Catholics condemn tarnishing country’s image
Chaminda Perera
*Support President’s decision to defeat foreign conspirators
*Economic development should accompany spiritual progress
The Catholic fraternity yesterday condemned the attempts to bring
down the country’s image in foreign countries. His Eminence Malcolm
Cardinal Ranjith yesterday said that the attempts aimed at bringing down
the country’s image at international level are condemned by the
Catholics regardless of persons involved in such activities.
He said the Catholics hail the President’s policy that certain
foreign elements should not be allowed to sow the seeds of separatism in
the country.
“We agree with the President’s policy that the various foreign powers
should not be allowed to create dissention among the communities,” he
added.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith was delivering his speech at
the State ceremony to felicitate him at the BMICH yesterday. Members of
Maha Sangha, Members of National Christian Council, Archbishop Emeritus
Nicholas Marcus Fernando, Archbishop Emeritus Dr Oswald Gomis and
Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka Archbishop Joseph Spiteri were present.
Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith received his red biretta from Pope Benedict
XVI during the Consistory ceremony in Saint Peter’s Basilica last month
when His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI installed 24 new Roman Catholic
Cardinals from around the world.
He was ordained to the priesthood by Pope Paul VI in St. Peter’s
Basilica in 1975.
He was of the view that the effective way to defeat the pro LTTE
elements in foreign countries is to set up civil administration in the
North and the East.
His Eminence said that he has received information that several
misguided Catholic priests operating from foreign soil are involved in
futile attempts of dividing the country.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith expressed regret over this
situation.
He made a special mention on the country’s first Cardinal - His
Eminence Cardinal Thomas Cooray who showed him the proper path.
He made special mention of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI whom he has
been closely associated with for the past 20 years.
He said he was enriched by the vast knowledge of the Holy See.
He said he was blessed with the association of the Holy See.
His Eminence stressed that economic development should accompany
ethical and spiritual progress.
He added that Western countries suffer from the ethical and spiritual
deterioration though they have achieved economic progress.
He stressed the importance of having ethical and spiritual
development in the country in line with the economic development.
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