Colombo ( AsiaNews) - " If we live close to
Mother Mary, no evil can reach us and no worries can affect our lives. She
strengthens friendship and communion among us". It was with this is the spirit that Fr. Sumith
Kumara led the faithful of the parish of Wewala (Archdiocese of Colombo) in a five
hour procession, dedicated to Our Lady .
The
gathering took place on Feb. 4 and is part of the celebration of the Marian
Year (24 November 2013-24 November 2014 ), organized by Card. Malcolm
Ranjith , Archbishop of Colombo and President of the Bishops' Conference of Sri
Lanka.
Dozens
of Catholics - men, women, children and elderly - gathered in front of the
church of St. Francis Xavier, where the procession started. Some went
on foot, others by bicycle or motorbike. In
addition, one chariot was decorated with white and blue flags, and decorated
with fresh flowers. The
faithful marched to eight different areas of the village, reciting the rosary,
chanting litanies and hymns dedicated to Our Lady. Back at the church, Fr . Kumara
blessed all of them, and their chosen means of transport.
"They're
good Catholics - the priest told AsiaNews
- but they also face many problems and difficulties. I want to help them
correct their path and improve their lives. In doing this procession we have
received the abundance of the blessings of our beloved Mother, and together we
have improved the relations of friendship , brotherhood and love".