More History

A glimpse to the Past :
By Mr. Felix V.Perera
I first visited St. Mary's Church, Matara, presently known as the Church of our Lady of Matara as far back as 1948 at the age of ten years with my father. More…

A PEEP INTO THE PAST :
By K Michael de Silva
Sweet and happy memories come into my mind as I attempt to bring before the reader how the Titular Feast of St. Mary's Church (Nativity of Our Lady) was celebrated in the past. More…

Special events incorporated in the centenary jubilee Celebrations 2006 – 2007

1. The annual Holy Childhood rally of the Galle Diocese held on July 22 nd ,2006 in association with the Centenary Jubilee Celebrations of St. Mary's Church Matara.

2. Declaration of the Centenary Jubilee Celebrations by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera Bishop of Galle on the 10 th day of September, 2006.

3. Brother Colin Nixon Ordained as a Deacon on 6 th October, 2006 by His Lordship the Bishop of Galle.

4. A Family Encounter Weekend conducted by Rev. Fr. Nihal Obris on the 13 th , 14 th , and 15 th October, 2006.

5. December 9 th 2006 Administering First Holy Communion.

6. Monthly Recollection for the priests of the Diocese and planning of the Centenary Jubilee Celebrations took place on March 12 th with His Lordship the Bishop of Galle.

7. Informal meeting with media personnel held on 13 th March 2007 at 3.30 pm with His Lordship the Bishop presiding and Caritas SED Galle Matara Branch participating

8. “Lakrivi” Animators training programme held on the 16 th , 17 th , and 18 th of March, 2007 conducted by National Director Rev. Joe Kure and Diocesan Director Rev. Anjelo Wickremasinghe.

9. Annual Lent pilgrimage to Hiniduma undertaken on 17 th March 2007.

10. Parishoners of Kandana and Nagoda conduct an open air “ Way of the Cross” procession and “Holy Hour” on March 25 th at St Mary's Church conducted by Rev. Priya Jayamanne .

11. Chrism Mass (Blessing of the Holy Oils) conducted by His Lordship Rt.Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera Bishop of Galle at 10.00 am. on 3 rd April, 2007

12. Sinhalese New Year celebrated on 8 th April, 2007 by the Parishioners

13. Retreat for the parishioners of Matara organized and conducted by the priests of “Naserath House” Wennapuwa from 15 th April to 29 th April. 2007.

14. On May 6 th 2007 the Centenary Jubilee Committee of the Matara and Colombo branches met to discuss the arrangements for the forth-coming feast.

15. Hon: Minister for Religious Affairs Hon: Pandu Bandaranayake presides over a meeting wherein the Government and other departments participation for the requirements needed to celebrate the Centenary Jubilee Celebrations of St Mary's Church was discussed on 18 th May, 2007.

16. Parish Sunday School Day conducted by Rev. Fr. Camilus Cooray on 27 th May, 2007.

17. A statue of Blessed Pio was placed within the church on July, 17 th 2007.

18. December 26 th 2007 the second year after the tsunami remembrance.

19. His Lordship Rt. Rev. Harold Anthony Perera Bishop of Galle has cordial meetings with the Chief Buddhist Monks and dignitaries of Matara on 31 st July, 2007.

20. The sacrament of Confirmation bestowed on 49 persons on August 12 th 2007 by His Lordship the Bishop of Galle. Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera.