113th Annual Feast of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Matara begins

The flag staff being raised yesterday evening commencing the festivities of the 113th Annual Feast of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Matara 

Text and pictures by PRIYAN DE SILVA 

The 113th Annual Feast of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Matara commenced yesterday evening with the raising of the flag staff.

 The Administrator of the Shrine Rev. Fr. Michael Colin Nixon said that the festivities would be held on a low key in keeping with health guidelines imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that there would be neither special transport arrangements nor accommodation facilities provided for pilgrims to stay over.

 The programme of events for this year’s feast is as follows: 

 31st August to 3rd September 4.30 pm Rosary, Holy Mass followed by Novena

 4th September- 4.30pm Holy hour and Benediction 

Celebrant – Very Rev. Fr. Charles Hewawasam (Vicar General of the Diocese of Galle)

 5th September- 8.30am Holy Mass

10.00am Holy Mass

11.30am Holy Mass 

 3.30 pm Welcoming of the Bishops and dignitaries 

 4.15pm Rosary,  Litany,  Vespers followed by the Marian Procession with the Miraculous Statue of Our Lady of Matara 

 Chief Celebrant – Most Rev. Dr. Harrold Anthony Perera the Bishop of Kurunegala 

 6th September- 08.00am Festive High Mass

Chief Celebrant- Most Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickremesinghe