" Eucharist binds us together to give witness to the love of God. Through this act of love God shared His life with human beings. We are to continue to show this love to the humanity. When this love is absent, we cannot experience peace and harmony in this world. The body and blood of Christ is that which was offered for us as a sacrifice of love. And that means for the love of us Christ had to offer his body and blood in the most ignominious and cruel manner on a cross. And for what reason but for the love of us – to save us from sin and pave the way for us to go the abode of the Father. The price he thus paid is not something that could be valued in terms of silver and gold but it is in essence his very life in its totality."
"We all know that love begets love. Love calls for reciprocation. We see this daily in our lives. Any living creature is responsive to love, except perhaps a very few cruel human beings in today’s society."
"There should be no divisions among us on any reason, rather as a Eucharistic community, create an atmosphere for peace in this beloved country. We have suffered enough with the civil war in this country. Please do not try sow seeds of violence and hatred in the country. The time has come for us Catholics to set the example in our country. You know the realities and the signs of our time. How much we are in conflict and in the throes of destruction, mutually destroying each other. The so-called ethnic conflict and the war have led to so much of disaster. Today, whoever may be the criminals, we are all experiencing terror and tyranny. Today it is one group and tomorrow it could be another. On the other hand there is crime rampant not only in the war zones but all over the country. People seem to have lost all sense of morality and ethical values. Families are slaughtered and people are threatened and kidnapped. All this shows that the sacredness of life has become a myth. Money and power have become the key factors of our socio-economic fabric. We condemn all forms of violence whether it comes from the north or the south."
His Grace the Archbishop further speaking about the Madhu Statue said, " the Statue of our Lady of Madhu has been taken by His Lordship Bishop Rayappu Joseph to a safer location, where thousands of people live as refugees. His Lordship has discussed with the government security forces about the situation at the Madhu area and once the Madhu church area is cleared of landmines as assured by the Sri Lankan Army, Madhu Statue will be brought back to the Madhu Shrine. Some people who have not even seen the Madhu Church, are trying to take personal advantages for ulterior motives. The Eucharist has a power that can challenge any situation that is opposed to the Kingdom of God. Jesus faced death and inaugurated the new Kingdom of God through his resurrection. The early Christian community found their source of strength to bear witness to the Gospel in their Eucharistic gathering. They were able to face the challenges of the world being nourished by the Eucharist. Therefore, I invite you all to live this Eucharistic life of peace-building, respecting human values, self-giving and sharing, reconciliation and forgiveness, so that the world will see us as spirit-filled and spirit-led communities."
Blessed Sacrament was exposed at St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade for adoration and the after the final hour of adoration in the evening, Corpus Christi procession with a massive crowd proceeded towards to the St. Lucia's Cathedral, people singing hymns and participating in the reflections. His Grace the Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Marcus Fernando, His Lordship Bishop Marius Peiris, the Episcopal Vicars and Fathers and Religious participated in the Rally.
His Grace the Archbishop imparted the Solemn Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament at the Cathedral premises, at the end of the Vespers Service. |
