Rising from the ashes of war

St. James Church Kilaly restores Sacred Heart with the return of the chariot  

• “The magnificent new Chariot stands as a remarkable symbol of faith resilience, and community spirit, representing the revival of a treasured tradition that was interrupted by decades of conflict.”
• “Through the generosity of Novenites, local residents, pilgrims, and benefactors, a new church was constructed and solemnly consecrated in July 2021 by the Bishop of Jaffna.”

A cherished chapter in the religious and cultural history of Northern Sri Lanka will be reopened on July 24, 2026, when the newly constructed THER (Chariot) of St. James Church, Kilaly is solemnly inaugurated during the annual feast celebrations of the parish’s patron saint.  

The magnificent new Chariot, meticulously sculpted, beautifully constructed, and tastefully painted, stands as a remarkable symbol of faith resilience, and community spirit. Built through the generous contributions of Novenites, family members, residents, pilgrims, and well-wishers from around the world, the THER represents the revival of a treasured tradition that was interrupted by decades of conflict.  

The inaugural procession promises to be one of the most memorable events in the recent history of the parish. Following its consecration, the chariot will carry the sacred statues of OUR LADY AND ST. JAMES THE GREAT (Santiago Maiyoor), as hundreds of pilgrims and devotees pull it by rope around the church flagpole.  

As the THER advances, the faithful will recite the Litany of St. James, sing hymns in his honour, and participate in a moving display of devotion accompanied by traditional music and the rhythmic beating of drums. The celebration will be marked by colourful ceremonial umbrellas carried by parishioners and the participation of numerous members of the clergy, adding grandeur and pageantry to this historic occasion.  

For generations, the original Chariot occupied a central place in the annual feast celebrations of St. James. It was a beloved symbol of devotion and a focal point of pilgrimage. Sadly, both the Chariot and a significant portion of the original church were destroyed during the war in Northern Sri Lanka, bringing an abrupt end to a tradition that had united countless families and pilgrims over many decades.  

Determined to preserve their spiritual heritage, the people of Kilaly embarked on an ambitious rebuilding effort. Through the generosity of Novenites, local residents, pilgrims, and benefactors, a new church was constructed and solemnly consecrated in July 2021 by the Bishop of Jaffna. Since then, the parish has continued to flourish, attracting thousands of devotees annually, particularly during the Feast of St. James.  

The parish expresses its profound gratitude to all donors whose generosity made this project possible, including many who contributed purely out of faith despite having no direct connection to the church. Special appreciation is also extended to the craftsmen, contractors, parish leaders, and volunteers whose dedication transformed a dream into reality.  

As the newly consecrated Chariot begins its inaugural journey around the flagpole on the eve of the Feast of St. James, it will symbolise not only the revival of a historic tradition but also the enduring spirit of a community that has risen from adversity with faith, hope, and determination.  

The people of St. James Kilaly warmly welcome pilgrims, devotees, and visitors to witness this historic event and join in celebrating a tradition restored for generations to come.