I warmly welcome you to the home page of Saint Mary's Church, Matara.

St Mary's Church is located on the beach front of Matara, on the southern tip of Sri Lanka. We have about one hundred and fifty families in the parish.

St Mary's is a Shrine to Our Lady of Matara and is home to the miraculous statue. The known history of the statue of Our Lady of Matara in Sri Lanka is over four hundred years and has been kept in the three Catholic Churches of Matara, of which only St Mary's now survives. Throughout the year, thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine, and over two-hundred thousand pilgrims come to St Mary's in September to celebrate the Church Feast.

In 2007, we celebrate the centenary of St Mary's Church. In September this year, 2006, we officially commence our jubilee year, culminating in celebrations in September next year.

This will be a very important year as we prepare ourselves for spiritual renewal, give praise for the blessings we have received and reflect on our history, including the effect of the tsunami on all people, on the Church and on the Statue of Our Lady of Matara.

Some of the groups connected with the Church include the Legion of Mary, Christian Workers Movement, Youth Group, Holy Childhood Association, Catholic Teachers' Association, Community of the Risen Lord, Marriage Encounter, Altar Service and the recently formed Jubilee Committee.

I invite you to click on any of the following links to discover more about St Mary's, Matara:

» Tsunami
» The Miraculous Statue
» Tour of the Church
» Notice Board
» Diocese of Galle
» Parish Activities
» Jubilee Committee

Thank you for your interest in the Shrine of Our Lady of Matara. We welcome your participation in our Parish: please contact us if you have any questions, comments or if you wish to play a role in the Centenary celebrations. Your involvement is most welcome and appreciated.

Please know that you are in our prayers and we ask that Our Lady guide and protect you and your loved ones.

Yours in Christ,

Rev Fr Charles Hewawasam
11 July 2006