A Sister-in-Arms Sister Milburga Fernando died on Wednesday and was laid to rest on Thursday Sister Milburga Fernando (Image Courtesy Kanya D’Almeida) Source:Dailymirror When I began researching the life and work of Father Michael Rodrigo, a Sri Lankan Catholic priest who was murdered in the Uva Province in 1987, I was directed to a nun by the name of Sister Milburga Fernando.  No one knows more about Father Mike than she does, various people assured me. One afternoon with her will give you all the information you need. I prepared for this meeting accordingly, dressing conservatively and reminding myself not to be too forthcoming about my views on religion. Little did I know that what began as a formal interview in a tea shop on York Street—midway between my home in Nugegoda and hers in Kerawalapitiya—would blossom into a loving friendship that lasted for years; the last years, as it ...

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JOY IN COMMEMORATING A DEATH ANNIVERSARY – by Algi Wijewickrema   Author: Algi Wijewickrema   On 10th November every year, many residents of Alukalwita, a small village in rural Buttala, come together to commemorate the death of a Catholic Priest who served them selflessly and was brutally killed in 1987. The Priest is Rev. Fr. Michael Rodrigo OMI who lived and worked with them helping to uplift them so they could stand on their own two feet. Unfortunately this year, when the 33rd death anniversary occurs, the COVID 19 pandemic might ensure that they would not be able to visit “Subasethgedera”, Fr. Mike’s House of Good Wishes. It is not only the villagers but visitors who usually come in numbers for the commemoration are also unlikely to attend. Although priests, friends and relations from Colombo or the surrounding parish churches are unlikely to make their annual pilgrimage to Buttala, I ...

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