News
Guild of Immaculate Heart of Mary of SJC, 110 years old
The 110th anniversary of the founding of the Guild of Mary Immaculate at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, is to be celebrated on 02 Dec., 2023. The Guild of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was inaugurated 110 years ago in a very modest, quiet atmosphere.
The Very Rev. Fr. E. Nicolas, O.M.I., the 3rd Rector, initiated the movement in 1913, and when the Guild was founded by him the same year, it started with a modest enrolment of 35 members, who were old boys on the registers of the College. The only record extant that perpetuates these pioneers in detail is a photograph.
It is good to know the objects of the Guild. The aims and objectives of this association, as detailed by Fr. Emil Nicholas, are twofold: (a) to promote the personal sanctification of the members through practices of virtue, the frequent reception of the sacraments, and devotions to the immaculate Virgin Mary. (b) To work for the glory of God and the salvation of souls by praying in union with the Blessed Virgin for the conversion of sinners.
For this reason, the Guild has formally aggregated the Archconfraternity of the Most Holy and “Immaculate Heart of Mary,” established in the Church of Our Lady of Victories, Paris. By virtue of this aggregation, every member of the guild is at the same time a member of this archconfraternity, sharing in its privileges and indulgences as well as in the prayers and good works of its millions of members around the globe.
First Saturday devotions to our ‘Divine Mother are being carried out every month at the College Grotto and in the Chapel. It is a solemn promise given by our blessed mother that she will assist everyone at the last moment who follows the first Saturday devotions.”
It is our sincere prayer that our guild will go from strength to strength with the blessings of our heavenly mother for generations and generations in the years to come.
Felix V. Cooray
Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.
The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.
Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:
“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.
This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.
Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.
I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]
Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the table below and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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