A Sri Lankan clergyman, who was ordained the first bishop of Quetta in Pakistan last month, received a rousing welcome when he returned home for a visit recently.

Parishioners of Jaffna’s St. Anthony’s church decorated the streets to receive Oblate Bishop Victor Gnanapragasam on Aug. 18 and brought him to the church accompanied by traditional music and dance.

Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna, together with thousands of people of various faiths, then took part in a thanksgiving Mass to celebrate Bishop Gnanapragasam’s episcopal ordination on July 16.

“It is a people’s festival,” said Pakkiaiya Peter, a member of the parish council.

Some 3000 people, including the Jaffna mayor and other government officials, took part in the celebrations, he said.

The new bishop, who had worked for 37 years in Pakistan, told ucanews.com that he is able to continue working in the predominantly Muslim country without much problem. The Muslims “are happy about my appointment,” he said.

Bishop Gnanapragasam joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Sri Lanka in 1959 and was ordained a priest in 1966.

He went to work in Pakistan’s Faisalabad diocese in 1974 and soon became superior of the Oblates. He was appointed the first prefect of Quetta apostolic prefecture in 2001 and ordained bishop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Karachi on July 16 this year.

Related reports
Chariot festival brings Hindus and Christians together
Indian Hindus assist in Sri Lanka’s recovery
Young Catholics join Hindu festival

SR10897.1615