Two Countries came together to celebrate Peace and demonstrate Ahimsa
Notes and Photos by
Ignatius XAVIER JOSEPH, Ahimsa Artist
INDIA and SRI LANKA came together to celebrate Peace Mass on the occasion of St. Antony's feast, St. Antony's Church the only structure which stands on the KACHCHATHIVU ISLAND.
Photos by: Ignatius XAVIER JOSEPH
Pilgrims from both the Countries came together irrespective of RACE, RELIGION, CULTURE, LANGUAGE, etc to take part in the Peace festival on single platform on 19th and 20th March, 2011. Mass was conducted by the Bishops and Priest from Sri Lanka and India, attended by the elite Military commanders, Coast Guard, Navy, Judiciary, Police, Officers, Bishops, Priests from Sri Lanka-India and PEACE PILGRIMS, from both the countries may be 5000.
Photos by: Ignatius XAVIER JOSEPH
A women who put her first step and learnt how to stand and walk on this Island Kachchativu as a Baby child, has come once again as a women (Mrs. Jaya Rex Lourdraj} mother of three children, was with me in the camp. Can be seen in the photograph. That time the Kachchativu Island was part of INDIA belonged to India, during Ms.Indira Gandhi period it was given to Sri Lanka on request, to day the same baby who walked on the Indian Territory Island Kachchativu many years ago, visit's the Kachchativu Island as woman obtaining permission from both the countries, since it is under Sri Lankan guard. Every one was happy sharing what they had to eat, on this Island no shops, home, drinking water, etc. All have to be brought by the Pilgrims.
Photos by: Ignatius XAVIER JOSEPH
People used bamboo to transport there belonging placed between two persons shoulder, the same bamboo was used as tent pole, A lady from Chennai brought many garlands for the deity and asked me to garland which I did so by brother gave me candles to light. Sri Lankan Government, Red Cross has done a great job in disembarking the pilgrims from the boats.
Photos by: Ignatius XAVIER JOSEPH
Fr. Michael Raj from Rameswaram appreciated and thanked both the Governments for their help in conducting the PEACE MASS on the eve of St. Anthony's feast on the Kachchativu Island. Bishop from Jaffna also thanked the Sri Lankan Military, Navy, Coastguard, Police and all who supported the event.
- For Ignatius Xavier's other photos
Ignatius Xavier, Ahimsa Artist, Secunderabad, India.
