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| Sunday, 6 October 2002 |
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A community centre in Badowita by ANTON NONIS Colombo's Auxiliary Bishop, Rev. Dr. Marius Peiris on the request of Mount Lavinia St. Anthony's Church parish priest Rev. Fr. Jude Sharman Fernando, consecrated a community centre in Badowita for St. Jude last Wednesday. It was an exclusive gift by St. Anthony's to the Catholics in Badowita. The task was spearheaded by Fr. Sharman. Vicar General (Colombo), Rev. Fr. Kingsley Jayamanne with Rev. Fr. Michael Catalano were the other members of the clergy who graced the occasion which was attended by hundreds of patrons from the area. The congregation lined the path leading to the tiny replica of church as they awaited the arrival of Rev. Dr. Peiris and members of the clergy. In a gathering spectacle, that saw fire crackers light up the night sky and the church choir sing many Sinhala hymns, the blessing of the new construction was done with the sprinkling of Holy Water on it. About 100 Catholic families live in Badowita which come under the jurisdiction of Mount Lavinia, and are hence parishioners of St. Anthony's, which is only two kilometres away. They had to attend the main church for all their religious observances and the obligatory Sunday worship. Since being appointed as Resident Priest of St. Anthony's, Fr. Sharman has been attending to all the spiritual needs of his clan, visiting Catholic families including those in Badowita on a weekly basis. These visits had enabled him to learn a great deal about his flock, in different areas. one of the facts he noted about the Badowita families, was that a majority of them were non practising Catholics and did not attend church regularly. On investigating what really kept them away, he discovered one of the reasons was the distance that discouraged them from going to church. Though it was only two kilometres to St. Anthony's, it was too far to walk. But that was not the only reason. On various occasions, the people of Badowita fell into difficulties due to various offences, with the Police arresting the wrong doers on such instances. Fr. Sharman realised that the Badowita flock really needed correction and reconciliation with God. When repeated persuasions failed to bring about the expected results in their lives, Fr. Sharman analysed that Badowita people urgently needed a different form of guidance if they were to be drawn closer to God. This was the starting point for the creation of an apartment on the location. Instead of compelling them to attend the main church in Mount Lavinia, he began to plan for a spot in Badowita itself for worship. Consequently, a two-perch plot that belonged to the Land Reclamation Board and vested with the catholic church was made use for this purpose. The construction of a church, or rather a replica, was easier said than done. Certainly, a gargantuan task cost-wise, finding funds was the most difficult task. However, not one to back. Fr. Sharman decided to go ahead with the task with the little that was available in the church coffers and the foundation stone was laid on May 8. As work proceeded on the construction, the parish council met at regular intervals to discuss its progress. Estimations showed that a sizeable amount of money was needed. Fr. Sharman sought divine intervention firmly convinced that tr.ust in God would make the venture a complete success. Those who could afford were given the privilege of contributing something material-wise for the construction and people didn't hesitate. They did their best by bringing the raw materials that were needed. Gradually cement, bricks, roofing sheets, wood and everything required for the job, were contributed by the parish people. Workmen were provided by the Dehiwala-Mount lavinia Municipality as a goodwill gesture, and the workers devoted day-and-night to this task. The work was completed in record time of three-and-half months to the amazement of, especially the Badowita crowd. It was a magnificent three storied building put up on a tiny two-perch premises exclusively for prayer and sacrifice. The ground floor was for Eucharistic Celebration (Holy Mass). The two upper floors were allocated for the conduct of Sunday School for children in the area, a montessori, classes for children, social and community activities. The building was consecrated under the Apostle St. Jude was named St. Jude's Community Centre. According to Fr. Sharman - whose first name is also Jude. Apostle Jude was the patron saint of the 'hopeless', those who are in total despair and have lost all hopes. St. Jude was one of the twelve apostles of Christ and a close relative of His. He is a power saint who is eveready to help those in hopeless situation. |
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