From the humble village of Gonawila near Bolawatta in Sri Lanka, Servant of God Helena’s life shines as a beacon of unwavering faith and profound devotion to Jesus Christ. From her earliest years, Helena was deeply moved by the Passion of Christ, a moment she witnessed as a child when accompanying her mother to Bolawatta Church. This encounter with the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus ignited in her a lifelong commitment to live solely for Him, forsaking all worldly pleasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the strong wishes of her father and brother for her to marry, Helena stood firm in her resolve, rejecting every proposal. Even when they opposed her attending Holy Mass, she remained steadfast, attending regularly and examining her conscience twice daily. Her love for Jesus only grew stronger through every challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helena’s journey was marked by intense trials. She endured harsh opposition at home, including physical harassment from her own family. She courageously resisted witchcraft promoted by her brother and destroyed objects intended for temple worship. Even after being beaten unconscious, her faith remained heroic and unshaken. She offered her sufferings for the conversion of her family, embodying true Christian sacrifice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her spiritual strength was further tested by temptations from the devil, yet she found comfort in a vision of Jesus, who assured her of His presence and support during her hardships. At the age of 22, on October 12, 1870, Helena received the stigmata\u2014the sacred wounds of Christ\u2019s Passion\u2014marking her as a living reflection of Jesus\u2019 suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Helena experienced profound physical manifestations of Christ\u2019s Passion, including falling to the ground with her shoulders pressed down. Every Friday, she would lie on the ground three times, as if crucified, entering a trance-like state. During Advent, she bore daily pains of Crucifixion for three weeks. Remarkably, despite rigorous fasting, she walked to Bolawatta Church to teach Catechism to children, demonstrating her selfless dedication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Word of Helena\u2019s extraordinary experiences spread across Sri Lanka, drawing many to witness her holiness. To manage the growing attention, Fr. Gracia arranged for her to stay in a room near Gonawila Church. The Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. Dr. Christopher Bonjean, ordered an official inquiry, conducted by Dr. Dias, a non-Catholic doctor. After three days of examination, Dr. Dias confirmed that Helena\u2019s trances were genuine and not fabricated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further testimony came from Rev. Mother Marie Josephine, Superior of the Kurunegala convent, who verified the presence of lashing marks on Helena\u2019s back, consistent with the Passion of Christ, during her trance states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout her life, Helena bore the five wounds of Christ, the marks of scourging on her back, and the crown of thorns on her head. She lived a life of holiness that inspired many, with numerous miracles reported both before and after her death. Devotees continue to visit her grave, seeking her intercession and drawing strength from her example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let us unite in prayer for the beatification of Servant of God Helena of the Holy Face of Jesus, whose life stands as a powerful testament to faith, suffering, and sanctity. Her story inspires us all to embrace our own crosses with courage and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Wijesinghe<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
From the humble village of Gonawila near Bolawatta in Sri Lanka, Servant of God Helena’s life shines as a beacon<\/p>\n