Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – “For the Papal visit to Sri Lanka planned from 13 to 15 January 2015, we have chosen the words ‘Remain in my love’, from the Gospel of Saint John, because we believe the cipher of this pontificate is love. With every word and gesture Pope Francis urges us to remain in the Lord’s love and to carry this love to others: a message that is precious for us here in Sri Lanka”. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo said this in a conversation with Fides, regarding the programme of the upcoming visit by Pope Francis.
The Cardinal told Fides: “We will be extremely happy to have the presence of the Holy Father in our land. We consider the visit an honour and a gesture of great encouragement for the Church in Sri Lanka. Preparations, spiritual and regarding organisation, go ahead without obstacles. We await him with joy and will receive him as a dearly loved guest”.
“The theme ‘Remain in my Love – the Cardinal explains – highlights the direction of the pontificate of Pope Francis as he strives to render the Church ever more a reality which reflects and carries to others the love of Christ especially to the poor and the needy. In Sri Lanka today the Church is called to spread this message of peace, love and reconciliation ”.
“The subject of reconciliation – the Archbishop of Colombo continues – will be central. The visit to our Marian Shrine at Madhu, in the Tamil area, will express precisely this message. We have experienced and we have overcome a time of sadness, a time of warfare. Today we are working to heal wounds and rediscover a spirit of brotherhood and peaceful living side by side. The path is laborious and sown with obstacles: the presence of the Pope will be force of encouragement along our path of reconciliation”.
Another event seen by the Christian community as a source of hope is the canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz, considered a founding pillar of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka: “We hope and pray the canonisation will take place during the Papal Visit. We know the Congregation for Saints is working hard to complete the details. The fact that today there is a Catholic Church in Sri Lanka and that it survived Dutch persecution, is due mainly to this great missionary Joseph Vaz , who fortified the faith of the community at such a difficult time”.
Cardinal Ranjith says he gives no weight to hostile statements by certain Buddhist and nationalist leaders: “All they want is to gain visibility and consensus. I am certain that the whole country and all its religions will welcome Pope Francis with a profound spirit of friendship”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/9/2014)
