Church of Our Lady of Purification turns 150

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

The Church of Our Lady of Purification, Nayakakanda will celebrate its 150th anniversary on February 5. All arrangements have been made to celebrate the jubilee on a grand scale, said Rev Fr Mahendra Gunatilleke, the Parish Priest.

The flagstaff was hoisted on Thursday commencing the nine-day novena conducted by eminent preachers. Rev. Fr. Gunatilleke said that hoisting of the flagstaff and crowning of the statue of Our Lady of Purification by the current and former parish priests was a hallmark of this year's celebrations.

He said the parishioners and all communities in Nayakakanda have shown immense enthusiasm for nearly a year and eagerly look forward to this great day.

The renovation of the church, the masterpiece of the untiring efforts and commitment of all parishioners and well-wishers is the pride of the people of Nayakakanda. "The jubilee has fostered unity and harmony among all communities of Nayakakanda", Rev. Fr. Gunatilleke said. The vespers will be celebrated on February 4 at 7 p.m presided over by Rev. Fr. Maxwel Silva Bishop elect of the Archdiocese of Colombo. The Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo will officiate at the festive High Mass at 8.15 a.m. on February 5. The Nayakakanda parish, the largest in the Archdiocese of Colombo has over 5,000 families and it serves the Church Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Balagala and St. Joseph's Church, Kerawalapitiya which comprises around 800 and 1,500 families.

According to historical records there was a cadjan-thatched church in 1860s at Hendala which was destroyed due to an unfortunate incident that occurred the day following the first festive Holy Mass.

The foundation stone for a permanent church was laid in 1862 on a property donated by the Catholics in the area.

Then Vicar General of Colombo Archdiocese, Rev.Fr. Mathew Cajitan OMI on a request by Rev.Fr. Dominic Pulicano OMI bought more land to build the church in 1862. The pioneering efforts of Fr. Pulicano came into fruition with the completion of the construction of the church supported by Rev.Fr. Carlo Mario Cardano, the administrator from 1878 to 1881. It is said that, the Church had been blessed several times by Blessed Joseph Vaz.