Rebuild St. Anthony’s in Ponthivukandal, Sri Lanka

My name is Fr. Anthony Sebamalai, associate pastor of St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, in Dix Hills, New York. I was born and raised in the village of Ponthivukandal, Murunkan, Sri Lanka, in the district of Manner. I am asking for your financial help and support to rebuild St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, which has nurtured my vocation, and its villagers, for over one hundred years.

After a severe hurricane in 2021, its foundation suffered a serious crack and the building was deemed unsafe for any worship. It has been completely dismantled and the village has been without a proper shelter for God and the sacraments since then.

Ninety-nine percent of the villagers of Ponthivukandal are Catholics and this church is used by about 105 families. Their main source of income is rice paddy cultivation and home gardening. Sri Lanka’s economy was badly hit after this hurricane, and, coupled with the after-effects of the Covid pandemic, the people find it difficult to make ends meet and feed their families. Prices of essential commodities continue to increase, so building supplies and construction labor costs are not affordable. The villagers have no choice but to perform the labor themselves, progress is slow, and they do not have the resources to complete the reconstruction.

These villagers desperately need assistance to help rebuild their only church; any financial help to support their efforts would certainly make a great difference. Please prayerfully consider making a gift of any size to help support these efforts. Any gift is greatly appreciated.

Thank you and may God bless you.

Fraternally,

Fr. Anthony Sebamalai

Associate Pastor

St. Matthew R.C. Church