TRIBUTES TO REV. FR. SARATHJEEVAN
Jaffna Diocese - Rev. Fr. Mariampillai T. Sarathjeevan
called to Eternal Rest in the Lord
   
 
Rev. Fr. Mariampillai T. Sarathjeevan
    
[ Fr. Sunil De Silva - 26.05.2009
 

Very Rev. Fr. Justin Gnanapragasam the Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese deeply regrets to inform that Rev. Fr. Mariampillai T. Sarathjeevan died of a heart attack on his way from the war zone area, today, 18th May 2009 in the evening.

The body of late Fr. Sarathjeevan was brought to Colombo from Vavuniya and Fr. Ainsley Roshan - Secretary to the Bishop of Jaffna, was waiting for several days for a flight to take it to Jaffna.The flight which was due to go on Saturday 23rd May to Jaffna did not turned up and was expected to go on Monday from Colombo to Jaffna.

Since there was a flight delay, His Lordship Bishop Thomas Savundranayagam the Bishop of Jaffna decided to have the funeral Mass and the cremation in Borella and then transfer the ashes of the mortal remains of Fr. Sarathjeevan to Jaffna for interment at the Jaffna Cathedral Cemetery.

The Sacred Heart chapel of the Archbishop's House was kept ready to have the funeral Mass, but due to the condition of the body of Fr. Sarathjeevan, his mortal remains were kept at the AF Raymonds Parlour, Borella, to be transferred for the cremation.

His Grace the Archbishop Oswald Gomis, the Archbishop of Colombo and the Episcopal Vicars Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Perera, very Rev. Fr. Marcus Ferdinandez and Very Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando conducted a prayer service prior to the funeral Mass.

Rev. Fr. James Pathinathan the Parish Priest of Mullaitive presided at the Funeral Mass on 26th May 2009, together with Rev. Fr. Ainsley Roshan Secretary to the Bishop of Jaffna and other Rev. Fathers of the Jaffna Diocese and other regions.

After the final prayer service at the Cemetery conducted by Rev. Fr. Sunil De Silva Secretary to the Archbishop of Colombo, his mortal remains were creamated at Borella General Cemetery.

The ashes will be transferred to Jaffna on Saturday 30th May 2009 to be interred at the Jaffna Cathedral Catholic Cemetery.

Fr. Justin Gnanapragasam the Vicar General of Jaffna Diocese said that Fr. Sarathjeevan and three other priests had been rescued by the Security Forces from the war zone area and while they were on their way to the safe area, Fr. Sarathjeevan had got a heart attack and the security personnel had taken him to a First Aid Centre, where he passed away.

Fr. Sarathjeevan, 41 years old from Jaffna town, had been serving among the displaced people together with the other priests.
 
"Come, you who are blessed by my Father ;
take your inheritance, the kingdom
prepared for you since the creation of the world."
 
[ Photos by Fr. Sunil De Silva ]
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The Archdiocese of Colombo, offer our condolences to the Diocese of Jaffna. With grateful recognition of Fr.Sarathjeeva's selfless service, as a committed priest of the Lord for His people, we offer fervent prayers that God, the Father of mercies, will grant eternal rest to him and every spiritual consolation to those who mourn his passing.We shall pray for his eternal reward and he shall pray for us to prepare ourselves for the same.
 
 
Tributes to Rev. Fr. Mariampillai Sarathjeevan  
    Send your tributes.......... - sunilde@sltnet.lk  
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From -

Rev. Fr. Oswald Firth OMI
Oblates General House, Rome.

25.05.2009

We are indeed very sad to hear the unfortunate incident happened to our beloved brother priest Fr. Sarathjeevan. May the Good Lord receive him in his Kingdom and reward him for his service here on earth. My hearty condolences to the Diocese of Jaffna and to his family and especially to his brother Fr.Sarathjeevan.

Rev. Fr. Oswald Firth OMI
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A tribute to the legacy of Rev. Fr. Mariampillai T. Sarathjeevan

By -
U.S.A.

26.05.2009
 

“I Will not Leave My People”

The past few weeks have been catastrophic and have left the Tamil population of the island of Sri Lanka devastated. The lives of the Tamil people are filled with moments of abject suffering and destruction. Every day we have been hearing disturbing accounts of deaths and injuries. Church bells have been tolling incessantly bringing news of the death of beloved ones to the people. On the 18th of May, the bells of Jaffna Cathedral brought the news of the untimely death of the young and dynamic priest, Rev. Fr. Mariampillai T. Sarathjeevan, submerging the people of Jaffna in the sea of sorrow. Is he dead ?  It is something difficult to believe, but we are forced to believe and accept this irreparable loss of a precious life, dedicated to the diocese of Jaffna. It is not only a great loss to his family, but also a matter of bereavement for the entire diocese of Jaffna. Before proceeding further, I wish to convey our prayerful support to his family, so that they might find the fortitude to face the loss of this sagacious soul.

Fr. Sara, as he has been always called with love and affection by all, was born in Jaffna in a family of five. The family maintained a spiritual atmosphere that made it possible for Fr. Sara to become a diocesan priest in the Jaffna diocese, and his sister to dedicate herself to a religious life in the Holy Cross Congregation. Fr. Sara was an active member in the youth group at Jaffna Cathedral and was very zealous in spiritual activities. At a mature age he decided to dedicate himself to God and joined the seminary as a late vocation. He was ordained by the Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundranayagam on 14th May 2003.

As a formator, I had the privilege of being his moderator for many years during his formation, and memories of him are still fresh in my mind. He was an amicable student in the group, and was very docile towards those in charge of him. He was known for being compassionate towards the poor and needy. As seminarians and priests we were also lucky to experience his compassion and love whenever we went on a day out or for a picnic. Fr. Sara would cook for all of us like a mother cooking for her children. Today, when I hear from his family and priest friends about his last days, my memory is flooded with such instances that bear witness to his generosity.

Fr. Sara was sent to Uruthirapuarma in Kilinochchi as a parish priest and served the people with dedication and commitment. Later, in addition to this, he was also given the responsibility of being the Jaffna Diocesan co-ordinator of JRS (Jesuit Rehabilitation Service).  He carried out these responsibilities with a real sense of dedication and zeal. Eventually, when the war broke out in the Vanni area, people were displaced in large numbers, and Fr. Sara was there with the people helping them and assisting them in these critical hours. When his people were evicted he too started moving with them, taking inspiration from the example of his Master, the Good Shepherd. During his last days he was with the people in the safety zone, and worked relentlessly with the wounded and dying. If he wanted, he could have made efforts to come out of the war zone, but he was working with the firm conviction that he must not desert his flock in distress. Finally, when the war ceased he was able to come out of the area with the help of the security forces, but when he came to Kilinochichi, he died of heart failure. He succumbed to the emotional stress of seeing the torment of his people whom he had endeavored to serve with such unflinching and single –minded devotion.

At this juncture, when I think of the life of this young priest I feel proud of him and thank God for anointing him as a good shepherd to his flock. From what he said about his last days, I understand that this life was fully occupied with putting up shelters for people, taking care of the sick and burying the dead. He categorically stated that he would not come out leaving the people like orphans. Following the footsteps of Lord and master, Our Lord Jesus Christ, he said, “I will not leave my people.” These words of determination and commitment from a person with six years of priesthood are exemplary; words that would motivate every priest to strive to reach their spiritual goals. What helped him withstand all the tribulations in his life was his constant communion with God. In the final days that led to his demise, he expressed his concern about not being able to celebrate mass as he had to spend a few days in the bunker without food and drink. Ultimately, when he was able to come out of the terrible circumstances, he could not bear to witness the agony of his people and his heart failed.

Fr. Sara has left a strong legacy for us: “I will not leave my people” These words of spiritual acumen will ring eternally in the ears of everyone who knew him.  I thank God for this exemplary young priest and pray to God that the Lord may shed his compassion on each one of us so that our country may take a journey towards peace to ensure the safety of every precious human life in the future. Let the sacrifice of Rev. Fr. Mariampillai T. Sarathjeevan go not in vain; he has set an example by valuing human life and serving suffering humanity above everything else. Assuredly, his presence will be perpetual and everlasting in the minds and hearts of his people as “to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

“God is love, and whoever remains in love, remains in God and God in Him.” 1John 4:16

Rev. Fr. David Manuelpillai
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Royce Shane Hopwood
Rome- Italy

27.05.2009

In a war there are no winners all are loosers.  In Catholic belief death is not an end but a new begining with all the Hevenly host. Rev. Fr. Mariampillai Sarathjeevan is now with the Hevenly Father.

I pray for all the Rev. Fathers who sacrifice all their worldly belongings and likings to serve God and His people. And even some who sacrifice their life for the cause of peace and harmony among all. Rev Fr Sarathjeevan worked with people to be the light of Christ among those poor people.

My heartfelt condolences to the His Lordship Bishop Thomas Savundranayagam, the Bishop of Jaffna, brother Priests of Rev. Fr. Mariampillai Sarathjeevan. and to his family members.

May the Good Lord take his soul in his kind arms and grant him eternal joy and happiness in His Heavenly Home.
Let the perpetual light shine upon Rev. Fr. Mariampillai Sarathjeevan and may he rest in peace in the mids of all the Angels and Saints in Heaven !

Royce Shane Hopwood
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Rev. Fr. Neil Vincent

Our Lady of Reparation
Croydon, United Kingdom.

28.05.2009
From one priest to another, well done to the clergy, sisters and all workers in the church in Srilanka. I know due to circumstances you all had to work under so much difficulty. As a Srilankan my heart goes out to all the people of the country who needlessly suffer in my homeland. As a priest I am saddened all the more more to learn about the suffering Church, some of my parishioners who are Srilankan also have realted the sufferings of their loved ones.

It is heartening to hear the stories of extra ordinary courage on the parts of brother priests namely Fr. Sarathjeevan and all the clergy and faithfull whose good works is known only to the Lord.

As the Archbishop said may all the Lord God bless our work however small and as the droplets of water in a river etch the rocks that it flows over, leave a lasting impression to build communities and bring about the grace and joy of peace in the Lord, which I always pray for my dear people and land.

May the Lord grant eternal rest to Fr. Sarathjeevan and may the prayers of our brother priest bring healing and peace to all our people.

Peace and God bless.

Rev. Fr. Neil Vincent
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Brother Joseph Jeyaseelan CMF
Ampitiya, Kandy.

29.05.2009

AN EPITOME OF SIMPLICITY AND COMMITMENT

It is with profound sadness and shock I learnt about the untimely demise of Rev. Fr. Mariampillai Sarathjeevan on May 18, 2009 in Kilinochchi as the war was reaching its final days. He has died due to heart failure. Being the parish priest of Uruththirapuram, a few kilometers off the township of Kilinochchi, he had been moving from place to place with the people in the war zone. He had lived the last few days of his life in a bunker, allegedly, without any food or drink.

I met Fr. Sara (as he is popularly known in the diocese of Jaffna) for the first time in December 2004. I was staying at Iranapali Mission House on my way to Mullaitivu to get myself involved in post-tsunami relief work. He, in his capacity as the assistant pastor of Mullaitivu (Fr. James Pathinathan who was also injured recently was the Parish Priest), came to Iranapalai to receive us, a group of one priest and two seminarians, one of them being me.

I remember vividly the motorbike in which he came to meet us. It was a bike only nominally. It was in an unbelievably bad shape and condition so much so we put the bike in the van and drove him to Mullaitivu, some 35 kilometers from Iranapalai.
The first days and weeks were really hard with minimum facilities. 20-30 seminarians and priests both diocesan and religious were staying in a small building at Mamoolai, Mulliyawalai along with Fr. James and Fr. Sara. We were all involved in visiting the people in their transit camps. We shared one well and one toilet. Fr. Sara would get up very early in the morning to fill up the pots and other vessels with water needed for washing and cooking. The well was around 75 feet deep.

Fr. Sarathjeevan, along with Fr. James had lost almost all his belongings save the old bike and the cassock he was wearing in. However, he had nothing to complain about. He was often found calm and charm doing what he could to the level best.

Though, he had a short span as a priest (on May 14 he completed 6 years as a priest and, the day before he turned 41 years in age), he did serve God and the people with great love and fidelity as his priestly vocation demanded of him. He was known for his simplicity and commitment. Fr. Sara was a priest and a man whose company anyone would enjoy and cherish. He had immense respect for his brother priests, and all others whether they are nuns, seminarians or lay faithful. He was a man of God who disliked being in the limelight but was prophetic and loving in the style of the One whose footsteps he freely chose to follow as a priest. Being a “late vocation”, he was 35 years old when he was ordained a priest in 2003.

His dear and near ones were not able either to see his mortal body or to pay their last respects and love to him. He had to be cremated since there was no way to transfer the mortal body to his home town, Jaffna. After waiting so long to find means to transfer, the cremation was done in Colombo.

Dear Father, well done ! Good bye to you forever ! Your life is worthy of imitation by any Christian.
May God grant you Eternal Bliss !

Brother Joseph Jeyaseelan CMF
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Mons. Robinson Wijesinghe
Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of 
Migrants and Itinerant People
Vatican City.

30.05.2009

My dear Lordship and Rev. Fathers,

I am deeply saddened to learn from Rev. Fr. Sunil de Silva, Secrertary of the Archdiocese of Colombo, about the unfortunate passing away of Fr. Sarathjeevan, beloved priest of the Diocese of Jaffna and our brother in Priesthood.

It is so heart-renting that our motherland has been marked by years of violence and deaths, sufferings and destructions. Caught up in such a situation, I can understand that this man of God and a servant of the Priesthood of Christ, would have felt in conscience that his was the option but to accompany his people and the faithful, especially in time of such great trials.

While I mourn with those who mourn his death and pray for their consolation, I also pray that his death be part of the sacrifice offered to bring peace and healing to our motherland. Let his death be an invitation not to resort anymore to violence or offensive, no more to division and disunity but forgiveness and peace. 

As our beloved Late Holy Father Pope John Paul II of venerable memory, wrote once for the World Day of Peace, 'there is no peace, without justice. No justice, without forgiveness', may his death inspire us to work only for peace with justice and forgiveness.

May God welcome our brother to His Kindgom !

Mons. Robinson Wijesinghe
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Maintained by Rev. Fr. Sunil De Silva - E-mail : sunilde@sltnet.lk
ARCHDIOCESE OF COLOMBO - SRI LANKA