15.8.2008
Hundreds of devotees, following arrangements coordinated
by the Army, on the instructions of Major General Jagath
Jayasuriya, Commander, Security Forces, Wanni, attended
Friday's (15) annual Holy Mass at the most sacred 'Our
Lady of Madhu' Shrine in Madhu.
An estimated crowd of five hundred and thirty-eight devotees,
including 239 women and 59 children attended Friday (15)
afternoon Mass at this holy Shrine, thanks to transport,
security and other facilities, organized by the Army.
Lunch packets, refreshments and up and down transport
to the MADHU Shrine from Medawachchiya were provided to
the devotees by the Army in view of the religious importance
of the holy service.
The solemn blessings started on 13th August 2008 after
the most revered statue of 'Our Lady of Madhu' was enthroned
at the MADHU Shrine, following a penitential and purification,
service conducted by resident clergy.
The traditional August festival with traditional solemnities
was not held this year in view of prevailing security
concerns, mostly due to minefields that had been scattered
in surrounding areas before Tiger terrorists, had pulled
out from the premises.
However, the routine daily Mass at the Shrine continued
after the statue was enthroned by resident clergy during
the weekend. The first batch of 215 pilgrims was facilitated
on 13th August by the Army for prayers at the Shrine.
Again on Thursday (14) two hundred and four devotees,
including women and young men were allowed into the premises
for prayers after they were received at Medawachchiya
junction by the Security Forces before they were taken
aboard buses provided by the Army.
Friday's holy Mass, highly venerated as the annual special
service, drew as many as 538 devotees, including Minister
Milroy Fernando, Deputy Ministers Neomal Perera, Sarath
Kumara Ekanayake and several senior state officials.
Adequate security arrangements provided by Army troops
in Wanni and Police personnel worked smoothly and helped
the conclusion of the day's Mass to the satisfaction of
both clergy and devotees.
