Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well and happy. We have just celebrated the joyful, Marian month of May with masses, novenas and opportunities for families and parishioners to come together in devotion to Our Lady of Matara. You were remembered in our prayers and we continue to pray that Our Lady guide and protect you and your loved ones.

Thank you for your ongoing love and support as we continue to rebuild after the tsunami. The tsunami may now no longer be in the media, but the effects are still evident on a daily basis: we continue to strive to meet the needs of the affected people through housing projects, restoration of church buildings, livelihood and scholarship programs.

Centenary preparations

Towards the end of May, our Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, visited St Mary's and whilst he was here, we had our first meeting to begin preparations for the jubilee celebrations in 2007.

The Steering Committee has been formed and there will be sub-committees to co-ordinate finances, communications, liturgy and hospitality.

One of the projects of the jubilee year will be the creation of a Centenary book including information on the history of St Mary's, the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Matara, the impact of the tsunami, testimonials, letters from dignitaries and a photographic display. We will also be creating a smaller Feast Booklet for the interest particularly of pilgrims during the Centenary Feast.

Church building projects

I am presently still residing in the pilgrims' house, but next month will see the commencement of the new rectory.

We are also striving to gain funds to restore the Old Mission House in time for the centenary celebrations. The restoration and extension work will provide much needed additional space for parish and community meetings, accommodation and office facilities and provision for a museum. The museum will display the history of the Church, the miraculous statue and the impact of the tsunami.

Museum

We aim to have this museum ready in time for the centenary celebrations in September 2007. Whilst it was our intent even prior to the tsunami to create a museum for the centenary, the tsunami changed the human history and it is now all the more crucial that we create a memorial to those who lost their lives and also a tribute to all those who came to our aid.

The tsunami brought immense pain, but in the midst of that sorrow, our Lady graced us with her third miracle. We have a mission to share this miracle with the world, in part, through the museum.

My wish and prayer is that you will also be a part of this centenary celebration, and join us in praising the Lord with Our Heavenly Mother in one voice: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord.'

Your opportunity to participate in the Centenary

So many of our friends are in far away places and as much as we would be thrilled to have you join us in Matara for the celebrations, we know that that is not possible for most people.

There is an opportunity, however, for you to be with us in a very practical and generous way: would you like to perhaps provide one of the many liturgical garments required for the Feast mass; or maybe assist with the publication of the Feast Booklet; contribute to the creation of an outdoor Stations of the Cross; donate some candles or come to our aid through the restoration of the Church roof, verandah or verandah floor?

There are mainly ways in which you can assist and the little offerings of many will enable us to provide a wonderful feast for Our Lady and Lord. We will be able to share with the world the joy and strength we have gained from the kindness of so many and which has enabled us to survive this difficult time.

You are welcome to keep up to date with the Centenary preparations and activities through a new link on the web site: Centenary Jubilee. By clicking on that link you will soon have access to a list of items sort for the celebration and associated costs. We invite you to browse through and should you see your way clear to assist, we would greatly appreciate your support.

I pray that the Holy Family continue to protect and guide you and your families.

With love and prayers,

Rev Fr Charles Hewawasam

4 June 2006

Centenary Contributions