Second Lankan Cardinal

Catholics in Sri Lanka no doubt would have rejoiced at the news of the elevation of Archbishop of Colombo Dr Malcolm Ranjith to the exalted office of Cardinal by Pope Benedict the XIth. The solemn investiture will take place on the 20th of next month at the Vatican when Archbishop Dr Malcolm Ranjith will be anointed Cardinal by the pontiff. This will certainly be a red letter day for Sri Lanka and a cause for celebration by all Sri Lankans irrespective of their religious persuasions for the high recognition accorded to a son of the soil for such office is not lightly bestowed on the recipient. The process takes into account the calibre, capacity, personal rectitude, dedication, sacrifice, fidelity and a gamut of qualities that merit the dignified office of Cardinal. That Bishop Dr Malcolm Ranjith had eminently passed the test is indeed a tribute to his spiritual attainments and his service to the flock. A Cardinal being the penultimate step to be elected Pope one can only hope and pray that Bishop Dr Malcolm Ranjith who is only 62 would one day reach the highest point in the Roman Catholic hierarchy bearing the sceptre of Pope elevating Sri Lanka to a new high in its world standing.

As mentioned, not just the Catholics it is a moment of jubilation for all Sri Lankans for the prestige and honour this appointment has brought to the country. Archbishop Dr Malcolm Ranjith is only the second Sri Lankan Cardinal, the last being Thomas Benjamin Coorey way back in the 60s.Therefore this new office is a novelty to even most Local Catholics particularly the younger generation. Hopefully this will instill in them a new spiritual awakening since today it is well known that many a Catholic is leaving the flock to join fundamentalist sects. One of the challenges before the new Cardinal will be to arrest this trend of dwindling followers and bring them back to the fold. Catholics will also hope that he would also bring about the necessary changes in the local church that have seen radical views emerging from priests in recent times. This appointment is significant for Sri Lanka in that it would now be able to forge stronger bonds with the Vatican which commands a not inconsiderable voice not to mention clout, on the world stage, through the good offices of the new Cardinal. The Vatican being state in its own right the appointment places the Lankan Cardinal in the inner council of this tiny state which in itself is a high point for Sri Lanka.

With his close personal relationship to the present pontiff no doubt Archbishop Dr Malcolm Ranjith would be able to play a more active role in canvassing the interests of Sri Lanka most notably in countering the various disinformation campaigns aimed at tarnishing the image of the country. Dr Ranjith is well known for his patriotism and national stance. He has already been in the forefront by canvassing the interest of the country particularly with regard to securing the GSP concession. He could now be in a position to wield a higher influence in his exalted position in the role of a religious Ambassador for the country to make the world have a better understanding about Sri Lanka. As spiritual leader who was in the forefront of promoting inter religious harmony the elevation of Bishop Dr Malcolm Ranjith could also be a harbinger for closer bonds between all religious groups easing tensions that were evident in recent times. The Vatican had long been espousing reconciliation between the communities in Sri Lanka. The new Cardinal could carry the message to the pontiff on the measures now being taken to bring about this reconciliation. The appointment is also significant in that it has come in the wake of a new era of peace and reconciliation which is at the foundation of Christian teaching. From his exalted position the new Cardinal of Sri Lanka can be an inspiring force in bringing about a change in attitudes and be made an effective mediator in any political solution for minority grievances.

Nothing could have been more appropriate than a messenger of peace at this hour for Sri Lanka that is just emerging from a bitter war and fractured communal relations. Hopefully this new appointment of a son of Sri Lanka to the highest echelons of one of the world's major religions would inspire the right feelings and sentiments leading to peace, amity and brotherhood in the true Christian spirit.