8.5.2008
Fr. Sanjeewa Mendis - From Padua
Arch
Bishop Malcolm Ranjith promised the congregation gather
at the annual gathering of the Sri Lankan migrants in
Italy, held on the 4th of May in Padua, that the miraculous
statue of Madhu will be brought back to the Madhu Church
liberated by the Sri Lankan army, once the Church comes
to an agreement with both parties involved. He reiterated
on the sacred obligation on our part to be united as a
family and invited the media to be responsible in dealing
with the present situation and be instruments of peace.
As a genuine peace envoy His Grace articulated his vision
this way: “If we are divided as Sinhalese and Tamils
we can never speak of a united Sri Lanka. Let us extend
our hands to one another. Let us heal the wounds of division
and hatred. The challenge before us is not to defeat the
other, but to live as sons of the same soil. Let us accept
and respect the identity and integrity of one another.
Let us dream for a new Sri Lanka. Ours is a beautiful
island. It is blessed with numerous natural resources.
Let us love this paradise which God has given us. United,
let us march forward”.
The
annual gathering of the Sri Lankan migrants in Italy held
on the 4th of May in Padu was a sparkling event as it
was the 10th anniversary of this annual gathering, a brainchild
of Rev. Fr. Neville Joe Perera, the vibrant, energetic
and dynamic National Coordinator for the Italian Bishop’s
Conference. He also takes the pride in organizing the
biggest and the grandest Sri Lankan gathering of any nature
outside Sri Lanka.
The
centre of this gathering was the Eucharistic celebration,
the source and summit of Christian Life. The Chief celebrant
was the Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith, the secretary of the
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of
the Sacraments. Most Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis, the President
of the Commission for Migrants of the Sri Lankan Bishops’
Conference and Monsignor Saviola, the National Director
for Migrants of the Italian Bishops’ Conference
concelebrated together with nearly 30 Sri Lankan and Italian
priests.
During
the homily Rt. Rev. Dr. Valence Mendis mentioned of the
role played by Mother Mary in the early stages of the
life of Jesus, at the initiation of Jesus’ ministry
as it is mentioned in the Gospel of John, at the foot
of the cross, in the infant church together with the Apostles
and in the history of the Catholic Church through her
timely interventions. He also spoke of the love and reverence
manifested to her even by non Catholics. “The enthusiasm
and eagerness with which the people of all religions express
their desire to have the Madhu Statue back in the Shrine
is a clear indication of their belief in her,” he
said.
After
the Holy Communion His Grace the Archbishop made use of
the opportunity to make the congregation aware regarding
the traditional ecclesiastical values and customs and
how we, as Christians, should act and react as we face
an unprecedented situation in the history of our country.
Beginning his brief talk he said, “In the Catholic
Church we have a visible head who is the Pope. Like any
other human being His Holiness is also bound by the physical
impossibilities and hence he cannot be present in two
places at the same time. Therefore, the decisions taken
by His Holiness are executed by the Bishops who are scattered
throughout the world. As Catholics it is our duty to obey
the bishops and to cooperate with them in building the
Kingdom of God here on earth.
Since
we are united as a Church our strength and presence is
felt by everyone and some can take it as a threat. But
most of the people even in our own country, non Catholics
and non Christians alike, are trying to admit their children
to Catholic Schools because they are marvel at the Discipline
that is inculcated to our children in our schools.”
The
Archbishop noted that the temporary removal of the miraculous
Madhu statue was a collective decision of the Catholic
Bishop’s Conference and not to be misguided by the
rumors and misinterpretation of the situation that are
being spread by various groups. According to His Grace
the decision was not taken haphazardly, but after scrutinizing
the grass-root situation and the circumstances. With simplicity
and clarity His Grace spoke of being wise without allowing
our feelings and emotions to take the upper hand and to
rule our intellect.
The
Speech delivered by the Archbishop was truly inspirational
and thought-provoking. It undoubtedly demonstrated his
love for the motherland and His far sighted vision in
bringing lasting peace to the country for which we have
been longing, yearning and praying for the last three
decades. As a genuine peace envoy His Grace articulated
his vision this way: “If we are divided as Sinhalese
and Tamils we can never speak of a united Sri Lanka. Let
us extend our hands to one another. Let us heal the wounds
of division and hatred. The challenge before us is not
to defeat the other, but to live as sons of the same soil.
Let us accept and respect the identity and integrity of
one another. Let us dream for a new Sri Lanka. Ours is
a beautiful island. It is blessed with numerous natural
resources. Let us love this paradise which God has given
us. United, let us march forward”.
His
Grace also boldly expressed the stand of the Church with
regard to the present crisis when He said that as a Church
we are not for division but for unity. “Never have
any sort of satisfaction or jubilation when you get the
news that dozens have been killed. As Sri Lankan migrants
in Italy be tolerant towards others and be sensitive to
their cries. I make this appeal as a bishop who loves
you so much. I am with you in all your efforts towards
peace and reconciliation. I know that you will respond
positively,” he added.
Finally
His Grace promised the congregation that the miraculous
statue will be brought back once the Church comes to an
agreement with both parties. He reiterated on the sacred
obligation on our part to be united as a family and invited
the media to be responsible in dealing with the present
situation and be instruments of peace.
At
the end of the Eucharistic celebration the Catholics living
in Italy did not forget to present a souvenir to their
leader and shepherd, Rev Fr. Neville Joe who has done
an unbelievable service in shouldering the responsibilities
in getting priest chaplain to cater to the spiritual needs
of the Sri Lankan migrants in Italy. Both the bishops
highly appreciated his services and promised their continuous
assistance in his efforts.
The
basilica, the streets and the public squares in the vicinity
were jam-packed by about 10 thousand Sri Lankans to the
curiosity and inquisition of the European devotees who
came to Padua to visit the basilica which contains the
sacred relics of St. Anthony.
Courtesy - Asian
Tribune