(August 14, 2010) Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected to visit the shrine
for the Feast of the Assumption on August 15. An estimated 400,000 pilgrims are taking
part in this year’s pilgrimage to the Madhu Marian Shrine in northern Sri Lanka.
The religious observance, organized by the Church’s National Laity Commission, started
on August 6 in Mannar diocese and concludes on the Feast of the Assumption on August
15. The family is the focus for this year’s celebration and the aim is to bring together
families from different ethnic groups. Sri Lankan bishops’ laity commission chairperson
Bishop Winston S. Fernando of Badulla told Catholic media that he is worried about
the economic, social, cultural and political situation in the country is impacting
families. He said he hopes the week-long Madhu program would strengthen families
by helping them to identify challenges and by bringing people back to the Gospel.
Talks and discussions on family-related issues will take place in both Tamil and Sinhalese
languages, said Father Sebalamai Anthony, who works at the shrine. Fifty thousand
people have already arrived at the venue, he said. Women have prepared food and packed
clothes and tents for children to take with them on their trip to the shrine, which
is situated in a jungle. Church workers have cleared the vegetation at the site to
facilitate camping by pilgrims. Water and electricity are supplied. The government
has also removed military barriers on the highway to Madhu and arranged special trains
and buses to operate throughout the celebration.