ASIA/SRI LANKA - The Apostolic Nuncio: “this is the time to build bridges of peace and reconciliation”

Friday, 18 January 2008

AFGHANISTAN

2024-02-07
Manipur, torn by conflict, tries to reconnect the threads of dialogue

2023-12-04
The Franciscan Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Jinan celebrates the 60th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium, to continue walking on the paths opened by the Second Vatican Council

2023-10-16
Prayer for the reconciliation of the peoples of Israel and Palestine

2022-02-24
Integrating refugees into society: the commitment of the Pro Bambini Association of Kabul

2021-12-18
The Barnabites, with their hearts in Kabul: "Pray for Afghanistan"

2021-12-17
Serious food crisis: 23 million people in need

Colombo (Agenzia Fides) - “In Sri Lanka this is the time to build bridges of reconciliation and peace between north and south, east and west”: this appeal was consigned to Fides in a conversation by Archbishop Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio in Sri Lanka.
The Nuncio said this year, which threatens to be difficult and painful for the people, marked by the suspension of the cease fire agreement and fresh fighting on a vast scale, “the Catholic community, the bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful are called to be signs of hope amidst the violence, poverty and displacement”. “We should meditate and assimilate the Holy Father's message in his recent encyclical Spe Salvi in order to be channels of hope for the martyred people of this nation ”, the Nuncio told Fides.
On his frequent visits to different parts of the Island, Archbishop Zenari has said continually “it is time to build bridges”. Visiting the local community and re-building programmes following the tragic tsunami, the Nuncio noted “two years later progress has been made to rebuild dignified homes for the poor. But if the tsunami damaged communications, roads and bridges, the twenty year old conflict has broken human communication digging divides and gulfs between individuals, communities and ethnic groups. This is the greatest tragedy and Christians are called to build bridges of peace and reconciliation to be builders of bridges, or pontifex, following the example of Christ. He is the bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity; and with his message of service and love he is also a bridge between people of different origin, culture, language and customs”.
In the meantime the Catholic community in Sri Lanka, continues to pray for peace, as part of a prayer campaign throughout the local Church. Archbishop Gomis of Colombo, said recently “war and violence never lead to lasting peace: a political solution to the crisis must be found”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/1/2008 righe 27 parole 274)