From http://www.queenofangels.lk/index.php?act=events-angattack20130606
Thursday, 6th of June 2013
St. Francis Xavier's Catholic Church - Angulana belonging to the Rawatawatta Parish was attacked by a group of unknown persons between 10.00PM (5th) and 6.45AM today (6th).
The unknown group had forcefully removed the tabernacle from the altar, broken it open and had tried to burn the Blessed sacrament by pouring kerosene oil on it. How ever over 30 lit matches were found with the soaked wooden tabernacle which has miraculously refused to catch fire. The group had also destroyed the historical statues of the church which was present at the first church 143 years ago while also destroying statues of the Blessed Mother. They had also destroyed the church sound system connections. Upon witnessing the incident the sacristan had rung the church bell to call on the people of the area.
Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Christo Viraj Fernando and Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Kasun Fernando condemn this ruthless attack and request all Parishioners to keep clam and Pray to the Lord almighty for his intervention and forgiveness.
The incident clearly depicts the attack on Catholic faith not only to Angulana but to the entire Sri Lankan Catholic Community. Under the instructions of His Eminence Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Blessed sacrament was removed and church will remain closed to conduct further investigations into the incident. Due to the disrespect to the Blessed Sacrament that occurred a special service will be conducted by His Eminence before the church will be reopened. The Angulana Police is conducting investigations together with a special police task force and security to the church premises has been provided.
Thursday, 6th of June 2013
St. Francis Xavier's Catholic Church - Angulana belonging to the Rawatawatta Parish was attacked by a group of unknown persons between 10.00PM (5th) and 6.45AM today (6th).
The unknown group had forcefully removed the tabernacle from the altar, broken it open and had tried to burn the Blessed sacrament by pouring kerosene oil on it. How ever over 30 lit matches were found with the soaked wooden tabernacle which has miraculously refused to catch fire. The group had also destroyed the historical statues of the church which was present at the first church 143 years ago while also destroying statues of the Blessed Mother. They had also destroyed the church sound system connections. Upon witnessing the incident the sacristan had rung the church bell to call on the people of the area.
Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Christo Viraj Fernando and Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Kasun Fernando condemn this ruthless attack and request all Parishioners to keep clam and Pray to the Lord almighty for his intervention and forgiveness.
The incident clearly depicts the attack on Catholic faith not only to Angulana but to the entire Sri Lankan Catholic Community. Under the instructions of His Eminence Most Rev. Dr. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Blessed sacrament was removed and church will remain closed to conduct further investigations into the incident. Due to the disrespect to the Blessed Sacrament that occurred a special service will be conducted by His Eminence before the church will be reopened. The Angulana Police is conducting investigations together with a special police task force and security to the church premises has been provided.
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