by: Ananth PALAKIDNAR
The Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundharanayagam took part in a religious service at the Madhu Church yesterday for the first time since the shrine was liberated from the LTTE by the Security Forces a month ago. Jaffna Bishop Thomas Savuntharanayagam visited the shrine area and saw the renovation work carried out by the Security Forces, soon after the church was rid of the LTTE presence. Bishop Savuntharanayagam is also the first Bishop, in the Mannar diocese to visit the Madhu church for the first time since the shrine was liberated from the LTTE, Mannar Vicar General Rev. Anthony Victor Sosai told the Sunday Observer.
The Minister of Christian Affairs has allocated Rs. 1.6 million for renovation work and the security forces played a key role in the renovation activities, according to Vicar General. Meanwhile, the Security Forces are currently engaged in clearing mines in the surrounding areas of the Madhu Church.
A ten-member team including nuns in the church premises are conducting the routine rituals, the sources said.
(Courtesy : Sunday Observer )