GLORIES OF SRI LANKA
VISITATION AND BLESSING OF NEW CHAPEL Hello Good brothers, here is something spectacular from St. Pio
Delegation, Sri Lanka.
February 8th to 14th was a grace filled week for us as our brother General
Minister Mauro Jhori paid his visit. We are truly blessed by his visit to
this Island. We would like to share with you some of the things that took
place during his stay here in Sri Lanka. He visited all the friars and all
our houses (North and South) here in Sri Lanka.
BLESSING AND INAUGARATION OF THE NEWLY BUILT CHAPEL 9TH February was a remarkable day to all of us as we all joined together
to praise and thank God for blessing us with a new chapel. The inaugural and
blessing ceremony of St. Pio Chapel at Pallansena started at 10 am. The
auxiliary Bishop, His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando presided over the
ceremony concelebrated by General Minister, Br. Michael Fernandes , General
Definator, Br. Joseph Dolphy Pais, Provincial Minister of Karnataka, Br.
Lawrence, Provincial Definator of Mary Queen of Peace province Tamilnadu,
all the friars from the delegation along with other priests, religious and
lay faithful. The inauguration of the Chapel was done by our General
Minister Mauro Jhori.
Bishop in his homily shared his personal experience of the desire he had to
visit Padre Pio. Even though he was unable to meet him, he made it a point
to visit his grave. He said Padre Pio was an excellent counselor in season
and out of season who brought many hardened sinners back to God. He also
gave a comparative reflection on the life of Our Seraphic Father Francis of
Assisi and our present Pope Francis. He thanked the Capuchins for their
presence in Sri Lanka and for the service we render here.
The liturgy of the day was well organized and taken care by Br. Frolic
Fernandes. A melodious choir was trained by Br. Jeevan D’mello.
At the end of the Mass a short felicitation was held to appreciate the good
will of generous benefactors. General Minister in his address invited the
brothers “To make this chapel a house of prayer, by praying together, by
celebrating the Eucharist together, by experiencing God in silence. He said
let our behavior be the first homily the people we are surrounded with.
Br. Arun Kumar Philomenraj, The Provincial Delegate presented the vote of
thanks. He thanked everyone for their presence. He congratulated and thanked
Br. Ivan D’souza who was the mastermind behind the completion of the chapel.
Br. Vincent G. Furtado was remembered today in a special way as this St. Pio
Chapel was his brainchild.
The benefactors and well-wishers were thanked and honored by giving away the
blessed candles.
A sumptuous meal was served to all the guests present for this graceful
occasion.
