Sri Lankan Community Prayer Group Core Group Members: Anthony Jacob Sri Lanka : Location Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island located just off the southeastern coast of India. The country is strategically placed at the crossroads to the east and west and is often referred to as the ‘pearl’ of the Indian Ocean. Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka while Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the administrative capital. Weather and climate Sri Lanka boasts of a tropical climate with wet, dry and arid weather zones. The temperature ranges between 27º C to 35º C throughout the year. The hill country is in the center of Sri Lanka, where a cooler climate persists with an average temperature of 20ºC. Sri Lanka generally experiences two monsoons - the South West monsoon from May to July and the North East monsoon between November and January. The days in Sri Lanka are hot and humid but the evenings are chilly and pleasant. Culture and Religion Population of Sri Lanka exceeds 20 million, which is made up of Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils, Muslims, Malays, Burghers (of Portuguese and Dutch descent) and others. Sinhala and Tamil are the two official languages of Sri Lanka though English is widely spoken; signs and notices are generally displayed in all three languages. The four main religions of the country are Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity; Buddhists constitute the majority of Sri Lanka. Our Lady of Lanka Sri Lanka was conceived to fulfill a vow invoking the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Sri Lanka during World War II. The vow was made on 26 May1940 by the then Archbishop of Colombo, Jean-Marie Masson who prayed that if Sri Lanka was spared the ravages of World War II, a Basilica would be built and dedicated to Virgin Mary as 'Our Lady of Lanka' Joseph Vaz – Sri Lanka’s Patron Saint Joseph Vaz, the apostle of Sri Lanka, has been proclaimed one of the Blessed in heaven. Sri Lanka’s Catholics, with gratitude for all that God has done in the history of his People on this Island, can truly repeat with the Psalmist: "His love for us is strong! His faithfulness is eternal!" (Ps. 118 (117): 2). Fr. Vaz entered Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) during the Dutch occupation, when Calvinism was the official religion. He travelled throughout the island bringing the Eucharist and the sacraments to clandestine groups of Catholics. Later in his mission, he found shelter in the Kingdom of Kandy where he was able to work freely. At the time of his death, Fr. Vaz managed to rebuild the Catholic church on the island. January 21, 1995 was a day of special happiness for Christ’s followers in Sri Lanka when Joseph Vaz was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Colombo. During the canonization, Pope John Paul II said : ”from the very beginning of my Pontificate, whenever I have had occasion to meet your Bishops they have told me of your great desire to see Father Vaz raised to the honours of the Altar”. May blessed Joseph Vaz watch over you, over your families and may he intercede for the peace and harmony which you all desire and pray for. May Almighty God abundantly bless Sri Lanka.” Sri Lankan Community An active community within Holy Spirit Parish. The Sinhala Prayer Group forms an integral part of our community. A Sri Lankan priest from Jebel Ali visits us for three days once a month during the second Friday. Those who wish to have their homes blessed or need spiritual guidance should contact the Parish Council member for appointments or to meet with the visiting priest. The normal programme includes: An annual retreat in Sinhala is organised during the Lenten season animated by a priest from Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Prayer Group This is the most active part of our community and was formed in April 2002 as the “Nimala Mariya Yadum Hamuwa” dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Group’s motto taken from Mathew 22:37,39 is: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind; Love your neighbor as yourself’. From a fledgling group of 10 members, the Prayer Group has now increased to 60. Rev Fr Bose who was our Spiritual Director, played a major role in bringing the Sri Lankan community together. Fr Bose learnt to offer Holy Mass in Sinhala for our community. The Prayer Group enthusiastically joins in all parish activities representing the Sri Lankan community. |