Sri Lanka, Tamil: Pope among war victims, a blessing for all
Colombo (AsiaNews)
- "For the first time in the history of Sri Lanka, we Tamil had the chance
to see the Pope in our native places. It was truly a great blessing, not only for
us but for all the people of this country": This is the reaction of some Tamils
from the north of the island describing to AsiaNews the significance of Francis'
visit to the shrine
of Our Lady of the Rosary in Madhu, in the Diocese of Mannar, on January 14. The moment of prayer together with
the victims of the civil war was one of the pivotal moments of the journey made
by the pontiff to the former Ceylon.
"We believe - said an elderly couple - that Pope Francis' visit is a good
thing not just for us Tamils, but also for all civilians in the country, without
distinction. In addition, we are pleased that he was welcomed by a leader with
a good heart, kind and disciplined, not a corrupt president".
A Tamil Hindu doctor, says he is "happy that the Pope, spiritual leader of
the Catholics, has come to visit his flock. And it was nice that he visited a
Buddhist temple. His example teaches us to respect all religions and to allow
everyone to practice their own. I appreciate Pope Francis: He cameat a good time, when the country has changed government
and nourishes a new hope for a better future. "
For a Catholic nun, the visit of Francis to the Marian shrine of Madhu "will
remain engraved forever in our hearts. It is the first time for a Pope to come
here to the north, meeting the most affected by the conflict. The credit also
goes to Msgr. Rayappu Joseph [bishop of Mannar, ed], who strongly wanted his
presence here".
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28/04/2008
