Marian celebration with less flowers, more food for flood victims

by Melani Manel Perera

The girls study at the Holy Family Convent School in Bambalapitiya. The celebrations marking the end of Marian month were set for the end of May, but bad weather forced the school to postpone the event.

Colombo (AsiaNews) – This year, instead of offering only crowns flowers on the Marian feast day, pupils at the Holy Family Convent School in Bambalapitiya, Colombo, also donated food and products of first necessity to help flood victims.

After last week’s tragedy that left 170 people dead, the school administration decided to contribute in a simple but direct way. To do this, “We asked all the girls to bring dry food, water bottles and clothes," said school principal Sister Deepa Fernardo.

Celebrations marking the end of the month dedicated to Our Lady took place yesterday. They are usually held at the end of May, but his year, the school was forced to postpone them due to the bad weather that badly affected the country.

When the school re-opened, Sister Principal proposed “Less flowers to decorate the statue of the Virgin and more first aid items for those who has lost everything." The girls “responded positively,” Sister Deepa said.

Celebrations began with the Rosary whilst primary students started a procession carrying offerings, posters, and placards of "love for Mother Mary”. All the other pupils followed singing lauds and praying until they reached the school’s chapel.

"As we remember our brothers and sisters affected by bad weather, let us remember them in our prayer too,” the prefect told the pupils. “Let us remember them as we crown with flowers the One who gives us the strength needed to deal with situations in which She may protect them. Give to Her your personal spiritual crown. "

The prefect also wanted her fellow sister students "not to participate in the celebration only because it is a Church tradition. Do it because Mary is the Mother: Your Mother, my Mother, everyone’s Mother because She takes care of us every day."