Mallavi – New Claretian Presence

The long awaited mission in Mallavi came to a reality on the 26th of July 2020.
Mallavi is a place situated in the northern Sri Lanka belonging to the Diocese of Jaffna. This is a place highly affected by last ethnic war in 2009. Every family have their stories of the lost of their loved ones, being handicapped or mentally affected, loosing belongings etc. Up today the scars and wounds of the war are unhealed. It’s also a poverty stricken area. After 11 years of war people are rising little by little towards a better future. Healing with empathy and with the love of Christ it is a very special call and ministry needed here.
Sisters Resilda Edwin, Roshani Fernando and Jeyanayagi Sebamalai, who begin this missionary experience, accompanied by Geraldine Eusabius began sowing the Claretian charism in Mallavi soil. The sisters will prioritize their mission in the two areas of the hostel of the girls and parish pastoral ministry.

We were heartily welcomed by hostel staff, students and then by the parish community led by the Claretian parish priest. Expected ministries from us are: hostel guidance and education support for theirs life and studies; counselling to the hostel students. Parish  Catechism, Choir, youth ministry, including ministry with children and elderly, family ministry.

As the surrounding is vastly populated by Hindu faithful there is a challenge of interreligious prudent dialogue. The Catholic population is about 143 families with 9 sub churches. It’s a reality to preach Christ without mentioning the name of Christ. Announc9ing by deed without proselytizing. We wish to spread the loving presence of Christ through our witnessing life of our religious consecration.
We hope and believe that our call to set the fire of love among the people will bring the blessings of our Lord. May God continue to bless our mission.