Pope and MR
Dr.T.Jayasinghe – Fmr. Ambassador to State of Palestine
In the midst of all political work connected with the Presidential election President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed the officials to make arrangements in coordination with Cardinal Malcom Ranjith for a grand welcome to Most Rev.Pope Francis who will be in Sri Lanka on 13th January 2015 on the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
All attempts by some disgruntled anti-Sri Lankan elements to discourage Pope Francis visiting Sri Lanka did not materialize thanks to the factual reports sent to Pope by those responsible for the visit.
In view of the election fever that engulfed the whole country, media failed to give the desired publicity and highlight the visit in advance but hope that media will do justice at the proper time. It is a surprise to many as to why Pope is adamant in making this visit when some anti-government pessimists are predicting post-election unrest in the country. In actual fact, it is my feeling that this visit will divert the attention of the masses towards the visit that is going to bring peace and stability to the country.
On the other hand, as we see from the day one of his appointment, the difference in his performance and he is a different kettle of fish. Coming from a Latin American country he has a better understanding of the mindset and the behavior of the people in this region. He appears to be confident that peace will prevail and he will be able to make a successful visit.
Sri Lanka came into contact with Catholicism in 1505 and it has to be mentioned that the first part of the exposure was not pleasant. However as time passed the closeness and understanding of the Catholic Church improved and the relationship with other communities now continue to be cordial and strong in every respect.
In the past the Catholic community especially the social elite was pro West and not nationalistic creating a wide gap among the communities. But fortunately with the spread of education and exposure to the modern political culture communities now mix freely and the antagonism is not there.
But to be frank it has to be stated that some Tamil Catholic priests were not helpful in building bridges among religions and communities. It was clearly seen during the ethnic conflict. A case in point is the removal of the sacred Madu Matha statue to the jungle to be used as a shield. Government soldiers had to stop shooting to prevent any damage to the statue.
The removal of this statue to the jungle became international news and Catholics in many countries especially India were worried. I remember the main Catholic organization in Bethlehem handing over and appeal to me to be handed over to the government of Sri Lanka.
Fortunately, President Mahinda Rajapaksa defeated the terrorists and now there is peace for all to worship at the churches.
Catholics can now freely go to Madu Church as the area was cleared of terrorists. Now the devotees can go by railway. Most Rev Pope Francis will be visiting this Church during his visit to Sri Lanka.
After seeing the overall freedom enjoyed by the Catholics in Sri Lanka and the patronage the Sri Lankan government to the Catholic Church and other places of worship along with the general development of the country we are assured that Pope Francis will carry a good impression of Sri Lanka.
– Asian Tribune –