Kalpititya (AsiaNews) - Children at a government primary school in Uchchamunai Island (Western Province) regularly stage by themselves a Via Crucis during the period of Lent. They have done it without the help of teachers or priests. Wearing their school uniforms, the pupils leave their school and go as far as Annai Velankanni Catholic Church, which is part of Kalpititya Parish (diocese of Chilaw).
Uchchamunai Island is home to about 175 Tamil Catholic families, all involved in the fishing industry. Because of its remoteness, there is only one Mass a month and the children cannot get a religious education in school or on Sundays. Once a while, a nun from the Order of the Holy Family comes to impart a bit of catechism.
Over the years, neglect has come with a price for the 90 or so pupils in the small primary school, all grades included. The five teachers that are supposed to teach at the school cannot always get to the island. In fact, it takes them two hours by boat from Kalpititya, when boats are available, which is not always the case.
In order that children do not feel neglected, the school principal decided to use the situation constructively. He asked the older pupils to stage a Via Crucis involving the younger ones. Kids, 11 and 12, lead the way for the 5 and 6 year olds, with everyone reciting and praying in Tamil.
"We like to remember each year the Passion of Jesus Christ," said one student who will graduate this year, "because it helps us keep us on the right path." For another pupil, a girl, it is important "to involve our smaller comrades so that they can learn the value of this path."