Exhibition on laity in Church's mission held in Sri Lanka

Dec 10, 2024

COLOMBO: A two-day exhibition showcasing the role of laypeople in missionary activities drew hundreds of Catholic priests, nuns, men, women and children in Sri Lanka.

The exhibition themed "But Let’s Walk" was organized by Kithusara (Essence of Christianity), a group comprising priests and laypeople, at St. Joseph School in northern Negombo on Dec. 8-9.

It featured 200 posters and photographs on critical issues like child labor, the plight of schoolchildren of plantation workers, and the problems faced by children due to growing social media addiction.

"The exhibits showcased vital issues and the mission of laypeople in today's world," said Nayani Anuththara, who studied Christian Culture for her graduate course and is a mother of two.

She said the exhibition highlighted the contributions and responsibilities of the laypeople in advancing Christian values and action, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of their mission in society.

A discussion on the life and works of Father Gustavo Gutiérrez, who died on Oct. 22, aged 96, was also held as part of the exhibition.

A renowned liberation theologian, Gutiérrez also focussed on the plight of Tamil plantation workers, one of the most exploited and discriminated communities in the island nation.

Anuththara said that the priest engaged with the community at the economic level by addressing the root causes of exploitation; at the human level by emphasizing personal change; and at the theological level by focusing on liberation from sin.

She said even Pope Francis expressed gratitude to Gutiérrez for his efforts and for challenging everyone’s conscience, ensuring that no one remains indifferent to the tragedy of poverty and exclusion.

Prasanna Vithanage's award-winning film, Paradise, was also screened at the exhibition.

Peter Fernando, a film enthusiast from Seeduwa, a suburb in Negombo, described the film as a powerful visual poem highlighting cultural, religious, and economic challenges.

It depicts a young Indian filmmaker's crumbling marriage amid police brutality and Sri Lanka's economic collapse.

“The film narrates the plight of Tamil plantation workers and their labor exploitation. The scenes encourage us to reflect on our responsibilities as citizens," Fernando said.

Student Surini Uthpala expressed her gratitude to the organizers for the meaningful exhibition.

"We learned many things we were previously unaware of," she said.--ucanews.com