(April 23, Jaffna, Sri Lanka Guardian) Saturday April 16, the Murugandy Church of the Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India was raised from the ruins of a horrendous war and re-dedicated by the Rt Rev Dr Daniel Thiagarajah in the presence of large numbers of members and friends.

The church overflowed its capacity with people who attended from various parts of the Vanni and also from the peninsula. 

Promptly at the end of the war, the JDCSI began the renovation activities of its many churches in the Vanni confronting various odds and constrictions giving its priority to the faith of the people as paramount and the task to instill in them the hope that we can reconstruct ourselves with true determined commitment. Such an ideal is people oriented and emerges from the grass roots and it is the responsibility of the church to lead with grit, determination, vision and integrity. 

 In a stirring re-dedication sermon, Bishop Thiagarajah called for unity of action and a total commitment to the well being of the people of the Vanni. 

The JDCSI gives leadership that seeks a socio-economic, cultural and spiritual revolution aimed at peace and progress among all communities of the country.

The re-dedication service began with a prayer outside the church followed by the tolling of the bell by Mrs Indrapoopathy Gnanasangari, a senior member of the church and a delegate to the Diocesan Council. This was followed by a procession into the church and lighting of candles by the members of the clergy.

The Holy Communion was celebrated led by the Bishop assisted by the Reverends Sivaguru Joseph and Benjamin David.

The area minister for the JDCSI, the Rev Sivaguru Joseph welcomed the participants warmly. He also proposed the vote of thanks. The Rev Thiru Dixon, the minister of the Murugandy Church played host to the large gathering along with his hardworking team led by G Sapthasangary, the JDCSI Director of Projects in the Vanni. 

The grand opening was followed by a fellowship lunch prepared deliciously at the church’s Daycare Centre by volunteers.

The whole rebuilding work was headed by the Rev Dr Gunalan Thiagarajah who commented that the work of the church has to be a community role and with this a new life for the people could be ensured.