" There are 6 billion in the world and everyone is different from another. If you look around and see the faces of the others, the way they walk, and the way they talk, it is totally different from one and another. This is the uniqueness that God has given to everyone of us. We have different talents, we have good qualities in our lives and also, we have our own weaknesses. But before God everyone is very precious and unique for Him. And out of this uniqueness, God calls us for different missions. " said Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith addressing the children on the Children's Day held at Tewatta on Saturday the 06th March 2010.
The Annual Archdiocesan Children's Day was held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka with a massive crowd of children participating. Due to the war situation in the country, children's Day in 2009 was not held. Sunday School children and the children in different schools await longing to participate in the Children's Day Programme in the Archdiocese. Parish Priests and the Catechists take extra effort to prepare the children and bring them to Tewatta for this special day.
The theme of the Children's Day was " Here I am Lord, send me ". Rev. Fr. Indra Fernando, the Archdiocesan Director for Catechetics, together Deanery Coordinators and the staff members at the Catechetical Centre had organized the proceedings very well for the children to participate well. Many extra activities were removed giving more time for children to meet His Grace the Archbishop, Rev. Fathers and Sisters and also to visit the Vocation Camp and the exhibition which was also organized by the Catechetical Centre to promote vocations among the children.
Addressing the children His Grace Archbishop Malcolm further said, " look at how Samuel was called. When Samuel heard the voice of the Lord, he came asked his mother whether she called him. Eventually Samuel realized it the Lord who had called him. God chooses whom He desires. God called Samuel and made him a great prophet to the nations. When St. Theresa of the Childd Jesus was called, she was only 14 years. I am sure there are children of 14 years here. She was the youngest of the five daughters born to Louis and Zelie Martin. Theresa was a very lively, lovable little girl. Her father called her his "little queen.' She had a thirst to suffer for love of God. Theresa had the spiritual courage of a real heroine. she would offer her pain to her beloved Jesus. She would hide her hurts under a smile. She told Jesus to do with her whatever was his will. She died at age of 24 years, but within the 9 years she lived, she lived a very holy life. Even when she was very ill, she used to look at the chapel outside through her window. One day Mother asked 'with whom you are laughing ?' She said. 'the Lord is smiling and I am also smiling with him. I love Him so much more than anyone in this world'. This is how they became great saints. Look at how Blessed Mother Teresa. Having lived under very difficult circumstances in her own country, Albania, she came to India and answered the Call of God and became a Sister to look after the hungry and dying. Her life has challenged many and has changed the lives of so many in this world. What a holy life she lived to influenced the whole world. St. John Vianney, inspite of his weaknesses in studies, he persevered to answer the Call of God and then became a priest. Almost 10-12 hours on each day St. John Vianney as a priest, spent helping the people to make their confessions and rest of the time he prayed before Blessed Sacrament."
" When God calls you do not be afraid, to give yourself completely to Him. Committ yourself very deeply for a special mission when the Lord calls you. We often hear this call within our self, but do not be afraid of anyone in this world, to say "yes " to the Lord. When God calls you, respond to Him joyfully saying, " here I am Lord, send me " , said His Grace Archbishop Malcolm inviting children to committ their lives to a deeper call of the Lord.
After the Eucharistic Celebration children were very keenly visiting the exhibition of the Vocaation Camp.
Rodney Warnakulasuriya found sometime to entertain the children and also to give a valuable input on the day's theme. |
