Fr. Carlos Macatangga performs a religious ceremony as Our Lady of Madhu is welcomed to Cristo Rei Parish. (Pictures by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
The image of Our Lady of Madhu was installed at a well-attended ceremony in Mississauga recently.
Yet, the journey began nearly eight months ago when Pope Francis embarked on a historic trip to Sri Lanka.
During that visit Pope Francis held a mass in Madhu, Sri Lanka’s holiest Christian shrine, located in the former conflict zone during 30 year civil war.
The Pope’s trip made waves around the world and deeply touched Cristo Rei Parish Pastor Fr. Carlos Macatangga in Canada, who immediately sought a connection to Our Lady of Madhu.
Parishioner Jude Fernando and his wife Cecila spearheaded the initiative to bring an image of Our Lady of Madhu from Sri Lanka.
During the ceremony, Fr. Carlos Macatangga said “Our Lady of Madu” was symbol of hope and prayed for the communities in Sri Lanka to live in peace.
Our Lady of Madhu inside the church in Mississauga, Canada.
Fr. Carlos Macatangga performs a religious ceremony as Our Lady of Madhu is welcomed to Cristo Rei Parish.
Preparations ahead of the ceremony to welcome our Lady of Madhu.
Our Lady of Madhu is taken on procession around the church.
Our Lady of Madhu is taken on procession around the church.
