Colombo, a (public) Mass for the victims of the Easter attacks

by Melani Manel Perera

Card Ranjith led the function in the church of, one of those targeted in the attacks. "We do not hate you - the prelate said - but you will answer for your actions before God". Some survivors speak to AsiaNews: "We can't forget the sound of bombs and the cries of those who were dying".

Colombo (AsiaNews) - After a lengthy absence for security reasons, Card. Malcolm Ranjith last night celebrated a public Mass. The prelate led the function in suffrage of the souls of the victims of the Easter attacks in the St. Sebastian church, one of those affected by violence a few weeks ago. There were hundreds of faithful present, including many survivors.

During the homily, the Archbishop of Colombo said: "We do not hate those who caused this disaster. But they must know that sooner or later they will have to answer for their own gestures before God, who will ask you for an account of what you have done to these people ".

The auxiliary of Colombo, Msgr. J.D. Anthony, and the parish priest of St. Sebastian Fr. Srilal Fonseka concelebrated together with the cardinal. Many other priests were present from neighboring parishes.

Many survivors of the attacks were among the faithful present: "We would never have thought - they tell AsiaNews - of participating in a Mass like this. We did not expect to see a funeral Mass in our village. Among us today there are widows, children without parents, people who have lost everything. And then there are houses that have suddenly emptied: whole families destroyed ”.

The hardest thing, the present continue, "it's forgetting the noise. The roar of bombs and the screams of those who were dying, those screams full of pain ... They are also visual memories too difficult to forget".

Katuwapitiya, where the church of San Sebastiano stands, "has become a special place - the cardinal continued - a place that today can boast more than 100 holy martyrs. Even if the Vatican has not yet recognized their sanctity, we know that they were here to celebrate God and listen to His word, receive communion and thank the Lord for His blessings. So they gave their lives for God. And today they are before the Lord as the saints of Katuwapitiya ".

(photo by Fr. Sunil De Silva)