To mark the Closing Ceremony of the Year of Priests on 19th June 2010, the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Matara had been selected to participate in a Rosary Relay in union with several other national shrines in the world. On this day the Shrine of Our Lady of Matara was linked with other 24 national shrines dedicated to Our Lady around the world, to participate in this Rosary Relay.

Very Rev. Fr. Nihal Nanayakkara, the administrator of the Diocese of Galle, officiated at the Holy Mass. Many of the Priests, Religious and laity of the Diocese were present to pray for their own shepherds. 

At the time scheduled by the organizers for the recitation of one decade of the holy Rosary, the entire congregation prayed devoutly to Mother Mary, seeking Her guidance and protection for all the Priests in the World.

As the last event of the celebration, the 12th station of the Stations of the Cross was blessed by Very Rev. Fr. Nihal Nanayakkara in remembrance of this historical day.   

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