Reported by; Joy Perera (on behalf of the SL NSW Catholic Group).

The Sri Lankan Catholic community of NSW celebrated the May Feast of Our Lady of Sri Lanka at the Mount Schoenstatt shrine in Mulgoa on Sunday 17 May 2009. The occasion coincided with the arrival of Fr Jude Nicholas from Sri Lanka as the Chaplain for Sri Lankan Catholics in NSW. Fr Jude celebrated Holy Mass and led the procession that followed. The event was attended by a congregation of over three hundred (300) faithful of all ethnic origins – Sinhalese, Tamil & Burgher.

The mass was said in English and there were prayers, readings and hymns in Sinhalese and Tamil. A major intention of the prayers was – peace and harmony among all people in Sri Lanka . The choir comprised of a blend of the young and the not so young, sang their hearts out – opening with ‘Penibara Wana Mal', a popular hymn dedicated to Mother Mary composed by the famous musician Fr Merceline Jayakody.

The beautifully decorated statue of Our Lady was carried in procession around the premises of the shrine, with the congregation joining in singing well known hymns such as: ‘Ma Mavuni' and ‘Sri Lanka Ran Maniye' (Sinhalese); ‘Madave' (Tamil); and ‘Hail Queen of Heaven' (English).

Flavian de Silva speaking on behalf of the Sri Lankan Catholic Group, welcomed Fr Jude Nicholas and thanked him for accepting the role of Chaplain for Sri Lankan Catholics. Flavian gave an outline of the situation and issues faced by Sri Lankan Catholics in Australia and spoke of the pressing need for spiritual guidance by a Chaplain.

Fr Jude Nicholas thanked the committee and the community, for the opportunity given to him. He spoke candidly about his ministry in Sri Lankan and through the delays and difficulties that he had to face, how the committee (Tissa, Joy, Chrysanthi, Tony Weinmann, Leonard, Tony Peiris and Flavian) encouraged him and kept his interest and hopes alive about coming to Sydney as Chaplain. Everyone present was touched by his simplicity and sincerity. Some noted his resemblance to Vijaya Kumaranatunge, the famous actor and politician.

The Catholic Group has appointed Area Co-ordinators for different areas in Sydney and they were introduced to the congregation by the Lead Co-ordinator – Tony Weinmann. If anyone is keen to become an Area Co-ordinator please contact Tony on 0418 688 812.

The day ended with a fellowship, sharing food and drinks contributed by all and enjoying Gospel Music provided by the talented musical group – ‘The Redemptions' led by Suresh and Chamika Perera.

Click here to view an album of photos submitted by the organizers