by Melani Manel Perera

Next Friday, Sri Lanka will celebrate a Festival of Forgiveness following the initiative launched by Pope Francis in late March. Even the archbishop of Colombo, who is the president of the Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka, will perform the sacrament of Confession.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - "The sacrament of Confession is a vital aspect of the spiritual renewal to which we are called. Let us not forget that Blessed Mother Mary calls us to convert our hearts," said Card Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka, as he launched a special day of penance for this Friday.

Following the Festival of Forgiveness Pope Francis promoted at the end of March, all the parishes and religious institutions on the island nation will remain open for those who wish to be reconciled with the Lord.

"I too," said the cardinal in his announcement, "along with the auxiliary bishops, will attend and will be available to hear the confessions of those who want to. I urge all of our parish Fathers to take the necessary steps to carry out this day, and honour Our lady's call, who said 'Do whatever he tells you" (John, 2:5)."

In addition to being a response to Pope Francis' call, this day is part of the Marian Year sponsored by the Archdiocese of Colombo that began on 30 November 2013.

In last year's pastoral letter announcing the initiative, Card Ranjith called on the country's priests and religious to "use the seasons of Advent and Lent to promote a strong return of the faithful to the sacrament of Confession."

• sri
• lanka
• marian
• year
• festival
• of
• forgiveness
• confession