Sri Lankan Community

Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lanka

           Construction commenced on this, the fifth shrine at Ta Pinu Marian Centre, dedicated to Our Lady of Lanka, with the laying of the foundation stone on Palm Sunday, the 9^th April 2006. This foundation stone was blessed by Bishop Frank Marcus Fernando, Bishop of Chilaw, Sri Lanka, who travelled to Australia especially for the occasion, where approximately 500 devotees were in attendance. Ten months were to pass until building of the structure actually commenced, on the 22^nd December 2006. Just over a month later, on the 4^th February 2007, construction had eventually ceased, and the Inauguration and Blessing of the Shrine was to occur. At 9:30am, Emeritus Archbishop of Melbourne Rev Dr Frank T Little, accompanied by Monsignor Benedict Camilleri and a Sri Lankan priest, were welcomed in front of the Chapel by a traditional Sri Lankan drummer boy, dressed in national costume. Coincidentally, it was the national day of Sri Lanka, so as a mark of respect, the Sri Lankan flag was raised and the Sri Lankan national anthem was played. The day's proceedings commenced with a Concelebrated Mass, followed by a procession from the Chapel to the Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lanka. At the Shrine, the Archbishop inaugurated the structure and unveiled a plaque marking the occasion. The Archbishop then blessed and incensed the Shrine, and the Sri Lankan priest read a message from Bishop Frank Marcus Fernando, Bishop of Chilaw, Sri Lanka, congratulating the Sri Lankan Community of Melbourne for their efforts. A member of the Sri Lankan Community then acknowledged all those who had contributed, in some way, towards the construction and completion of the Shrine. The day's proceedings concluded with the national anthem again being played, and a get together of all those in attendance, which was estimated to be at well over 700. On 17^th May 2008 2 glass panels were installed on either side of the Shrine to provide protection against the elements. 

(Click here for the letter of gratitude sent by the Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka)

 This page was last updated in January 2009   

  © 2009 Christopher DeBrincat