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It is an undisputable and well-known fact among Christians that the crucifixion of Christ Jesus, His death and burial, was on a Passover daytime period.Have you ever wondered why Easter Sunday can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25?Easter has no authentic Christian significance at all.
Thus, God provides free will as a test of obedience and faith.
And, since the Jewish holiday calendar is based on solar and lunar cycles, each feast day is movable, with dates shifting from year to year. Today in Western Christianity, Easter is always celebrated on the Sunday immediately following the Paschal Full Moon date of the year.
The date of the Paschal Full Moon is determined from historical tables, so the date of Easter no longer directly corresponds to lunar events.
In fact, there are as many misunderstandings about the calculation of Easter dates as there are reasons for the confusion.
What follows is an attempt to clear up at least some of the confusion about how the date of Easter is determined and why it changes each year.


Little Sisters of the Poor, KL
The Little Sisters of the Poor is a Roman Catholic religious order for women founded in the 19th century by Saint Jeanne Jugan near Rennes, France. Today, the Little Sisters of the Poor serve in 31 countries around the world - including Malaysia - and continuing their original purpose of caring for the elderly.
Continuing our tradition to be a responsible corporate entity, we started the year's Social Initiative with a visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Taman Seri Bahtera, Kuala Lumpur.
We contributed one unit of Bio-Energy Water System (Model-3318) and 2 ceramic Filter A [worth RM 2,398] to provide them with cleaner, healthier water. Our marketing guys installed the unit and gave tips on how to use, maintain and change the filters.


On Sunday, one person was killed and others were wounded in a shooting at a church in Texas, and the police detained a suspect, while the shooter’s motives were not immediately known.
On Sunday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said one person was killed and others were wounded in a shooting at Starville Church in Texas, and a suspect was detained.
Abbott expressed condolences to the families of the dead and injured in the accident, and said that the state will work to ensure that justice is achieved.
Please join Jan and I in prayer for the victims of the horrific church shooting at Starrville Methodist Church in Smith County. Our brave first responders have apprehended the suspect. #txlege https://t.co/bykg8NkK6Q
— Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX) January 3, 2021
So far, few details of the accident are available.
KLTV television station in eastern Texas showed pictures of police cars outside the church.


“Peter you are petros. I would build my congregation on this” Jesus said to fisherman. “Saul does not me” said to a rich prosperous man. They two are very much different in their behavior and standards but both became Jesus disciples. They were selected to proclaim the good news. This church is dedicated to these two honored persons. It is complete 125 years and it is like rock standing from all these days promoted faith many people. All are delighted in the serine it has been doing.
In 1855 – 1870 there were not a mars in every Sunday. They had prayer meetings, some other religious activities were held with a son Christian was a talk tale. The reason was there only one priest arranged 15 mile radios In 1870s. Small hall was erected. In 1900 there were 14 churches in Hon. Father Don Peter’s time. All the management was done by Katunayaka church. When the time passed it became a parish in 1918 in father A.M.D. Jayamanna ‘s time with the blessings of Hon. Rev. Kudel back this building put a permanent foundation. After Hon. Richard, Hon. Rev. Deve, Hon. Rev. Weerakagoda, Hon Rev. Joachine with their almost courage and with the voluntary support they had started building a permanent building The Fathers who were Hon. Arc. Rev. Nicholas Marcus, Deshigo, Fabion, David Soys Devilo after that Joseph Cabral were appointed a golden era was born in this time all the defects were computed the last lite was kept in the days of the fathers. Manieel Aponsu, Severinues, Kupel, H.D Anthony, Siril Anthony in these days it was a very enthusiasm time.
All the work was completed in Rev. Sarath Iddamalgoda, Hugo Palihawadana, Christopher Ruban Peris time tower for the bell and Assembly Hall were added. Father Hugo Palihawadana was conducting the mars in parishes. Now parish priest is Hon. Jude Samantha. Under him, while watching renovating the hall. Repairing the mission home building a wall around the cemetery a new statue erected. He had an opportunity to participate in the 125 Jubilee of this church. He arranged many activities of the Jubilee. There was a three week holiday reconciling the conflict between families.
Jesus shored us a good example pardoned the Peter who dinged the friendship with Jesus and the Saul Who persecuted the faithful servants by these? Our king lord will pardon people who does groves sins. We must always be ready to reform ourselves. In this Jubilee we can gain his approval may all you receive blessings through Paul and Peter.
There were several churches belonged to Katunayaka parish till from 1930 – 1948. Those were Amandoluwa, Bandarawela, Kotarupa and Katunayaka St. Sebastian Church. Hon. Rev. Due and Hon. Rev. Vinsent Weerakkody were working as parish priests. Later Hon. Rev. Joachim appointed to Katunayaka parish.
In his tenure of service some building was started. The sand was carried by rafter through lagoon. From there people carried the sand to the premises in the time of Hon. Rev. Jaachim Fernando. some work of the building had done. After he left Hon. Rev. Moses was appointed. In the days of Rev. Fabian Fernando foundation laid in front of the church in the time of Joachim, Moses and Fabian Fernando. There were assisting priest. Hon. Rev. Nicolos Perera, Dnarmaratne, David Zoyas, Jery Abesekara, Sebastian, Joseph, Stephen, Desigo are the priest who were assisting in the parish.
Hon. Rev. Fabion transferred. Then Hon. Rev. Jeruwel appointed as the parish priest the parish of Katunayaka and Seeduwa after Hon. Rev. Jervvel. Left a Rev. served as assistant appointed as the parish priest Hon. Rev. David Soysa in 1949 January after Hon. Rev. Dedlaw and Joseph H. Cabral were appointed.
Hon. Rev. Cabral made some effort to complete the church.The arch bishop Rev.Dr. Benjamin Kuoray blessed the church on the 20. 12. 1958. Then Hon. Rev. Victor Cupel, Hon. Rev. Manuel Aponsu, Hon. Rev. Severinus Fernando, Hon. Rev. Anthony Siril, Hon. Rev. Godwin Peris, Hon. Rev. Sarath Iddamalgoda, Hon. Rev. Hugo Palihawadana, Hon. Rev. Jayarathne Randeniya, Hon. Rev. Christopher and Hon. Rev. Ruban appointed. After all of them the priest who serves currently the Hon. Rev. Athenasias was appointed as the parish priest.
As the (Muguppu) Mr. Bernard Nonis and after retirement the son of him Manuel Nonis were appointed as Annavi (son Christians) C. P. De Silva, Jauchine Lusena and W. Thimothi were appointed. Mr. W.D. Pemiyanu and Mr. Jaones Nonis also had worked as son Christians. (Annavi)
We thank and show our practicable to all the Rev. fathers work for the betterment of church and the devotees in the area for the priest who all ready dead we ahich them peace and for all the residents who are dead also. May God bless all of us through the mediation of St. Sebastian.
Bolawalana Catholic church has a prominent place of worship among the other churches. The structure was laid in 1557. There was a catholic church in Bolawalana dedicated to mother of cure stated in a report published by Governor Constantine Desha in 1928. It was famous as Bolawalana Kanikka church among Catholics and among Buddhists It was famous as Bolawalana Kanikka Dewalaya. It had Buddhist influence.
The out skirt of Negombo called Pitipankaraya. The pointed area called Munnakkaraya. In the east there was a large forest. It was a large forest (Maha Kelewa) called Aluthwalana. In the north of walana there was a shrine. It was a famous shire regarded and honored by Buddhist called Walana Dewalaya. Even today it is well famous shine. The people who went to this shire had to face many troubles. Sometimes bandits made many troubles to these pilgrims. The Buddhists follow only a philosophy, but they didn’t have a way of worship. So they tend to worship some gods of other religions. The shrines were built in the temples later to worship gods in places such as Munneswaram and Kataragama.
With studying this attitude of Buddhist and also the danger of traveling to Walana, the Portuguese who built a fort in Negombo thought some trick to convert Sinhala people Catholicism In the Maha Mukalana, North of Negombo built a shire and named Bolawalana. Some says that there were many Bo trees and Na trees because of this reason it was called Bonawalana. The meaning of this names a different one because there were not Bo or Na trees. Bona is a Portuguese word the meaning is good conditions, secured, shrines. The devotees felt that not like earlier Walana this new Walana is much safer and easier to search. So many devotees arrived here. There was many miracles happened. This famous shire called Mother Patthinis shire. In Portuguese days the area of Bolawalana parish reached Dandu ganga (river) to Maha Oya. When Dutch defeated the Portuguese and captured the coastal areas demolish the shine and built a school. However the villagers had stolen the statue and secretly worshiped it. This was mentioned in Rev. Joachim Gonzalez’s records.
When the British came to power all the persecutions were over received the freedom to worship. Then Governor Robert Wilmot Horton of British government gave the legal authority of the ownership of premises of Bollawalana shine to the Hon. Rev. Sebastiyan Pereira with a deed according act No in 183. December 16th There were twenty three stations owned by Negombo Parish, In April 10th 1867 given the legal authority to register Marriages on the act No 186. The parish priest Hon. Rev Emil Boudo had laid the foundation of the church in 1890. It was managed by Orithorain Fathers. After then the priest of Benedictine Marian order did the management.
The Tamil school started in this church. It is also the first parish of little Rome Maha Vidyalaya. Wella vidiya churches had the Mars in Tamil. Only place which had sinhala language was Bolawalana church until today.
It is situated towards South East of Negombo city about 3 miles away, on the surface of Minuwangoda Negombo road in Andiambalama.
This Bolawalana was mention in 175 poem of Kokila Sandeshaya written in 1440 – 1446 CE. There are many evidences that there was a shine in Bolawalana. Many devotees arrive here, but after Portuguese captured there guide the people to another venerated place. So this church was called Paththini Devalaya. Even today some called the Mother Mary to whom this church was decaled Godness Paththini.
One record which was published stated that there was a shire called mother of cure. The first church built outside the forts of Portuguese was Bolawalana. After Dutch came to power they had destroyed this church and had built a school. But the villagers conserve the statue of St. Mary. The areas which were under Dutch execution conquered captured by English. They cancelled all the bans. The foundation of the present church was laid by Hon. Rev. Emil Udo O. M. I. named the church Mother of Kanikka.
It was built according to Gothic Architecture. There is a stage in front of the church. The main entrance has a large door in the pattern of arches, another two doors beside in rectangle shape. There are two porches the top has a shape of an arch. In front of church there are four pillars carved on top. There are two verandahs beside the church with five pillars in each side. There are three doors and three windows each side of the shape of arches. The half circle side of door is carved. There are twelve windows of 25 feet of height are beside the church.
There are statue of Mother Mary and the baby Jesus on the stage and also some statues of saints. Inner walls are carved. There are two small transepts beside them call (Kurusa Palliya) A door are there to enter in to these two churches and two windows. All the doors and windows are shape of an arch. The top of these churches are triangular shape. Holy Square is fenud around. After is built with granite. Above the back there is a statue of Mother of Kanikka. On top of the four walls there are four pictures of disciples of four Gospels.
The first missionaries in Sri Lanka, who spread the Gospel of Christ, were the Portuguese. The maritime provinces of the island were captured by the Portuguese invaders in the early sixteenth century and after about 150 years of occupation; they were completely expelled on 24 June 1658. The results of the Portuguese occupation, to summarize briefly, were the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church which took firm root mainly due to their free education and evangelistic enthusiasm. A large number of converts were made and several churches were built in Negombo. The Dutch East India Company succeeded the Portuguese and in 1640 captured Negombo.
The Dutch were in Sri Lanka for almost the same period as their predecessors mainly in the costal belt of the island. But for a Dutch cemetery
There is no record today to their having built a place of public worship in Negombo. Both the Dutch and the Portuguese were bent mainly on trade. The only evidence that yet remains in Negombo is a canal and the construction of a fort by the Dutch. There is a remnant of a rampart on which stands a clock tower with an under ground tunnel leading to magazine which was used to store guns, arms, ammunition and provisions in times of war. It would appear paradoxical that on this mound, which originally saved a military purpose, years later that church of St. Stephen was built for the glory of the prince of peace.
The British had captured almost all the Dutch settlements by the end of the 18th century. The entire island was finally ceded to the British after the fall of the Canadian Kingdom in 1815. The diocese of Colombo was founded in 1845 and the first bishop in Colombo was James Chapman. The need for a place of public worship for the Anglican community in Negombo was felt nearly a century after the first landing by the British in Sri Lanka. Steps were finally taken in 1876 to acquire a site for the purpose. A crown Grant dated 23rd September 1876 was made, the Grantee being the bishop of Colombo,
Rt. Revd. Reginald Stephen Copleston and the trustees of the church of Negombo, Messrs. Henry Bell, Charles Karlenberg and Harry Maule F Finch and their successors. The site selected for the erection of the church is in the area yet referred to as “The Dutch Fort” and is in extent only two roods and 17 perches according to the Crown Giant. The church building was completed by the end of 1877, and has been used for Divine Service before its consecration.
It was on 31st July, 1879 this beautiful little church building of Gothic architecture was consecrated and set apart.
Forever for the service of God by the Rt.Revd. R.S. Copleston, Beshop of Colombo. It is a significant coincidence that Bishop Copleston also bears the name Stephen. An account of the consecration as given in a supplement to the Ceylon Diocesan Gazette of 2nd August 1879 is reproduced:
The consecration of St. Stephen’s church, Negombo, took place on 31st July. This church has for about a year half been used for divine service under the charge of a Lay reader, with periodical visits by a clergyman from Colombo. The present Lay Reader is Mr. H.W. Green. Assistant Government Agent, who succeeded Mr. Ffinch in the office on his removal to Kurunegala. The work has also been efficiently directed from Colombo by Revd. T.F. Falkner, and it is hoped that the possession of a consecrated church will act as a stimulus to the Burgher and the Sinhalese members. The church stands in a commanding position on the summit of a mound, overlooking the Kachcheri and the Assistant Government Agent’s house. The exterior is simple, but very neat and pleasing, with a small stone cross at each end of the ridge-tiles. The interior, including a small canal measures 64ft. 9in. by 24 ft and it well lighted and aired by numerous windows. On this occasion it was tastefully decorated with flowers moss and Evergreens, the alter and chancel being especially pleasing.
“At 8.30 a.m. His lordship the Bishop presented himself at the west door proceeded by his chaplain, carrying the pastoral staff, and by messes. Ffinch and Green, Mr. advocate Ball, and the Revs. T. Christian and F. de Mel. The petition for the consecration having been read by Mr. Ball, The Bishop signified his consent, and the procession moved up the church, all chanting the 24th psalm; the earth is the Lord’s and all the fullness there of … The bishop having then taken his place in the chancel, the sentence of consecration was read by Mr. Ball, and signed by his lordship … The Te Deum was sung, followed by the litany – Desk by the Bishop’s chaplain. Then came the hymn, ‘Light’s abode celestial Salem’ after which the Bishop began the communion office, the chaplain reading the Epistle and the Rev.T. Christan the Gospel. In his sermon the bishop, taking for his text the anointing of the feet of our Lord by Mary, exhorted his hearers to join with the dedication of this church a new dedication of them to the service of God, and to remember that it was not merely a place built for the convenience of worshippers, but a solemn and irrevocable gift to him to whose honor it had been erected. It was therefore something of a reproach and a blot of their offering that there was still a debt upon it, which he urged them to make earnest efforts to remove… The communicants numbered about 25.
The church was filled from the first by an attentive congregation, including many professed Wesleyans. There were besides numerous spectators outside. The chants and hymns were accompanied by an American organ of a remarkably pleasing tone, played by Mr. Boake. The debt on the church amounted to about Rs. 1,000/=, but it is to be hoped that other churches in the diocese will be glad to help further a station where so much has been done without a resident clergyman. The effort stories during the day were given to this object and amounted to Rs. 70/-.
After the interval a service in Sinhalese were held, and was also well attended, being made more interesting by the baptism of a Sinhalese woman, two English ladies being sponsors. The bishop officiated and afterwards addressed the congregation in Sinhalese; the rest of the service being performed by the Revs. T. christenna F. de Mel. Even song at 5 in English was said by the bishop’s chaplain, with special psalms and hymns, the bishop preaching from the words “I, If I be lifted you from the earth, will draw all men into me.”
The congregation was again good. Thus ended a very bright day, a new starting – point; let us hope, for the church people in Negombo.
in the absence of a residential priest and there being no clergy man available. The service on Christmas day in 1880 was conducted by Mr. H.W. Green, assistant Government Agent. Rev.Cpleston visited this church the following day, being St. Stephen’s day, for morning service. The congratulation numbered 46 and the communicants 25.
A meeting of the congregation of this church with the Acting Archdeacon in the chair, was held on 16th may, 1882 at Negombo to frame the rules for the management of the church of England portion (as it was then known) of the general cemetery, Negombo.
A fairly detailed account of this church during its early period is given in the following note of the Arch deacon’s visitation to this church as appearing in the Ceylon Diocesan Gazette of 2nd September 1885; Saturday and sun day (11th and 12th July 1885 respectively) I stayed at Negombo with Mr. and Mrs. Haughton. The church is quite a little gem; it stands on a piece of rising ground, not far from the Government Officers, and is thoroughly well appointed. A vestry has just been added which forms a north transept. A western perch is about to be built and a belfry. Negombo is certainly an instance of what may be done in a situation by judiciously neglecting it, Negombo has never received a government giant, and the church has been built and fitted most tastefully by the resident church people. Till Mr. Dias (Rev. W.Dias) was sent to Negombo a year ago, there had never been, except for a few months, a resident clergyman. As it is, Mr.Dias is only at St. Stephen’s church at one service on three Sundays in the month. The Sunday services are however regularly sustained and have been for the last eight or nine years by the residents of the station, Mr. F.J.de livera The district judge, is now the lay reader and at the lay services, at which am sorry to say no instruction is given, but only the officers of the church are said, the church is well filled. I had two services both on Saturday and Sunday and preached each evening, on private prayer and bible reading. The church was full on both occasions. At the celebration on Sunday morning there were 19 communicants, though the usual monthly communion had been celebrated on the previous Sunday. On Sunday afternoons a sun day school is carried on in the church by two ladies at whom I found 15 children present.
Soon after the arrival of the bishop R.S. Copleston, in the island he agreed to the surrender of the state – aid which the church had received hitherto from England. With the faith and courage and ecclesiastical wisdom he processed, he created the endowment funds of the bishop and the clergy. All monies collected thereafter by the standing-committee and the individual congregations were entrusted to the treasurer of the diocese for investment and the maintenance of the clergy. Under this scheme St. Stephan’s church; Negombo depended almost entirely on the diocese. Although the clergymen visiting the church have stressed time and again the need for a resident priest, their request does not appear to have been complied with due to the poor financial resources of the parish and the dioces Rev. W.J. Wejesingha, who was at St. Mark’s church, Dandugama, was given in charge of this church in the year 1900, in addition to his other duties. Rev.F. H. de winton. M. A.
(Appointed Archdeacon in 1902) has been in charge of this parish, from time to time, as far as records are available, from 1896 to 1906. A saint a scholar, extremely ascetic in habits, frail in health, Rev. De winton traveled under arduous conditions attending to the parochial needs, stayed invariably at the Negombo rest house by the lagoon, and conducted services both in English and Sinhala preaching in both languages.
The arch – deacons of Colombo in addition to their normal duties were also in charge of this church until such time a residential priest was appointed.
During the first decade of this period there were two residential priests in charge of this church. R.e.v.s. G.A.H. Arndt and J.E. Silva from 1907 to 1911 and 1912 to 1916 respectively. These two priests given of their best for both the English and Sinhala speaking congregations and for the extension of God’s work in this parish, Rev. F. Mendis was in charge of this church in 1917. During the next three of four years from 1918, Ven. F.H.de Winton conducted services once again in this church and as Archdeacon had an oversight of this parish until the appointment of the Rev. W.P.Thomas, first as the deacon in February 1920 and later as priest in 1921. It is said
“An enthronement without a Throne; a Bishop without a Cathedral” Almost half a century of the life of this church it was “a priest without a parsonage” It was left to the young, energetic and resourceful Rev. Thomas to initiate action to build a parsonage.
Gifted with powers of persuasion it was no difficult task for him to find the necessary funds. The church building being surrounded by the lagoon and crown land, a problem arose to locate a suitable building – site for the parsonage.
Mr. K.L. Pereira, a long – standing and enthusiastic parishioner, rose to the occasion by persuading his friend Mr. Richard a. Perera, a lawyer and a Roman Catholic to sell his land 24.59 perches in extent for his purpose as it was well situated and in close proximity to the church for the sum of Rs.1600/ -. The deed of transfer was executed on the 25th March, 1924. The parsonage became a reality in 1926, almost on the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of the church. The sale of the land was affected during the time Roman Catholics considered the reformed churches as heretical. With the arrival of Rev. Thomas the Harvest thanks giving service by the English speaking congregation was revived after period of more than twenty years. Choral service of Holy Communion and choral even song were introduced once again. The services were well – attended and were greatly appreciated by the congregation, due both to the high standard of music and a choir trained by the musically talented Rev. Thomas. The church – pews too were extended by Rev. Thomas to accommodate the increase in the congregation. His period which was about 14 years could be considered the longest of a residential priest in Negombo.
The church building was furnished with electric lights soon after the introduction of electricity to Negombo. This was a gift from Mr. T.P.C. Carron, a prominent parishioner who is continuing to do his best for the church while yet practicing as an Attorney – at – law.
Rev. Thomas was succeeded by Rev. C.C.P. Arulpragasam in 1934; He was in charge of this parish until he was transferred in 1940.
Rev. T.A.M. Yayawardena who came to this parish as priest in 1940 helped many parishioners who were backsliders, and improved the attendance at Sunday Services by his regular visits to all the homes of the parishioners. He had no transport and dispite his physical disability to walk, he trudged long distances to visit a parishioner who had not been to church or one who is sick. There was a marked improvement in church attendance once again. He left the parish in 1945 on transfer.
It is in the Gampaha District North (Uthuru Aluthkurukorala) surface of the middle and South Pitipana facing the Thalahena road.
It is populated by some people migrated from Ruhuna south of Sri Lanka. Some priest came from Gove built a church statues the Catholic history.
The Easter dramas were started by the priests who had come from Gove with the statues carved by Nidappu Peduru. Even today there are two old Easter huts and a stage can be seen in front of the church. The villagers express that there were governing in 1764 arrested some artist while they were performing the drama. They were presented to the William Pork the governor. There was a tradition of dramas in Pitipans written on their own. The present church had been started to build in 1912 and complete in 1914. The architecture is as same as earlier. All the pictures and statues remains the same.
The plan of this church was brought by French father from Italy. The fence and statue of Johanadach were brought from France.
It is built according to Gothic Architectural. There are two porches 70 feet high besides it. These made the church larger look more spacious. There are three large doors of the larger look more spacious. There are three large doors of the shape of arch in front of the church to enter in. On the right there is the bell. In the building where this bell fixed have a stare case (wooden) to enter in to the church except the two three steps made of bricks and cement the fence of that made with wood. In the porches (Mogeppu) there is a huge wall clock fixed.
There are semi squared pillars. They are for the beauty only not for soil ness. There are some carvings on top of them are beautiful. Some angles were carved on the walls. Front wall also was carved. The frames were carved with differently liyawel and Palapethi (Like creapers) are carved. The porches are in squared shape and in 120 feet of height 8 angles are carved on it. The culpa built in the middle of church raised and equiangular shape. There are 8 angles carved on it.
The back of the holy square there is a wall and in front there is a fence built with marbles and covered it. The two churches (Kurusa) were exposed unlikely in the other churches. The fence was brought from France. Formerly it was fixed to church. The alter was also imported from France. It is decorated with carvings and beeralu. This is with Three stars and conserved the splendor of old. There are numerous statues of Mother Mary with baby Jesus are placed back wall of the alter. This is called (Kanikk- Mary) Mother of Kanikka.
There are fourteen doors, seven in one side. All are carved all the walls of church one carved. There are half squared pillars embossed to the wall. These are for the glamour and are carved. Above 20 feet of the inner wall there are twelve windows. These are built according to Githic Architecture and they are fixed with colorful different glasses. Some picture reflects in them. These pictures reflect to the opposite of lights in the day time they are visible to in side and in the night they reflects to out side when the church lights are on. They are imported from France. There are different features of St. Mary’s life and the Holy family.
On the right the birth of Jesus, the visit to Elesebeth by Mother Mary, Angel Gabrals message to Mary, engagement of St. Joseph and St. Mary the wedding, John the Baptist and St. Ann these are drawn on them, on the left. The crowning of St. Mary, hiding in …… hall, receiving of holy spirit Holy family. Fleeting to Egypt (St. Mary and Joseph). The baptism of Jesus can be seen.
There are built beside walls and placed statues in left. Mother Pathima, St. Nichlous, St. Peter’s statues are and on the right statues of Johanadac, St. Benedict’s placed.
The statue for processions is placed inside a carved cage. It covered 18 characters gold and all the jewelry would be warned. Below the windows with the colorful glasses there are twelve paintings hanged on. These pictures were there from the start. The ceiling of the church and the (Kurusa) churches are made by teak and have carvings.
There is upstairs at the front about yogis. There is a fence of wood. It is built for the choir. It doesn’t utilize now. There is a stare case to climb up.
There are many articles, stories written about Duwa. Specially about the Duwa famous drama. This drama is famous not only in Duwa but also in whole Sri Lanka and in some other countries.
The miraculous Statue used for Easter performance has completed 150 years in1989. Even long before they had brought the Statue in 1839, they used statues perform Easter dramas.
Why Jesus’ (Agony) or ‘Torment’ deeply rooted in the hearts of devotees in Duwa, a very small village. When compared with Wennappuwa, Katuneriya, Bolawatta and Dankotuwa it is very small similar to a small object could carried with our palm. Because of this same reason the qualities of Christ may have made some impact on them. They sustain their lives by fighting with the Sea, and they are sure to satisfy their needs with the blessing of God. They were cared by Mother Mary. They care their spiritual needs as well as physical need equally. This village is like Jesus’ home in Nasareth cared by Mother Mary. When they are in trouble or have some problems they go to church and pray, make supplication to God. There was not a moment that the church was empty.
They went to church had a prayer before starting the day and after finishing their duties. In the Easter time, when the Statue is in the church they went more often than usual. The Statue is the symbol of their lives. I had an opportunity to participate 150th Jubilee when I was the Parish Priest. This village was very different than others. The environment was also different. All young and old take care of their spiritual needs as well as their daily needs. It is because they were very much interested in Jesus’ Torment on the cross. They were possesed with Jesus’ qualities. They live as members of one family with unity and harmony.
The main reason to unite them is that they engage in the festival celebrations by participating one or two members of the same family in the Easter drama. Even they had some conflicts between them, they were to be united during the Easter season. It is same even today. There faith is genuine, it is a live.
If a person adhere the teaching of Jesus apply in their daily life, they could live a meaningful and successful life. It can be seen from their lives. We can learn a lesson from them.
History of Easter drama is famous and known by many people. So I do not write anything about it. I feel nobody ever had written something of this village. This is my opinion of this drama and an experiment. Whoever try to live according to Jesus’ teachings would walk in the correct path. Holy church will adorn him with a hailo around his head.
I do not say that they are saints. (the villagers) But when they try to inculcate the teachings deep inside, incone, he could lead a better life. Because these teachings will enlight them.
If a person dimmed his spiritual qualities (life) his life doesn’t have any value. It is worse than a life of an animals. There are many animals help us, like dogs, cows, cats ect., Man is created only a little lower to angels. If a man would not help a fellowman his life is not worth. Life will be miserable.
Many Christians love to watch the Easter drama. Some are participating with a deep devotion. Other want to compare the drama with the written records. It improves the faith, deepen the faith. They used this method to teach a religion that who were illiterate. It can apply even today. When Jesus’ life reflect from us and when it is a reality, we can lead a meaningful l life. What shall I do to this man’ he asked. You can embrace him, imitate him.
What is Duwa Easter Drama? It is merely ascene of a drama or a traditional way of worship? It is the time to identify the issue.
Now the time to reform Catholic way of worship in Sri Lanka. The way has to be localized in Sri Lankan style. Some friends belong to Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist religions still perform their rituals, activities in Pali, Sanscrit, Hindi, Arabic languages. We catholics accomplish every aspect of our devotion in Sinhala in accord with Sri Lankan style.
In the past through out the world in all catholic churches used Latin like a link of a chain. At present only a few retired priest and some laity class know Latin.
I humbly request Duwa Easter drama (organization) to publish a book about “Easter of Duwa”. They can invite a scholor who is studying abroad a clergy or laity to complete the above task. Please open a fund on that. Many dramatist, artist inquire about a book of research.
I wish someone may born from the same ground of Duwa.
Hon. Father Earnest Porutota
Parish Priest of Colombo.
It faces to the main street in the East of Negombo Aluthkuru Korala in Gampaha District of Western province. It is dedicated to St. Mary former church in this place was built in 1603 CE and when Dutch came to power that was destroyed. There were about 1300 Catholics gathered. After Britain came into power Hon. Rev. Pingas built a chapel in the land where the present convent is. Later a rectangle church 160 feet of height and 60 feet in length and width was built. The present church was built by expanding the rectangle church in 1874 in the time of Hon. Rev. Visalanu. Adjoining the church there is a school named St. Mary’s built by Catholic Church. A pillar of church had cracked down in the tenure of Hon. Rev. Grulet who was the parish priest. Fisher families had assisted in the renovations this church was built by the fisher families on their own account.
It is a very big church built in Gothic Architecture. Generally the Roman Catholic churches are built in the shape of a cross. There are three halls Main church and two other small halls called transept. The middle part of the main hall is called Holy Square. Back of it is the store room.
There are very high two porches beside the front of the church about 120 feet in height. Thickness of a wall is 3 feet. Four pillars stand, 5 feet of Diameter in front. They are carved on top. On these pillars another four pillars placed. They also are carved on top. To enter in to the church there are three doors. The middle door leads to the main hall and it is a line with the after there are two quarry doors beside the main hall Separated them with pillars. These are about 12 feet in height.
There are 10 pillars five in each side. Thicknesses of these are 2 feet. All these are joint with an arch like wall. All these are carved on top. The doors beside are leading to the quarry doors. The pillars beside is in 25 feet of height embossed to the wall as a part of the wall. There are 14 windows above 25 feet, fixed with some colorful windows. On the ceiling there are pictures of St. Mary’s (event in her life). At the entrance of the church there is a wooden up stare and a star case. First few steps had built with bricks and the rest are in wood.
The pillars which separate the main hall and the quarry doors in side made stages and placed statues on the first pillar Jesus. Second pillars St. Joachine, thried St. Ann, fourth St. Carmet, fifth St. Augastine. On the right hand side the statues resembles the way of the cross were placed. Above these there are drawings of Jesus and St. Mary’s on top of these there are semi circular windows. Ceiling of the quarry doors are carved with cement carving.
In 1640 CE. Coastal areas were being ruled by Portuguese. In the meantime Dutch were striving hard to capture these same areas. When Portuguese heard that the Dutch encircled the Negombo Fort, in the North of Colombo and secretly searching for a place to flee through. There was a Canal built by King of Kotte for the purpose to recede the flood water in Muthurajawela had flown to the lagoon. When Portuguese found the mouth of Canal which opens to the lagoon got on to the board of ships broadened the Canal and fled through the Sea to Colombo Fort.
Later the residents of Pamunugama used this Canal to transport the wood, fire wood and they traveled across. This land was named ‘Kapumen Egoda’ became Kepungoda in later time. They believe that their was a Fort of Portuguese. Sarakkuwa meaning (Mura Geya). Some ruins of it remained until recent past.
In 1710 three sons of Jayamanne. Mohottige Don Koranevis lived in Ambalanwatta, wend and lived (settled) in that place. They often cross the Canal to engage in their spiritual activities connected to Pamunugama church. When the water filled and over flowed the mouth of the Canal, so they couldn’t cross the canal. Then they had built small hut and kept a picture of St.Carmels prayed to it, says in the song of blessing in ‘July Kanya’ drama written by Jayasooriya Arachchige Don Juse.
There were some people who went on a pilgrimage to Thalawila, the leader was Pitipanage James Fernando met with a storm. They had to stationed on the beach in this area. They had to stay here for some time till the storm was stopped and the sea was calm. The villagers of the area had shown their hospitality and cared these crowed lovingly. After sea got calm they started the journey and returned their hometown. Pitipanage James Fernando realized the place was a very rich fishing land migrated with the family to Kepungoda. They were devoted worshipers of St. Anthoney’s. Obtaining a picture of St. Anthoney with much devotion prayed to it.
In 1825 built a small church thatched with Cadjans. In 1846 dedicated it to St. Anthoney’s. It had built between the premises of present church and the old hut for the prayers, in the centre. This land was donated by the son of Pitipanage James Fernando named Manuel Fernando on the 18th June 1844 with the deed No. 379.
A school was opened for spiritual education in 1856. It was built (erected) opposite the present cemetery. The first Annavi Muppu was a grand son of Pitipanage James Fernando, named Diago Fernando. The bell was brought in 1866. They did not satisfied with the church and thought it is not in proper standard. They were thinking to build a new church. Under the guidance of Hon. Fr. Silvester Pippili with the consent of Arch bishop Bonjun laid a foundation for a new church. It was bought from Son Christian Peter Fernando on the 29th June of 1869 extent of 20 yards x 10 in. The couldn’t build for 20 till 1895 due to some disputes regarding a Rainder (the 1/10 which collected from residences)
In 1884 A land was bought from Joseph Henry Soysa name Domingo Kurunduwatta (Sarakkuwe church land) by Hon. Fr. Direkshi. After Mortgaging the land started to build the church. The share of the Caraline Moisas also donated to the church. Whole extent of land was 11 acres 03 rudes on do 4 purchase. Bought for Rs.2092.75.
A Canal was built connecting to lagoon by Hon. Rev. Murior in 1894. All the building materials needed were transported through this Canal. The briks and the lime stones were brought through lagoon up to the Canal were brought on the shoulders of devotees to the church premises. The lime was made in the conera of a land of church. All the devotees had engaged in this task without and hesitation, offering their strength and wealth.
The priest had to reach for the duties through the barges or boats had crossed the canal. In 1900 the alter had completed first maas had offered on the Christmas day by Hon. Rev. Malga with much splendor. The sacred heart committee was started during this period. The boys school had transferred to the present place and started the educational activities. The land of the school was donated by Hon. Rev. John Aponsu and Hon. Rev. Manual Aponsu’s parents. The ceiling of alter was built by the money received by fishing on Sunday with special consent of the parish priest. (Normally do not fishing on Sundays) In 1915 a convent was built for nuns and another school built for girls. The land was donated by J.D. Marthelis Appuhamy. Hon. Rev. Paris bough 9.50 purches for Rs.60/= drawn a plan for the whole land of church cleared the deeds.
In 1925 in Rev. M. Gunasekara’s period Arch bishop Anthony Kuderu blessed and dedicated the church in St. Anthoney’s home in grandure. The area where the well was located marked to build the Jaela- Negombo main road. The well had to be filled and leveled to allow the road to be built. But no one intiated the task. In 1930 the well was overflowed and submerged to the earth. (in front of many people) While they were awaiting in front of it. The Easter celebrations they had built hut with three stories. The scenes which were performed was from the creation to Jesus’ ascention to heaven. The Statues which used to perform Jesus’ life experience, the segments of statues are remaining still at the church to give evidence.
There was a special procession to symbolize the 700th Jubilee of St.Anthoney’s on the 13th June 1931. Each and every devotee had carried a lighted bucket in their hands trekked from Sarakkuwa to the church in the evening had performed Novinas. The present well had built by a resident of Tudella a businessman Joseph Fernando. In mid January the residence most of them were fishers (anglers) performed 8 Novinas in a splendor. Before it happened on the previous Sunday celebrated St. Sebastians feast. On that same day they went on a procession around the village
It is the only church dedicated to St. Barbara which celebrates the 100 year. It was belonged to pitipana Parish. The Parish Priest was John Lio Ratnayaka Aich Bisop Chrislopher Bonjune had given the consented him tables the corner stone on the 10th October 1889, Witnesses were Jacob Fernando and Santhiyago Fernando.
The plan was on the 25th October 1889 CE for the completion of the church was estimated for Rs. 300. But they have started Rs. 290 in hand. Bricks, Lime, corner stone – foundation stores, wood were ready. Masons and the villagers had volunteered. They had paid only carpenters half of the day’s wages.
In 1894 the church was completed. The date is carved on the beams. The first to see the date was Hon. Father Don Edward. So the golden jubilee was celebrated in 1944.
The contractors were well experience “Bas Seeya” the name given an honor for Mr. Manuel Peris and S. Kathodis Peris. Bas Seeya had built the bell and he had donated an eight acre land to the church. The land of church and the St. Barbara’s statues was donated by D. Migel, K.D. Manuel, two brothers. The wooden fence also won a donation by Migel. It was renovated by M. Anthony Bruno and M. David Fernando with the donations made by many. It is a symbol of unity spiritual water.
It is situated in the middle of Basiyawatta in the North Dungalpitiya in the south, Negombo in the East and the coastal sea in the west. It is a fascinating village miles long and ¼ miles in with (area)There are two Thalahena had become. Thalahena some say Thalahena had become Thalahena. Geologically these two are correct bust latter is more consider.
In the beginning of 19th century there were few living their and almost all were fishing families and were Catholics When Joseph D. Priyas was the parish preiest in Negombo. In 1827 Thalahena Christians built small church and dedicated to St. Barbara (Present church was stored build in 1889)
Accept one or two houses all the others were thatched houses (The main street was built recently) Former road was in front of church near the lagoon. It is a gravel road and beyond that they have traveled through water. The devotees had traveled through rafters to Festival in Pamunugama and Thalawila St. Anne’s Festival. Boats were seen ill 1950. the fishers of Thalahena were very clever in their industry. They catch fish by using a culture fish as the bait in the nights.
There were people who were very clever in various industries. One of these skilled person was B. Alisandari Fernando called Wadu Mama,Who was very clever creator of sailor boats. Another was a famous sculpture who could some statues for Easter dramas.
A clever architecture from Thuththukudiya Mr. S. Manuel Peris who had built about thirty churches was another clever person.
In 1966 this village had made significant reforms after implementing new tourism scheme. Residence of this village had employed in this.
There was a person call Dioscrews in Nikko media city of Rome he was a very wealthy person. He had a very beautiful daughter. Her name is Barbara. When she had grown older became more beautiful young lady. There were many proposals were brought even through her own father. She was not interested in any. She was separated from all the ties with the outsiders. Father had to leave for a far away place. He built a very tall tower and kept her with all the needs to secure her.
In the meantime Barbara came to know true gad. She realized that her father was doing hypocrisy. She built another window in the tower. She wonted to do it to symbolize the Trinity. When Diocrews return he got the news that her daughter converted to catholic. When she was inquired she had admitted it. Then the father insist her that she must abandoned the catholic she didn’t angry father got wild and brought her to the courts to a judge the Maximum. Although the judge advised her she didn’t listen to him. He couldn’t change her mind. He said the she was punished. Never could anything change her he was surprised of her bravery. The judge thought it was a challenge and insult. She was punished with many ways of torture. All these were silently accepted by Barbara. The final punishment was father take over this task and went with a sword to her. She fled from him escaped several times. Finally she got caught to him. He was not feel mercy toward her. With one stroke of sword her neck was she had fallen down amidst a pool of blood. When Divorces tired to flee but he couldn’t run far he was stroked with lighting and electrocuted him.
As a penalty of worshiping catholic not only Barbara another woman Juliana also had to give her life. Velenleen buried both the bodies. Many went to the grave of her and prayed for their successes and got cured. People from everywhere openly worshiped and received some relief even before 9th century. Formerly she was regarded as the saint of thunder and lighting. Later she was the canons and the mind owners. When people are in the oritical status for last sacraments and commotions she was considered as a mediator.
In 1448 a person named in her hand nears a tower. Sometimes there are cannon near the statue. St. Barbara didn’t make her beauty a curse. She wasn’t being a slave for rich has Couldn’t suppress her with any power. She was abdomens in her faith what ever challenges, threats or abuse.
We must follow her foot steps closely the saint, the church had dedicated to her.
There is a very interesting and fascinating story behind this church. To promote the faith in St Fatima and Christan mission was launched. A statue of St Fatima was brought from Portuguese and carried through out the world.
When this status was carried through in Sri Lanka it came to Thalahena village and was kept on a stage. It was a very important day for Justina Achchi. Alias H.T. Justina Fernando who lived near this stage she felt that the holy water in Lude’s church and slowly she went to the stage and kept a container of water. It was 12th July 1950. The statue was brought to Thalahena amidst thousands devotees at about 3 O’ clock. Later it was carried to Pamunugama church.
Justina Achchi slowly went to the stage and brought the container of water as a valuable treasure to her home. After she drank a little water and felt her relief and cured and refresh. With this experience she gave a little water to her neighbors who were sick. With faith and devotion they had drunk it and got cured they said.
In commemoration of this incident father non C. Coralack built a small altar. The well which was near it was used to bathe after adding some holy water. Who had baths would care. When the message heard through out many came to bathe and get cured. The well was built their.
Many people came to cure themselves by bathing with the water and stayed for several days. In the day the reflection of St. Fatima was appeared in the well some said.
However people who had ailment were cured with their faith.
It is situated in a beautiful environment regarded by many devotees. The festival of this status is celebrated first week of September ever Thursday. There is a mars to cure the sick and praying for sick blessing the sick are being happening in this place. Aba Casla Hon. D.J. Weththasinghe, Philics Mewal, Lepertiyer and Francis Fernando dedicated themselves to develop this church. This fascinating Fatima statute is a K. Francis Perera’s present. It is a commendable gerora had presented by Victor Bass. Mr. M.J.C. Victor Fernando. We appreciate the assistance of parish priest Gregory Jayantha. We never can be forgetting the effort make by the youth to keep this place clean and beautiful. Please guard us who come to you for your help.
Sri Lankan had a great opportunity to gain knowledge about God the almighty in 1505 with the arrival of Portugies. Later Dutdh and the English started the missionary service in 1602. The Anglican Church had sent two missionaries named Peter and Mayer in 1819. It was the initial stages of the Anglican Church in Sri Lanka. At this time the work in Sri Lanka was being supervised under the bishop of Culcuta. A bishop named Hon. James Chapman was appointed by the Anglican Church. Companies belong to Anglican Church, A.S.P. and C. M. S. Sent the missionaries to Sri Lanka. As a result of their ardent effort many embraced Christianity. A.S.P. had been serving specially in the western part of the island. After some time the missionaries were sent to Sri Lanka, started the activities in Kurana. These work was assigned to A.S.P. company and it had continued the services in Kurana by appointing the deacons and the reverants This company had been assisting the work until 1930 about 82 years by providing the needs of the preachers. When the deacon was expelled from the congregation it had a difficult time to continue the work so the members who were very much devoted and keen on to learn the truth as well as had an interesting bring the people in the dark to he light, urged the bishop of Colombo to send a preacher. They did not received a reply early sent a reminder through some members by rafters on the canal to Colombo. The bishop received them dearly and accepted the application and consider that carefully, introduced the new deacon to them Mr. Thomas Christian .As Mr. Thomas was ready to accept the duties he was accompanied the members at their return on the rafters and landed. Many people were there to welcome him with honor.
Rev. Thomas Christian was born in 1822 at Baddegama. He was a Christian by his birth, belong to a poor family. The parents sent him to the Anglican school of Baddegama. For further education and to learn entered the Anglican school in Kotte. The time he spent in Kotte was his happiest days in his life he said. The religious education he received in this school had made an impact on him. When the other children were playing he was reading books related to philosophy and religion. Although he was not clever in the other subjects he had a keen interest on the subjects related to the religion. In 1843 his father died so he had to leave the studies and go home to care the family. He started to work as a teacher at a school in Baddegama. Not before long he was invited to work as a deacon at Hikkaduwa. He had a good friend who was a judge named Mr. Clerk. He advised him to work as a teacher in an orphanage attached to St. Thomas College Modaraand he was the person who had sent to Kurana. He thought that it was a place that he could serve God immensely. Kurana was not a place of many hope as the residence of the area are not pious, many are atheists. He was an honest, kind, humble and loving person and the other priest assisted him in his services.
After he had arrived Kurana he was appointed to a deacon and later became a reverent. He was an experienced, knowledgeable who could preach and teach very well the scriptures. Further more he was honored by all the members of his honesty, good conduct, generosity, and zealous. So that there were many friends gathered around him. He was complete in qualities of a clever preacher that the sermons were very simple, enthusiastic, have appropriate illustrations, orderly, meaningful and clear.
There was not a place to have the services so they had held them in the St. Phillips School. That land was donate by Mrs. Rosina Salgadu, the wife of late Mr. Carolis. The area that assigned to him was a very large from 14th mile post to 45th mile post, from Dandugama to Madampe. Dandugama, Kurana, Negombo, Marawila, Madmpe all those areas were under him, but the main station was Kurana. The neigboring villagers Dambuwa and Govinna were also attached to Kurana.He realized the need of a Church.
As a miracle a plot of land was donated by Phidelica Peris to build a church. With much effort a church was built.
Present and Ancient Stories of Kurana belong to Negombo of Gampaha District
|To the||North||–||Thaladuwa, Minuwangoda road|
|East||–||Goluwapokuna Estate and the Air Force Camp|
|West||–||Nayaka Road Katunayaka|
It is a village in Gampaha District of Western Province and belonged to Uthuru Aluth Korale
Within the limits of Katunaka Seeduwa municipal council and Negombo Municiple council,
The area is from Diya Honda Canal to Nayaka road named Kurana Katunayaka.
From Parakrama road to Minuwangoda road named Kurana Bolawalana.
From Thaladuwa road to Lagoon named Kadolkele.
Kurana was devided in to 4 divisions by the regime of English. Division 1 was the area of Kadolkele estate as there were not populated, and it was not famous. 2nd, 3rd and 4th were called Kurana. These divisions are still marked in the surveyor plans and the deeds.
|1st Division||–||Kurana to the North – Thaladuwa road ½ a km of area., East – Galkanda Junction, South- Colombo road, Galkanda junction South Colombo roas and to the West lagoon.|
|2nd Division||–||To the North Thaladuwa, East – Colombo road, South Diyahonda canal, West Negombo lagoon and about ¼ km distance runs up the canal.|
|3rd Division||–||To the North – Minuwangoda road, East Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe road, South Diahonda canal and to the West – Colombo road an area of 2 ½ km.|
|4th Division||–||To the North – Minuwangoda road, South Goluwapokuna Estate. And Katunayaka Air Force camp, South Diahonda canal, West Sri Wckrama Rajasinghe road an area of 2 ½ km.|
There was a Mudlier called Gajasinghe Kurunayakar awarded a land by the king as a gift of honor for his faithful service, this area was called Kuruna and this place was inherited by his generation, (see Neethi Rathnawaliya pages 141 to 142 ) After establishing this village.
Another mudlier called Madurasinghe Katunayakkara awarded a land as gift of honor by the king and it was called Katunaka says the legends
The people in the area were belonged to one cast, served as guards for the king. There were security camps established by the king of Senkadagala in this area mention in the legends. Later in the period of English rulers established security camps in the same area.
In the time of king Rajasinghe there was a battle between him and the Portuguese in 1581-1592. During this time there were two devoted captains named Gajasinghe Kodikara Mudyanse and Mudlier Madurasinghe Lansakkara mentions in the books (Neethi Rathnawali page 143)
The matters related to the religion and the persecutions under gone by the Catholics during the regime of Dutch are recorded in the archives.
The religious observances were held in a place of a carpenter were the priest was often visiting in 1704 and stored all the utensils for the services.
There was a school in Kurana (recorded in the book of Hon. Fr. V. Perniale, in the history of Catholic during the regime of Dutch in 1658-1711, Volume 1 page 255, Extract from a book written by F. Venlentif of Amsterdam in 1726. Oud en Nieuw oost Indan from the series in the volume V pages 426-433) In a report presented to the governor of Dutch, C.J. Simson in 1704 included some information about the above. So we can believe that there was a school in Kurana.
When a Catholic priest named Hon. Fr. Lorence Coloko was passing the village during the period of persecution, a leader of the village named Diyogu Arachchi had started a quarrel with the priest. He was a commander that there were some forty men, under him and he was called by a special title of Catholic, “Modemo”. But he had worked against the Catholics with the leaders of Dutch regime for his own personal gain describes in the book of Ceylon history from 1747-1795 in the 2nd Volume in page 80. In an extraction from Archive of Gova 176-cf 18 753-766-19 describes about Kurana
It is mentioned in Indo-Lanka Ethenic Afficities written by G.N. Kumaratunga, the leader who helped to evacuate was Mudlier Alponsu Rajakasn In the middle of 20 century lived a person named Mynaidelage John carolis Fernando was a resident who was very fluent in English and he was a village headman in the rule of English.He was also a native doctor lived in 3rd Parakrama road in Kurana.
He was appointed as the coroner and a justice of the peace. He was practicing as a notary public as well as a good cultivator who owned many lands. He was awarded honorary name and changed his name to John Carolis Piumwardana. (Able to see the monument at the cemetery in Kurana Katunayaka 1895.) In the beginning of 20th century there was another leader called Mynaidelage John Fernando. He also was awarded an honorary name and changed his name as John Fernando Gunaratna. He was a notary public lived in the Kurana 4th division. He was the Mayor of Negombo Municipal council in 1950. As an honor a road was named as John F. Gunaratne in Negombo. He was the pioneer in building of the St. Ann‘s school and the church in Kurana.
Another person called Mynaidelage Valantine Fernando also awarded an Honorary name by the English government and changed his name as Mudlier Velentine Fernando Wijayaratne. He was a principal living in Kurana 4th division from 1957-1958 and also he was the deputy mayor of Negombo municipal council.
Mr. Vincent Kariyakarawana the deputy mayor of Negombo municipal council from 1962-65 had built many roads in Kurana when he was a minister of municipal council.
Amen Kariyakarawana, the brother of Vincent Kariyakarawana was the chairman of Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corperation in 1977. Another brother of him was a media personnel.
Another resident of Kurana E. Johnson De Silva was the deputy mayor of municipal council of Negombo in 1965.
The son of John Gunaratna a judge Sarachchandra Gunaratna was the administrative officer of Wellawatta Weaving mill in June 1st 1983, later became the mayor of municipal council of Negombo. Then he became a minister of parliament of Negombo belongs to the Gampaha District. He pave the way to a new era expanded the area by joining Kochchikade, Pitipana Duwa, Thalahena and Peruwa to the Negombo municipal council. The main bus stand was transferred to the present place Kadolkele and developed the town area. Park at the beach, Shopping complex. Pradeepa hall also was a creation with his effort.
Levis Fernando 1994 , Austin Daberera 2002, and Neel Dunstan Fernando in 2006 were some of the Kurana people appointed as municipal ministers of parliament.
It is mention in the archives says that there was a church with about 599 members who were gathered from Kurana. (mention in the book written by Hon. Fr. P. Pernoilen The History of Ceylon, in the time of English, mentioned in the Volume 1 page 125 1775-1844.and in Volume 3, 1850-1855. Instead of the old church had started to build a new church in 1952. The initiator of this new building was Fr. Y. Roshan a French priest.
Kurana is a village of Sinhala Nationality and most of them are Catholics and some Anglicans and Methodists are also living in the area..
New Colombo Puttalam road was a narrow one and the mode of travelling was bullock carts. So the people who were travelling from Colombo to Puttalam, Puttalam via Negombo, Dandugama via Kandy travelled through Kurana village As there were no bridges in Munnakkarai or Pitipana.
In 1907, a railway line was built from Puttalam to Negombo. The Negombo station was opened on the 10th of December 1910 and continued the transportation through the railway. Later an agency railway station was established and started issue the tickets. There were discriminations which prevaile among people about cast and creed, later changed with the migrated people from the other parts of the country. So it helped to this village to march on towards development. In 1994 another two plattforms were built and became a main station.
We mentioned earlier that there was a school at Kurana. In the early 20th century need of a school was realized. The Catholic Church provided the fund to start a school in 1943. As a result present St Ann’s school had begun. The land adjoining the school was donated by Mr. T. E. K. de Cruse. On the 29th of April 1945 the school was opened with the blessings of Fr. D. J. Anthony. The area of the building was about 80ft in width and 1600ft in length. This building can accommodate 160 students. The First principal was Mr. D. E. Muhandiram. It had started with the students of 181 and there were three teachers gradually expanded up to 1000 students and 40 teachers at present, a famous school in Negombo zone.
Another school started recently which is managed by St, Peter’s College Colombo as a private school named St. Jude gradually tread forward to a higher position. Literacy rate in Kurana is about 99%. There are engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, priests, brothers and nuns were born in this village. Salpeduruge Peter Fernando, Mynaidelage Albert Fernando Biyanwilage Antony Fernando, Deraja Arachchige Primus William Fernando, Waluthanthige Justin Perera the principals who were born in Kurana. There were people who worked in the forces and there were personnel of force who died during the Elam war. They were Allappage Leo Anthony Fernando, (police), Mynaidelage Raj Fernando (police), Ranjan Peris (Army), Liyanage Anil Pushpakumara and Amarasinghe Arachchige Rohan (Air Force).
There were two lush paddy fields called Wevagama and Meegahawela. The cultivating is annihilated in these from about 25 years because there are no farmers and due to some irrigation problems.
The western part of Kurana is the lagoon, Many people could sustain there lives with engage in fishing but as the Mangrow trees are cut near the bank and also filled the area, the natural breeding places are destroyed as a result the harvest is less.
There are few people still engaged in fishing in order to sustain there lives. Many are employed in outside of the village to earn their living.
The middle area is hilly that it does not threaten by any floods and there is clean water. It was a cinnamon estate.
Today there are few coconut estates remaining but most of the area is covered with buildings and much populated. Recently the ministry had announced by a gazette, to build only the residence places
Many people prefer to live in Negombo as there are all the necessities prevailed in the area such as hospitals, schools, transport, Air port and the free trade zone.
Reported by J. Emmanuel F. Piume Warden dated 26th Sep. 2009. To The internet of Meepura.
The boundaries of Kurana are Diya Honda canal and the lagoon. There is an interesting story behind this name. When the King was deported from the country as a prisoner he was passing this canal, he had drunk water from the canal, so the people felt that the water was clearer than well water and later it was called Diya Honda Ela (the canal contains good water) Nayaka road is also one aboundry to Kurana village. Earlier it was a forest then became a cineman estate and later a coconut estate. There were not any ruins belong to Buddhism or to any other religion.
In the period of King Rajasinghe there were two Mudliers called Gajasinhe Kurunakkara and Madanasinghe Katunayakar. The place where Katunayakar lived had named Katunayaka and the place where Kurunayakkara lived had named Kurana. There is an another version, it was a land with lots of thorns and also there was a huge Na tree taller than all the other trees stood above all as a leader so it had got the name meaning the leader to all thorns.
The lagoon which brings much fascination to Kurana, Katunayaka and Negombo is the main sustain of the lives of many people. This was the main route they used for transport goods as well as people. The Missionary who had build the St., Phillip church also used the same route. If you go near the lagoon on an evening you would see wonderful eye catching scenery.
At present it is a complex village with a busy air port, Air force camp and a free trade zone. It represent with all the nationalities. Most of the residents are Catholics and there is considerable number of Methodists as well. Some Christians belong to other denominations also are there in the area. Katunayaka is internationally well known city, because of the international air port. With these information and all the experience it completes 120 years.


Today our first reading (Acts 9:36-43) requires a geography lesson and a recap, or more to the point a fill-in. Last week we were with Saul on his journey to Damascus and today we have jumped to Peter in Lydda. Lydda is a regional centre, about 25 miles north west of Jerusalem on the road to the port of Joppa, which served as the main port for Jerusalem. Joppa is a further 11 miles west. Lydda is on the crossroads between two main routes, one going east-west from Jerusalem to Joppa on the coast, and the other going north-south between Syria and Egypt. It is then a major place, one where travellers meet and as with all marketplaces and intersections it is a place to exchange news and ideas as well as goods. So Peter is far from hiding, he has gone to a major place where he can’t help being noticed. These disciples are not keeping quiet as they had been instructed to do and are doing anything but keeping their heads down.
That brazen ‘out and loud’ approach is significant. Earlier in Acts (5:17-42) we hear of Peter being arrested and put in prison. Prisons in the first century were more like being on remand than a sentence or punishment in themselves. They were the place you were held until it was decided what to do with you. There were no provisions, so friends and relatives would need to bring you whatever was needed including food. This sheds a rather different light on Jesus’ teaching “when I was in prison you visited me”, you cared for those in a desperate plight. Prison could well have led to a death sentence. The charge would have been a serious one. The Roman cultic worship was obligatory and the Jewish faith had an exemption so if the disciples were charged with being outside this exemption and speaking against the cultic religion the sentence could easily be death. This pops up time and again in Acts. Paul spends long periods in prison with the threat of death over his head. A number of his letters were written from prison, which rather gives them an edge.
Acts describes a miraculous escape. Peter is freed by a visitor, a messenger from God, whom it calls an angel. A visitor is not unusual, because that’s how you get fed, so who knows what actually happened. He is freed and despite having been told not to speak, and even flogged to try to shut him up, he is found in the market place proclaiming his faith in Jesus Christ at the top of his voice. After this he travels, going ‘here and there’, as Acts describes it, and finds his way to Lydda. Again no hiding place, not a quiet backwater where he can keep his head down. These disciples are being defiant and confrontational. Why? Because they believe the message they have is so life changing that it can’t be kept quiet. It just has to be told and the best way to spread news is to go to the main east-west north-south crossroads. Today it would be posted on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and they would do something to get on the main evening news. They want this message to go viral.
Shortly after Peter arrives at Lydda, he makes news by healing a man named Aeneas, who has been bedridden for 8 years (Acts 9:32-35). His message is clear and evangelistic, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you”, and with that he gets up and makes his bed. This causes a wave of conversions. People see what has happened and are impressed.
Our reading this morning picked up the story as news arrived that a much-loved saint of Joppa had died (Acts 9:36-43). Tabitha seems to have been a skilled seamstress and as people do when a talented person dies they treasure their work. Someone who has worked wood, embroidered tapestries and fine needle point, knitted jumpers and scarves, even tea pot covers, these all go on display and link us to the one who has died. A number of years ago I took the funeral of young animator and when I visited his widow she showed me films he had made. It was his life on display and being treasured. Peter decides to travel the 11 miles to visit. Given how quickly funerals and burials happen in hot climates, this seems to happen very quickly, possibly the same day. If they set off straight away, the turn around at 3 miles an hour is about 8 hours.
What happens next is reminiscent of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life. Just as Jesus calls “Lazarus, come out” as he stands at the opening to the tomb (John 11), so Peter says “Tabitha, get up”. Unlike the healing of Aeneas, he doesn’t bother with invoking the name of Jesus. As Jesus did, so his disciples are to do. As he said in our gospel reading: “My sheet hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) They show that they are his Apostles, sent by him, and that his message has credence by doing what he did.
That’s quite a challenge. I can take the implied call not to hide our light under a tub, to quote Jesus. We are to be people who will give an account of the light and hope that is inside us. If we don’t no one will know why we do what we do and so it will be a witness to nothing other than being nice (assuming we are being nice that is). And while Christianity is supposed to make us live graciously and generously, welcoming all with the love of Christ, as I’ve written in the newsletter this time, it is because this displays the light and hope we have in Jesus Christ, risen from the dead; it springs from this life and love, faith and hope. It is not just ‘niceness’. Anglicans are not known for the exuberance of their witness and talking about Jesus as the light within them. It’s a bit of a seat shuffler, being asked to do that. But developing a few natural phrases wouldn’t hurt to make this go viral.
So if we struggle a bit with giving an account of the light, healing the bedridden let alone raising the dead is going to take us to another level. And I don’t know of any occasion when I’ve raised the dead or healed the sick. I’ve blessed people who were dying and some have duly died, hopefully with a sense of peace, but some have recovered – dramatically. I’m too much of a liberal sceptic to claim the credit or even attribute it. So these are passages that make me scratch my head.
There is a film, called ‘Breakthrough’, being advertised in the cinema at the moment. We saw a trailer for it last Sunday evening while at the Showcase. It is about a 14 year-old teenage boy from Missouri who falls through the ice on a river and seems to drown. He goes into a coma with no pulse for 45 minutes. Everyone is encouraged to pray for him and he recovers. It claims to be a true story. The film has clearly been made as an evangelistic tool, but I’m left shuffling in my seat, uneasily slurping on my drink and eating popcorn, with full sceptical alarm bells going off in my head. How much of this has a natural explanation? What has really gone on here? The factors in his favour seem to have been the quick and skilled response of the medical team and that it was a cold water drowning. Here the physiological response to the shock, the bradycardic response, causes blood vessels to constrict, the heart to slow down and divert blood to vital organs that need it more. The brain cooling so quickly can also make it more likely to survive. Who knows what condition Tabitha was in as she lay assumed to be dead in Joppa in our first reading.
The word miracle means a marvelous occurrence that triggers faith. The world itself is such a marvel. Medical science is awe-inspiring. So I’m not looking for proofs, it is after all, as Jesus taught, a Godless and faithless generation that looks for signs. Rather I see those signs all around each day, and each day we are called to live as people who bring life wherever there is death or life is being sapped. That might be in aid, as with Christian Aid Week – which begins today, in the politics of hope and justice – as we call for in an election. It could be in the countless ways we bless and heal, comfort and show the love of Christ. Life is brought in the way we affirm God’s goodness in and through these wonders. Whatever it is, the call that comes out from Peter is to be prepared to give an account of the light and hope in us and proclaim the overarching sovereignty of God. This is God’s world, our life comes from God and we live it for God. That is the message we need to make go viral, by whatever means. God is good, the world is awesome, and in Jesus Christ life is sacred in his sight.
Sermon for Easter 4, Peterborough Parish Church, Sunday 12th May 2019


In the car on the way home tonight, I had an epiphany.
In my continuing battle between my flesh and the Spirit, in my daily war to put my sin to death, God has given me grace to give me a picture that stopped me in my thoughts.
I read a fantastic post by John Piper today (link). In it, Piper pleads with us to see that lusts of all kinds, but specifically sexual lusts, diminish the majesty of God, and threaten not only to take away a precious treasure from us, but to heap death upon us instead. I've been thinking all day about this post, and my flesh has repeatedly risen up to combat the truth that God is showing me through His servant. As it was in the car on my way home tonight.
Since I've struggled with the temptation of pornography, one effective reminder that God has given me has been that a vast majority of "stars" in this field are actually victims of unspeakable evil. This knowledge has made it very easy to avoid a lot of what is out there. But the flesh always finds a way to justify its' tempting with the "stars" that are willing to put themselves out there.
So by God's grace I'm thinking on this article, and my flesh is combating the truth, and the Spirit in me is fighting back, so there is this dialog going on. And "those that are willing" comes into my mind as an excuse that I've struggled to have an answer for. Then the answer begins to appear. Women, and men, who willingly show themselves to the world in a way God only intended to be private between a husband and wife, are in reality prostitutes. Selling their physical body for monetary gain. Though you may not have to pay any money to partake of what they are offering, they are giving you something regardless. They are peddling a lie. A corruption. A perversion. Which, when it comes down to it, is the raw form of sin.
A simple definition I use of sin involves taking something good that God has made, and twisting it to oppose His purpose and the goodness He intended. Porn fits that definition perfectly. And as Proverbs puts it, the way of the harlot goes to death (Prov 7:27). Then the answer becomes clearer. There are others who offer what seems good at first, but ultimately ends in the downfall of those who heed the call. The false prophet. The liar. Those who twist the gospel of Christ into something that glorifies man and not God.
To be explicit, this realization means that either:
Porn Stars == Victims of some of the deepest evil men can do.
Porn Stars == Benny Hinn. Joel Osteen.
Both of these should be easy for Christians to despise, as they are both clear affronts to the God we so desperately desire to serve with all our hearts. There is no desire to partake when we are grieved by what we are looking at. Now it's easier to be grieved no matter who is tempting you in this way.


- St. John's Choir meets Wednesday evenings, September - May, at 6:00 p.m.
They sing on select Sundays.
- Tuesday Morning Quilting:
- Tuesday Morning Quilting Group meets Tuesday mornings, January - April,
from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon to tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief and
local fire victims.
- Evening Circle:
- Evening Circle meets, September - May, on the second Thursday of the
month at 7:00 p.m. St. John's Evening Circle is affiliated with the
national Lutheran Women's Missionary League. The meeting begins with
Bible study which is followed by the business meeting. Sometimes special
mission projects are worked on.
- Active Christian Teens (A.C.T.):
- A.C.T. meets the first Wednesday of the month, September - May, for
supper and a business meeting. Other activities are scheduled.


INFANTS - 1ST GRADE
Here at Victory we understand that one of the best ways for a parent to be able to focus on the Lord Our God is to feel confident that children are safe and well cared for. This is a top priority for us - not only for the parent's sakes, but also for the children's sakes!
If you have nursery-aged little ones, rest assured that they will be in good hands while you partake in the service.
GRADES 2 - 6
Here at Victory Kids our goal is to give children the opportunity to build a firm foundation in Christ. We want to see our children raised up knowing that they are valued by God and that they can do absolutely anything through Christ! We never, ever underestimate the power inside of a child. We are dedicated to the destinies of each and every child that we have the pleasure of meeting.
With high-energy music, games, lessons, and the opportunity to learn tons of bible verses, we create an environment in which our kids have fun building a relationship with Jesus. Our ultimate goal is to see kids love God completely, love people unconditionally, and love life enthusiastically.
GRADES 7 - 12
Our goal is to see Heaven come to Earth. We believe that this will happen when we get a deep revelation of who God is and who we are to Him. We believe that once we understand that we will fulfill the commandments to love God completely (Mark 12:30), love people unconditionally (Mark 12:31), and love life enthusiastically (John 10:10). We are committed to seeing you know the fullness of Christ and all of His glory. We want to grow together, not just socially, but spiritually. We recognize that since Christ died for us, we no longer have to live according to the standard of this world. We are new creations designed to constantly be growing closer to the Father’s heart. Our heart’s desire is to see a generation that is saved, set free, and delivered, and to create an atmosphere in which they are safe to grow, not safe from a risky life but safe build a relationship with the Lord and with others.


THE ORIGINAL OLD PARISH CHURCH.
(by Jill Harper)
It was in spring 1571, when the first sod was cut in preparation for the laying of he foundation stone, on solid rock, of the very first Old Parish Church of Fraserburgh.
Then, nothing but green fields, moss, rock and brushwood lay between the church and the castle at Kinnaird Head.
The 1571 church was enlarged, repaired and improved in the years 1628 and 1688, and the present church dates from 1803.
The Old Kirk of Fraserburgh is very rich in its historical interest and around it gathers the traditions of centuries -
things spiritual, ecclesiastical, civil and educational.
(This is the description from the booklet of just one of the panels in the Fraserburgh 400 tapestry.)
Back to 400 page.


December 21, 2011
Those of you that know me have no problem believing that I have a tendency towards sarcasm. I try to use my powers of sarcasm for good and not evil, but I am sure I mess up sometimes. Good sarcasm is semi-dependent on vocal inflection. Just try saying the sentence “That looks really nice on you” with varying inflections as see how quickly you go from supportive to mean. Hence the reason I am calling for a sarcasm font. I want something that allows me to type sarcasm clearly. I suggest the following for sarcastic clarity – ^sarcasm^. I suggest this because I never use the symbol above the number 6 for anything and the italics somehow gives it a touch of class.
“That haircut was a terrific decision”- You just made someone’s day
“^That haircut was a terrific decision^” - You just made someone cry, go repent
I bring this up because my friend Mark (who really takes the imitator of Christ thing literally based on pictures I’ve seen of Jesus) recently asked me to write a paragraph for his blog’s reflection on politics. Mark and I share a ^deep and profound love of politics^, which has become to reasonable discourse what WWF is to sports.
He asked me to give him a paragraph on what a country looks like if Jesus was President. It was a fun idea that I answered in a way that probably reads a little less than serious.
In a land where Jesus is president.
Ironically election is no longer a divisive term politically or theologically. He is in office because he campaigned by giving everything he has away. There are no more citizens. Just sons and daughters. His cabinet is made up entirely of children. There are two laws and it is up to you to obey. 1) Give every part of yourself to God (yes even the gross parts) and 2) Love everyone on earth like they are the God in whose image they are made.
The tax code is simple: If you have more manna than you need give it away to those who are hungry before it stinks up your tent. Foreign relations take place around a large table. Everyone brings their best food and wine, and we tell stories. (I, that is Mike, will be eating with the Thai members of the family, and telling stories with the American southerners). The army trains by running wide armed at stuffed dummy replicas of the “enemy”, and then practices throwing themselves at their mannequin feet with a towel and basin. This will take some practice before they can really get between the toes. All zoos have no fences because the snakes don’t bite and the lambs use lions as pillows. Oh and we all get to talk face to face with the President anytime and anywhere we want, His schedule is surprisingly open.”
I know that to most people this sounds like childish wishes of La-La Land, and theologically speaking they would kind of be at least kind of right. But, I would like to point out the noticeable absence of my sarcasm font. It is absent because, as Mark points out, I actually believe this stuff. Allow me a little space for a theological defense of this LaLa Land.
What we are really talking about here is in scripture called the Kingdom of God. It is the DOMain over which God is KING. In other words it is what the it looks like when God’s will is done and when God is really the leader -AKA President. I would say that each of the things mentioned above may sound distanced from the real world, but scripturally speaking they are descriptive of what it looks like when God is in charge.
See Phil. 2:5-11 for how Jesus gets to the highest office. See 1 John 2:1-2 for our status as children, which in my mind is a greater title then citizen, although that language is used as well in scripture. See Matthew 18 1-4 for Jesus words on Children being first in the Kingdom. See Matthew 22:33-40 for the only two commands(laws) that really matter to Jesus. See for the story in Exodus 16:15-22 on how God asks us to handle our resources when God is in charge. For God’s cabinet meeting see Isaiah 25:6-8. For Jesus’ strategy for how to handle those about to kill you (Judas) see John 13:1-17. Isaiah 11:6-11 is the reference about predators now befriending their former prey, although technically I used the popular lion/lamb image over the more scripturally accurate wolf/lamb language. And, finally, here is one verse about speaking to God constantly in 1 Thess. 5:17. Whew.
So what one might call Utopian pipe dream or LaLa Land we call the Kingdom of God. Heaven is our name for the place where the Kingdom of God is already realized. May your will be done “on earth as it is in heaven” is our prayer and commitment to realize these things here and now. So I believe in LaLa Land. I believe in trying to live like Jesus is already President and the banquet is already starting. Hopefully as we live into this Kingdom here and now we build the foundation for it final arrival. Almost like we are the first fruits of something else…^there should be a verse about that^.


We are all created on this earth to fulfill a life of purpose. In God’s eyes, we are all perfect for HIM in each and every way. We are each given an opportunity to display our inner gifts, talents and abilities to create whatever life has to offers us. Sometimes when I am in a quiet space, I am in awe of all of the natural wonders of the world. I often marvel at the thought of being one of God’s beautiful, yet complex creations. We have all been placed on this earth to be of great significance to others.
It is easy to forget how beautifully and intentionally made we are. As we go through life’s daily challenges of acceptance, belonging, trust issues and power struggles to be seen and heard, we get caught up in the world and often lose sight of the gratitude and appreciation placed within our lives.
Oftentimes, our past and current fears, weaknesses, and overall negative experiences puts us into a trapped space of imprisionment and self-inflicted punishment in which we often envelop suffocating-like thoughts filled with worthlessness, depression, sadness and confusion.
You must understand that YOU get to have the choice to be what you want to be and do. Yes, it takes a special kind of courage to stay focused, determined and persistent in order to get through all the trials and tribulations that may come your way. However, you do have the ability to be the change that you wish to see.
Take a deeper look inside your heart and find what makes you passionate, loving and full of life. Ask yourself, what is it that you enjoy most? What makes your mind tick? What makes your heart flutter? You have the option to CHOOSE LIFE.


From a young Nazi to a tacit collaborator with the Argentinean Junta
3.18.2013 Leave a comment
It appears the one Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church cannot produce a Pope with clean hands, with hands unsullied by inquisitions, mass terror and murder. As Annette Langer of Der Spiegel has recently reported, not every Argentinean celebrated Jorge Mario Bergoglio‘s election, and with good cause:
“I can’t believe it. I’m so distressed and full of anger that I don’t know what to do,” wrote the sister of deceased priest and torture victim Orlando Yorio in an e-mail to the journalist Horacio Berbitsky. “Now he’s achieved what he wanted.”
“He,” for Graciela Yorio, refers to a power-hungry man who betrayed her brother and the Hungarian Jesuit Franz Jalics to Argentina’s mililtary dictatorshop (sic). A man who did nothing to stop the two faithful from being locked up in prison for five months and tortured. “He” is Pope Francis, then still known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, provincial of the Argentine Jesuits.
The two liberation theologists were kidnapped on May 23, 1976 in a slum where they were doing ministry and social work. “Many people politically associated with the extreme right viewed our presence in the poor districts with suspicion,” recalled Jalics later in his writings. “They interprested (sic) the fact that we lived there as support of the guerrillas, and they denounced us as terrorists.”
The regime’s henchmen brought the two Jesuits to the Escuela de Mecánica de la Armada (ESMA), a detention center notorious for torture. After five months they were thrown out onto a field half-naked and pumped full of drugs. The priests complained of Bergoglio to Superior General Pedro Arrupe in Rome. But they had already been expelled from the Jesuit order, allegedly due to contact with woman and “conflicts of obedience.”
Bergolio dismissed the two priests before their arrest, a fact that, when considered along with Bergolio’s conservatism, compromises and, perhaps, undermines the post facto defense of the new Pope.
- Pope Francis Kidnapping Controversy: Jorge Mario Bergoglio Accused Of Involvement In 1976 Abductions (huffingtonpost.com)
- More Evidence That Pope Francis Refused To Condemn the Military Junta That Killed Over 30,000 Argentineans. (davidmixner.com)
- Priest kidnapped by junta: Reconciled with pope (miamiherald.com)
- “Washington’s Pope”? Who is Pope Francis I? Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio and Argentina’s “Dirty War” (nsnbc.me)