On April 25th, the Sri Lankan Catholic community in Rome celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Revelation at the Marian shrine of Laurentina.

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The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Most Reverend Abbot Shamindra Jayawardena O.S.B. Silv., Abbot General of the Sylvestro Benedictine Congregation, and concelebrated by Rt Rev. Monsignor Neville Perera, chaplain for the Sri Lankan community in the diocese of Rome and by Very Rev. Fr. Sanjeewa Mendis, national coordinator for Sri Lankan migrants in Italy

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“Crux, Hostia et Virgo” were the main points of reflection of the homily.

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Abbot Shamindra emphasized how life's hardships and problems must be faced with serenity, trusting in Jesus Christ, and that such sufferings are proof of our faith. Reflecting on the term "Hostia," he firmly stated that the sacraments are necessary for man's salvation, as so it is the Holy Mass. Finally, "Virgo," our dearly beloved mother and Virgin; "Mary is the shortest, most powerful, fastest, and sweetest way to reach Jesus [...] turn to her without fear, and she will undoubtedly come to your aid," the prelate concluded.

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Msgr. Perera thanked the abbot for his presence and kind words and recalled the years in which Abbot Shamindra served as a collaborator for the Sri Lankan chaplaincy in Rome over ten years ago.

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A warm message of thanks went to Rev. Fr. Sanjeewa and all the priests who concelebrated.

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Notably, this shrine is a place where on 12th April 1947 the Most Holy Virgin appeared to Mr. Bruno Cornacchiola, a fervent anti-Catholic man who then converted himself and conveyed to Pope Pius XII the message received: pray daily the holy rosary for the sinners, the non-believers and the unity of Christians.

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Hundreds of faithful participated in this moment of prayer, thanking the Virgin of Revelation for the many graces received. The feast then continued with a community luncheon.

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Find more photos  by Damith Liyanage on facebook here.

Article by Riccardo Nelumdeniya