Sri Lanka: pilgrimage draws 450,000 faithful

August 16, 2010

A staggering 450,000 people joined in celebrating the feast of the Assumption at the shrine of Our Lady of Madhu. This was the 2nd such post-war celebration at the beloved shrine, which was closed while the nation’s civil war raged around it. Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith of Colombo, the chief celebrant, spoke of the need for reconciliation and rebuilding family life in the post-war years. He lamented that many families are hesitant to have children.

 

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Further information:

• More than 450,000 pilgrims visit Madhu shrine for 15 August (AsiaNews)