The 16th death anniversary of Rev. Fr. Sarathjeevan, who died on May 18, 2009—the final day of the war in Mullivaikkal—was commemorated on May 17 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Uruthirapuram.
The memorial was organized by Rev. Fr. John Canisious, the Parish Priest of Uruthirapuram. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Denisious, the Director of Caritas HUDEC Jaffna.
Following the Holy Mass, the commemoration included a moment of silence, a tribute speech, and the lighting of the flame of remembrance. The event was attended by priests, religious sisters and brothers, youth from the Diocese of Ratnapura, and a large number of parishioners and people.
The gathering paid heartfelt tribute to Rev. Fr. Sarathjeevan, affectionately known as “Fr. Sara,” who remained with the suffering people in the war zone until his last breath. It was also a moment of collective remembrance for the tens of thousands who were killed, injured, or forcibly disappeared during the final stages of the civil war.
Among the many who remain missing is Rev. Fr. Francis Joseph, who played a key role in facilitating the peaceful surrender of combatants and civilians. He was last seen being taken away in a military vehicle, and his whereabouts remain unknown to this day.
