrtt.esy: Sunday Examiner
Hong Kong given that the situation is specially seri- problem has now spread The statement moved.
citPy's ochiepf exeecu tiBve, Cear-noeus ads thie ccrotsse'ss of Piront- sto iJiganghxi, Hte narn, eShalnexi vuragedn thte agovnerndmen t F o u Orr etxepreessned cnone- w cardinals
urgent today Pope Francis writes
Pope Francis last Sunday announced that he will cre-
ate fourteen new cardinals in a Consistory scheduled to
take place on June 29.
For more than 50 years, the writings of retired Pope Pope Benedict's insight is relevant and ur-
The men who will receive their red hats from
Benedict XVI on the relationship between faith gent today. "In fact, today more than ever there is the
the Pope include Bishops from Iraq, Pakistan, Portugal,
and politics have insisted that the measure of hu- same temptation to refuse any dependence on love
Peru, Madagascar, Italy and Japan.
man freedom is the extent to which each person that is not a person's love for his own ego, for 'the
The names of the new Cardinals are:
aLcibkenroawtilnegd gFerse ebdeoimng: dFaeiptehn adnedn tP oonli ttihcse ilno vteh eo fT Ghoirdd, I and its desires,' and, consequently, the danger of
the 'colonisation' of consciences by an ideology that His Beatitude Louis Raphaël I Sako – Chaldean Catholic
PMoilpleen Fnriaunmc.is writes in the preface to a new book,
denies the basic certainty that humankind exists as Patriarch of Babylon
male and female to whom the task of the transmis- His Excellency Luis Ladaria –Prefect of the Congrega-
sion of life is assigned," he says. tion for the Doctrine of the Faith
The book is a collection of essays over the
Pope Francis writes that as Pope Benedict His Excellency Angelo De Donatis – Vicar General of Rome
course of several decades, including during Pope
has pointed out, a new set of human rights are ac- His Excellency Giovanni Angelo Becciu – Substitute of
Benedict's eight-year pontificate.
tually leading to the self-destruction of humanity. the Secretary of State and Special Delegate for the Sov-
Pope Francis writes that his predecessor's
These self-destructive attitudes "have a single com- ereign Military Order of Malta
"direct experience of Nazi totalitarianism led him
mon denominator that consists in a single, great
His Excellency Konrad Krajewski – Almoner of the Of-
from the time he was a young academic to reflect on
denial: the denial of dependence on love, the denial
fice of Papal Charities
the limits of obedience to the state in favour of the
that man and woman are creatures of God, lovingly
His Excellency Joseph Coutts – Archbishop of Karachi
freedom of obedience to God."
made by him in his image and for whom they yearn
His Excellency António dos Santos Marto – Bishop of
He remarks that when then-Joseph Cardi- as the deer longs for running water."
Leiria-Fátima
nal Ratzinger worked alongside Pope St. John Paul Pope Francis writes, "When we deny this
His Excellency Pedro Barreto – Archbishop of Huancayo
II, "he elaborated and proposed a Christian vision of dependence between creature and creator, this re-
His Excellency Desiré Tsarahazana – Archbishop of Toamasina
human rights capable of questioning on a theoreti- lationship of love, we renounce the true greatness of
His Excellency Giuseppe Petrocchi – Archbishop of
cal and practical level the totalitarian claim of the the human being (and) the bulwark of human free-
L’Aquila
Marxist state and the atheist ideology on which it dom and dignity."
His Excellency Thomas Aquinas Manyo – Archbishop of
was based." He says reading Pope Benedict's essays "can
Osaka
Pope Francis said the contrast Cardinal help all of us not only to understand our present and
Ratzinger saw between Christianity and Marxism or find a solid orientation for the future, but they also His Excellency Sergio Obeso Rivera – Emeritus
communism was definitely not the focus on the poor can be a real source of inspiration for political action Archbishop of Xalapa.
and the need to fight inequality. that, by placing the family, solidarity and equality at His Excellency Toribio Ticona Porco – Emeritus Bishop
Pope Francis quotes the Cardinal as writ- the centre of its attention anodu rptleasny:n Siunngd, atryu Elxya lmoionkesr of Corocoro. EWTN
to the future with foresight." Reverend Father Aquilino Bocos Merino – member of
ing: "We must learn-once again, not only at the the-
Pope Paul VI to be canonized this October
C the Claretian Order.
oretical level, but in the way we think and act-that
alongside the real presence of Jesus in the Church
and in the sacrament, there exists that other real
presence of Jesus in the little ones, in the trampled
Pope Francis has announced that Paul VI will be pro-
of this world, in the last, in whom he wants us to find
claimed a Saint on Sunday, October 14 in the Vatican,
him."
together with Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero of El
He notes that the key difference between
Salvador.
Marxism and Christianity for Pope Benedict, is how
Pope Paul VI, who had the task of closing the
each views the relationship between redemption
Second Vatican Council in 1965 and Archbishop Oscar
and liberation.
"Does redemption occur through liberation Arnulfo Romero, martyr stood up for social justice in
from all dependence or is the only way to liberation Latin America. They will be canonized with four other
the complete dependence on love, which would then Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Oscar Romero pose together four saints of charity, during the Synod of BVaisthicoapns iNne twhes
also be true freedom?" he quotes Pope Benedict as in an undated �ile photo. Vatican.
writing.
.“Or did any god venture to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation” (Deuteronomy 4,34)
5 The Messenger May 27, 2018
Health related
ABORTION, PAST, PRESENT
Issues in Sri Lanka
AND THE FUTURE By Dr. Maxie Fernandopulle
EEmmaaiill::mmaaxxiieeffeerrnnaannddooppuullllee@@ggmmaaiill..ccoomm
(Contd. from last week) Psychological complications.
Sri Lankan statistics on abortion. The serious lasting out 70% of Catholic doctors said YES to abortion and
problem is emotional disturbances. One of the causes only 30% said NO. It is an established fact that Catholic
There are less than is what is referred to as post traumatic stress syndrome doctors perform criminal abortion and some are even
350,000 births per year . In 2016 there were 331,000 is abortion. This syndrome or the disease situation is leading a campaign to request government to legalise
births in Sri Lanka. Taking the often mentioned aver- seen in people who experienced and suffered from abortion. A survey done in the Ministry of health, it was
age figure there are 365,000 abortions per year. They mental traumatic effects of wars and other calamities revealed that equal number of married and unmarried
are all deaths. This is the highest cause of deaths in the like Tsunami, severe floods with land slide associated women resorted to abortion. The unmarried ones are
Dharmishta society of Sri Lanka.There are more abor- with loss of many lives etc. Immediately after the abor- mainly from rural areas seeking jobs in Colombo end
tions than heart attacks, road accidents, terrorism with up in ‘beauty parlours’ which in fact are brothels. Some
tion she may feel a sense of relief. But after few years
counter attacks then, alcohol, poisoning or suicide and women are found loitering in front of St. Philip Neri’s
she may develop painful memories, recurrent dreams,
poisoning . Abortion contributes an 11% towards the church, are ladies selling their bodies for financial rea-
and frightening flashbacks, as if she is again lying on the
deaths of pregnant mothers, which is also the 3rd com- sons. Customers are sometimes found by their husbands.
abortion table having an abortion. She may feel guilty
mWoonreldswt ciadues set oaft imstaitcesr.nal deaths. A survey done by a non Catholic doctor estimates that
in front of a pregnant woman. She suffers from sadness,
the number resorting to abortion is higher than what
shame, distrust and uncontrolled crying. There is low
219 million women get pregnant is stated. He found that both unmarried and married
per year. Out of which one in five resort to abortion. self esteem, unworthiness, feel incapable of being a women underwent illegal abortions. It was revealed
Out of 48 million such abortions 19 million are unsafe. good mother. She may develop anger towards the hus- that socio-economic reasons were a leading cause. And
68000 women die annually due to abortion. 5.3 million band, the doctor who performed the abortion and even the lack of sexual health knowledge and lack of proper
suffer from permanent or temporary disability due to the God above who did not prevent the abortion. Going family planning methods were significant causes.
aPbhoyrstiicoanl. complications of abortion. into details of psychological ill effects are, her experi- A high risk pregnancy where abortion is resort-
encing unwelcome memories, flash back to the violent ed to is teenage pregnancy where an unmarried child
A very common event, strong nightmares, sleep disturbances, She ex- between 13 to 19 years is affected. Here both the child
complication is bleeding from the womb followed by periences reliving the traumatic event, with persistent and the mother are at risk. It is a complicated preg-
pelvic infection. Uncommonly due to the inappropri- lack of feeling, anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings. nancy needing specialized obstetric care. Understand-
ate use of sharp metal objects and sticks the wall of the She resorts to alcohol and drugs to cope with the symp- ing, sympathy and proper counseling to the child and
womb can get perforated which may extend to the in- toms. She attempts to forcibly suppress the psychologi- the guardians are mandatory. There are psychological
testines. In the process of attempting to introduce the cal consequences of grief. She feels dirty and resort to and physical ill effects on the child mother. There is the
strong solid objects using pressure the neck of the womb repeated hand washing to get rid of her dirt. problem of a motherless child and a childless mother. In
Reasons for abortion.
or the cervix can get damaged. As a result future preg- this type of situations there are challenges to the priest,
nancies are not retained as the opening of the womb is the nun and the lay leader. This girl is depressed, feels
Findings of a survey done in
incompetent, and there is 35% higher chance of a mis- guilty, and hopeless. Her future is ruined, and she is
the University revealed that 27% were due to the fact
carriage. Future preterm births are 2 to 3 times higher. often abandoned and ridiculed. She may be discarded
that the last child was under 1 year. 22% said that their
Ectopic pregnancy or a pregnancy occurring in the ovar- by the family. She has difficulty in getting back to the
family is completed. 15% was due to economic reasons.
ian tube is 2 to 3 times higher. This is a life threatening school. She is unmarried and hesitant to have the baby.
11% got an abortion done as the woman had to go for
condition where the woman may bleed to death if the She needs sympathy, support and encouragement. We
foreign employment. Only 0.5 % was due to been un-
rupture occurs and is not detected and treated. Towards have a responsibility to the child motChoern atdn.d n tehxet fwoeeteuks
married and 2% because the mother acquired a German
international maternal mortality a 12% is contributed she is carrying.
measles infection. In a limited survey personally carried
by abortion.
Longevity Secrets
A Regular Physical and
Mental Exercise
week ago the 92-year etc. will help you to keep categories in our day to ways to keep in touch
old Queen Elizabeth the mind in optimum day meals. Too much or with friends and re-
II's grand son, Prince Physical exercise health. The British Queen too little of these food lations. Electronic
Harr y got married. Dr. Mi- is one of the most impor- as the Head of State and categories can cause us to media via Face Book, BiTS &
chael Gordon of Scotland tant factors that contrib- the Commonwealth has be over-weight or under- Twitter and electron-
who was the physician of ute to longevity. Experts to keep abreast with what weight and cause health ic mail have helped PiECES
the Queen's mother said advise us to walk daily is happening in the world problems. Experts advise us immensely to keep
that Queen Elizabeth has
just for 30 minutes to and Britain. Research has us to keep a constant body connected with oth-
the same genes as her By Ariel
keep ourselves physically shown that regular physi- weight. Eating fresh fruits, ers. Even the price
mother. She died at the
fit. If you already have cal exercises can keep vegetables and fish can of an international
age of 101 and the pres-
diseases such as arthritis your mental health also keep us in good health. phone call has gone
ent Queen may live past
her 100th year. that make you unable to iPnrtoapcte. r Eating and Pure clean wa- down to almost noth-
Researchers say walk, experts advise you Drinking ter is the best drink that ing, thanks to social the advantage of having
that however lucky we to consult your physician we can have. Nutrition- media. But the healthiest pets and looking after
before you engage in any them which will also help
are in inheriting longev- ists advise us to drink at way to keep in touch with
physical exercise. Other What and how the prolongation of your
ity genes we will acceler- least two to three pints others is to meet them
strenuous exercises as tak- much you eat and drink is lives. Queen Elizabeth has
ate the aging process if of pure water a day. Tea is face to face over a cup of
ing part in sports activities an important factor that a love for a breed of dogs
we are not careful about a better as a beverage than tea and to verbally inter-
such as football, volley- can prolong or reduce named Welsh Corgis and
few environmental factors too much of coffee or soft act with them which the
such as smoking, heavy ball, tennis or exercising your longevity. Diet and drinks which are noth- Queen does on a regular hoporinsieosn. tThhaet yt oaurceh inogf atnhde
drinking, eating too much in a gym could have a posi- hydration has a significant
ing other than artificial basis with her family and petting them gives a feel-
junk food, not keeping tive effect on your health influence on how long a
flavours added to sugar friends. ing of relaxation and calm-
physically fit by exercising and longevity. The Queen person is going to live.
water. Among the teas, Geriatricians and ness that will help us to
and undergoing too much walks in the grounds of Dietitians divide foods
green tea is the best for longevity experts also keep our blood pressure
psychological stress. her castles and is an avid into three main catego-
our health and longevity. mention the advantage of and stress under control.
Having regular horse rider. ries: proteins, carbohy-
Members of the British living with the same part- If you posses the
medical checkups is one Keeping your- drates and fats. Proteins
royal household respon- ner for life. This is true correct longevity genes
of the most important self mentally active is one are mainly meat and fish
and you are careful about
sible for the Queen’s diet of the British monarch
habits an elderly person of the ways of keeping products. But vegetables
what you eat and drink,
must indulge in keeping yourself in sound mental such as soya and beans keep a strict proportion Queen Elizabeth II who
have regular physical ex-
the blood pressure, blood health. Keeping in contact have a certain amount of wKeitehp hinerg fCooondn. ected has lived with the same
ercises, know how to take
sugar and cholesterol lev- with what is happening in proteins. Carbohydrates partner, Prince Philip for
life’s stresses at a stride
els in check. This can help the world and the coun- are mainly corn, wheat more than 70 years. Living and have close relation-
prevent chronic diseases try, keeping in close con- and rice products such as Keeping in touch with one partner for such a ships with your family
such as heart problems, tact with your family and bread and cakes. Fats are with our friends and rela- long time teaches us more and friends who keep you
diabetes and strokes. friends is going to keep available in meat and milk tions seems to be one of human understanding, tol- mentally alert, geriatric
These checkups are not you mentally alert. Do- products. the most important activi- erance and patience not to researchers vouch that
that expensive and in the ing cross-word puzzles, Dieticians advise ties that we can perform mention intense love for a person can live in opti-
public health care system
Sudoku, regular reading, us to include a propor- for optimum health. To- each other. mum health for more than
these could be done free
learning a new language, tion of all these three food day, there are myriads of Experts also mention 90 years.
of charge. “… by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, with his strong hand and outstretched arm, and by great terrors” (Deuteronomy 4,34)
6 The Messenger May 27, 2018
LIVING FAITH
Rev. Fr. Daniel Icatlo
THE MASS, CENTRE AND ROOT OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

The “Day of the Lord”
their lives to attend it. Their day of the Lord’s resurrection the right expectations to it.” The we overcome selfishness and
From the very begin- presence in the Sunday gather- and the first day of the week, to Mass is not entertainment, he our lack of gratitude to God; if
ning, it was understood that Sun- ing to celebrate the Eucharist give thanks to God Our Father, said. It is worship of the God we understand that we go to
day, the dadyie ws hdeonm Jiensiucus sr ose from gave away their being Christian to praise Him with the oblation who made us and saves us. It church and partake of the Eu-
the dead, was the “Day of the and became the cause of their and sacrifice offered by Our is an opportunity to praise God charist in order to give some-
Lord” door mingo in Latin. dying for the faith. But they nev- Lord and Savior on the Cross. and thank Him for all that He thing. To whom? To God. And to
The Portuguese and Spanish er thought that the Sunday Eu- We thank and praise Him with has done for us. give what? Our heart.
word comes from tdhois- charist was the goal or ultimate the love and merits of Christ. We need to get rid of “Eucharist,” as a noun
tmeremnic, aa,sd wimealln acsh ethe correspond- objective of Christian life. We can always pray any- functionalism in religious prac- ise udcehrairviesdte ifnrom a Greek verb
ing words in other languages: The first believers where. Private prayers may be tice. It would be a grave mistake which means “to give thanks”
, etc. of Christ did not think that a done wherever we please. How- to evaluate being a Christian or ( ). We thank God,
Following the Roman Christian was one who merely ever, the Lord also commanded attending Mass on Sundays ac- praise him, and glorify him at
customS, onSunntadgay was also Scuenl-- “went to church” on Sundays. It that we do what He instituted cording to criteria such as how Mass. We do not accomplish this
edbaryated as the “day of the sun,” was much more than that. They in the Last Supper in His mem- useful it is to us or what we through our prayers and our ef-
hence, in German, “ were convinced that the Eucha- ory. Thus, aside from personal get out of it. Such an attitude fort, but through the prreanyeewr eodf
” in English. Christ is the Sun, rist itself was the centre of the prayers, Jesus also wants us to would show that we have not Chrries-tp roens etnhtee dCross: the sacri-
the source of life and light. The Christian life, since all Eucharis- render praise and worship to understood anything and that fice of Christ, which is
Eucharist is the presence of Our tic celebrations are a living en- him in an official way, as well as, our faith needs to mature. This or in the Mass and
Lord Jesus Christ in His redeem- counter with Christ. in a community of believers. One is the basic problem that many to which we unite ourselves.
ing sacrifice on the Cross, where As Pope Francis said, thing is what we prefer to do, have, both young and old alike. Someone might pray
He died for love of man. it is so important to go to Mass quite another is what God com- Some are wont to ask, better in his bedroom, by the
Since the early years of every Sunday because that is mands us to do. It is wrong to “What use is the Sunday Mass seashore, in a forest or on top of
Christianity, the Eucharist has where people receive Christ make our own choice of worship to me?” and “What do I gain a mountain. But he prays there
been celebrated as the gath- who saves, forgives and unites and ignore the Lord’s precept. from this?” And if they reach the alone. While in the Holy Eucha-
ering of the baptized. Sunday everyone to His Father, Church Moreover, in the Holy conclusion that they will not get rist, on the other hand, he prays
celebration of the Eucharist aPnrday eiancgh i ont hseecr.ret Mass, we unite our lives to the anything from it, they immedi- together with Christ. He “prays
becomes like an image of the loving surrender of Jesus on the ately say that they are “not moti- through Him, with Him, and in
Church, the People of God. In Cross, and upon strengthening vated.” But whoever always says Him,” as we pray at the end of
the liturgical assembly of this “Why do I have to go to our souls with His Body and this and uses it as a principle the Eucharistic Prayer. Thus he
holy people, the priests, repre- Church and attend Mass on Sun- Blood, we belong to Him more shows that he is selfish. It will gives God [the] “glory and honor
senting Christ, offer to God the day?” objected a lapsed Catholic. in order to be able to know our- be hard for him to do anything [that] are yours Almighty Father,
Father in His name the sacrifice “If Mass consists in worshipping selves to be sons of God in our in life that is good and useful for in the unity of the Holy Spirit.”
of the Redemption. God in prayer, I can always pray rooms, office, kitchen, the forest others. He will not benefit from We can never do this by our-
The Mass fulfills the anywhere, even in the silence of and in the mountains, as well as the Sunday Eucharistic celebra- selves, even in our own name.
ends of any prayer. It is a sacri- my room.” He even quoted Je- in our daily work (e.g., in class tion, or more generally, from his We do not address the liturgi-
fice of thanksgiving and adora- sus’ words, “But when you pray, when we are studying or chat- Christianity. cal prayers to God the Father in
tion, of reparation and petition. go into your room and shut the ting with our classmates and It is a paradox. He who our own name, but “through Our
The people assembled unite door and pray to your Father friends, when we play soccer, or goes to church only because “it Lord Jesus Christ,” a“Dnady ionf tthhee
themselves to this sacrifice and who is in secret; and your Fa- when we are in the cafeteria), so is useful for him” goes there “Lwored”” :o Ef utchhea rfaisitt ha nodf Mthiess iCohnurch
present to God the petitions ther who sees in secret will re- that we remain in conversation uselessly. He will end up consid- (cf. Ronheimer, The
of the entire human family in ward you (Mt. 6:6).” The Lord with Him and talk about Him ering it as a burden from which ).
union with Christ. Thus, the Eu- himself prayed in the mountain to our friends, helping them to he will try to free himself at the “If you really thought
charist is the summit and centre and St. Paul by the seashore. kBneocwom Jeisnugs m. ature Christians first opportunity, especially af- about who you are, who God is,
of the Christian life. Agreed. One’s room could ter he has “grown up” and be- and how much thanks you owe
During times of perse- be wonderful and that the si- come independent so that no Him, you would want to go to
cution, participation in the Sun- lence of a bedroom may be The Servant of God, one can impose anything on Mass,” James Stenson said. “The
day Eucharist was considered conducive to prayer. But we go Msgr. F. Sheen once said, “If you him anymore in these matters. Mass would become the source
so essential to Christian life that to the Eucharistic celebration, do not get anything out of Mass, We can solve the prob- and centre of your spiritual
Christians went so far as to risk especially that on Sunday, the it is because you do not bring lem of “motivation” only if life.”
Be attached to the JESUS - MY BEST FRIEND
7 7
“When we listen to our parents teachers and elders, when we are 8 8
9 9
Vine with them we will flourish. We will do well in life.” 7 7
8 8
“I am the vine you are the branches. Those who abide 7 7
7 7
in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me, you 7 7
7 7
can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like 7 7
7 7
a branch and withers ... If you abide in me and my words abide 7 7
7 7
in you ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.” (John 7 7
7 7
15:5-7) 7 7
7You came down, to earth from heaven,7
When reading this passage from St. John’s Gospel. I 7 7
7 7
thought of an incident that happened sometime ago. 7To free us all from sin and harm. 7
7 7
In one of the government schools that I taught. I was in 77You taught us how to live a good life, 77
charge of conducting the morning prayers and assembly. I happily 77And gave your life, to save us all. 77
7 7
accepted the task and conducted it the first week. The following 7You are our bread, when we are hungry,7
7 7
weeks I trained the students in the upper classes to do so. The stu- 7You are our shelter, from harm and sin,7
7 7
dent assigned for the day had to tell a story or narrate an incident 7 7
7You are our anchor, to reach heaven 7
or recite a poem or say something that will help other students to 7 7
7But most of all - You Are My Best 7
improve their lives. The whole staff was ready to help anyone who 7 7
7Friend. 7
wanted help. 7 7
7 7
A non-Catholic student named Manjula related a beautiful 7When troubles come, and we are 7
7 7
story. This is what she said. 7weary, 7
7 7
There was a river which had rivulets flowing from it. One 7We turn to you, and seek your care, 7
7 7
rivulet thought “Why should I be attached to the big river? I can be 7 7
7You took the cross, and reached calvary7
on my own.” Thinking so, it broke away from the big river. But sad 7 7
7To save us all and died on the cross 7
to say due to the heat of the sun, it dried up after a few days. Dear 7 7
7there. 7
friends, continued Manjula. Do not let this happen to you. Let us 7 7
7 7
listen to our parents, teachers and elders to flourish. We will do 7Thank You My Jesus 7
7 7
well in life. They will love and help us. If we bErmeaikld aaw Sa.y D loikueg tlhaes 7Shirani David 7
7 7
naughty rivulet, who will help us? What will be our future? 778978777777777777777777777777777
“all of which the LORD, your God, did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?” (Deuteronomy 4,34)
7 The Messenger May 27, 2018
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS
CHRIST’S CHURCH
By Bryan Landsberger
o all Chris- Protestant, I was still studying the menu, while the
tians the Catholics were already enjoying the meal- the Eucharist.
scandal of Such converts to the Church enjoy the feeling that they teachers of heresies.(Matthew 16:16). However,
Christendom is its have come home as children to the arms of a loving the Church being run by men and not angels, some
disunity. Today it is mother. degree of friction will always exist, as in every human
said that there are Catholic Christianity is Roman and Jewish. undertakings, but Jesus promised to be in the Church
more than thirty When we read the Old Testament in the light of the New to the end of time and promised to send the Holy Spirit
T
thousand Christian Testament, we can see that the Old Testament is the to guide the Church. This promise was fulfilled at the
groups, all clai- story of the gradual unfolding of God’s plan of salvation- Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles
ming to be the the plan that reaches its climax with the death and in the form of tongues as of fire resting on the heads of
true church. We rTehseu rCraetchtioolnic o Cf hJeusrucsh. is Jewish: the Apostles.
read in Matthew: Peter had denied Jesus three times and so love
1618, I “And I tell was the condition of authority. Peter had to confess his
you Peter, and In the Old Testament we see how God selected love for the Lord three times. The question was, “Simon,
upon this rock, I will build My Church.” Note, Jesus did from the rest of mankind, a group of peoples, chief son of John, do you love me, more than all else?” (John
not say, I will build my churches, but My Church. The among whom were descendants of Abraham and 21:15). Peter answered, “Yes, Lord. You know that I love
multiplication of man made sects originated so often formed them into a nation. He brought them out of you”. Jesus answered, “feed my sheep, feed my lambs,
out of man made differences and crisis of some personal captivity in Egypt, under the leadership of Moses and feed my sheep”. Peter is to feed the faithful (the lambs
nature. A Church can not be founded on a crisis of any made a covenant with them. He raised up - religious and the sheep) with the seven Sacraments of the Church,
nature. The Catholic Church indeed has all to offer, but leaders, kings and prophets to rule and teach them. The using material or visible things to indicate a spiritual
has nothing to receive from organisations that have rules, we know as the Ten Commandments. They were to communion. Sacraments are not human actions. Nothing
strayed from the Divine Word. be a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. This was the merely human happens there. Sacraments are not what
When Cardinal Henry Newman began to face Church of the Old Testament. In one sense, we could say humans do for God, but what God does for human
difficulties over his Anglican b eLleiaefds ,K ihned ltyo Loikg hat . boat that the Jewish religion was the Church without Christ; beings. Through the Sacraments, Christ continues to
voyage toL etahde Mkienddiltye rlrigahnte, aanm toid s ptheea ke wnciitrhc lGinogd . gItlo womas, and the salvation of the world was to come from the pour and infuse His divine life into our souls.
tlehaedn thheo uw mroet eo nh,i s famous poem: Jews. But, sadly, Israel went back into Egyptian idolatry “I am the door,” Our Lord said of Himself. Having
The night is dark, and I am far from home, lead in worshipping the golden calf and this destroyed the chosen Peter as the head of the apostolic college, Jesus
thou me on, unique relationship they had with God who had brought gave to Peter the keys and the functions of the door
Keep thou my feet, I do not ask to see, the distance tThheem C oautht oofl iscl aCvheuryrc ihn iEsg Rypotm. an: keeper. He who has the keys, opens and no one shall
shut; who shuts, no one opens. Hence, any authority
scene,
to act in Christ’s name must be and will be passed on
One step is enough for me.
The New Testament Gospels tell us that Jesus through centuries by those who immediately receive it,
came to fulfill the Old Law and to make it perfect. Jesus and by those who succeed them lawfully.
Two years later Newman was received into the proclaimed the Kingdom of God and what came was the The Catholic Church, is then the ‘power house’
Catholic Church. Speaking of his conversion, he said, New Church; the New Israel. Jesus had many disciples of heaven. The Church is at once visible and invisible
“I have sailed a stormy sea, and have now entered a safe (meaning learners), but Jesus entrusted His Mission to reality. Jesus said to Peter, “What ever you bind on earth,
harbour. The Catholic religion is the true Church of the twelve men and named them Apostles (apostles mean shall be bound in heaven, and what ever you loose on
Redeemer.” one who is sent). The number twelve is no accident, earth, shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew16:19). There
Dr. Scott Hahn was pastoring a Presbyterian they represent the twelve tribes in Israel and twelve can be no Christianity without Catholicism, there can be
church for over thirty years. He too had some difficulties prophets. Most of the Apostles were fishermen and no Catholicism without the Pope, and there can be no
over his Protestant beliefs. He prayed, argued, studied Jesus promised to make them fishers of men. ( Luke Pope without the sovereignty that belongs to him. St.
and wondered. He felt the need to search for the truth 5:10). This term is used specially to Simon, one of the Paul said: “Even if we or an angel from heaven should
and found it in the Catholic Church after a long period Apostles who is named 195 times in the Scriptures; preach to you a Gospel contrary to that which we preach
of ten years. It took him that much time because he and so we begin to see Papacy in embryo. The actual to you, let him be accursed.”
realised that Catholic religion is a serious matter. You appointment of Simon as the head of the eleven took A cradle Catholic who wanders away from the
can not pick up in a Rteoam ceu Spw. eet Home. place after Our Blessed Lord’s resurrection. Simon, faith, will someday discover that there is no place like
When he finally embraced the Catholic faith, whose name Jesus changed to Peter, which stands home; and in the home we find a mother, to begin with.
he wrote his book: To be a Catholic, for rock, symbolizes strength and endurance. The And so, being a Catholic means loving Mary, the Mother
he said, is to be embraced by your mother, and to community built upon Simon Peter would never be of Jesus and the Mother of the Church Jesus founded.
be a Protestant, is to be embraced by your Aunt. As a overthrown by external forces or corrupted by internal You can not love the Son and ignore the Mother.
Blind Faith
By E.M. Aldons
Blood under the appearances of bread and wine, which
he Bible teaches believers that God gave the first took place in their sequences, the people could neither in simple terms is the Catholic Mass. In the Mass, Jesus
man and woman a religion when He created them, read nor write, but the memories they kept with them is among us as we remember His sacrifice. He becomes
which united them with Him in a supernatural bond about their ancestors and their relationship with Him our spiritual bread and consecrates us to His Father, so
Tof affinity. As He created them to inherit the earth, were passed on verbally to generations who were that we may participate more and more in this exalted
He wanted such a bond to exist for posterity, so that born after them. As time passed, they were able to commemoration. This commemoration had its origin
generations to come would know Him closely in such enter a new culture of reading and writing. They kept in the Breaking of bread by the early Christians, (Acts
a relationship. This religion which passed through two literary testimonies of what they knew, focussing on the 27:35) and latterly it became a liturgical practice of the
phases with the progress of humans, came to be known mysterious aspects of God and His marvellous deeds. early Church (1 Corinthians 10:16).
as the Patriarchal religion (Genesis 17:10, Acts 2: 29; The New Covenant that God promised was Could we as Christians believe that Jesus by His
7:8) the Mosaic religion, (Exodus 24:3) and it continues revealed by Jesus on the eve of His death. (Luke 22:19- death did purify humans of their sins once and for all
in its third phase as the Christian religion, (Matthew 20). This covenant had a different purpose from the old or are the Scriptures that refer to it mere words in the
28:19, Corinthians 15: 12-14) which is followed by a covenant as its prime effect was the forgiveness of sins. Bible? We have to understand that God wanted humans
great number of believers in the world today. (Jeremiah 31: 31, Hebrews 9:15) On the eve of Jesus to know through His Son, Jesus Christ, before He died,
Since the genesis of this religion, God gave the death, He remembered the covenant given by God on that He would save them from sin permanently by His
first covenant to the people through Noah. (Genesis 9:8). Mount Sinai, when the blood of sacrificial animals was death on the Cross, bestowing on them everlasting
The covenant was later offered to Abraham. (Genesis offered to expiate the sins of the people, but it was totally life. The Scriptures have a great force and effect on
15:18). Intended to keep the covenant alive, He inadequate as a permanent atonement. (Exodus 24:8). those who want to know the truth about life in this
presented it to Israel through the mediation of Moses By Jesus’ death on the Cross, He shed His blood which world and life after death. There is no truth in the non-
in Sinai. (Exodus 19:5). This covenant was renewed had the atoning power to save mankind from sin once Catholic teaching that a spiritual life does not continue
by Joshua, (Joshua 8:34, 24:25) and Josiah (2 Kings and for all, setting aside the need for animal sacrifices immediately after death.
23:3). With the passage of time, an eternal covenant from time to time. Believers do not atone for their sins The Bible refers to many believers who lived their
was promised by Isaiah (Isaiah 55:3) and Jeremiah. now, but they repent and ask God for forgiveness of their lives, benefited from divine wisdom and died due to their
(Jeremiah 32:40) Jeremiah showed that it would be a sins. God will forgive their sins if they are truly sorry for faith in Jesus. In whatever circumstances Catholics are
totally new covenant. having committed them. This resolution entails faith on placed in this life, whether prosperity or adversity be the
This was the way God had a liaison with the part of the believer. response of their fate, they should ever rejoice that there
persons who were important to Him to make His Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice on the Cross had is a better abode awaiting them and that is a Heavenly
word known to the people of this world. While these come a long way over the centuries permitting believers Kingdom. (John 14:2, Hebrews 11:16). The God who
intercommunications between God a“nTd hthise sies pwehrsyo nyso uto m puarstta kneo owf ikt nino wa ,p rainesdtl yfi oxf fienri nygo uofr Hhise aBrotd”y (aDnde utperrepoanreodm ity is 4 n,o3t9 a)shamed of being called their God.
8 The Messenger May 27, 2018
� Coat-of-Arms of Bishop-elect
Rev. Fr. Ernest Poruthota
"Vatican II gave me freedom to Msgr. J.D. Anton Jayakody
experiment my ideas" Auxiliary Bishop-elect of the Archdiocese of Colombo
ECCLESIASTICAL HERALDRY
you are best remembered for your
By Avishka Mario Senewiratne, legend of the flowering of the dry stick he
contribution to the cinema! We do
St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 Making a Coat-of-Arms of an ec- placed before God before his betrothal to
to make people feel what liturgy really not see priest’s getting much involved from him and Mr. D.B. Nihalsinghe and
clesiastical authority is done according to Virgin Mary.
meant to be. When I was in the coastal in the �ilm industry these days. What show to the youth in my parishes. I used
T Messenger parishes I had celebrated Holy Mass made you interested in the cinema? to promote his good creations among the an ancient science called Heraldry. The use The colour used for the rest of the
of heraldry within the Christian Churches shield is red and the figure of the Pelican
at the beach side and in sailing boats. people who did not have facilities to go
he carries this week People were well influenced by these A: to theatres. I was shocked to see people for dioceses and Christian Clergy is a spe- feeding its little ones with its own blood is
a special and exclusive inter- measures we took. I was lucky to play a steal his awards during his funeral. This cial area named Ecclesiastical Heraldry. on topD oomf itin. Tuhmi sS iesr ivnic kee ceupmin gG wauitdhio the mot-
view on one of the most senior part in the preparing of the Social Doc- When I was in the Minor Seminary in sQh: oWwes hliovwe iinn haunm aagne s womheer oef musa anrye .peo- Initially used to mark documents, eccle- to Bishop has chosen for his life and minis-
and popular priest’s in the Archdiocese trine document which was released with the 1940s, Rev. Fr. D.J. Nicholas Perera, ple are bedridden when they reach siastical heraldry evolved as a system for try- " " mean-
of Colombo, Rev. Fr. Ernest Poruthota. the Papal Visit of Blessed Pope Paul VI in our Rector influenced many of us to love half of their middle age. However, you identifying Church authorities and dioces- ing "To Serve the Lord with gladness."
Since his ordination in August 31, 1931 1970. This revolutionised the Church in aesthetics. He experimented many ways were able to go on running parishes es. It is most formalized within the Catho- To Serve the Lord is to look after
Fr. Poruthota has served in ten parishes SQr:i F Loarn aklam.ost 30 years you travelled and till the age of 80! What Is your secret lic Church, where the Bishops, including the sheep the Lord has given to the shep-
in different parts of the Archdiocese. As the Pope, have a personal Coat-of-Arms. herd. To serve them till the end even if it
did all your tasks using your Piaggio behind this feat?
Asst. Parish Priest in Kotahena (1957- Clergy in Anglican, Lutheran, Eastern demands sacrificing ones life for them. A
Vespa Scooter. With all your work in par-
59), Moratuwa (1959-60), Pamunugama Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches legend of the Pelican relates that when
ishes and commitments was this enough A:
(1960), Dehiwala (1960-62) and Parish follow similar customs, as do institutions a mother Pelican cannot find food for her
to provide you what you needed?
Priest in Dehiyagatha (1962-66), Kelani- Well it’s not much of a secret. I always such as schools and universities. young, she thrusts her beak into her breast
ya (1967-74), Kalamulla (1974-82), wake up early in the morning around A shield is the core of heraldry, and nourishes her little ones with her
KDoethtiew a(1la9 8(21-98977),- 2W00a4tt)a, laK (ir1i9m9a1t-iy1a9g9a7r)a, service. As altar boys we were compelled 4w.a0t0e ra. m L aantedr tohne ne xderricniks ea ab obtittl ea nodf fprreasyh. blouwt , oatnhde ra reoluemnde nthtse ashreie pldla acnedd aarbeo uvseu, ablely- ostworny b al oboedau. tTifhuel peaicrtluyr Ce houf rwchha sta Cwh riins tt thhies sfoidrme; etrhley cao gloreuern o hriagti nwaatse da cgitnau lSaeplrloayi wn owrhne brye
(2004-2011). Apart from Parishes he to stay there till the end. However, my When you learn to get up early your day collectively called external ornament. The Chief Shepherd willingly did for us hence Bishops. An Archbishop's is green
has served as the Chaplain of lay Aposto- friends and I could not tolerate the long is long. However, you must sleep early as entire composition is called the achieve- what every shepherd of the Church must but has ten tassels. Both Patriarchs and
late (1966-67), Director PMS (1971-74), sermons and we were sweating as we pQo: sBseibinleg a as wseenlli!or priest I am sure you ment of arms or the armorial bearings. do. This is most applicable for a shepherd Cardinals have hats with fifteen tassels on
Chaplain YCW, CWM (1983-87), Dean of Some of these accessories are unique to who wants to serve the Lord till the end
wore black cassocks that day. So, we de- have a message for the young priests each side
Colombo (1987-91). Church armory or differ notably
cided to escape from the altar. Luckily, and seminarians in our country? In keeping with the tradition ex-
One of the busiest priest of the from those which normally accom-
we got a chance to go behind the church. plained above, the Shield in the Coat-of-
Archdiocese and a much respected per- pSaHnIyE aL Dshield.
We took no time and decided to leave the A: Arms of Msgr. J. D. Anton is flanked with
sonality in theG imhieydaia, CFhri. tPhroarpuathtao tGaa hnaas premises soon. My friends and I went a green hat above and six tassels on either
aanMlmaseloo eC nsotagaom krthaeanye’m tKi, mi‘theu tnou ’aP, u“etrhaoliry amany Cbaorodkis-’, afurno,u neadt itnhge acrhouurncdh. aSroema eahnodw h wade smoamne- be Yweisth. Ah ips rpieesotp lies , swohmoe omnues tw thaolk mwuitsht The Shield is the normal CsiRdeO.SS
‘ ’, “ ’ and ‘ aged to come at the end of the service. them and nurture them. They should not device for displaying a Coat-of-Arms.
. So you can measure how mischievous I be confined to one place but instead go Clergy have used less-military shapes In the Catholic Church, display
Staking a claim as a considerate wQ:a s !I am not going to ask what hap- everywhere and see through people and but it has always been a personal of a cross behind the shield is restricted
and kind-hearted shepherd not only to take the best out of them to help God’s clerical option. Clergy in Italy often
pened next on Good Friday but is it to Bishops as a mark of their dignity. The
the flock entrusted to him but also the so that we can experience many types plan. It is very important to have inter- use a shield shaped like a horse's
true that this young mischievous boy cross of an ordinary Bishop has a single
young assistant priests in his charge, of aesthetic activities. When he started religious dialogue and unite people not face-armour while Clergy in South
was inspired to be a Priest after his horizontal bar or traverse, also known as
however, Fr. Poruthota’s forte has always loving Grandmother requested him to Fr. in his Vespa Scooter showing films this made me inspired. dQi:v Fidaet htheer,m m.y �inal question for you is Africa sometimes use a Shield of a a Latin Cross. A Patriarch uses the patriar-
being the arts. An artist in his own right, go to the seminary? ( Pic. Courtesy: Bakthi Prabodanaya) Later on I would write articles on films on the youth. You have always been national style called Nguni Shield. chal cross with two traverses, also called
Fr. Poruthota’s creative mind was well di- aQs: aIn fi lam s corciiteict.y where people envy the with them and motivated them. What Women Church authorities like Ab- the cross of Lorraine. The papal cross has
rected to the task of encouraging the Sin- besses traditionally display their
A: A: YS% achievements of others you were able would you like to tell the young gen- three traverses, but this is never displayed
hala Cinema which needed a real push Coats-of-Arms on a diamond-shaped
to encourage, motivate and felicitate eration? behind the papal arms.
at that time. And he did so. His contribu- Yes. My Grandmother was very close Yes of course (smiling). My 2 341 deserving artistes in the �ilm indus- Lozenge. Beginning in the 15th century, the
tion to the cinema is unaccountable. He to me and she had a dream of seeing me Vespa Scooter provided all what I want- try with a pure and loving heart. What A: In keeping with this tradi- cross with a double traverse is seen on the
was the founder National Director of the in cassocks. She always wanted to see me ed. It was very convenient, cheap and made you do this? tion, the shape of the Shield of the arms of Archbishops and relates to their
OCIC (International Catholic Organisa- being a priest. Perhaps she saw beyond comfortable for me. After almost three My dear children, always love to read, Coat-of-Arms of Msgr. J. D. Anton processional cross and the jurisdiction it
tion for Cinema - now known as SIGNIS) by mischievous behaviour. After deciding decades I gave it back to Italy. It’s pres- A: travel and enjoy all days of your life. En- is made simple and somewhat like symbolizes. Except for Cardinals of the Ro-
from 1972-82, Vice President of OCIC to go to the seminary, we hired a car to eQn: tSlyin kceep yto inu ra emaurlsye luimfe! in the Seminary gage in what is modern like IT and mo- a shield given for sports achieve- man Curia, most Cardinals head an Arch-
(1978, Director Media Centre Csr (1989- drop me at St. Aloysius’s Minor Seminary. you would write to the Gnanartha Back in the 1970s I was heading the tor mechanisms. Get to know people as ments. Bishop J. D. a young man was diocese and use an arch episcopal cross on
9J LoPlaofia7sf uue)htr, l,i n,Fws FLa olerluuii.ef snneNkPta ds obowhe wyArreau s- t ,mts hrghMoeeaeoctv omiiCterraahea bt udiutesous rrpnfw c eroa h(oanf F m.wodF O fsiW a lA aSmrCtcshmh t.)Ce ie Pvinr wneei et wt e1ivePcl9eercsa n6o rmaai8minnnse.ddhget AttsaGQehhros:noe o dFs uuSm oownleodrydman nmnsi 1ntaoe9soasnv 4 mrre!Iy4 er Tes . m httbtWehoiyepsa i bgpttnshreaet a ekd5antpe i5pdimn n yrm yteoiboeeo uas Iat tc thtrh rkofeseeo.”or a r y kpls Tiso oashfuuireodartd reti,ww c .“towLeah irraoasdest-f LobAPaner:at aemd rwea yenropiyuta e tywroa?po uiacnlsdd. a WMuhtehasots reienndsgp emirra eondny yb�oioluom ktsos. OfawSaTiwrolhCemt eIainwsCn rtta.d e e or es nwtdd iI teaset h tfcn oeeiwddssr l t aeoaftwsdichrl a meteatelrih r fdeia mt luitmdm atnifh ksieieqnecel i uodrcwsueui th rsawtateatrgarilyneees gnd we ot oossau.usun reIlrd dfn o fttfniwhialaomlinllst.. mgyyPgoororuaiuuoeccd sehah t rt ashaeev asa ietn nch ygthdeoos Bu dlata iaalsciwkythoye auo,o yplryfdse os! sy uacpo onaoumdrnre esb li tiefbhfrleioiel.ei mtvcRyhe e y utmoiornu ce g hGmso ooa bo dnden’dosr. amehtiaRnhx lauvltiepv nnher er rrdiuiea aynnsfsno c ndsshseueuei ,igs 9rdmcIchs:h 2i i thr pnt a4uaotl ihnvwh "nree,Di eaus b godyr nule o e atsymto tposhotd auoenet oi rrt lnkyrits ggsae n o(hemdcon2tet w ae,f t aTan hI g tisie.hthem Th aStpafshotvrtu . ittie lsizhhP "n e�ye,aai " n la1ups4i lros:r Ci7hh azor eacee"rdes?-I- wh nscEpaioCistettCe hach Lbi readalEalyen rS idktnfEI.ri AsciconiacmSg ltanTei o sioCIaniCtha h asuAaertnrLoirccd u hahH n aleo Adbrra oT thdlvhd eeAeerrn yNaaso llhDimdln irew iTytnldih Aat ehtSt io douSJ ionsEifnyfe.Led rioSins-f tL oeohrffa eMtaeiitnras ce gcaharrr..c o mJhT.Ts D shshe...e ne AO dcntrt hahotornseensdre u h aCspa aresered tadda iit lnngre ietadphml lsefe l o Ciupnwose etateha tr-ael oe imdfss-i Afmifldrroopdmwmllees-
serving in many Parishes in the Arch- the Anuradhapura cross that is used on the
and a wealth of information on his glory I was inspired by my father who was awards, saluting them. DESIGNS ON THE SHIELD ).
diocese. What kind of experience did Sri Lankan Catholic Cross. The gems resem-
dQa: ys sFerr. vinPg oG-od and His creation. the Head Master in my village school and The present SIGNIS
you have in such diverse parishes? ble the precious blood of Jesus remind that
The most prominent of these in-
ruthota, you an author of more than a dozen of books. was formed from OCIC
being able to partake in the sufferings of
were born on I used to go to the press with my father. and now we call it the In the Roman Catholic Church, signia is theg laolwer ocrowned, wide brimmed
A: the divine Shepherd is a precious privilege.
August 31, These experiences inspired me to write SIGNIS awards or Salu- unless a new Bishop has a family Coat-of- ecclesiastical hat, commonly known as
The Calling to Episcopate is not so much a
1931 as the Well, working with all kinds of people books. I wrote many books and that was tations. I never made Arms, he typically adopts within his shield the Roman which originally was a mission to rule over but to be a Servant that
eldest of a was a blessing. You know, I was quite one way in nurturing the laity as it was films nor wrote scripts symbols that indicate his interests or past pilgrim's hat like a sombrero. The colour sacrifices his life for his master who lives in
family of �ive. revolutionary in the way I thought and easy for me to approach their minds. but through OCIC I was service. Devotion to a particular Saint is and ornamentation of this hat indicate the sheep to be looked after.
Though you worked. Some didn’t like it, but it certain- able to produce many represented by symbols established in rank. It was granted in red to Cardinals
were the el- ly was well benefited by many. I did not fQil:m A mfeawk ewres.eks ago we iconography and heraldic tradition. by Pope Innocent IV at the First Council of
dest you had stick to the norms. I did what was right saw the death of the Deviating from the general tradi- Lyon in the 13th century and was adopted
been a naugh- and what was supposed to be done. Vati- greatest �ilm Direc- tion of depicting only a limited number of by heraldry almost immediately. The "red
ty child. Would can II gave me freedom to experiment my tor of our Nation, Dr. colours that can be seen at a distance and hat" of the Cardinals was an expression of
you mind sharing with us some thoughts iQd:e a sT.he changes in the Church after Lester James Peiris. metals (Silver & Gold) in Coats-of-Arms, a their willingness to give their lives to save
of those good old days? Vatican II in the 1960s are very signi�i- What kind of rela- band of wood is depicted in the upper part the Church, but other offices and other
of the shield of Msgr. J. D. and three lily churches have distinctive hat colours and
cant, many changes never seen by our tionship did you have
A: locals. Would you mind telling us the with him? flowers are placed on it. This is to symb- forms, such as black for ordinary clergy
olise Bishop's personal devotion to St. Jo- and green fohro Buipsph.oesp so rf r�oiomcc thhi)e 16th cen-
change you contributed at that time?
Certainly! (Laughing)…. Well not just seph the Patron Saint of his home parish, tury, customarily with a number of tassels
A:
naughty but more than mischievous! I Pamunugama. (also called indicating Rev. Fr. Priyantha Silva,
will tell you one incident that happened A: Q: However, despite your work in Par- Lester was a good Wooden plank reminds us that St. the cleric's current place in the hierarchy; Designer of the Coat-of-Arms,
to me when I was in my early teens. Certainly! With Vatican II the Latin rite ishes and writing books and articles Christian and remained Joseph was a Carpenter. The three Lilies the number became significant beginning Director of the Archdiocesan Centre for
I was an altar server that time was translated to the native language. a Christian till the end. depicted according to heraldic iconogra- in thgea 1le6rtoh century and the meaning was Sacred Arts and Architecture
in my home Parish in Marawila. On Good We made changes in the Liturgy so as I used to borrow films phy reminds us of his chastity as a result fixed for Catholic clergy, in 1832. A Bish-
Friday there used to be a long three hour “Do not lay yo“…ur t hhata tnhed L oOnRD t hise G bodo iyn, ”th es haeiadv etnhs ea bmovee sasnedn ong eearr.t h“ bDeloow n, aontd d thoa tt htheer el eisa onsf ohti s o otbthhedeiienrn”ceg t(o D ttheoe Tu rtihuenrei oGmondo ”anmd (tyhG e4 ,3eop9n's) esi iss g re2en2 wi,t1h si2x t)assels on each
9 The Messenger May 27, 2018
� Coat-of-Arms of Bishop-elect
Rev. Fr. Ernest Poruthota
"Vatican II gave me freedom to Msgr. J.D. Anton Jayakody
experiment my ideas" Auxiliary Bishop-elect of the Archdiocese of Colombo
ECCLESIASTICAL HERALDRY
you are best remembered for your
By Avishka Mario Senewiratne, legend of the flowering of the dry stick he
contribution to the cinema! We do
St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 Making a Coat-of-Arms of an ec- placed before God before his betrothal to
to make people feel what liturgy really not see priest’s getting much involved from him and Mr. D.B. Nihalsinghe and
clesiastical authority is done according to Virgin Mary.
meant to be. When I was in the coastal in the �ilm industry these days. What show to the youth in my parishes. I used
T Messenger parishes I had celebrated Holy Mass made you interested in the cinema? to promote his good creations among the an ancient science called Heraldry. The use The colour used for the rest of the
of heraldry within the Christian Churches shield is red and the figure of the Pelican
at the beach side and in sailing boats. people who did not have facilities to go
he carries this week People were well influenced by these A: to theatres. I was shocked to see people for dioceses and Christian Clergy is a spe- feeding its little ones with its own blood is
a special and exclusive inter- measures we took. I was lucky to play a steal his awards during his funeral. This cial area named Ecclesiastical Heraldry. on topD oomf itin. Tuhmi sS iesr ivnic kee ceupmin gG wauitdhio the mot-
view on one of the most senior part in the preparing of the Social Doc- When I was in the Minor Seminary in sQh: oWwes hliovwe iinn haunm aagne s womheer oef musa anrye .peo- Initially used to mark documents, eccle- to Bishop has chosen for his life and minis-
and popular priest’s in the Archdiocese trine document which was released with the 1940s, Rev. Fr. D.J. Nicholas Perera, ple are bedridden when they reach siastical heraldry evolved as a system for try- " " mean-
of Colombo, Rev. Fr. Ernest Poruthota. the Papal Visit of Blessed Pope Paul VI in our Rector influenced many of us to love half of their middle age. However, you identifying Church authorities and dioces- ing "To Serve the Lord with gladness."
Since his ordination in August 31, 1931 1970. This revolutionised the Church in aesthetics. He experimented many ways were able to go on running parishes es. It is most formalized within the Catho- To Serve the Lord is to look after
Fr. Poruthota has served in ten parishes SQr:i F Loarn aklam.ost 30 years you travelled and till the age of 80! What Is your secret lic Church, where the Bishops, including the sheep the Lord has given to the shep-
in different parts of the Archdiocese. As the Pope, have a personal Coat-of-Arms. herd. To serve them till the end even if it
did all your tasks using your Piaggio behind this feat?
Asst. Parish Priest in Kotahena (1957- Clergy in Anglican, Lutheran, Eastern demands sacrificing ones life for them. A
Vespa Scooter. With all your work in par-
59), Moratuwa (1959-60), Pamunugama Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches legend of the Pelican relates that when
ishes and commitments was this enough A:
(1960), Dehiwala (1960-62) and Parish follow similar customs, as do institutions a mother Pelican cannot find food for her
to provide you what you needed?
Priest in Dehiyagatha (1962-66), Kelani- Well it’s not much of a secret. I always such as schools and universities. young, she thrusts her beak into her breast
ya (1967-74), Kalamulla (1974-82), wake up early in the morning around A shield is the core of heraldry, and nourishes her little ones with her
KDoethtiew a(1la9 8(21-98977),- 2W00a4tt)a, laK (ir1i9m9a1t-iy1a9g9a7r)a, service. As altar boys we were compelled 4w.a0t0e ra. m L aantedr tohne ne xderricniks ea ab obtittl ea nodf fprreasyh. blouwt , oatnhde ra reoluemnde nthtse sahreie pldla acnedd aarbeo uvseu, ablely- ostworny b al oboedau. tTifhuel peaicrtluyr Ce houf rwchha sta Cwh riins tt thhies sfoidrme; etrhley cao gloreuern o hriagti nwaatse da cgitnau lSaeplrloayi wn owrhne brye
(2004-2011). Apart from Parishes he to stay there till the end. However, my When you learn to get up early your day collectively called external ornament. The Chief Shepherd willingly did for us hence Bishops. An Archbishop's is green
has served as the Chaplain of lay Aposto- friends and I could not tolerate the long is long. However, you must sleep early as entire composition is called the achieve- what every shepherd of the Church must but has ten tassels. Both Patriarchs and
late (1966-67), Director PMS (1971-74), sermons and we were sweating as we pQo: sBseibinleg a as wseenlli!or priest I am sure you ment of arms or the armorial bearings. do. This is most applicable for a shepherd Cardinals have hats with fifteen tassels on
Chaplain YCW, CWM (1983-87), Dean of Some of these accessories are unique to who wants to serve the Lord till the end
wore black cassocks that day. So, we de- have a message for the young priests each side
Colombo (1987-91). Church armory or differ notably
cided to escape from the altar. Luckily, and seminarians in our country? In keeping with the tradition ex-
One of the busiest priest of the from those which normally accom-
we got a chance to go behind the church. plained above, the Shield in the Coat-of-
Archdiocese and a much respected per- pSaHnIyE aL Dshield.
We took no time and decided to leave the A: Arms of Msgr. J. D. Anton is flanked with
sonality in theG imhieydaia, CFhri. tPhroarpuathtao tGaa hnaas premises soon. My friends and I went a green hat above and six tassels on either
aanMlmaseloo eC nsotagaom krthaeanye’m tKi, mi‘theu tnou ’aP, u“etrhaoliry amany Cbaorodkis-’, afurno,u neadt itnhge acrhouurncdh. aSroema eahnodw h wade smoamne- be Yweisth. Ah ips rpieesotp lies , swohmoe omnues tw thaolk mwuitsht The Shield is the normal CsiRdeO.SS
‘ ’, “ ’ and ‘ aged to come at the end of the service. them and nurture them. They should not device for displaying a Coat-of-Arms.
. So you can measure how mischievous I be confined to one place but instead go Clergy have used less-military shapes In the Catholic Church, display
Staking a claim as a considerate wQ:a s !I am not going to ask what hap- everywhere and see through people and but it has always been a personal of a cross behind the shield is restricted
and kind-hearted shepherd not only to take the best out of them to help God’s clerical option. Clergy in Italy often
pened next on Good Friday but is it to Bishops as a mark of their dignity. The
the flock entrusted to him but also the so that we can experience many types plan. It is very important to have inter- use a shield shaped like a horse's
true that this young mischievous boy cross of an ordinary Bishop has a single
young assistant priests in his charge, of aesthetic activities. When he started religious dialogue and unite people not face-armour while Clergy in South
was inspired to be a Priest after his horizontal bar or traverse, also known as
however, Fr. Poruthota’s forte has always loving Grandmother requested him to Fr. in his Vespa Scooter showing films this made me inspired. dQi:v Fidaet htheer,m m.y �inal question for you is Africa sometimes use a Shield of a a Latin Cross. A Patriarch uses the patriar-
being the arts. An artist in his own right, go to the seminary? ( Pic. Courtesy: Bakthi Prabodanaya) Later on I would write articles on films on the youth. You have always been national style called Nguni Shield. chal cross with two traverses, also called
Fr. Poruthota’s creative mind was well di- aQs: aIn fi lam s corciiteict.y where people envy the with them and motivated them. What Women Church authorities like Ab- the cross of Lorraine. The papal cross has
rected to the task of encouraging the Sin- besses traditionally display their
A: A: YS% achievements of others you were able would you like to tell the young gen- three traverses, but this is never displayed
hala Cinema which needed a real push Coats-of-Arms on a diamond-shaped
to encourage, motivate and felicitate eration? behind the papal arms.
at that time. And he did so. His contribu- Yes. My Grandmother was very close Yes of course (smiling). My 2 341 deserving artistes in the �ilm indus- Lozenge. Beginning in the 15th century, the
tion to the cinema is unaccountable. He to me and she had a dream of seeing me Vespa Scooter provided all what I want- try with a pure and loving heart. What A: In keeping with this tradi- cross with a double traverse is seen on the
was the founder National Director of the in cassocks. She always wanted to see me ed. It was very convenient, cheap and made you do this? tion, the shape of the Shield of the arms of Archbishops and relates to their
OCIC (International Catholic Organisa- being a priest. Perhaps she saw beyond comfortable for me. After almost three My dear children, always love to read, Coat-of-Arms of Msgr. J. D. Anton processional cross and the jurisdiction it
tion for Cinema - now known as SIGNIS) by mischievous behaviour. After deciding decades I gave it back to Italy. It’s pres- A: travel and enjoy all days of your life. En- is made simple and somewhat like symbolizes. Except for Cardinals of the Ro-
from 1972-82, Vice President of OCIC to go to the seminary, we hired a car to eQn: tSlyin kceep yto inu ra emaurlsye luimfe! in the Seminary gage in what is modern like IT and mo- a shield given for sports achieve- man Curia, most Cardinals head an Arch-
(1978, Director Media Centre Csr (1989- drop me at St. Aloysius’s Minor Seminary. you would write to the Gnanartha Back in the 1970s I was heading the tor mechanisms. Get to know people as ments. Bishop J. D. a young man was diocese and use an arch episcopal cross on
9J LoPlaofia7sf uue)htr, l,i n,Fws FLa olerluuii.ef snneNkPta ds obowhe wyArreau s- t ,mts hrghMoeeaeoctv omiiCterraahea bt udiutesous rrpnfw c eroa h(oanf F m.wodF O fsiW a lA aSmrCtcshmh t.)Ce ie Pvinr wneei et wt e1ivePcl9eercsa n6o rmaai8minnnse.ddhget AttsaGQehhros:noe o dFs uuSm oownleodrydman nmnsi 1ntaoe9soasnv 4 mrre!Iy4 er Tes . m httbtWehoiyepsa i bgpttnshreaet a ekd5antpe i5pdimn n yrm yteoiboeeo uas Iat tc thtrh rkofeseeo.”or a r y kpls Tiso oashfuuireodartd reti,ww c .“towLeah irraoasdest-f PLobAaner:at aemd rwea yenropiyuta e tywroa?po uiacnlsdd. a WMuhtehasots reienndsgp emirra eondny yb�oioluom ktsos. OfawSaTiwrolhCemt eIainwsCn rtta.d e e or es nwtdd iI teaset h tfcn oeeiwddssr l t aeoaftwsdichrl a meteatelrih r fdeia mt luitmdm atnifh ksieieqnecel i uodrcwsueui t hrsawtateatrgarilyneees gnd we ot oossau.usun reIlrd dfn o fttfniwhialaomlinllst.. mgyyPgoororuaiuuoeccd sehah t rt ashaeev asa ietn nch ygthdeoos Bu dlata iaalsciwkythoye auo,o yplryfdse os! sy uacpo onaoumdrnre esb li tiefbhfrleioiel.ei mtvcRyhe e y utmoiornu ce g hGmso ooa bo dnden’dosr. amehtiaRnhx lauvltiepv nnher er rrdiuiea aynnsfsno c ndsshseueuei ,igs 9rdmcIchs:h 2i i thr pnt a4uaotl ihnvwh "nree,Di eaus b godyr nule o e atsymto tposhotd auoenet oi rrt lnkyrits ggsae n o(hemdcon2tet w ae,f t aTan hI g tisie.hthem Th aStpafshotvrtu . ittie lsizhhP "n e�ye,aai " n la1ups4i lros:r Ci7hh azor eacee"rdes?-I- wh nscEpaioCistettCe hach Lbi readalEalyen rS idktnfEI.ri AsciconiacmSg ltanTei o sioCIaniCtha h asuAaertnrLoirccd u hahH n aleo Adbrra oT thdlvhd eeAeerrn yNaaso llhDimdln irew iTytnldih Aat ehtSt io douSJ ionsEifnyfe.Led rioSins-f tL oeohrffa eMtaeiitnras ce gcaharrr..c o mJhT.Ts D shshe...e ne AO dcntrt hahotornseensdre u h aCspa aresered tadda iit lnngre ietadphml lsefe l o Ciupnwose etateha tr-ael oe imdfss-i Afmifldrroopdmwmllees-
serving in many Parishes in the Arch- the Anuradhapura cross that is used on the
and a wealth of information on his glory I was inspired by my father who was awards, saluting them. DESIGNS ON THE SHIELD ).
diocese. What kind of experience did Sri Lankan Catholic Cross. The gems resem-
dQa: ys sFerr. vinPg oG-od and His creation. the Head Master in my village school and The present SIGNIS
you have in such diverse parishes? ble the precious blood of Jesus remind that
The most prominent of these in-
ruthota, you an author of more than a dozen of books. was formed from OCIC
being able to partake in the sufferings of
were born on I used to go to the press with my father. and now we call it the In the Roman Catholic Church, signia is theg laolwer ocrowned, wide brimmed
A: the divine Shepherd is a precious privilege.
August 31, These experiences inspired me to write SIGNIS awards or Salu- unless a new Bishop has a family Coat-of- ecclesiastical hat, commonly known as
The Calling to Episcopate is not so much a
1931 as the Well, working with all kinds of people books. I wrote many books and that was tations. I never made Arms, he typically adopts within his shield the Roman which originally was a mission to rule over but to be a Servant that
eldest of a was a blessing. You know, I was quite one way in nurturing the laity as it was films nor wrote scripts symbols that indicate his interests or past pilgrim's hat like a sombrero. The colour sacrifices his life for his master who lives in
family of �ive. revolutionary in the way I thought and easy for me to approach their minds. but through OCIC I was service. Devotion to a particular Saint is and ornamentation of this hat indicate the sheep to be looked after.
Though you worked. Some didn’t like it, but it certain- able to produce many represented by symbols established in rank. It was granted in red to Cardinals
were the el- ly was well benefited by many. I did not fQil:m A mfeawk ewres.eks ago we iconography and heraldic tradition. by Pope Innocent IV at the First Council of
dest you had stick to the norms. I did what was right saw the death of the Deviating from the general tradi- Lyon in the 13th century and was adopted
been a naugh- and what was supposed to be done. Vati- greatest �ilm Direc- tion of depicting only a limited number of by heraldry almost immediately. The "red
ty child. Would can II gave me freedom to experiment my tor of our Nation, Dr. colours that can be seen at a distance and hat" of the Cardinals was an expression of
you mind sharing with us some thoughts iQd:e a sT.he changes in the Church after Lester James Peiris. metals (Silver & Gold) in Coats-of-Arms, a their willingness to give their lives to save
of those good old days? Vatican II in the 1960s are very signi�i- What kind of rela- band of wood is depicted in the upper part the Church, but other offices and other
of the shield of Msgr. J. D. and three lily churches have distinctive hat colours and
cant, many changes never seen by our tionship did you have
A: locals. Would you mind telling us the with him? flowers are placed on it. This is to symb- forms, such as black for ordinary clergy
olise Bishop's personal devotion to St. Jo- and green fohro Buipsph.eosp so rf r�oiomcc thhi)e 16th cen-
change you contributed at that time?
Certainly! (Laughing)…. Well not just seph the Patron Saint of his home parish, tury, customarily with a number of tassels
A:
naughty but more than mischievous! I Pamunugama. (also called indicating Rev. Fr. Priyantha Silva,
will tell you one incident that happened A: Q: However, despite your work in Par- Lester was a good Wooden plank reminds us that St. the cleric's current place in the hierarchy; Designer of the Coat-of-Arms,
to me when I was in my early teens. Certainly! With Vatican II the Latin rite ishes and writing books and articles Christian and remained Joseph was a Carpenter. The three Lilies the number became significant beginning Director of the Archdiocesan Centre for
I was an altar server that time was translated to the native language. a Christian till the end. depicted according to heraldic iconogra- in thgea 1le6rtoh century and the meaning was Sacred Arts and Architecture
in my home Parish in Marawila. On Good We made changes in the Liturgy so as I used to borrow films phy reminds us of his chastity as a result fixed for Catholic clergy, in 1832. A Bish-
Friday there used to be a long three hour “Do not lay yo“…ur t hhata tnhed L oOnRD t hise G bodo iyn, ”th es haeiadv etnhs ea bmovee sasnedn ong eearr.t h“ bDeloow n, aontd d thoa tt htheer el eisa onsf ohti s o otbthhedeiienrn”ceg t(o D ttheoe Tu rtihuenrei oGmondo ”anmd (tyhG e4 ,3eop9n's) esi iss g re2en2 wi,t1h si2x t)assels on each
10 The Messenger May 27, 2018
APPRECIATION
The Late Rev. Fr. Bennett Constantine
t is with much regret that we recall the passing away on June 29, 1990. Despite being away from home, Fr. Bennett
of Rev. Fr. Bennett Constantine in Michigan USA. The Being an experienced never forgot his roots and stayed in touch with his
third month of his passing away fell on May, 19. Fr. pastor, he proved family. The tsunami of 2004 that caused widespread
BIennett was a priest from the Jaffna Diocese. He served himself to be an able destruction to his homeland in Sri Lanka, led Fr. Bennett
in several parishes in the North when the districts of Administrator, to to take action. Along with his parish in Michigan and
Jaffna and Mannar formed a single Diocese under the the people of Eaton surrounding communities and other parishes, funds
Bishop of Jaffna. Rapids and to the were raised to rebuild the main church in Mulaitivu. He
As a priest of the Diocese, in addition to Parishioners of St. also helped, those who were most affected.
church duties on spiritual matters, he ventured into Peter’s in particular. This year, during mid winter’s extreme cold,
refurbishing, uplifting, and improving some of the He consequently, he was taken ill with breathing difficulties and was
churches under his purview, to create an environment earned their approval hospitalised. He was well taken care of by doctors
suited for better devotion and worship for the people. and corporation and staff and had many visitors at the hospital. Fr.
Whenever he was posted to parishes along the coastal early enough. Being Bennett passed away within a week on February 19.
belt, he worked closely with the fishing community unhappy with the His longstanding friend Rev. Fr. Timothy Nelson, who
for their betterment, development and spiritual well unavailability of was by his bedside when he died, attended to his final
being. facilities in and around religious rights. About half an hour before Fr. Bennett’s
Some of the parishes he served as Parish Priest the church premises, death Fr. Tim, opened his collar, took out his Scapular
were; Kilinochchi, Talaimannar, Vankalai, Mulaitivu, that are conducive and put it around Fr. Ben’s neck about half-an- hour or
etc., on the mainland and also in parishes within the to facilitate worship so before he passed away.
peninsula such as Navanthurai, Urumpurai, including with reverence and During his tenure as Parish Priest at Eaton
St. James’ Church, Jaffna. In his early days, he served as arouse enthusiasm for religious activities, he mustered Rapids, Fr. Bennett purchased a plot of burial ground
assistant to the Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral. support from the parishioners and resolved to act in exclusively for Catholics within the existing cemetery
Fr. Bennett was the son of P. J. Constantine the affirmative. Thus, under the direction of Fr. Bennett, which was common to all Christians known as
and Jayapakiam. He was ordained priest, on February the Parish was able to build a new church complex with Rosehill Cemetery, Eaton Rapids. It is where he is now
3, 1958 along with two others, Rev. Fr. Gunaseelan a community hall, mission house, etc., with outdoor interred. Fr. Bennett is survived by his brother, Lenny
and Rev. Fr. Selvarajah, by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. infrastructure facilities. He further opened other Constantine. He is preceded in death by his parents and
Emilianuspillai, Bishop of Jaffna, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, ancillary facilities, such as St. Peter’s Catholic School, Ed eight siblings.
Jaffna. Despite being the youngest in the family, he left Owen Pavilion, St. Peter’s Rainbow Child Development Having manifested the noble task of shepherding
home as a teenager to join St. Martin’s Minor Seminary, Center, etc., for children, to be oriented towards good the flock in the vineyard of the Lord, for 60 long years, in
from where he attended St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna, till conduct and discipline with moral values. Thus, enabling his home country and abroad, the time was ripe for him
he entered St. Bernard’s Major Seminary, Colombo, in the parish community as a whole, to enhance the spirit to return to his eternal reward.
1951. and vitality of their religious practices. His funeral was held on Saturday, February 24,
In 1970, under authority of His Lordship While being pastor of St. Peter’s Parish, he was 2018 followed by a High Mass at St. Peter’s Catholic
Rt. Rev. Dr. Deogupillai, Bishop of Jaffana, he left for simultaneously, assigned the tasks of Defender of the Church. The Chief celebrant was the Bishop of the
Ecclesiastical studies to Rome, then to London for his Bond Tribunal from May, 1991 to May, 2010 and also as Diocese Rt. Rev. Earl Boyer, assisted by Bishop Emeritus
Master’s Degree in Civil Law. He returned to Italy for Bishop’s Liaison to Catholic Charismatic Renewal, from of the Diocese Rt. Rev. Carl Mengeling, Parish Priest
further studies and taught English at St. Ludovico July, 1993 to July, 1996. Fr. George and Fr. Timothy who also delivered the
School in Orvieto, Italy. Thereafter, having successfully At Eaton Rapids, he became a driving force, homily. During visitation, before and after Nass and
completed his studies, he returned to Sri Lanka and responsible for a number of conversions to the Catholic afterwards at the funeral, the Knights of Columbus
served in the Jaffna Diocese for a short period of time. faith, mostly from Christian denominations. He served were in attendance. At the cemetery, the prayer service
He was then encouraged to come to the United States by at St. Peter’s parish, for almost 25 years, until his was conducted by Bishop Emeritus and Fr. Timothy.
a Polish Missionary Priest, which decided his future. retirement in June 2015, due to ill health and loss of Thereafter, lunch was served by the Parish to all those
In the early days of his arrival in the US in 1981, memory and was granted Senior Priest status. who attended the funeral. Through the intercession of
he served in different capacities as Parochial Vicar, However, as a gesture of appreciation for his Blessed Virgin Mother, may God gArnantot nh iPmh eiltleiprnpaulp rielslat.i
Associate Judge of the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and services, early in February this year, the Parish of St.
as Administrator of certain parishes in areas of Lansing, Peter’s Catholic Church along with their present Pastor
Pinckney, Howell, Jackson within the State of Michigan, Rev. Fr. George Puthenpeedika, accorded Fr. Bennett Nephew.
till 1990. Later that year, he was assigned to Eaton an impressive get-together to celebrate his 60th’
APPRECIATION
Rapids where Fr. Bennett accepted the appointment to anniversary of his priestly ordination, showing their
St. Peter’s Parish, celebrating his first Mass over there, outpouring of support and admiration.
The lady with a heart for the homeless
Letters
The founder of Marcsri opening of the first Marcsri Home, in January 1983.
School Admissions cum Donations Homes the late Mrs. Rita With the news spreading about her charity and
Perera. born on April benevolence, more and more patients and those des-
11, 1934 and called to titute started coming. She did not turn them back or
eternal rest on May 26, send them away but with a small cadjan shed made in

2015 was a nun of the her garden she accommodated all these people. as time
Many views have now been expressed on the
Sisters of Charity from went the cadjan sheds got extended.
above and it is up to the readers to arrive at a conclu-
1953 to 1968 and due Rev. Father Julian Tissera, the Parish Priest of
sion. I thank Mr. Duncan Fernando for his comments
to ill health had to leave Katukurunda, Kalutara was a frequent visitor to this
which certainly enlivened the debate.
the Order. After leaving Mrs. Rita Perera Home, during his free time. He was instrumental in get-
The crux of the matter is that thousands of our
the Order she taught ting the Marcsri Homes restructured. The local youth
Catholic children are shut-out from our own schools
at St. Aloysius College, were involved in the work of painting, cleaning, repair-
due to financial constrains. This was a privilege which
Galle for a few years. A ing and attending to various needs of inmates.
we of the older generation enjoyed, while the present
Jesuit priest introduced her to Mr. Marcus Perera of With the help of the youth the cadjan sheds
generation is deprived of.
Kalutara and they got married in 1971. After the mar- were made into more permanent structures. Fr. Julian
From my point of view, the only solution ap-
riage she came to Kalutara and lived with her husband even got the Buddhist clergy to attend to the religious
pears to be the conversion of the pre-entry donation
in Katukurunda. rites of the Buddhist inmates. In 1989, Fr. Tissera was
into that of a monthly instalment school-fees scheme.
They were childless but being a devoted cou- made the Chaplain of Marcsri Home.
At this stage, may I categorically state - with full respon-
ple built their home and called it ‘MARCSRI’. Rita taught With the guiding hand and capability of Fr. Tis-
sibility that our Church authorities have time and again,
for a few years at Holy Family Convent, Kalutara. Her sera, Sister Rita (as we call her now) was able to extend
taken up this matter of school fees with successive gov-
husband Marcus died on March 5, 1982 and she was the one single home to several homes. A group of Aus-
ernments but have not succeeded as yet. However, they
a grieving widow. Thereafter she began her works of trians who visited the place built a little ward to house
“Your life was a blessing,
are still pursuing the matter trusting in Divine interven-
charity and benevolence to the poor and needy who the children.
Your memory a treasure...
tion.
came to her for help.
You are loved beyond words
Let us all hope and pray towards this end, so
Rita visited hospitals and took home cooked
And missed beyond measure...”
that the day is not far off when the thousands of our re-
meals for inmates which she herself prepared and what
jected children will be brought back into the fold so that
she collected from associates and benefactors. One day Lovingly remembered by Rev. Fr. Lawrence
they may soon see the light of day. Roggy Corera a man who was discharged from the hospital who had Ramanayaka, Rev. Fr. Prasanna Christopher and
Wattala no place to go or anyone to take care of sought the help Marcsri family.
of this compassionate lady and she offered him shelter
“You must keep his statutes aanndd b cedodminmg iann thdem peonrcths owf hheirc hho uIs ee nanjod itnh iso wna ys othue today” (Deuteronomy 4,40)