OUR LADY OF LOURDES SHRINE AND DIVINE MERCY RETREAT CENTRE
KUDAGAMA – SRI LANKA
Kudagama, Our lady of Lourdes Shrine comes under the diocese of Rathnapura. The Shrine is known and worshiped by devotees from all parts of the Island as a place of divine presence of the Lord Almighty and the most Holy Blessed Mother of God. The shrine being dedicated to “Our Lady of Lourdes” is situated in Kudagama,
a remote village from the hustle and bustle of the Rabukkana town. Eventhough, the Shrine was famous among the local Catholics since the 1970’s, the history of the Shrine dates back to the 1930’s. During the period of 1930-1938 Reverend Fathers, Lewis Fernando, Mark Anthony, Philip Cooray and Siril Edirisinghe have served in building up the Shrine. Thereafter, Rev. Francis Fernando (1939-1944), Rev. Vekkiyoni (1944-1945), Rev. Francis Xavier (1946-1949), Rev. Steven Perera (1950-1955), Rev. Ruben Perera (1955-1961), Rev. Joseph Rajapakshe (1961-1962), Rev. Skulderella (1962-1965), Rev. Vekkiyoni (1966-1968), Rev. Patrick Fernando (1968-1971), Rev. Camillus Jayamanna (1971-1987), Rev. George Nimal (1987-1988), Rev. Felix Perera (1988-1994), Rev. George Perera (1995-1997), Rev. Neville Janz (1998-2003), Rev. Sherwin Fernando (2004-2005), Rev. Dudley Aththanayake (2005-2006) have contributed in the development and continuity of the Shrine, and from the year 2007 to few months into the year 2011, the Shrine was served by Rev. Ernest Premasiri. Today Rev. Jeevantha is the priest in charge of the Shrine. The Shrine has been declared as “Divine Mercy Retreat Center” through a vision received by the Bishop of Rathnapura, Rt. Rev. Dr. Cletus Perera. The devotees visiting the Shrine never return empty handed, as each and every person who visits the Shrine, is blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. The prayer services held at the Shrine at present are meant to strengthen the relationship with the Lord Almighty, and to experience his unconditional love and mercy, and to experience the protection and love of our dear Mother Mary in our daily walk of life.
