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December 14 should be observed as a day of prayer, fasting and penance for reconciliation and peace, states Bishop Oswald Gomis, president, Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka in a special message to mark Universal Day of Reconciliation and Peace which falls today.

The full text of the message:

Universal Day of Reconciliation and Peace is observed today "The Holy Father Pope John Paul IInd has called for a universal day of prayer, fasting and penance for peace and reconciliation in the world. With the ongoing war in Afghanistan there is immense suffering and millions of refugees are on the verge of starvation. The situation is further getting globalised.

"We wish to appeal to our faithful and all persons of goodwill to observe the 14th of December as a day of prayer, fasting and penance for reconciliation and peace.

"Peace and reconciliation have become urgent priorities in our own country.

The people of our motherland have expressed overwhelmingly in the recently concluded general elections, that we as a nation want peace and an early end to the war and violence of all forms that have marred the good name of our country. Once again our people are full of hope that the new government would usher in lasting peace and reconciliation at all levels.

The new Prime Minister has already in his inaugural address called for an end to confrontational politics and invited all peoples to join hands to build up a new political culture devoid of violence and based on respect for all citizens of the country.

"We believe that in our religious traditions, prayer, fasting and penance are accepted as powerful spiritual means of inner healing and reconciliation. Let us therefore rally round the call of the Holy Father Pope John Paul IInd to observe this universal day of prayer and fasting."

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