The 39th Death Anniversary of Reverend Father Mary Bastian, who was brutally shot dead by armed forces at St. Anne’s Church in Vankalai, Mannar, was remembered on Saturday, the 6th of January, in Vankalai. This event was organized by the Assistant Parish Priest Reverend Father Pio Tharsan of Vankalai, and Holy Mass was presided over by the Vicar-General of Mannar Diocese, Reverend Father Christhunayagam.
Following the Mass, the statue of Reverend Father Mary Bastian was garlanded, and memorial events were held to honour his memory, and that of others who lost their lives alongside him. In a noteworthy gesture to commemorate this day, the Bastian Community Development Association of Vankalai organized a blood donation campaign. Many persons actively participated in this event.
It is to be noted that on the 6th of January 1985, Reverend Father Mary Bastian was shot and killed at St. Anne’s Church in Vankalai, Mannar, and the people of Vankalai remember and honour this day every year, since Fr. Mary Bastian is enshrined in the hearts of the people.
