Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mannar (Agenzia Fides) - The Sri Lankan Church has been concerned for the gunshots and violent threats that have arisen in recent weeks around the area surrounding the Shrine to Our Lady of Madhu. In efforts to preserve the Shrine, a universal symbol of peace and reconciliation, from the horrors of war and violence that continue to increase in Sri Lanka, the Church has begun to take serious measures.
In recent years, the Shrine of Madhu that has venerated an image of the Virgin Mary for over 400 years, was considered by the parties at war (the army and the Tamil guerrillas) to be “neutral territory,” thus preserving it from any attacks. The area surrounding the Sanctuary even served as a refuge for families and civilians in time of war. The place is a pilgrimage site for people of all religions and is universally recognized in Sri Lanka as one of the most sacred and most revered sites in the country.
The Church now observes that the Shrine is at risk of being attacked and has sent out a message asking that Madhu be spared from the violence. Bishop Rayappu Joseph, Bishop of Mannar, location of the Shrine, has celebrated a solemn prayer vigil and silent procession through the city streets, encouraging the faithful and citizens to join in the cause to “save Madhu.” The Bishop also wrote a statement to the governing body in Mannar, asking that they avoid all military acts in the area of the Shrine, as the Church and buildings there could easily be affected, even just by mistake.
The Bishop asked the police and the military to take special care in protecting the Shrine and encouraged the government to once again declare Madhu to be a “peace zone” and to cancel all military operation in the area that is currently occupied by some Tamil guerrillas that the military had intended to attack. In recent weeks, the Bishop and numerous pilgrims have been unable to visit the Shrine due to the fighting taking place in the surrounding areas. Fr. Emilianuspillai Santhiapillai, Administrator of the Shrine, confirmed that he had found bullets and remains of artillery in the area and advised the priests, religious, and laity that care for the buildings not to leave the premises. The soldiers on both sides are fighting in the area, without giving thought to what could occur as a consequence.
In this dangerous and delicate situation, Bishop Ryappu Joseph granted permission to the Administration to take the statue of Our Lady of Madhu to a more secure location and it is now being kept in the Church of Thevanpitti, on the outskirts of Mannar.
“Thousands of people go to Madhu to find consolation, to pray, and to take refuge in the Virgin Mary. For this reason, the government should guarantee the security of this sacred place,” the Bishop affirmed. Bishop Oswald Gomis of Colombo, President of the Bishops’ Conference, has also joined in the effort and has written a letter to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksha. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/4/2008; righe 37, parole 504)
