BISHOP SAVUNDRANAYAGAM BLESSES "TREE OF PEACE"

On April 14, our school was honored to welcome His Excellency Bishop Thomas Savundranayagam, Bishop of Jaffna in Sri Lanka. The bishop was visiting several of his priests who are working in the United States.

The bishop faces the sad reality of civil strife in his diocese. Some of his priests have been attacked. The bishop's own life has been in danger. Civil liberty has been seriously curtailed due to the continuing struggle between government forces and militants. The Church stands as a beacon of hope to the people of Sri Lanka, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

Joined by the 8^th Grade students of our school and priests from Sri Lanka who are working in our Archdiocese (including our own Father Joseph Ligory and Father Francis Xavier Reginald), Bishop Savundranayagam blessed a "Tree of Peace" which is planted in front of our school. This magnolia is the gift of the 8^th Grade Class to our school and will stand as a visible reminder of our need to pray for peace. In his remarks the bishop reminded our 8^th Grade Class that a tree is a growing thing, blessed by God. Hopefully this tree will be a symbol of the growth of human dignity and peace in Sri Lanka and in all other countries experiencing war or civil strife.

We are grateful to Bishop Savundranayagam for reminding us that we are indeed a Universal Church, that we are a Catholic people connected with our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world, and that we must always work for peace.

The following remarks were presented by 8^th Grader Birunthapan Jeyaseelan whose family comes from Jaffna, the city of Bishop Savundranayagam.

Your Excellency, welcome to St. Helena School! We are grateful that you took the time from your busy schedule to see us and offer to us your encouragement.

I am happy to tell you that my family and I come from Meesalai in Jaffna. For that reason Ian doubly honored to welcome you to our school. We know that your part of Sri Lanka is experiencing civil war. The people there are going through many hardships because of it. We assure you of our prayer, with the hope that a long and lasting peace will come to your country. We also pray for your good health so that your leadership may be a source of strength and encouragement for our suffering people.

Once again, welcome to our school! We are happy to have you here with us.