ASIA/SRI LANKA - "The presence of the Pope, a sign of peace and unity, a wake up call for the nation"

Tuesday, 13 January 2015

Colombo (Agenzia Fides) - "The Pope is for us a great sign of peace and unity. His presence represents a wake up call for the entire nation: it is an invitation to undertake the path of peace and reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation": says Fr. Tony Martyn to Agenzia Fides, a priest of the Archdiocese of Colombo, engaged in the General Secretariat of the Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka, a few hours after the arrival of Pope Francis in Sri Lanka, where he will remain from 13 to 15 January.
Fr. Martyn told Fides: "The nation is responding enthusiastically, there is great excitement not only among Catholics, but among the faithful of all religions. Pope Francis brings a message of peace, dignity for all, solidarity, which will leave a trace. He immediately spoke of reconciliation: with the new government and with the presence of Tamil representatives, we nourish new hopes. The path of reconciliation, as the Pope stressed, can only start from truth and mutual trust. We hope that the Pope's presence will help to lead to sincere dialogue at a political level. It is necessary to reconnect the hearts, to console the wounded families".
Fr. Martin continues: "The Pope calls us to wake up from sleep and give a boost to the path of ecumenism, of dialogue and peace: so that Sri Lanka will be able to respond to the valuable presence of the Pope. The canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz is a moment the Catholic community has been waiting for and thank the Pope heartily". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/01/2015)


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