“He heals the broken hearted and bandages their wounds.” (Ps 147:3)
On the evening of Thursday, March 13, 2025, St. Theresa’s Parish in Colombo 5, Sri Lanka, hosted a spiritually enriching Lenten Family Recollection that brought together members of the Tamil community and parishioners for a prayer-filled evening of reflection, worship, and fellowship.
The event was led by a dedicated group comprising Fr Pelix Fernando, C.Ss.R. Br. Ajikson Pachchek, C.Ss.R., Br Charles, Seminarian Veron, and Mr. Gnanapragasam the Former President of ASIPA in the Diocese of Mannar. The Lenten Recollection aimed to deepen the faith of the participants during the holy season of Lent, drawing them closer to God through prayer, reflection, and shared experiences.
The evening commenced with the recitation of the Rosary, invoking the powerful intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. This was led by Br. Charles and Seminarian Veron, setting a contemplative tone for the evening ahead.
Fr. Chandana Perera, CSsR, the Parish Priest and Regional Superior, then welcomed the gathered faithful and gave an opening address, encouraging the congregation to embrace the spirit of Lent through prayer and reflection. His words set the stage for the solemn celebration that was about to unfold.
Following the opening remarks, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Frs Pelix and Jude. The Eucharistic celebration brought the community together in the most sacred way, with the faithful receiving the Body and Blood of Christ as they sought spiritual renewal.
Fr. Neil blessed the Redemptorist confrères and the lay group who facilitated the recollection, acknowledging their dedication and the invaluable contribution they made in organizing the event.
The first session of the evening, led by Mr. Gnanapragasam, explored the “Trinitarian Aspect of Family in the Season of Lent.” Through his insightful reflection, Mr. Gnanapragasam emphasized the importance of the Holy Trinity in family life, calling on families to be united in love, prayer, and understanding during this penitential season.
The second session, led by Fr Pelix, focused on the theme “From Brokenness to Healing and Forgiving by Recreating the Broken Pieces Together in the Family.” This powerful reflection, paired with a short video and further explanations by Brs. Ajikson & Charles, urged families to reflect on their own brokenness and the healing power of forgiveness, inviting the participants to consider how they could rebuild relationships within their own families and communities.
One of the highlights of the evening was the Praise and Worship session, during which the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. This allowed the faithful to experience the real presence of Jesus in a profound and personal way, as they offered hymns, prayers, and reflections, immersing themselves in His unconditional love and mercy.
The beautiful music and hymns during the event were conducted by Mr. Antony, Mr Michel and the choir, creating a truly uplifting atmosphere of worship and reflection.
As the evening drew to a close, the Blessed Sacrament was brought among the people, offering a moment for personal prayer and healing. This act served as a beautiful reminder of Christ’s presence in the midst of His people and His desire to heal their hearts.
The Lenten Recollection concluded with a fellowship gathering organized by the parishioners, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. This gathering allowed the faithful to share in the joy of the evening and continue building the bonds of Christian love and support.
Jude Perera, C.Ss.R.
