by Melani Manel Perera

The archbishop of Colombo speaks at the diocesan day for Catholic teachers who must help pupils recognise the “religious and moral values in their life” to become “mature and intelligent adults in society”.

Colombo (AsiaNews) – “Children are a precious gift of God given to your care. You need to deeply commit yourself to look after these children and form them to become, intelligent and matured persons in the society,” said Card Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, as he addressed Catholics at a meeting organised by the Archdiocese’s Education Office.

In addition to Card Ranjith, Papal Nuncio Mgr Joseph Spiteri and Archbishop Emeritus Oswald Gomis attended the meeting held at St Joseph’s College Auditorium, in Colombo.

“I sincerely appreciate your dedication as Catholic teachers and encourage you very much to continue in your service wherever you are. The role of the teacher is recognised as a noble and honourable profession,” the prelate said.

However, “Do not forget,” he explained, “that every teacher must be a man of prayer and in that life of prayer, you will gain strength to meet the challenges of the lives of the children."

After the hour of adoration and prayer, Nuncio Spiteri imparted Benedict XVI’s apostolic blessing on the teachers.

This was followed by a ceremony in which a number of them received awards for their work with children.

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