BROTHER MICHAEL CAPUCHIN INDIA: Pope Francis in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Pope Francis in Sri Lanka - the Land of Pearls

It is with great pleasure that I greet and welcome, His Holiness Pope Francis I – the People’s Pope, to the little Pearl of the Indian Ocean, our beloved Sri Lanka. The visit of Pope Francis – who within a short period of time won a special place in the hearts of the world as a compassionate, humble, peace loving Servant of God, is like having a special Messenger of the Prince of Peace himself – Our Lord Jesus Christ, among us.

We are a nation which suffered immensely for 30 long years – with the loss of many innocent lives ranging from the unborn to the elderly, irrespective of race, caste, creed or social standing due to acts of Terror.

The war with weapons is over… and now, the war of reconstruction, reconciliation of those lives that were directly or indirectly affected as a result of the conflict has begun, simultaneously. Hence, it is indeed very opportune at this point of time, that Pope Francis I, the 266th, Successor to St. Peter – the Apostle and Shepherd chosen by Lord Jesus Christ himself to lead his flock, graces us with his presence in Sri Lanka.

Let us therefore, reciprocate his graciousness by rallying round His Holiness – our Shepherd, to bestow God’s Blessings, Peace and Prosperity upon our Motherland, and to fulfill the Lord Jesus’ prayer: “But, I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke: 22/32).

This is the 3rd Papal Visit to our country, and also the first in the new Millennium. Furthermore, considering His Holiness’ preference for simplicity, and the widely known habit of breaking protocol to offer love, kindness, food and necessities to the poor, sick, afflicted and disabled brethren (who are in a way – fortunate to come in contact with His Holiness), this occasion aptly reminds us of how it would have been when Our Lord Jesus walked amongst us, from 1 – 33 AD.