Set an example to others, Archbishop tells Catholics

Shirley Wijesinghe

COLOMBO: Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis who stressed the need to be conscious of the present situation in the country, also called on all Catholics to set an example by making sacrifices to make others happy.

"Christmas is not meant for eating and drinking in the extreme. We should not destroy the spirit of Christmas. We need not spend lavishly for eating and drinking only for ourselves. We have to look after the needs of those around us, because Christmas is a time for sharing and caring. This seems to have gone with the wind," he told the Daily News yesterday.

"Look at our vicinity, within our surroundings. Many have been made to live on charity of others due to the internal strife and the tsunami. Many have lost their loved ones and their properties. We need to give them courage and confidence to stand on their feet. If we care for them and have a kind thought and act we can make Christmas meaningful," the Bishop added.

"Instead of spending money lavishly for one's own comfort, we should give more to others as that would give us real happiness. In that we will the find real meaning of Christmas."