Sri Lanka –  ‘Sri Lanka is ruined because we allowed selfish programs’ – Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

“That the corrupt rulers of this country did not conduct any justice or proper investigation regarding the Easter attack, and that the political leaders are still trying to hide the real masterminds of the Easter attack by suppressing every investigation and presenting the opinions needed by the rulers. And that all the collapses and destructive situations in the country at present have happened because the selfish programs of the rulers have been allowed to be implemented by us.” Said Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.

Cardinal Ranjith stated this during his sermon at the annual Healing and Prayer service for the blessing of the sick held at the National Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Sri Lanka, Tewatta, yesterday – 27th Sunday afternoon.

The theme of the healing and Prayer service of Blessing of the Sick was “Healed by the Lord journey towards the fullness of life with Mary”.

On Sunday afternoon, from 1.30 onwards the special blessing of the Sick service was held under the patronage of the Archbishop of Colombo with the participation of the Episcopal Council and all the Priests of the Colombo Diocese.

“We are begging God to resolve the injustice of the Easter attack. We are begging the Mother of God to resolve this injustice. 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.” Cardinal Ranjith requested the devotees of Our Lady of Lanka.

Also, the Archbishop stated to the faithful that we will work to create a social system that is fair, respects democracy, and values humanity in a way that protects the rights of all the people living in our country.

“On this occasion, I declare that it is our responsibility to contribute to the creation of such a system. It is the responsibility of all Christians to contribute to the country in such a period. That is, to commit to changing this existing system.” Cardinal Ranjith emphasized.

Cardinal Ranjith said that the reason for the occurrence of various types of anomalies, sufferings, collapses, etc. in present Sri Lanka is that we have allowed the selfish programs of the rulers in this 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. And we should work to change this weak situation in our society. We have to commit to it. We should pray especially to the Lord for that.” Cardinal Ranjith said to devotees.

Not only Catholic devotees from all provinces of the island, but also Buddhist Muslims and Hindu devotees participate in the annual blessing service, and since the 24th, devotees from distant provinces have been coming and staying to receive the blessing yesterday, said the administrator Priest of the shrine.

The annual healing and prayer service for the sick began with a three-day prayer and mass on Wednesday 23rd at 6.30 p.m. The Solemn  Vespers was held on the 26th of August at 7.00 p.m. Presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, Bishop J.D. Anthony with the candlelit procession from the old Grotto to the Basilica Shrine.

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