An aura of
reverence pervaded the Fatima Church, Maradana, on Saturday, 21 May 2011. The
occasion was the 150th anniversary of the birth into heaven of the
St. Eugene de Mazenod, the Founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The
celebration was filled with pomp and pageantry befitting the occasion.
His Eminence Malcolm
Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, was welcomed at the entrance to
Fatima Church and he hoisted the national, papal and Oblate flags. He then presided
at a Eucharistic celebration. Concelebrating were Bishop Norbert ANDRADI of
Anuradhapura and Fr. Rohan SILVA, provincial of the Colombo Province. Also
present were the Archbishops Emeriti of Colombo, the Most Reverends Nicholas
Marcus Fernando and Oswald Gomis.
The Ampitiya
Scholasticate choir, under the direction of Brother Sameera FONSEKA, added
luster to the occasion with their singing. In keeping with the universality of
the Church and the missionary character of the Oblates, the Mass was conducted
and hymns sung in three languages. Bishop Andradi delivered an impressive and
appropriate homily on the life and times of St. Eugene de Mazenod. A pictorial
exhibition of St. Eugene’s life was held on the church premises.
After the
Eucharist, the guests proceeded to Hedges Court for a reception made available
by Mr. Mohanned Nafiz. The celebration concluded with the presentation of
souvenirs to some of the guests by the provincial, Fr. Silva. (Russel Fernando)
