Easter attacks hasn’t diminished our faith, says Rev. Father Joy Mariaratnam, the Priest who was conducting the Easter Mass when the bomb went off at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo-13.
‘It does not mean we have lost faith. Our faith has increased. We believe more and more in God. God is the only hope in spite of all these painful realities of life. God gives us the purpose of existence. So, I stand here with greater faith and great love for God and with a sense of gratitude to God and all the people who died here. May all people who died here experience the glory of Jesus Christ in Heaven,” he said.
Vividly remembering the day of carnage, Rev. Father Joy Mariaratnam said “I can visualize it any moment. When I am sleeping you just wake me and ask without any preparation, I can describe the things that happened on that day. not only at 8.45 every minute that followed. How we were running up and down how the people were struggling. How the people were screaming and crying. How people of different faith came rushing into the church to support us. People did not think about religion. People didn’t think about the language. They came just to help. Help the people in need.”
Stating that he is not happy with the investigation process, Father Joy said “Personally I would say, I am not at all satisfied with the things that are taking place. I am not happy with the investigation process. Since I do not know the commission report, I can’t comment on it. But still I am not happy with that because it has to be brought to the people. Let the people know the truth. Why should we hide it? Let it come out”.
“I am not happy with all these things but at the same time I have not lost all the hope in God. I still believe celebration of Easter renews my faith, our faith. Celebrating with the victims and the people who are affected truly brings us hope once again,” Rev. Father Joy Mariaratnam said.
Fifty-six people lost their lives at the St. Anthony’s shrine in Kochchikade. (NewsWire)