|
|
| ( Report by Fr. Sunil De Silva ) |
Having received the permission from the Ja-ela Magistrate Courts on 03rd October 2007, to conduct the Daham Pasal - Catechism Classes and to celebrate the Holy Eucharist in the half built church at Croos Watta, Kotugoda Parish, children gathered on Saturday the 06th October for Catechism classes. Thereafter Rev. Fr. Siri Cooray came to celebrate the Holy Eucharist for about 200 Catholics gathered in the church. Since it was on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Rosary, people recited the Rosary together with the children. |
| |
After the recitation of the Rosary, Fr. Siri Cooray started the Holy Eucharist. When Fr. Siri Cooray finished proclaiming the Gospel, a message was sent to Fr. Siri Cooray through a person by the police official who was present in the church premises.When the police interrupted the Holy Eucharist and was talking to Fr. Siri Cooray, people were frightened as to what it was. |
| |
The Police official informed Fr. Siri Cooray that he has received an order from the OIC of Ja-ela Police Station to stop the Holy Mass. Fr. Siri Cooray then requested the police official to convey the same message to the people. When police official conveyed the message and asked Fr. Siri Cooray to stop the Holy Mass, Fr. Siri Cooray stopped the Mass and requested the Catholics to leave the church and go home. |
| |
There was not a single person present objecting to the celebration of the Holy Mass, other than the police. There was no gathering of people even to object for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It was seen during the celebration of the Holy Mass, more policemen were arriving with arms in motor bikes and in a jeep. Catholics who were coming to the church had been dispersed by the police, threatening them not to go to the church. |
| |
| When I asked the police official whether he was present at the Courts hearing and whether he was aware of the Court order given on 03rd October on the Crooswatta Church, he simply said," I didnot come to the Courts for this particular Case nor I am aware of the Order given at the Courts. I am only conveying the Order given by the OIC of Ja-ela Police ". |
| |
It was on 03rd October 2007, Magistrate Court, Ja-ela temporarily suspended the constructions of the Church at Croos Watta in Kotugoda parish and granted permission only to conduct Catechism classes and to celebrate the Holy Mass on Saturday evening. |
| |
There are 297 Catholic families belonging to the Crooswatta church. Due to the protest by a Buddhist monk and some people in the area, Parish Priest Fr. Chryshantha Fernando OMI , could not complete the constructions of the Church. It so happened on 08th September 2007, the Birthday of Our Blessed Mother and again police stopped the Holy Mass that was offered on the Feast of the Holy Rosary. Crooswatta church is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. |
| |
Chapter III.Art.10 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka (1978), under the heading of "
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion " clearly says,
"
Every person is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice ". |
| |
| Article of 18 of the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights, says "
" Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. " |
| |
| Next hearing of the Case is due on 31st October 2007 at the Ja-ela Magistrate Courts. |
| |
|
| |
03.10.2007 |
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
| Please pray for the persecuted Christians that they will have the strength to bear up the sufferings and give witness to Christ Our Lord. |
