Kites show the ‘beauty of faith’ of Negombo families
Sponsored by St. Nicholas Sunday School in Munnakkara, the event saw a simple object, adorned with images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, become an opportunity to rediscover the joy of Christian life. For Father Nishan, it provided an opportunity to experience “the spiritual and relaxing atmosphere of a family united in God.”
Colombo (AsiaNews) – The kite festival was a "wonderful opportunity" to fill the sky with "the beauty of faith" thanks to the images imprinted on the canopy, from Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary, and the saints, said some children from St. Nicholas Sunday School in Munnakkara (Negombo), speaking to AsiaNews.
The kite festival, which was celebrated on Sunday, 17 August, at Kudapaduwa beach, allowed participants to rediscover a simple object, yet one that is a source of joy, “watching it dance in the wind," so to speak, said Father Anton Nishan, parish priest of St. Nicholas Church, Pitipana, Archdiocese of Colombo.
This is even more so at a time when children are "glued to their screens" of their mobile phones, TVs, and electronic games.
“We asked each child to design their own kite with a touch of faith,” Fr Nishan said. And “the response from the Sunday school children to the invitation to include a picture of Jesus, a picture of Mary, a description of a saint, or even a Bible passage that speaks of hope was incredible.”
As a result, “The sky became a canvas of colour and devotion, filled with kites that not only carried creativity but also the message of God's love,” the clergyman added.
The kite that Devumi Rithusha Fernando, an 11th grader from St. Nicholas, created and presented with a team of five friends (three girls and two boys) won the prize for the most “creative” kite. But many more prizes were given out at the event, organised for classes from grades 1 to 11.
"We designed our kite based on 10 saints,” said Devumi, told AsiaNews, male and female saints who are role models for young people. Our kite is about 32 metres long. We combined the ideas of all six of us and created the entire kite by ourselves. The competition took place during our one-week school vacation," said the.
Father Anton said that kite competitions are not uncommon in Sri Lanka; however, the one promoted by St. Nicholas was different and unique.
“Beyond the competition, what really stood out was the unity it built. Families came together, parents cheered on their children, shared snacks and drinks, and spent quality time on the beach, experiencing the spiritual and relaxing atmosphere of a family united in God,” he explained.
"As I had hoped, this school holiday was an unforgettable day for the children, parents, and teachers,” he added. “It was a beautiful day where nature, man, and God's love came together. It was clear that it was a great success. Not only did kites fly high, but souls were lifted even higher, confirming that this grand occasion was a celebration of God's love, according to the children and parents.”
Among the enthusiastic comments from the parents and families present was that of Nishani Suresh, a member of the Sunday School parents' committee, who enthusiastically participated in the competition.
“As parents who are fishers, it is very rare for families to participate in festivals as families, but this kite festival was attended by many families. It was an opportunity to enhance unity in the village,” said the mother of three daughters.
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