Myth, Legend And Christian Heritage In Talawilas St. Annes Church

Quietly nestled amidst the sun kissed landscapes of Talawila Beach close to Kalpitiya

lies one of Sri Lankas holiest Christian sanctuaries, the church of St. Annes. A hot bed of activity come Christmas season and the months of March and August, the faithful has flocked to the solace of this most ancient temple since it was founded in 1837. Surrounded by coconut palms and the soothing sea breeze from the beachfront just 100 meters away, St. Annes Church occupies a prided place in the heart of Sri Lankas Christian community and pilgrims worldwide.

The foundation stone for St. Annes Church was laid by Goan Priest Padre Catean although majority of the churchs building was later completed by Padre Neronha both of whom belonged to the oratory of Ven. Fr. Joseph Vaz who hailed from India. However, a number of legends are also credited with the humble beginnings of this now grand sanctuary in northern Sri Lanka. One such legend dictates that it was a shipwrecked European trader armed with the image of St. Anne who found shelter in a large banyan tree on the site of which the church was later constructed. Since he and his crew had succumb to many misfortunes it is said that the tradesman left the sacred statue by the banyan vowing to return and build a church in its place if his enterprise proved fruitful. A promise he later fulfilled on returning from his successes. In a strange turn of events, 1943 saw the hull of a shipwrecked vessel beached on the nearby shores which those loyal to the legend believed to be the shipwrecked vessel of the European tradesman who founded the church. The other slightly more popular legend states that a 17th century Portuguese man who failed to find a livelihood in Colombo had St. Anne herself appearing before him in a dream. Awoken from slumber beneath a large banyan tree he was astonished to see the image of St. Anne and the Holy Virgin herself instructing him to build a church in its location.

Whatever the origin, the sanctuary of St. Annes is a alive with prayer in the name of its holy patron saint who never fails to bless and load her innumerable pilgrims from across the country. During major religious holidays and red letter days in the Christian calendar the church dispatches a team of priests to hear sacramental confessions, provide catechetical instructions, religious services and deliver inspired sermons to the faithful.

Those who wish to travel to Sri Lanka to visit St. Annes Sanctuary or other Sri Lanka attractions should explore a uniquely informative travel portal before embarking on the journey. Offering potential visitors the local know-how necessary for a pleasant stay, Truly Sri Lanka is a one-stop site for all your vacation needs in the island nation.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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