ASIA/SRI LANKA - The local Church: "From Madhu hope to revive peace"

Wednesday, 14 January 2015

Mannar (Agenzia Fides) - "The Marian prayer of the Pope at the Shrine of Madhu is a message of hope: the whole nation remembers that harmony and peace are precious values and essential for the future, they are to be protected together. The Church is certain that, after 30 years of tragic war, something good and nice will be born from Madhu: from here the hope to revive peace and reconciliation" says Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, in charge of the Secretariat for information, during the Pope’s visit in Sri Lanka.
Pope Francis presided at a Marian prayer at the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu, the oldest in the nation, located in the diocese of Mannar in the north of the island.
Fr. Fernando explains that this is a very significant event as "Madhu is located in an area that has been affected by war and has always been a symbol of unity and national harmony, since it is a respected place and attended by people of all religions and of all ethnicities".
Fr. Fernando explains to Fides that the Pope’s visit is enjoying strong interest in the whole population, even among non-Christians, reporting that about 500 thousand people were present at the Mass of canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz, the apostle of Sri Lanka. "There is great interest and enthusiasm. Sri Lankan media is ensuring wide coverage to the event, emphasizing the Pope's visit. The presence of Pope Francis confirms a blessing for all of us". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/01/2015)


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