By Charles Igwe
A heartfelt plea for justice and recognition echoes across Sri Lanka as thousands sign a petition advocating for the beatification of 171 Catholics who lost their lives during the tragic Easter Sunday bombings of 2019. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, received the impassioned appeal from Catholics within his diocese, urging for the slain Christians to be beatified – a significant step towards their eventual canonization as saints.
Father Gregory Vajira Silva of St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, where the devastating attack claimed the lives of 115 parishioners, including 27 children, emphasizes the martyrdom of those who perished while exercising their faith by attending Easter Mass. Recounting the harrowing aftermath of the bombings, Father Silva describes a scene of unimaginable horror, with bodies strewn across the church grounds and the community plunged into profound grief.
The terrorist act, perpetrated by nine suicide bombers who targeted multiple locations including churches and luxury hotels, inflicted indescribable pain upon the tight-knit community of Katuwapitiya, affectionately known as “Little Rome” due to its vibrant Catholic population and religious landmarks. Father Silva, speaking with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), laments the betrayal of trust by one of the attackers, who had lived among the villagers unnoticed for months before perpetrating the heinous act.
In the wake of the massacre, Father Silva and his fellow priests found solace in the sacrament of the Eucharist, despite the closure of churches for security reasons. They continued to minister to their flock by celebrating Mass in the homes of parishioners, recognizing the vital role of faith in healing the deep wounds inflicted upon their community.
Acknowledging the profound trauma endured by survivors who lost loved ones, Father Silva emphasizes the urgent need for healing and solidarity within the community. Priests were assigned to provide emotional and practical support to affected families, offering a compassionate presence in their darkest hours.
