Sri Lanka’s Catholic families gather at Thalawila sanctuary

(October 30, 2010) The "national retreat for families" began Friday October 29, at the shrine of St. Anne's Thalawila, Puttlam district in north-west of Sri Lanka. It’s the first national retreat ever held by the National Apostolate for Families. "Developing reconciliation and peace, and involving more people in a life of prayer to build a good family is the main purpose of this national gathering," said national director of the Apostolate for families. In the coming days a message from Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith, who will become cardinal in November, will be read. All diocesan directors of this pastoral activity were involved in the organisation of the event. Father Patrick Julian Perera, national director of the apostolate, at the Thalawila shrine said that this gathering would give an opportunity for Catholics in the north and south meet, and begin a dialogue, exchanging views and ideas. This family retreat would be the most effective way to do this. The theme chosen for the Retreat is, “Let’s come to gather as families to build family of the Sri Lankan Nation” and the organizers expect about 200 thousand people, including children, from across the dioceses. The retreat will last three days, from Friday to Sunday. Father Perera has outlined some plans for the future, linked to this theme, t build up small communities about 10 – 20 families in each diocese who will be finally linked with a National family.