Sri Lanka: Mass Offerings for 30 Rosarian Fathers
The Rosarians, an Institute of Consecrated Life, are the first contemplative male religious congregation to be founded in Asia. It was established in 1928 by Father Bastiampillai Anthonipillai Thomas, who was born in a village near Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The congregation also has a female branch, since 1950.
Today, the male branch of the Rosarians has 25 monasteries, above all in Sri Lanka and India. Since this is a poor, native congregation it lacks the resources of an international religious family and consequently ACN has regularly supported the Institute, both in Sri Lanka and in India, with a range of different projects, including as in this case with Mass stipends and help for the formation of its novices.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic this help is needed more than ever. In Sri Lanka too a lockdown has been imposed since the middle of March. Public religious worship has been forbidden. Father Anil, of the monastery in Kochchikade, tells us what he and his confreres have experienced in the last few months. This is a densely populated region and among those worst affected in the country by the Covid-19 outbreak. „Within our convent we have been able to maintain our regular prayer times, Eucharistic Adoration and the celebration of Holy Mass. We have prayed and made sacrifices for the people. I have the feeling that we have been permitted to experience many blessings during this time.“
He continues, „At present we have no income, but we rejoice to share what little we have with our neighbours and with the poor.“ During the lockdown, the Rosarians have continued to visit the poor and, while observing the required safety precautions, brought Holy Communion those who requested it, prayed for them and also brought them material help. „We shared with them whatever generous people had brought and helped everyone who requested our help. And we are continuing to help them as much as we can.“
We are proposing to pass on to the 30 Rosarian priests of the congregation in Sri Lanka your kind Mass Offerings, to a total value of 19,440 Euros. These Masses will be celebrated for the intentions of the benefactors who have given them, and at the same time your offerings will be a vital contribution not only to their own support, but also to the works of charity to which they are devoted.
