Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – In the midst of the conflict raging in Sri Lanka, the Catholic community is working to promote peace and reconciliation. There are many priests, religious, and laity working every day to care for the wounded and spread a culture of peace.
As Fides was told by Sister Christobel Wijesekera, of the Congregation of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, the Sri Lankan Christians are especially working to show their solidarity and offer humanitarian aid to the suffering and victims of violence in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Many religious from various orders are working in collaboration with the “Center for Society and Religión” in the capital city of Colombo, which is led by Fr. Rohan Silva, missionary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The religious men and women, like the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, organize prayer encounters, conventions and debates, as well as field operations, visits to the injured and refugees, bringing them comfort, psychological consolation, and material aid.
They recently visited the area of Mannar and the Church in Madhu, the Marian Shrine that was affected by the conflict, offering support and solidarity to the Christians there, who have constantly requested that both parties respect Madhu as a war-free zone.
Even in the midst of bloody combat, which does not seem to be desisting, the Catholic religious continue building bridges of peace and reconciliation, working in schools, pastoral centers, and public places. The Catholic community in Sri Lanka continue to pray for peace, in a campaign being carried out throughout the entire Church present there. The Bishops repeat that “war and violence are not means to obtaining lasting peace. A political solution must be found for these crises.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/9/2008)
