Children's Day at Tewatte

Archdiocese of Colombo held its annual Children's Day on March, 3 at the National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, Tewatte, Ragama. The Children's Day, which is an annual event of the Archdiocese of Colombo, reached a milestone this year. The children's day which started in the year 1947, celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2007.

Originally, requested by then Archbishop of Colombo, the families, of the Archdiocese of Colombo gathered together in the Basilica to thank and praise the Lord for sparing our country from the destruction of World War II, through the intercession of Our Lady of Lanka.

Even the Basilica was built as a thanks giving offering for the same purpose, naming Mary as Our Lady of Lanka. Eventually this event evolved as a children's day celebration, where the children would come from all parts of the Archdiocese to thank and praise God for the same purpose.

But in the recent times, the Children's Day has an added meaning and value to it. Now the children are once again encouraged to Pray for Peace in our country and plead to the Lord to spare our country from the destruction of Civil war.

Children, from every corner of the Archdiocese, regardless of their ethnicity, come together to pray and praise God for the graces granted and the gift of peace. Hence, this year's theme was special too - "Pray for Peace in Faith". Added to this, the event helps the children to share their gifts and talents and faith with one another. Coming together as one family helps them achieve peace and unity as well.

On that day, the services were conducted in three languages, Tamil, Sinhala and English. Every Catholic school, 'Daham Pasalas' and Parishes enthusiastically send their children for the event. The service started at 8.30 am with the reciting of the Holy Rosary.

At 9.00 am, the Chief Guest, our Chief Shepherd, Most Rev. Dr. Owald Gomis, the Archbishop of Colombo, Most Rev. Nicholas Marcus Fernando, the Archbishop Emirates, Episcopal Vicars, Directors of Catechetical Services, Rev. Fr. Freddie Shanthikumar and Newman Muththuthambi, Coordinators of Catechetical Services and Parish Priests were welcomed by the Band, Kandyan Dancers and Flag bearers.

The Sinhala and Tamil tradition was upheld by offering of "bulath kole" and "arathi".

After the welcoming ceremony and lighting of the traditional oil lamp, the mass was presided by the Archbishop of Colombo. In his message to the children, Archbishop urged them to be 'faithful to their missionary calling of Lord Jesus, in their homes, schools and parishes'.

He also emphasized the need to be patriotic and to be contributors towards to country. He mentioned that in the past, the church has contributed towards the development of the country in many ways and showed them that the Christianity has existed in Sri Lanka even during the Sigiriyan Era.

He also mentioned that the cross depicted in the Catholic flag, is the replica of the 'Anuradhapura Cross' which is dated back to Sigiriyan Era. We are also proud to have the two oldest print media contributions towards our nation.

Oldest News Paper in Messenger and the oldest Sinhala monthly in Bakthi Probodanaya. Hence as Catholics we've pioneered many projects and have contributed to the society as whole in the history of Sri Lanka.

Over 20000 children who participated the event was entertained by few Sinhala and Tamil cultural dances. The Diocesan Catechetical director, Rev. Fr. Freddie Shanthikumar was grateful for all the people who have contributed to make this day a success and for all the children and teachers and the schools, 'Daham Pasalas' and parishes who have participated.

Fr. Roy Mariaratnam OFM