Dear Aunty Latika, Prasadhini, Devishta, Jayadeva and families,
We were much saddened to hear of the home calling of Father James as he was affectionately known by our families , some days ago.
My mother Esther Sivaprakasam, and siblings Christopher, Michael and Christine, along with my husband Lakshman and myself( Naomi) and our familes , send our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to you all at this time of grief and loss of such a wonderful man of God, who was husband and father to you all.
Father James was to us, a well- loved Father in Christ, an uncle to Lakshman( cousin to his parents Rethy and Kunchu Selvaratnam) a dear friend and counsellor to our parents( Paul and Esther Sivaprakasam), and to our aunt and uncle ( George and Joyce Gnanamuttu) . His care, concern and genuine involvement in the lives of each one who came under his pastoral care, was truly legendary; and his large shepherd’s heart reflected that of our Great Shepherd . One such time was during the ’83 riots when he risked his own life in sheltering many of his relatives and flock who lived in the vicinity
As children growing up in the parish of St Michael and All Angel’s Polwatte where he was Vicar, his ‘larger than life’ presence in church , passionate faith in his Lord and Saviour, fervent prayers, inspiring sermons in impeccable diction, booming baritone voice raised in song, and on frequent visits to our home, impassioned discussions over things that mattered, keen wit and resonant hearty laugh as he wholeheartedly celebrated life’s milestones, ups and downs with us, are vividly etched in our memories. He took an individual interest in our development, cheering, encouraging and actively supporting our involvement in church life; whether as choristers, organists and musicians, or budding altar boys, aspiring actors or artists in church dramas and productions . He prepared us for confirmation, watching over our spiritual development with personal interest long after we emerged as communicants, and when the time came was a key and enthusiastic player in events leading upto Lakshman and my engagement and wedding ,delivering a thought provoking homily that impacted us both and we remember to this day. Father James and my Dad Paul- a friend he held dear, shared a deep love for their Alma Mater- St John’s College, Jaffna, and for singing a wealth of treasured hymns .When Daddy was called home, it was his grieving friend Father James, who ministered at the funeral.
His love and adoration of Aunty Latika was always evident, who with her calm strength, beauty and grace complemented and supported one other in life and ministry so beautifully. So was his devotion and pride in you three children who will bear and carry on steadfastly and admirably, his rich and enduring legacy .
We join with you and countless others whose lives he touched, in celebrating his remarkable and outstanding life of service and in grieving his passing . We pray for our heavenly Father’s comfort, love and grace to envelop, sustain and carry you ,being secure in the knowledge that as heaven receives with great joy, a servant minister, ardent worshiper and much loved son, a glorious resurrection awaits dear Father James, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our loss here on earth is truly heaven’s gain.
With love and prayers,
Lakshman & Naomi Selvaratnam
Dear Aunty Latika, Prasadhini, Devishta, Jayadeva and families,
We were much saddened to hear of the home calling of Father James as he was affectionately known by our families , some days ago.
My mother Esther Sivaprakasam, and siblings Christopher, Michael and Christine, along with my husband Lakshman and myself( Naomi) and our familes , send our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to you all at this time of grief and loss of such a wonderful man of God, who was husband and father to you all.
Father James was to us, a well- loved Father in Christ, an uncle to Lakshman( cousin to his parents Rethy and Kunchu Selvaratnam) a dear friend and counsellor to our parents( Paul and Esther Sivaprakasam), and to our aunt and uncle ( George and Joyce Gnanamuttu) . His care, concern and genuine involvement in the lives of each one who came under his pastoral care, was truly legendary; and his large shepherd’s heart reflected that of our Great Shepherd . One such time was during the ’83 riots when he risked his own life in sheltering many of his relatives and flock who lived in the vicinity
As children growing up in the parish of St Michael and All Angel’s Polwatte where he was Vicar, his ‘larger than life’ presence in church , passionate faith in his Lord and Saviour, fervent prayers, inspiring sermons in impeccable diction, booming baritone voice raised in song, and on frequent visits to our home, impassioned discussions over things that mattered, keen wit and resonant hearty laugh as he wholeheartedly celebrated life’s milestones, ups and downs with us, are vividly etched in our memories. He took an individual interest in our development, cheering, encouraging and actively supporting our involvement in church life; whether as choristers, organists and musicians, or budding altar boys, aspiring actors or artists in church dramas and productions . He prepared us for confirmation, watching over our spiritual development with personal interest long after we emerged as communicants, and when the time came was a key and enthusiastic player in events leading upto Lakshman and my engagement and wedding ,delivering a thought provoking homily that impacted us both and we remember to this day. Father James and my Dad Paul- a friend he held dear, shared a deep love for their Alma Mater- St John’s College, Jaffna, and for singing a wealth of treasured hymns .When Daddy was called home, it was his grieving friend Father James, who ministered at the funeral.
His love and adoration of Aunty Latika was always evident, who with her calm strength, beauty and grace complemented and supported one other in life and ministry so beautifully. So was his devotion and pride in you three children who will bear and carry on steadfastly and admirably, his rich and enduring legacy .
We join with you and countless others whose lives he touched, in celebrating his remarkable and outstanding life of service and in grieving his passing . We pray for our heavenly Father’s comfort, love and grace to envelop, sustain and carry you ,being secure in the knowledge that as heaven receives with great joy, a servant minister, ardent worshiper and much loved son, a glorious resurrection awaits dear Father James, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our loss here on earth is truly heaven’s gain.
With love and prayers,
Lakshman & Naomi Selvaratnam
