I read with interest the letter in your newspaper about the late Rev. Father Marcelline Jayakody the well-known Roman Catholic priest on his anniversary, and would like to write on another important aspect of his noble life, the author has not touched upon. The late Rev. Father was no ordinary priest but a very extraordinary one. He was a bridge builder to Buddhism and developed a very cordial relationship with the Buddhist clergy. His father was a native doctor and a devout Roman Catholic, but his mother was a Buddhist and used to relate the famous Buddhist Jataka tales to her son which had an impact on him. I have also heard that the late priest used to light Vesak lanterns, what a noble act in these days of Sanhidiyawa.
Mention should also be made of a book about the late priest by a Buddhist monk ‘Mal Pele Upan Pansale Pithuma’ by a Kakkapalliye Buddhist priest. It is true that everything he touched turned to gold. He also became a famous songwriter for the film Rekhava by Dr. Lester James Peries, and his songs such as ‘Vesak kekulu athu aga sita natana vilase’ is still ringing in our ears. He left us leaving a remarkable memory; priests of his calibre are very rare indeed.
V.M. Fernando.