By: Raymond Rajabalan
It was a joyous day for the parishioners of Kayts since not everyone is blessed to be able to attend the Bicentennial celebration of their parish church. The morning of Sunday, August 16th dawned as usual and the gloriously orange ball of the rising sun slowly began ascending in the distant horizon with its dazzling golden rays illuminating the imposing dome and façade of the historic church of Kayts St. Antony’s, providing a spectacular sight.It was a unique event since it was the day of the Bicentennial celebration of this historic shrine of the saint of Antony of Padua.
Bishop of Jaffna blessing the church
At the crack of dawn, dozens of devotees from the town of Kayts and surrounding areas began arriving at the recently restored shrine. The usual silence of the area around the shrine was soon punctured by the pealing of the church bells as a prelude to the great events that were to unfold within the next short while.
Just a few minutes before seven on that hot summer morning there was a sudden flurry of activity and devotional songs in praise of the miraculous saint began to fill the air. Within minutes a bevy of students from the neighboring St. Mary’s convent in bright yellow and Crimson uniform arrived and began to stage a perfectly coordinated spectacular traditional dance, setting the stage for a great religious event.
Emeritus Bishop Thomas cutting open the ribbon
With the dance troupe leading the procession, religious dignitaries led by the Bishop of Jaffna Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr.Justin Bernard Gnanapragasamand the Emeritus Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundranayagam accompanied by a number of priests including the parish priest of KaytsRev. Fr.Mac Mayooran, Rev. Fr.Anton Amalathas, the Rector of St. Antony’s College, Rev. Fr.M. David (Parish Priest of Mandaithivu, Dean of the Islands Deanery and member of Jaffna Diocese Bishop Council), Rev. Fr.SebamalaiPerera(Preacher OMI) and Rev.Fr. TerrenceR.O (Secretary to the Bishop)began to arrive at the church entrance. After the Bishops were provided the traditional welcome
Bishops and priests welcomed at the church entrance
Emeritus Bishop Thomas Savundranayagam cut the ribbon to officially declare open the restored shrine, to the accompaniment of rounds of applause from the grateful devotees. Bishop Justin Gnanapragasam then blessed the church.
When the religious service led by Bishop Gnanapragasam commenced, devotional songs by church Choir began pervading and be reverberating throughout the shrine, with the church filled to capacity, the usual order of the festive mass followed in quick succession.
Statue of St. Antony
Meanwhile teams of volunteers spread throughout the precincts of the church ensured that at all times effective safety measures were implemented as per government regulations. At the close of the mass several speeches were made by some of the parishioners as well as priests.
Mr.Eymard Julian, President, Kayts St. Anthony’s Church Welfare Society, Colombo offered the vote of Thanks acknowledging the assistance provided by the parishioners who ensured the success of this memorable event.
Rev. Fr. A. Mac Mayooran, the energetic parish priest of Kayts who effectively coordinated the entire restoration work as well as the centennial celebration profusely thanked everyone who provided financial contribution for this noble project.
Rev. Fr. Anton Amalathas, the Rector of the neighboring St. Antony’s College in his emotional speech pinpointed the significance of the link between the college and the church.
Rev. Fr. M. David speaking at the occasion appealed to the parishioners living abroad for continued help to develop the schools and churches in Kayts Island.
Facade of St. Antony’s church
The day’s events were brought to a close with the entire congregation feeling immensely satisfied by the staging of a once in a lifetime memorable religious event.
