The Miraculous Statue of Our Lady of Good Voyage, Katukurunda

Revered heirloom held for generations by a devout family now disappeared

- DR. D FERNANDO COORAY, KEGALLE

St Mary's Church Katukurunda

Our Lady of Good Voyage, is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, originating in sea faring communities of Portugal and Spain spread worldwide, including to Ceylon.

During the Portuguese rule of the island, the Franciscan Missionaries converted many, especially in the coastal region. The Madappuli Arachchige Fernando family of Katukurunda, Moratuwa, were converted during this period and the statue of Our Lady of Good Voyage was an heirloom kept and revered in the family from that time.

Most statues made of ivory during that period is attributed to Ceylonese or Indian carvers. This particular statue of ivory is approximately six inches in height. It has a circular plinth which appears to be topped by lotus petals. The Madonna's face is more rounded than oval and bears some similarity to statues known to be of Ceylonese origin. The design on the diadem of the Madonna's crown is not clear in the picture but it shows the imperial arches and that it is topped by an orb. The cross on the orb is unclear. The Madonna's hands are clasped in front and the statue is slightly curved to the left.

The Dutch succeeded in expelling the Portuguese from the island, in the year 1658 and officially ruled until the year 1796.

The Catholics faced many a vicissitude, during the occupation of the island by the Dutch, as they were relentless in their persecution of Catholics.