On 1st May 2017, the 20th Anniversary of the annual rally of Srilankans in Italy was held at Padua.

The Solemn High Festive Mass was celebrated by His Lordship Most Rev Dr Harold Anthony Perera, the Chairman of the Committee for Migrants of the Srilankan Bishops Conference and Bishop of Kurunegala. The Holy Mass was co-celebrated by Very Rev. Msgr. Neville Joe Perera and Very Rev. Fr. Basil Fernando, National Director PMS. Several other priests partecipated at the feast.

The Bishop in His homily, thanked Rt Rev Msgr. Neville Joe for  what he has started in 1997 with the first annual rally. Since then the Srilankans gather on 1st May at Padua to thank Saint Anthony for the graces received during the year.

The Bishop point out the need to keep the prayer at the centre of our lives as Lord Jesus too in his human life did so. We must also strenghthen our Faith, and teach our children to do so according to the teachings of the Church.

His Lordiship citing the papal encyclica "Evangeli Gaudium" noted the truth in the Joy of the Gospel and how the holy scriptures can help the christian in his daily life.

Monsignor Neville Joe started the vote of thanks, remembering the figure of late Rev. Fr. Enzo Poiana, the former Rector of the Basilica who passed away last year.

"We will continue the beautiful brotherhood relation with the new Rector, Rt Rev. Fr. Oliviero Svanera".

Finally Mons. Neville reproached those faithful who spent money in flowers for the offertory.

"Every single flower is thrown away to the garbage by the Basilica staff, please do not bring flowers next year, the money spent in flowers could have help the Church in need in Sri Lanka"; Msgr. Neville said.

Next year Padua celebrations will be organized by the Milan Catholic community.

Even this year as usual, the Altar service was performed by the Rome (Infernetto) Altar boys group.

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Photos by Ivan Fernando

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