Card. Ranjith at Children's Day: 'Become saints to support others'

On the occasion of the annual event dedicated to children at the Tewatta basilica, the Archbishop of Colombo reminded children of the invitation addressed to them by Pope Francis: "In today's world, do not be afraid of holiness".

Colombo (AsiaNews) - The Basilica of Our Lady of Sri Lanka, in Ragama Tewatta, welcomed the 76th Children's Day promoted by the archdiocese last Saturday. The Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith took part in the celebrations together with Bishop Maxwell Silva, Bishop J. D. Anthony and Bishop Anton Ranjith.

The response was numerous given the participation of many students from the archdiocesan Sunday schools and from the Catholic schools who joined this day, animated by the catechism council of the archdiocese whose theme was "Let us become children of prayer".

The day began on 17 May 1947 when the then Archbishop Emeritus of Colombo, Cardinal Cooray, fulfilled a solemn vow at the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes by bringing together all the children of the archdiocese in front of the sacred grotto, honoring Our Lady and asking for his intercession for them. That day Cooray with a touching gesture also consecrated every child to his loving protection. From that moment on this rite is repeated every year.

Last Saturday Card. Malcolm Ranjit told the children and young people gathered for the occasion: "Saints are those who live their lives in such a way as to be a blessing to others even more than to themselves".

The Archbishop of Colombo then recalled that today many elements in Sri Lanka are undermining the growth and life of children: “In this context, rather than looking for food, clothes and other things to satisfy the body, we should have the courage to seek God. In this way, the Saints live in God. Dear children - he always said to the children -, God has given you a certain life, certain parents, a family, a village and a country with a certain plan. God helps you lead your life. If you approach gradually to the Lord, he will surely take you towards his goal. So try to seek God's plan and lead your precious existence in it."

Cardinal Ranjith finally reminded the children of what Pope Francis had said in his exhortation to holiness in today's world: "Do not be afraid of holiness. It will not rob you of strength, life or joy. On the contrary, because you will become what the Father wanted you to be when he created you and you will be faithful to your being."

The young people who participated in the Day said they were very happy to have come to Tewatta because this was a new experience which gave them the opportunity to meet new friends from other parts of the diocese: "We learned something new in a day designed for us children. Today we return home with the intention of trying to be good and with the hope of becoming Saints,” some children said.

• Sri Lanka
• Children's Day