The Tewatta Basilica, recognized as the national shrine of Our Lady of Lanka, marked its 50th anniversary with the annual blessing of the sick on Sunday, August 25.
The event drew Catholics and non-Catholics from across Sri Lanka, many claiming to have received physical and spiritual blessings.
This year’s ceremony coincided with the Golden Jubilee of the basilica’s designation as a national shrine. Pilgrims of various faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists, attended the blessings and sought intercession from Our Lady of Lanka, according to a report by AsiaNews.
The event featured the rosary recited in Sinhala, English, and Tamil, led by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, and Cardinal Filippo Neri Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa.
Cardinal Ferrao, the upcoming head of the Federation of Asian Episcopal Conferences, underscored the ecumenical nature of the event.
A message from Pope Francis, delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka, Msgr. Brian Udangwe, marked the jubilee. The Pope’s message highlighted his prayers for the sick, seeking God’s gift of courage and perseverance for those visiting the shrine.
Cardinal Ranjith spoke to the pilgrims about the importance of the peaceful setting that allows for such gatherings and encouraged them to entrust their country to God’s maternal love.
Attendees included Vinishia Nissanka, a Buddhist from Polonnaruwa, and Marita Perera, a Catholic from Kandy, who shared stories of healing associated with the basilica.
Nissanka mentioned her husband’s recovery from long-term leg pain after participating in the event, while Perera described her healing from severe stomach pain after years of struggle.
“I was treated by very famous doctors and had to spend a lot of money. But after five years, after attending Holy Mass and reciting the Rosary as a family, at the Basilica every month, I had the gift of healing,” said Perera.
