Sri Lanka celebrates Marian month of May with Mass at Madhu Shrine

(May 24, 2011) In Sri Lanka, the faithful have once again begun praying to the Blessed Mother at the national Madhu Marian shrine during May. More than 10,000 people attended a special Mass and prayer service on May 22 at the shrine in the jungles of northeastern Sri Lanka. The shrine, which was shelled many times during the country’s three decade long conflict has re-opened, although removing of land mines in the area is still continuing. The venerated Marian statue was removed in April 2008 to prevent it from being damaged during heavy fighting. The statue was returned to the shrine later. The 400-year-old shrine acts as a center of devotion for both Tamil and Sinhalese Catholics. It has also been a symbol of unity among people of different religions, including Buddhists, Hindus and Protestants. Special programs are organized at the shrine in honor of the Blessed Mother during May, traditionally considered a Marian month. People pray to Mother Mary to intercede for settling their post war problems as many are poor and homeless.