Colombo (AsiaNews) – Lent is special this year in Mannar District, the first since the civil war ended last May. Catholics are preparing themselves by fasting and praying, offering their suffering to Jesus as “passage” towards a new life. After many years, thousands will make the pilgrimage, the “long march” (Paada Yathra) from Mannar to the Calvary in Komarasankulum (Vavuniya District).
“This Paada Yathra began nine years ago, to ask for peace, but in the following years, war prevented us from performing it. It is a three-day, 97-kilometre march. Before leaving, people prepare themselves by fasting and praying in their parish church,” Fr Victor Sosai, vicar general of the diocese of Mannar, told AsiaNews.
“We are leaving at 5 am on 10 March from Saint Sebastian Cathedral and should reach the Calvary at Vavuniya on the morning of the 12 to take part in the Mass presided by the bishop of Mannar, Mgr Joseph Rayappu. The last time the march was held some 1,300 people came; his year we expect about 1,800. Many more will join us on the way so that we should be at least 5,000 when we get to the Calvary.”
“On the first day, we stop at Nochchikulam School for breakfast. At lunch, we are at Isseaimalaithalvu. On the second day, we leave at 11 am and should be at Pambeimadhu for lunch. Then we reach Rambaikulam by evening to spend the night. From there we leave in the morning to arrive at the Calvary at 8.30 am. A traditional Via Crucis will be held with confessions and Mass at 11 am. There will be songs. After that, everyone will go home with their minds a peace.”
Spiritual retreats are another initiative for Lent. They are being organised for young people, workers, liturgy groups, etc, led by religious and lay people from India.
The team of spiritual guides will “stay with us for more than a month and lead the meetings, in places like the Madhu Shrine,” Fr Sosai said.
“They will conduct two major retreats on 19, 20 and 21 March for the catechists and Catholic teachers of the diocese. There are more than 1,800 catechists but we expect a thousand to come, plus 400 Catholic teachers. On 26, 27 and 28 March, there will be a third retreat for the youth of the diocese, also at the Madhu Shrine.”
“Starting tomorrow, Friday 5 March, every week-end there will be retreats for various groups, lay association, the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Legion of Mary. People will be able to make confession and the deanery’s 35 priests will meet everyone’s needs.”
