“It is time to be more faithful to the Gospel”

In a video message, the Archbishop of Colombo explained to Sri Lankan Catholics the significance of the Holy Year as an opportunity for spiritual awakening. “Doctrine is not something written in a book: it must be reflected in our choices.” He invited families: “Pray and read the Bible together during the Jubilee.”

Colombo (Asia News) – The Jubilee as a privileged time to live the teachings of the Gospel with zeal and new enthusiasm. This is the invitation addressed to the Catholics of Sri Lanka at the beginning of the Holy Year by Card. Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo.

When presenting to the faithful this great event that every 25 years involves the Catholic Church throughout the world, Ranjith recalled Pope Francis’ invitation to live the Jubilee Year as an occasion for spiritual awakening. Taking up this call, the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka has prepared programs to guide everyone to a deeper understanding of “their own and to develop the courage” necessary to respond adequately to their responsibilities in life.

“I urge the Catholic people to take steps to create the necessary rebirth and conversion in their lives, in accordance with what this year teaches us,” the Archbishop of Colombo said in a video message. «Doctrine – he continued – is not something written in a book. It is a philosophy that is reflected in life choices. Whenever we are led to err due to the weaknesses of our humanity, we must learn to respond positively according to the teachings of the Church, especially according to what our conscience tells us.

« Put special interest in living according to the faith », Card. Ranjith – “Every night, gather with your children and pray as a family. Read the Bible. Live in peace and brotherhood with your brothers and sisters. Share what you have with others. Find true spiritual happiness by living a pure life. Like this” , he concluded, “this year will be a source of a blessed life. I pray that everyone has the strength and courage to experience it during this special time.”

The Christian Women’s Movement (MCWV) also sent a message for the start of the Jubilee, taking up the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” suggested by Pope Francis. “In a world where many face a lack of hope,” they write, “it is crucial to remind ourselves that when people lose hope, life loses its meaning and purpose. This is true even in today’s world, marked by wars and painful conflicts, such as that of Palestine. “We Christians have no right to despair,” the message reads, “let us speak the language of peace, becoming builders of peace and hope in a world that desperately needs healing. This is the message that Jesus brought to the world, even in the face of destruction and suffering.