Tribute to dear Brother Louis Benedict

As he always said, the Lord opened his third eye, empowering him with the blessings of the ‘Holy Spirit’. This Rare Jewel of a person whom God gifted us to our community was given a task to fulfil: to give appropriate teachings to us and to our nation. He carried out this by weekly newspaper editorials and other magazines

By Bernie Fernando

In 1989, 36 years back, Louis Benedict joined the “Holy Trinity Community”- Charismatic Renewal Movement within the Catholic church. It was his dear wife, Marie, who introduced him to us. Then the lectures were conducted by Bro. Aruna Perera. These lectures brought a tremendous change in Bro. Louis’ life, as in Amazing Grace which he used to sing. By this time, he has lost everything, by worldly measures, including his precious eyesight.

As he always said, the Lord opened his third eye, empowering him with the blessings of the ‘Holy Spirit’. This Rare Jewel of a person whom God gifted us to our community was given a task to fulfil: to give appropriate teachings to us and to our nation. He carried out this by weekly newspaper editorials and other magazines. Being a reputed senior journalist, he had the ability to express the messages clearly and awaken the people to the truth – be other-centered and not self-centered.

For over 25 years he was speaking of:

• The disparity of distribution of wealth which makes the rich richer while pushing the poor into the depths of poverty
• Global warming by use of nuclear weapons – climate change.
• Use of chemical fertiliser, which is injurious to human health etc.
• As President of the ’Peoples’ Movement for Patients’ Rights’, he did a commendable service.

Dear Bro., although you took the baton to your hand quite early, only recently did the society understood the hidden truths of what you spoke of. We were proud and blessed to have you with us. Your child-like demeanor, simplicity touched everyone you met and made them love you to the fullest.

 During the past 2 years, you suffered very much, with multiple ailments. Only a man rooted in great faith and spirituality could accept and bear such pain with a smile. Dear Bro. Louis, we will never see you again, but your loving memories are deeply engraved in our hearts. As you leave us to the land beyond where there is no sorrow nor pain, surrounded by angels, loving Mother Mary and St.  Joseph, we wish you an Affectionate Goodbye. Hoping to meet you there

Send blessings to your dear wife Marie who stood by you through thick and thin in life’s journey.