30th March 2019 15:10:03 Hours
Large amount of Catholic devotees from Manner area annually visit on pilgrimage from cathedral Manner to Komarasakulam Vavuniya on foot during the Easter period. This takes three days and highly devoted pilgrims engage in special masses at night hours. Catholics who make up a considerable portion of the inhabitants of this piece of land of the country consider this pilgrimage as one of the most meritious deeds. They also worship most of the churches along the road including ʻOur Lady of Madhu Churchʼ.
On the blessing and instructions of General Officer Commanding 61 Division Brigadier KDCGJ Thilakarathne RWP RSP, troops of 61 Division offered refreshments to the exhausted pilgrims who crossed Poovarasankulam junction on 28 March 2019 while proceeding towards Vavuniya on foot to reach Komarasakulam where they attended to special mass on 29 March 2019 that was conducted by the Bishop of Manner. Also a military doctor and his crew on the instructions of General Officer Commanding 61 Division treated wounds, blisters and other minor sicknesses of devotees that resulted due to long march and extreme weather conditions.
The assistance offered by the military as the defenders of the nation and true commitment towards local community were highly appreciated by clergies and tired pilgrims. Further, these acts of ongoing reconciliation process would definitely have a high regard in the eyes of Catholic community.
