“I was no longer abandoned...I was a child of God.” sang the soloist in the choir of the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour and her words were echoed by the choir at the Recital titled “Never Thirst Again”, an Easter programme held on Monday evening, 28th March 2016 at the Cathedral. 

The entrance was by programme and the proceeds would go towards buying pillows for the inmates of the Maharagama Cancer Hospital. 

The Cathedral was full for the hour-long programme and Ishan de Lanerolle of the de Lanerolle Brothers directed the choir. 

Ven. Perry Brohier, Archdeacon Colombo and Vicar of the Cathedral said that already Rs.200,000 had been collected and 445 pillows had been bought and he invited well-wishers to join them on 17th March 2016 to hand over the pillows to the hospital. 

“Jesus had a thirst for the redemption of the Samaritan Woman at the well and for all souls. He asked pardon for her past and invoked the Power of the Holy Spirit for the future.  We all need comfort of heart and mind.”said Rt.Rev.Dhiloraj Canagasabey, Bishop of Colombo in his Reflection. 

In the words of the old woman and seer in the Bible Anna, “The road to the Cross was long-the road from the tomb would be longer.I shared the journey for such a short time, yet it changed my eternity." 

The choir sang out “I Will Never Thirst Again...Thank you loving God for quenching the deepest thirst’and the programme ended with the entire congregation standing up to sing “Hallelujah”. 

Comments from the audience 

Nirmalie Johnpillai 

The Recital was very good. The choir was well trained by Ishan. Powerful voices and for a worthy cause. 

Pauline Jansen 

I thought it was wonderful. The choir was really very good. 

Christina Nesakumar 

It was lovely. Very good singing and the programme was very uplifting. I really enjoyed myself. 

Nilani 

It was beautiful. Very moving and very inspiring. 

Tilina Dias 

It was an excellent recital. The singing was fabulous. 

Sureni Mahapatuna 

It was a superb show. Very good. 

Malkanthi Perera 

It was truly uplifting and very good. 

Cynthia Hallock 

I come for all the shows as long as I can as I am now 88 years old. The show was a little heavy because of the choir. 

Chrys Basnayake 

Today’s performance portrayed a very strong Easter Message - Living Waters and Understanding for she was forgiven for her sins. 

Adrian Basnayake 

It was very nice. It was more of a theatrical performance that went beyond normal choral singing. 

Shakila and Gowri 

It was really good and for a worthy cause. It was well organised. Ishan did a very good job and the presentation was excellent. 

Reviewed by Sirohmi Gunesekera 
Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja