by Melani Manel Perera

This is the spirit with which the inhabitants of Wewala, all Catholics, attended the Marian rally. Led by their pastor the procession stopped at eight different areas of the village, reciting rosaries and chanting hymns. Thanks to the blessings of the Virgin, the priest says "we have improved our relations of friendship, brotherhood and love."

Colombo ( AsiaNews) - " If we live close to Mother Mary, no evil can reach us and no worries can affect our lives. She strengthens friendship and communion among us".  It was with this is the spirit that Fr. Sumith Kumara led the faithful of the parish of Wewala (Archdiocese of Colombo) in a five hour procession, dedicated to Our Lady .

The gathering took place on Feb. 4 and is part of the celebration of the Marian Year (24 November 2013-24 November 2014 ), organized by Card. Malcolm Ranjith , Archbishop of Colombo and President of the Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka.

Dozens of Catholics - men, women, children and elderly - gathered in front of the church of St. Francis Xavier, where the procession started. Some went on foot, others by bicycle or motorbike. In addition, one chariot was decorated with white and blue flags, and decorated with fresh flowers. The faithful marched to eight different areas of the village, reciting the rosary, chanting litanies and hymns dedicated to Our Lady. Back at the church, Fr . Kumara blessed all of them, and their chosen means of transport.

"They're good Catholics - the priest told AsiaNews - but they also face many problems and difficulties. I want to help them correct their path and improve their lives. In doing this procession we have received the abundance of the blessings of our beloved Mother, and together we have improved the relations of friendship , brotherhood and love".

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