Colombo Archdiocese holds 75th Children’s Day celebration in Sri Lanka

The Holy Childhood Society of the Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka, held its 75th Children’s Day at the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, Colombo, on June 10. 

The theme of the celebration was "Children, you are a gift of the Lord."

Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, Archbishop of Colombo, led the celebration with the participation of thousands of Catholic boys, girls, priests, nuns, and laity.

In his speech, Ranjith urged children to love their faith and follow Jesus through Mary, committing themselves to become gospel missionaries.

Auxiliary Bishops Jayakody Aratchige Don Anton Jayakody, Anton Ranjith Pillainayagam, and Sampathawaduge Maxwell Grenville Silva also joined the program.

The day began with the welcoming of Cardinal Ranjith and other bishops, and the religious procession began with the statues of Jesus and Mary. 

After the completion of the recitation of the Holy Rosary, Mass was offered. 

Then a concert started, where the children's talents were presented differently.

Father Suranga Niroshan Fonseka Pallansena, director of missions, organized the event.

One of the four Pontifical Mission Societies is the Holy Childhood Association, a Catholic children's organization. It helps children understand how the church is a missionary organization.

Bishop Charles Forbin-Janson of Nancy, France, established the association in 1843 to strengthen one's faith, live it sincerely, and share it cheerfully. 

Its goal is to inspire every Catholic child with a solid commitment to Christ and enthusiasm for the proclamation of the Good News worldwide.

The Pontifical Mission Societies Office of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples oversees its operations in all Catholic dioceses worldwide. 

Approximately 7% of Sri Lanka's 21.6 million people, or 1,552,434 people, are Catholic. Twelve dioceses, including an archdiocese, make up the Catholic Church. – Santosh Digal