Demonstration Model Succumbs to Gusty March Winds

By David Lizotte

Why would a small Third World Shack be built next to the St. Mary's Church?

Before this question is answered, the short history of the small shack should be told.  Thomas Construction Inc. and I built the shack on a Friday in March.  The first roof blew off in two nights.  A friend and I replaced the roof, a stronger roof with beams, late on the following Sunday.  Fr. Paul, hearing noise, came to speak to us, thanking us for our hard work.  Within three weeks the whole structure blew over in a strong wind storm almost onto Main Street.  That wind was strong.  Some kind people before the first Mass that Sunday morning took the structure apart and laid it to rest on the stone foundation, as told to me by Fr Dennis.  My friend and I took the parts away later that day.

Think of the relevance of the story.  The people in Sri Lanka were saved because they were in the church, on high ground, as the tsunami took their homes on a Sunday morning.  Our structure battered by nature collapsed but the church survives.  We struggled to build a house, a representative structure of third world comfort that would stand the tests of nature and humankind.  The people of the parish of St. Sebastian’s in Negombo are living in their church as their home.  Their priest has offered them hospitality, as they await time and resources to rebuild a simple home.  I thank our priest for their words of encouragement and support.  I pray for the people of the Negombo as they stand to this test and as they respond with faith.  Thank you St. Mary's parish for responding.