Sri Lanka

The Congregation Sisters of the Holy Angels was founded in 1903 by Rt. Rev. Mgr. Joseph Van Reeth S.J. Bishop of Galle to evangelize in the Buddhist community. It was the first Congregation for Sri Lankan women, but this diocesan Congregation has since been raised to Pontifical status. For over 100 years the Sisters of the Holy Angels have worked tirelessly to spread the love of the Gospel to those in need, whether Christian or Buddhist, around the world.

Today, the Sisters of the Holy Angels are urgently needed in the village of Kattimahana, not only to work alongside the priests ministering to the 55,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Kurunegala, but also to minister to the poor children. The children who are able to attend school are at risk for dropping out, falling behind in classes, and perpetuating the debilitating cycle of poverty they are trapped in.

Seven-year-old Githmi and her sister, 10th grader Chathumini

Githmi Umaya is only seven years old, but she already knows what she wants to be when she grows up: a teacher. And her sister, Chathumini, dreams of being a doctor.

Sadly, in rural Sri Lanka where Githmi and Chathumini live, their dreams are no small ambition. There are massive obstacles standing in the way of their dreams. With a poor schooling system, a horrible economy, and little community support, Githmi, Chathumini and their family are the poorest of the poor.

They are lucky if they have enough money for a daily meal… and the hole in the roof of their shanty hut means all gets soaked when it rains.

It can be extremely difficult to get an education and break the cycle of poverty, and it can be even harder to maintain the deep faith this community has. But with the support of the Sisters of the Holy Angels, Chathumini will be given the spiritual direction and care that she needs to live out her faith – even when times are hardest.

Your generosity to the Sri Lanka campaign ensures a safe place for the sisters to live among the people.The plan is to build a convent with four bedrooms for the sisters, washrooms, a kitchen, and a chapel.  It will be built high enough to prevent any flooding during monsoons and it will be centrally located to the village. The property for the convent was already donated generously by Rev. Fr. Lionel Fernando of the Diocese of Kurunegala. This is the first step in securing a positive future for all those living in poverty!

Hiruni, 11, has lived at Providence Home for several years. Her father left the family when she was very young. Eventually, her mother married another man, but unfortunately, he struggles greatly with alcohol and quickly became abusive. During one particularly violent incident, Hiruni was able to escape him. She told her mother about it, who in turn reported her husband to the police. Hiruni was sent to Providence Home by court order and has lived there ever since.

Today, she is thriving. She is extremely happy with the Sisters of Mary Immaculate and the other children. She feels safe and knows she’s loved there. She’s in 6th Grade, where she excels in her studies. She wants to study hard so that one day she can help her family overcome their struggles.

Srimon, 16, and his brother Justin have lived at Providence Home for four years. Their mother died of cancer when they were very young. Until Srimon was 12, he and his brother were raised by their father. He was a good, hardworking man who made his living working on a local rubber farm. Despite the father’s job, the family had very little money. Their house, for instance, was a simple, very small one-room building.

When Srimon was 12, his father unexpectedly died of a stroke. Suddenly, he and Justin had nowhere to go. A local contact brought them to Providence Home, where they have flourished ever since. Srimon passed his ordinary level exams and is working on his advanced level studies. Justin will sit for his ordinary level exams this year.

You can help other children like Hiruni, Srimon, and Justin today!

July 2018

Bishop Perera visited Atlanta in July 2018 to fundraise personally for Providence Children’s Home! He visited All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody, GA July 14-15 and St. Thomas the Apostle in Smyrna, GA July 21-22. We were so excited to work with Bishop Perera on this amazing project.

It’s always an honor to work with bishops from around the world. We first met Bishop Perera when he visited Atlanta last fall. He has a true love for God, a strong devotion to the Eucharist, and cares for the people of his diocese with a truly pastoral heart.

Bishop Perera’s visit was very successful. He received an outpouring of generosity and donations.

You can still provide vital assistance to the children of Providence Home. Click the “How You Can Help” tab below to learn more.

Click through the photos below to see scenes from Bishop Harry’s visit.

However, the diocese needs YOUR help to continue to provide for the children’s ongoing needs. Annually the Diocese of Kurunegala spends $30,000 for all 60 children.

That’s just $500 to cover a child’s expenses for a whole year (and less than $42 per month)!