Despite the enormous difficulties and challenges presented by the war situation in the North and East of Sri Lanka, every effort seems to be made to “choose life” and not postpone important events.
Despite the enormous difficulties and challenges presented by the war situation in the North and East of Sri Lanka, every effort seems to be made to “choose life” and not postpone important events.
Our Sister, Jesumary Arulappan, made her final Profession in Cheddikulam, near Vavuniya on 13th April.
Jesumary comes from Keerisuddan, Madhu, but for some time now, her parents and family members have been refugees in a displacement camp in Cheddikulam. Their movement is very restricted, so they could not attend her Profession in any of the places where there is a Holy Family Convent. Fortunately, when the Provincial Council decided that the Profession could take place in Cheddikulam, permission was granted for the Catholics in the camp to attend. Here, Yolande Mathias Provincial of Jaffna gives us a brief account.
“By the grace of God the Final Vows celebrations went on very well, just as we had planned. It was a simple but meaningful celebration. The parents and family members of Jesumary were given permission to participate in the celebration. Our thanks to the Security Officers who made it possible. All the Catholic families at the camp too were allowed to attend the Eucharist. Their presence added a special meaning to the celebration. Bishop of Mannar Rt. Rev. R. Joseph, who knows her family, was happy to be the main celebrant, and in his homily he mentioned that he too was happy about the way it was done. Jesumary’s sister’s child, a baby of 6 months, is in Vavuniya hospital, so sister’s family was absent. Her other two younger sisters who were at Ilavalai Hostel (near
Jaffna, a considerable distance away) were able to come with one of our Holy Family Sisters. It was the first time they had seen their parents in four years. More than 60 Sisters were able to be present. The parish priest and his two assistants were at our beck and call to do the necessary arrangements, and the community of Charity sisters who are stationed at Cheddikulam, very close to the camp, was very helpful as we had no community close by. For two days before the Profession, the weather was very bad, but thankfully the day itself was fine. God’s ways are wonderful. We felt God’s providential care in everything.
We were happy to provide food parcels to all the people who came from the camp. We also gave a picture of the Holy Family with a prayer and rosaries to each family. We could witness their happiness mingled with sadness.
We felt your prayers and your oneness with us in our joys and sorrows. May the peace and joy of the Risen Christ fill your heart and remain with you forever.
