On Janurary 2nd 2016, a holy mass was celebrated in Sinhala by Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando at Maria Regina Catholic Church in Gardena, CA.
This mass was held to celebrate Christmas and invoke blessings for the new year. This day Sri Lankans here also celebrated the sainthood of St Joseph Vaz who is the patron saint of Sri Lanka. Sant Joseph Vaz did a remarkable service to Catholics in Sri Lanka during his time.
This mass was well attended by many Sri Lankan Christians as well as non-christians.