Sacred Heart Church

Have you ever heard of a church built with abandoned British Army materials? Right here in Katugastota stands Sacred Heart Church. Its story begins not with stained glass and soaring arches, but with classrooms and a deep missionary zeal. Fifty years before its official birth, Benedictine fathers from St. Anthony’s College began tending to the spiritual needs of Catholic families in the area. The college chapel, or sometimes even a room in a house, served as their makeshift church. Recognizing the growing need, the Diocese established the Sacred Heart Parish in Katugastota on Pentecost Sunday, May 24th, 1953. In the beginning, there was no dedicated church building, not even land to build one. The college chapel continued its double duty, hosting parish activities as well. Baptismal records reveal that almost all the college priests contributed to parish life. In 1955, under Father George, the parish acquired a plot of land, a former paddy field. It was the first step towards having their own sacred space. Father Romuald Balderelli later added a parish house. Then, Father Theophane Wickramarathne began construction of the church itself. Resourcefully, he used materials left behind by the British Army. Father Gregory Phoebus added a grotto, a personal touch funded by his own inheritance. Sadly, he passed away suddenly in 1964, marking the end of the initial period of Benedictine leadership. Diocesan priests then led the parish until the Benedictines returned in 1971 with Father Sebastian. The church’s unique architecture, initially designed by Father Theophane, symbolized the Holy Trinity with its triangular elements. Later renovations, while necessary, altered this original design. Father Wulstan Fernando added a parapet wall and began a Sunday school building. Father Bruno installed a granite altar and tabernacle. He also enlarged the sanctuary. In 2002, the Sunday school building was finally completed. Today, Sacred Heart Church stands as a testament to the dedication and resourcefulness of those who built it. From makeshift chapels to a unique structure built with repurposed materials, the church’s history is a story of faith, perseverance, and community.