OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PARISH
The Parish of Padaviya, dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, is situated in the North Central Province within the historical ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka. Belonging to the Diocese of Anuradhapura—one of the most underprivileged dioceses in the country—Padaviya is widely considered its most difficult and rural parish.
Covering a vast expanse of approximately 200 square kilometers, the parish caters to a Sinhala-speaking community situated at the borders of three large Tamil-speaking dioceses: Jaffna, Mannar, and Trincomalee. Among a majority population of over 15,000 Buddhist families, there are around 100 Catholic families scattered across this expansive area, striving diligently to protect and practice their faith.
The parish also maintains one substation at Kawantissapura, proudly dedicated to the Oblate founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod.
The Socio-Economic Reality
Padaviya is primarily a paddy farming region, drawing its life source from the massive Padaviya Lake. The local population—which also includes a small number of fishing families—must work incredibly hard for a good harvest, constantly battling harsh climatic conditions and the threat of wild animals, particularly wild elephants.
Access to safe drinking water is a severe, decades-long crisis in this region. Residents often travel miles to secure clean water. Consequently, chronic kidney failure is rampant, often afflicting the primary breadwinners of families and leaving them in dire economic and nutritional distress.
An Apostolate of Presence
The Oblate mission in Padaviya goes far beyond the administration of sacraments. Recognizing that the vast distances and practical hardships prevent many Catholic families from regularly attending church, the Oblate fathers practice an "apostolate of presence." They step out of their comfort zones to minister directly to the peripheries.
The parish team regularly visits homes to conduct zonal Masses, gatherings, catechism classes, and English tuition. The mission extends to the most abandoned villages within the Padaviya Govijanapadaya—such as Namalpura, Janakapura, Sampathnuwara, Nikawewa, Sri Pura, Parakramapura, Buddangala, Wahalkada, and Kawanthissapura—some of which are 30 to 50 kilometers away from the main parish center.
Collaboration and Community Upliftment
Working in close, seamless collaboration with the Good Shepherd Sisters, the parish operates as a unified team to serve the disadvantaged, irrespective of caste or religion. Together, they facilitate several vital ministries:
- Youth & Education: Weekday visits to remote villages to teach English and animate the Lak-Rivi children's movement. Sunday Daham Pasal (catechism) students are also provided with a nutritious weekly lunch.
- Women's Empowerment: Imparting life education and skill development for local women to help them sustain their families and combat child malnutrition.
- Relief Efforts: Distributing dry rations to families whose nutritional needs are barely met, especially those affected by chronic kidney disease.
- Scholarships: Providing monthly educational scholarships to the most needy and talented children in the area, supported by generous donors and well-wishers.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the dedication of the parish team, resources remain severely limited. Because the Catholic families are widely scattered, children struggle to afford travel to the church or purchase basic stationery. Furthermore, when students and teachers are invited to participate in diocesan activities, training programs, or competitions in Anuradhapura, the travel costs (approximately Rs. 850 per person) are often a heavy financial burden for the parish.
Yet, through the unwavering support of the OMI Colombo Province, the Good Shepherd Sisters, and generous benefactors, the Parish of Padaviya continues its mission—transforming lives, safeguarding human dignity, and serving as a beacon of hope in the rural heartland of Sri Lanka.