Devotees flock to St.Anne's shrine, Talawila

The multitude of devotees like a never-ending stream gathered at St. Anne's Church Talawila, in the Diocese of Chilaw. They listened to the Bishop of Chilaw Dr. Valence Mendis's inspiring sermon to mark St. Anne's 252nd anniversary.

The Bishop responded to their veneration with love that the Lord had bestowed on His chosen Shepherd to lead his sheep into green pastures. He was joined at the altar by the Apostolic Pro Nuncio Most Rev Dr Pierre Nguyen Van Tot, the papal delegate and Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo Dr. Emmanuel Fernando. The day kept fine with sunshine and the birds of the air chirping upon trees around the church as the Vatican flag fluttered above the church.

This is an important day in the Catholic calendar and all devotees from around the country come days ahead to venerate the Mother of the Virgin Mary.

Set against the sea, the shrine rose above the sea of heads as did the resonant voice of Bishop Valence who addressed one and all in simple language, driving his words hard into their hearts, after welcoming the Pope's delegate who he said gave the feeling of presence of the Holy Father among all. For his sermon, the Bishop chose the importance of food as his theme.

'Food,' he said, 'is important for survival and that is how people feel about food even as Jesus did. Although food is the main component of the body, there is a greater need for spiritual food for the mind and each Christian knows the value of spiritual food from their infancy as they have been nurtured and guided by their Christian parents.

Jesus gave us a clear perspective when he spoke to over 5,000 devotees', Bishop Valence quoted from Saints Matthew, Mark, John and Luke the parable from the New Testament where Jesus performed the miracle on food.

'When Jesus heard about John's death, he went to a lonely place. People heard about it and left their towns and followed him. When Jesus stepped out of the boat and saw the large gathering, his heart was filled with pity and he healed those who were ill. That evening his disciples said, 'it is already late and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves'.

'They do not have to leave, Jesus said 'You yourselves give them something to eat.'

'All we have here are five loaves and two fish' they said.

'Then bring them to me,' Jesus said. He asked the people to sit on the grass; then he took the five leaves and two fish, looked up to heaven and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the people to eat. Everyone ate and had enough.

Thereafter the disciplines picked up 12 baskets full of what was left. The number of men who ate were about 5,000 apart from the women and children'.

Bishop Valence spoke about the virtues of St. Anne. 'St. Anne groomed her daughter, the Virgin Mary in virtue, nurtured and guided her for the Holy Conception as the chosen Mother of Jesus Christ. He placed such emphasis on the Mother of Mary, and devotees listened in rapt attention.

The parish priest of St. Anne's Church, Rev. Pius Nihal made all arrangements to make the devotees comfortable and make this day very special.

- GH