The Archbishop of Colombo led the annual Blessing of the Sick at the Marian shrine in Tewatte. Many Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims joined in the celebration. The cardinal mentioned again the denial of justice for the victims of 2019 Easter massacres.
Colombo (Asia News) – Yesterday, Card Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, used the annual celebration of the Blessing of the Sick at the national shrine of Our Lady of Sri Lanka, Tewatte, to speak also about the "illnesses” that have afflicted the country for too long.
The “corrupt rulers of this country did not provide justice or conduct a proper investigation regarding the Easter attack,” the prelate said. Its “political leaders are still trying to hide the real masterminds of the Easter attack by suppressing every investigation”.
What is more, “the collapses and destructive situations in the country at present have happened because we have allowed the rulers to implement their selfish programmes,” he added.
“Healed by the Lord journey towards the fullness of life with Mary" was the theme of the healing and prayer service of the Blessing of the Sick, said Fr Jude Sriyananda, the shrine’s administrator.
The event brings together every year not only devout Catholics from all the provinces of the island nation, but also many Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus who come for the triduum of the feast.
“Let's pray today to the Mother of God to reveal to us soon who committed that terrible crime that destroyed the lives of 273 of our fellow people and rendered the lives of another 500 helpless,” Card Ranjith said in his homily.
The archbishop also urged the faithful to work for the creation of a social system that is fair, respects democracy, and values humanity, thus protecting the rights of everyone living in the country.
“Let's pray with confidence in Him as God told us to get rid of all the challenges, sorrows, and pains that we get in our life journey,” he said.
“We should work to change the weak situation in our society. We have to commit to it. We should pray especially to the Lord for this.”