A FESTIVAL OF OUR LADY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 336, 26 September 1879, Page 15

A FESTIVAL OF OUR LADY.

A correspondent of the Jaffna Catholic Guardian, July 12th, says : — This is the first time I had the happiness of assisting at the festival at Madu. I do not wonder that so many are attracted thither. The place itself is so delightfully situated, such attention is paid to the comfort of the pilgrims, the Novenas are conducted in such a quiet orderly and devout manner, and the graces said to have been obtained through the intercession of our Lady are so numerous, that it is not at all surprising that thousands from all quarters, ftora Jaffna, Tiincomalio, Colombo, and even India, flock thither annually. One would be inclined to think that when such a vast throng was assembled there must be some confusion and disorder. Generally indeed such is the case, but not here. It does honour to our holy Religion to seethe ordeily conduct, the devout bearing of such a large number of persons assembled fiom the various parts, and perfect strangers to each other. This year all the pilgrims were highly pleased. I suppose it is just the same in other years. They suffered somewhat from want of water, and some had even to hasten their departure on this account. Uut good has come out of this want. Ths pilgiims opened a subscription list to obtain wherewith to build a well, liupees 1)1 weie collected at once, and finally the sum realised amounted to Rs. 2fiO. The site for the well was at once chosen, and the Very Rev. Fr. Lelons cut the lirst sod on the festival day. There were sis Fathers present to minister to the spiritual wants of the pilgrims. There were sermons in Tamil morning and evening. A great many confessed and received Holy Communion. Several pagans were baptised. Ido not know exactly how many. The number of pilgrims was estimated at from thiee to five thousand. The little sanctuary was never empty. From early mum till late night there were the pilgrims, some giving thanks, otheis imploring favours. The procession of the statue of the Blessed Virgin was touching by its simplicity and piety. The feast of our Lady was celebiated in tuic Catholic style. I think one would have to travel far to witness 6uch a spectacle out&idc the Church.