Colombo (Asia News) - The Jubilee as a privileged time to live the teachings of the Gospel with zeal and new enthusiasm. This is the invitation addressed to the Catholics of Sri Lanka at the beginning of the Holy Year by Card. Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo.
Presenting to the faithful this great event that every 25 years involves the Catholic Church around the world, Ranjith recalled Pope Francis' invitation to live the Jubilee Year as an occasion of spiritual awakening.
Accepting this call, the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has prepared programmes to guide one to a deeper understanding of ‘their own and to develop the courage’ needed to properly respond to their responsibilities in life.
‘I urge the Catholic people to take steps to create the necessary rebirth and conversion in their lives according to what this year teaches us,’ the Archbishop of Colombo said in a video message.
‘Doctrine,’ he continued, ’is not something written in a book. It is a philosophy that is reflected in life's choices. Whenever we are led to err because of the weaknesses of our humanity, we must learn to respond positively according to the teachings of the Church, especially according to what our conscience tells us.’
‘Take special interest in living by faith,’ Card. Ranjith - Every evening, get together with your children and pray as a family. Read the Bible. Live in peace and brotherhood with your brothers and sisters. Share what you have with others. Find true spiritual happiness by living a pure life. Thus,’ he concluded, ’this year will be the source of a blessed life. I pray that all of you will have the strength and courage to experience this during this special time'.
The Christian Women's Movement (MCWV) also sent a message for the start of the Jubilee, taking up the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ suggested by Pope Francis. ‘In a world where many face a lack of hope,’ they write, ’it is crucial to remind ourselves that when people lose hope, life loses its meaning and purpose. This is true even in today's world marked by wars and conflicts doloris, such as the one in Palestine.
‘We Christians do not have the right to despair,’ reads the message, ’Let us speak the language of peace, becoming builders of peace and hope in a world in desperate need of healing. This is the message that Jesus brought to the world, even in the face of destruction and suffering'.
