In a ardent and riveting address, Deacon Shehan Fernando recently shared his powerful journey from the constraints of his upbringing to the ultimate liberation he found in Christ. His talk, titled “Knowing Your Chains and Looking Forward Towards the Real Freedom in Christ,” captivated the young audience with its raw honesty and profound insights into the human condition.
Deacon Fernando began by reflecting on his childhood in a strict Sri Lankan household, where rigid family expectations and cultural norms felt like chains around his young spirit. “Growing up, my father was like a dictator, and my mother, bless her heart, was like an old radio, always going on. There were so many rules and regulations,” he recalled, humorously yet poignantly.
His journey to Australia, initially seen as an escape to freedom, led him to the seminary, where he encountered new challenges. The rigorous demands of his training often felt like yet another set of chains. However, it was during his theological studies that Shehan faced his deepest existential crises, spurred by the teachings of philosophers who questioned the very existence of God.
Shehan described his internal struggle vividly: “I remember sitting in front of the sacrament, questioning if God was real or just a figment of my needs and fears. The philosophies I encountered shook my faith to its core.” Despite these doubts, he persevered, seeking the truth with relentless determination.
In 2019, a transformative moment occurred. During a period of profound spiritual searching, Shehan experienced what he described as a true encounter with the divine in the Eucharist. “For the first time, I felt God’s presence so powerfully. It was not an ideology or a concept; it was the living God, real and tangible,” he shared passionately.
This pivotal experience led to a genuine liberation from his past chains. Shehan described his first real confession, where he poured out years of pent-up guilt and pain to a patient Vietnamese priest. “I walked out of that room utterly released. I had never felt so free,” he said, emphasising the significance of this spiritual cleansing.
Shehan’s message resonated deeply with his audience, as he urged them to embrace the opportunity for true freedom through faith. He likened life’s burdens to a heavy backpack carried during a hike, challenging listeners to lay down their loads and walk unencumbered. “Tonight is your chance to release your baggage and experience the freedom God offers. It’s a life-changing opportunity,” he declared.
As the talk concluded, Dcn Shehan invited participants to engage in a moment of silent reflection, followed by the sacrament of confession for those who were ready. “Jesus is here among us, ready to lift your burdens. Don’t miss this chance to unchain yourself and walk in true freedom,” he encouraged.
Deacon Shehan Fernando’s compelling narrative of overcoming personal and philosophical chains to find real freedom in Christ serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. His journey from doubt and constraint to liberation and certainty offers hope and inspiration to all who seek a deeper, more authentic spiritual life.