Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 1

THE WEEKLY OF SRI LANKA

"REGISTERED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS OF SRI LANKA” UNDER NO. QD / 19 / NEWS / 2015 Sunday, January 11, 2015 Vol 146 No 02 24 Pages Rs: 25.00 Registered as a newspaper God, give us a time like this demands

We need saints in veil and cassock. We need saints who wear jeans and sneakers, saree and sarong. We need saints with bone and marrow. We need saints, who put God in fi rst place and communicate with God every day. We need saints in the here and now, with a spirituality visible to all, somehow. We need saints committed to the poor and the marginalized We need saints who can read the signs of the times. We need saints who live in the world, who sanctify and are sanctifi ed by the world. We need saints who walk in the highways and byways of society We need saints who have table-fellowship with the high and the low We need saints who passionately love the Eucharist We need saints who allow themselves to be broken so that others could be made. We need saints, strong in their beliefs, yet humble to manifest. We need saints who are social, open, normal, friendly, happy and who are good companions. In other words; We need saints who are in the world, in touch with the world but not of the world. Sanctity is beautiful! It is a beautiful way: Francis Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 2 Transport Arrangements - Pope's Visit Contact details of SLTB Of�icers for transport arrangements for the faithful attending the celebration at Galle Face Green for the visit of His Holiness to Sri Lanka

No. Of�icer's Name Region -Place of Work Designation Telephone No.

1. Mr S.D.O. Nimal Annesley SLTB Ma

in Of�ice Manager - Time Tables 077-1056039 2. Mr Thilak Wickremasinghe Colombo Region Chief Regional Manager 077-1056300 3. Mr Lalith Edward Gampaha Region Chief Regional Manager 077-1056500 4. Mr Thilak Wickremasinghe Colombo Region Regional Manager-Kalutara 077-1056300 5. Mr Panduka Sumana Hansa Ruhunu Region Regional Manager- Ruhuna 077-1056800 6. Mr Priyadarshana Kandy Region Regional Manager (Chief) Kandy 077-1057000 7. Mr Jagath Ranjan Sabaragamuwa Region Chief Regional Manager Sabaragamuwa 077-1057500 8. Mr D.M.R. Dissanayaka Nuwara Eliya Region Chief Regional Manager Nuwara Eliya 077-1057400 9 Mr P.H.R.T. Chandrasiri North West Region Chief Regional Manager North West 077-1057200 10 Mr K.S. Sujeewa De Silva Uva Region Chief Regional Manager 077-1057700 11. Mr U.M.A.L. Fernando Rajarata Region Chief Regional Manager 077-1057900 12. Mr A.R.F. Ameen Eastern Region Chief Regional Manager 077-1058200 13. Mr S. Asker Northern Region Chief Regional Manager 077-1058100 Special Train Arrangements for His Holiness God walks in history Pope Francis' Visit - 2015 Date Starting From Departure Destination Arrival with us and adjusts

2015-01-13 Badulla 17.00 Slave Island 03.21 its course Jaffna 20.00 Slave Island 04.47 2015-01-14 Kandy 00.00 Slave Island 03.38 Kandy 01.00 Slave Island 04.09 Puttalam 01.00 Slave Island 04.40 - "God’s will has been to save Chilaw 01.30 Slave Island 04.20 us in history" the Pope has said. "Our is not Kurunegala 03.50 Slave Island 05.55 sterile, as in a laboratory. No! It’s history. He has walked Avissawella 02.00 Slave Island 04.30 through history with his people. Therefore – he said - Galle 02.00 Slave Island 04.20 there is no salvation without history. And to get to the Matara 01.15 Slave Island 04.35 Aluthgama 02.30 Slave Island 04.05 point: history goes back a long time." "And so, step by step, history is made. God Date Starting From Departure Arrival Departure Destination Arrival makes history, we make history; and when we fail, God makes adjustments and sets history back on course, 2015-01-14 Colombo Fort 14.00 Badulla 00.12 walking with us all the time. If this is not clear to us, we Colombo Fort 14.05 Puttalam 17.00 will never understand Christmas! We will never under- Colombo Fort 14.15 Kandy 17.40 stand the Incarnation of the Word! Never! It’s a story Maradana 14.25 Slave Island 14.35 14.40 Matara 18.10 that goes forward in time. 'Father, is history over with Colombo Fort 14.30 Jaffna 23.32 Colombo Fort 14.40 Chilaw 17.43 the story of Christmas?' 'No! The Lord continues to save Colombo Fort 14.45 Kandy 17.56 us in history. And he walks with His people.'" Colombo Fort 14.45 Avissawella 16.47 “In this story,” Pope Francis continued, “there Maradana 14.45 Slave Island 14.58 15.00 Galle 17.25 are those chosen by God, those people that He chooses Colombo Fort 15.00 Kurunegala 17.02 to help his people to move forward, like Abraham, Mo- Maradana 15.55 Slave Island 16.05 16.10 Alutgama 17.46 ses, Elijah. For them there are some bad times, dark mo- His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva - Auxiliary of Colombo ments, awkward moments, bothersome moments. Per- haps they are people who just want to live peacefully, but the Lord inconveniences them. The Lord inconve- niences us to make history! So often he puts us on roads that we don’t want to walk. So much so that Moses and Elijah, at a certain point, would rather die, but then they trust in the Lord." “To make history with His people,” the Pope said, “for God means to walk and to put His chosen ones to test.” In the end He saves them: “Let us always remember, with con�idence, even in the worst moments, even in times of illness, when we realise we have to ask for the because there is no way out, to say: ‘Lord, history did not start with me and will not end with me! You go ahead, I am willing to come with you’. And to put ourselves in the hands of the Lord. "What then do those who are chosen by God teach us?” “That God walks with us, that God makes his- tory, that God puts us to the test and that God saves us in the worst moments, because He is our Father. And ac- cording to Paul He is our daddy. May the Lord help us to understand this mystery of Him walking with His peo- ple in history, of testing His elected ones, as well as the greatness of their hearts as they take upon themselves the pains, the problems, even the blame for our sins – Let us walk forward with across history.” Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 3 Plans for Pope’s Visit �inalised

The Catholic Special Stamps and Coin Church announced last Tuesday that the Visit of Pope Francis was con- Two special stamps with First Day covers �irmed and �inalised, de- and a 500 rupee, silver coin will be issued spite the possibility of any post-election unrest. to mark the Pope’s Visit. This ceremony will Leaders of several plan- take place at Temple Trees. ning committees for the Pope’s Visit scheduled for the provision of food, Goa in India are expected from January 13 to 15, beverages and water have to take part in the Mass. told a Media Conference been made while hundreds For emergency held at the Auditorium of of mobile toilets have also medical attention ambu- Caritas Sri Lanka-SEDEC been constructed. lances and doctors will that all arrangements had Some 800 media be available at Galle Face been �inalised especially personnel from Sri Lanka Green and along the Katu- for the main event at Galle dential Election scheduled sands of others including there should be no light- and other countries are nayake - Colombo Road. Face Green on January 14, for January 8 and remain children. For the State ing of crackers or other expected to cover the The of�icial music and for the canonization of peaceful after that so that drive from Katunayake �ireworks. Pope’s Visit. More than the of�icial hymn for the Sri Lanka’s �irst , the there will be a calm en- International Airport to Rev. Fr. Priyan- half a million people are Pope’s Visit and the can- Blessed Joseph Vaz and vironment for the Papal the ’s House tha Silva, Head of the Sub expected to attend the onization of the Blessed the Pope’s visit to the Hal- Visit. He expressed con�i- at Borella, the whole high- Committee for Altar Struc- Galle Face Green Holy Joseph Vaz were released lowed Shrine of Madhu. dence with faith and hope way will be decorated by ture and Decorations, Pa- Mass, while 400,000 are at the Media Conference. They appeal to Srithat Lanka. the Pope’s Visit could the Government and peo- pal Visit Sri Lanka, 2015 likely to be present at the Very Rev. Fr. Cyril all Catholics and others bring peace and unity to ple of 36 parishes along said, the stage was de- Madhu ceremony. On the Gamini Fernando, Direc- to come early to the Galle the way. Each will signed and constructed by stage for the Holy Mass tor Media Secretariat for Face Green for the historic When the Pope decorate a stretch of half a local craftsmen according at Galle Face Green about the Papal Visit Sri Lanka, Holy Mass on January 14, arrives on January 13 kilometer. to the cultural tradition of 1200 and priests 2015 appealed to Catho- anytime after 12.00 noon he will be greeted by the The planning the last Kandyan King be- from Sri Lanka and several lics and all people to cast on January 13. All facilities Government and Church committee also appealed cause the Blessed Joseph other countries especially their votes at the Presi- PRESS RELEASE Announcementsleaders along with thou- regardingthat for security the reasons Holy Vaz Eucharist was buried in Kandy. for the Canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz presided Holy Father's visit to Sri Lanka is over by His Holiness Pope Francis on January 14, 2015 at the Galle Face Green. de�inite. Do not believe in various false reports and statements 1. The only public Mass celebrated by His Holiness Pope Francis during his pas- toral visit to Sri Lanka will be held on the 14th January 2015 at the Galle Face Certain social media had statements on the occasion of this visit Green at 8.30 a.m. during which the Canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz will reported recently that the of the Holy Father. No other person is take place. Participation in this Eucharistic celebration therefore should be had decided to cancel the visit of Pope authorized to issue such statements or considered a blessing and an obligation. We invite all Catholics to personally Francis to Sri Lanka scheduled from Jan. announce decisions in this connection. participate in this memorable and grace-�illed event. January 13 - 15, 2015. Certain individuals Therefore, we earnestly request the 2. You may enter into the Galle Face Green premises from 5 p.m. on the 13th Janu- and groups had circulated such reports Catholics and all other people that they ary. All participants will be security checked and will be admitted only through throughout the world even by e-mail. should not be misled into believing in the security gates at both ends of the Galle Face Green. Since this process is Reports have reached us that certain such false and malicious reports made time consuming we encourage you to come as early as possible. politicians have made statements at the by others through any media. political meetings held these days We inform our people once 3. You will be informed about the train and bus time tables through the TV and to the oncoming Presidential Elections, more that the two main presidential radio channels and the newspapers. that would instill doubts and misgivings candidates have met the Catholic Bishops' 4. You will also be informed about the parking lots assigned for buses and private in the minds of people with regard to the Conference of Sri Lanka and pledged vehicles coming from different directions. visit of the Holy Father to Sri Lanka. their fullest co-operation for the Papal 5. We earnestly request you to be dressed decently for this sacred liturgical cel- We categorically and repeatedly visit with no obstacle whatsoever and ebration. emphasize that such reports are absolutely as planned, no matter what the result of 6. You may bring your snacks and soft drinks though food and beverages stalls false, groundless and malicious. the elections would be. We are con�ident are available for purchasing of snacks and soft drinks within the premises. Suf- The objective of the individuals that the two candidates will keep their �icient wash rooms facilities are also made available. and groups who are engaged in promise. Therefore, we request our 7. Kindly participate in the Mass fervently and actively, praying audibly and sing- publicising such reports is to thwart people not to believe in various false ing along with the choir. and diminish the enthusiasm of our reports and statements circulated by 8. As the Holy Father declares Blessed Joseph Vaz a saint we will burst into a people about this Papal visit and the certain people to achieve their ulterior round of applause. This will be followed and accompanied by the ringing of canonization of Blessed Fr. Joseph Vaz motives and sel�ish objectives. which all Sri Lankans, including the Sri We once again emphasize that bells and the ceremonial beating of the drums. This moment is indicated in Lankan Catholics, are awaiting with the Holy Father will be de�initely visiting your hymn books. much anticipation. Sri Lanka from January 13 - 15, 2015 and 9. No one is allowed to get on to the altar platform before or after the Mass. In this regard, we insist all arrangements in this connection are 10. We offer the monetary collection done in all churches of Sri Lanka for the Char- repeatedly that the Catholic Bishops' beingVery made Rev. properly Fr. Cyril and Gamini unhampered. Fernando ity Fund of the Pope and a spiritual bouquet prepared for him during the offer- Conference of Sri Lanka and the Director tory procession. Information and Media Of�ice on the Information and Media Secretariat, 11. The Cross that will be brought in procession after declaring Blessed Joseph Vaz Papal Visit, appointed by that conference, Pope's Visit 2015 a saint is the very Cross used by the saint during his life time here in Sri Lanka reserve the exclusive right to issue of�icial to bless the people. At present it is at the Shrine at Maha Galgamuwa in the 'Vicar of Christ' Kurunegala diocese. 12. You may hold aloft any religious articles for blessing by the Holy Father during the �inal blessing. An art exhibition by Deshaban- The exhibition connected with 13. Kindly note that you can leave the Galle Face Green premises only after the du Saman Hettiarachchi, titled, 'Vicar of the lives of Jesus Christ and Pope Fran- Pope leaves the premises. Christ' to mark the arrival of His Holiness cis is organised by Indunil Tharanga of 14. Altar servers who have come with their parents and guardiansRev. Fr Cecil can Joymeet Perera them Pope Francis to Sri Lanka will be held at Little Hand Foundation and coordinated in front of the VIP tent after the Mass. MC for Papal Liturgies the Colombo Art Gallery from 10.00 a.m. by Sam Avoon. All are welcome. to 6.00 p.m. from January 12 to 15. Special Special Issue Issue on on Papal Papal Visit Visit Messenger Messenger January January 11, 11, 2015 2015 44

Vatican guesthouse. Like Jesus, the Pope practises what he Church and other world leaders to get actively involved preaches and preaches only what he practises. in the battle against climate change, which many Important messages which hit world headlines analysts see as a catastrophe which could lead to self destruction of the whole world if immediate counter EDITORIAL have outlined Pope Francis’ vision of building a Church Email:[email protected] of the poorest of the poor. One of the main goals will measures are not taken. Inspired by the Pope’s moves, Telephone: 011 2695984 be world poverty alleviation through social justice and the US and China - the world’s two biggest polluters January 11, 2015 a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources. - signed a historic agreement last November to limit Pope Francis has severely criticised the globalised carbon dioxide emission. The Pope is also taking capitalist market economic system and pledged that the measures to ensure healthcare, education and equal job Hail Your Holiness would give leadership to the world in opportunities for all. dismantling the system which is making the rich richer In his Christmas message Pope Francis focused and the poor poorer. on the song of the angels who appeared to the shepherds in Bethlehem on the night when Jesus was born. “It is a We whole-heartedly and joyfully join the Last Sunday the Pope nominated 15 new Ayubowan song which unites heaven and earth, giving praise and Church, the government and millions of Sri Lankans in members to the , with the majority glory to heaven and the promise of peace to earth and saying , Vannakkam and Assalaam Alaikum hailing from small, developing countries such as Cape all its people,” he said. to Pope Francis who has emerged as one of the world’s Verde, Myanmar and Tonga. The choices re�lect his efforts to rebalance a “Above all else,” the Pope said, Christmas calls most loved, most powerful and most respected servant College of Cardinals toward the developing world and us “to give glory to God, for He is good, He is faithful, leaders in modern times. make the Church oriented more towards the poor Third He is merciful.” He prayed that all people would come When Pope John XXIII, recently canonized as World than the rich West. to know “the true face of God the Father, who has given a saint, opened the historic 50 Pope Francis has also pledged he and the us Jesus.” He encouraged everyone to glorify God years ago, he began with a fervent prayer to the Holy Church would get actively and effectively involved in by spending their lives “for love of Him and of all our Spirit, “Renew Your wonders in our time, as though for world con�lict resolution through peaceful dialogue. His brothers and sisters.” a new Pentecost.” Hundreds of millions of Christians latest moves towards this goal were secret talks held in The highlight of the Pope’s visit to Sri Lanka will believe that this prayer is being ful�illed today by the the Vatican and elsewhere between top diplomats of the be a Holy Mass on January 14, to mark the canonization , through Pope Francis. United States and Cuba. To mark the Pope’s birthday on of the Blessed Joseph Vaz, the �irst Saint of Sri Lanka. Signs of this were seen when Pope Francis December 17, US President Barack Obama and Cuba’s The missionary work of the Blessed Joseph Vaz was not colonial, not helped, authorised or associated was elected in March 2013 and came to the window of President Raul Castro, announced that the two countries with colonial conquest. He gained the protection of the the Sistine Chapel, while tens of thousands in St Peter’s were re-establishing diplomatic relations more than 50 Buddhist King of Kandy. He used ‘’ as a Square waited for his �irst traditional blessing. Instead, years after they were broken in the aftermath of the missionary method. He founded a Catholic para-liturgy Pope Francis asked the people to bless and pray for him. infamous Bay of Pigs invasion in 1963. and literature using the two languages and cultures of There began a papacy where he would set an example not Mr. Obama said he and the Cuban leader hoped Sri Lanka, Sinhala and Tamil. only to Christians but to the whole world through a simple to meet soon and the Pope’s initiative would bring Holy Father, Force and Terror will not prevail, and humble lifestyle. Like his Lord and Master Jesus, who multitudes of bene�its to millions of people in Cuba and Lanka. but Truth and Love will reign. St Joseph Vaz, Pray for Sri became poor to unite with the poor, Pope Francis also the US. did that by moving from the Papal Palace to a room in a Another major goal of Pope Francis is for the Francis: The People's Pope By Rev. Fr. Daniel Icatlo, JCD

vocation is a divine dialogue But through it all, the will of God pre- Bergoglio's arrival to the main seat of in which God always makes vailed. the archdiocese, the cardinal's residence. the �irst move. He calls and The rest is history. He would have a phone installed so that A Total self-giving to others man responds. The story of priests could call him at any hour. He the vocation of Pope Francis was no dif- would spend nights in any parish, attend- ferent from the rest of those who were Personality wise, Fr. Bergoglio ing to a sick priest if necessary. He would calledAstonishing by God. encounter did not appear like he would reach the continue traveling by bus and subway, heights of leadership in the Church of eschewing a car and driver. He would re- , much less of the whole Chris- ject moving into the elegant archbishop's It was September 21, 1953. The tendom. "Anyone who has seen him residence in Olivos, close to the presi- seventeen-year-old Jorge Bergoglio was knows he is not a glamorous, TV-friend- dential estate and, instead would remain getting ready to go out with his friends ly �igure. Nor is he a grandiloquent in his austere room in . He for Students' Day. But as he passed by speaker of dramatic gestures;El Jesuita rather, he kept personally responding to calls, ac- the Buenos Aires Church of San Jose de is soft-spoken, with profound content cepting visits and keeping track of all his Flores, he felt a strong urge to enter the (Rubin & Ambrogetti, )." audiences and activities in a little rustic of us. I told them it was you, but no one church. He could not explain why but He kept as a low key �igure and pocket notebook. And he would avoid believed me." From then on, Bergoglio he was drawn to go inside and found de�initely not a career priest climb- social events and preferred his simple had a permanent place in the hearts of himself talking with a priest he had ing up the ecclesiastical ladder. But dark clergyman's suit to the cardinal's those humble, suffering people. "We never met before. The priest conveyed his appointment as cassock. His austerity feel like he is one of us," they explained. such a great sense of spirituality that he of Buenos Aires in 1992, when he was Many also remember from that time decided to confess to him. It turned out 55-years- old, catapulted him into the his attempt to stop a crackdown in the that priest was sick with leukemia and limelight. Speaking of his austerity, it is Plaza de Mayo during the protests of died a year after that encounter. At that time, he served as con- said that when it was announced he December 2001. When he saw police What seemed like an ordinary fessor in the residence of the Church of would be made cardinal in 2001, he beating a woman from the window confession came to an unexpected the in Cordoba, where did not want to buy a new wardrobe, of his archbishop's residence, he encounter with God. His faith was so he had been stationed for about two but preferred to tailor the clothes of picked up the telephone and called the stirred beyond comprehension. Sud- years. When Cardinal Quarracino's his predecessor. And that as soon as he Ministry of the Interior. The secretary denly, an indescribable inkling welled health began to deteriorate, St. John learned some of the faithful were plan- of security took his call, and Bergo- up within him. Instead of going out with Paul II named him as an assistant arch- ning to travel to in order to attend glio asked him to start differentiating his friends he went back home �irmly bishop, or archbishop, with the ceremony where Pope John Paul II between activists who were creating a convinced God was calling him and he the right to succession. When Quar- would make him cardinal, he pleaded disturbance and regular folks who just had to become a priest. racino died in 1998, Bergoglio became with them not to come and to give the wanted to withdraw their savings from He went on to �inish his school- the �irst Jesuit to head the Buenos Aires money for the trip to the poor instead. the bank. ing and continued to work at the nutri- (Ibid.). It is also said that he made This was the time that Ber- tion analysis laboratory, not con�iding The new Archbishop of Buenos frequent trips to the shanty-towns of goglio was rising in the national his decision to anyone. Even though he Aires won the hearts of the clergy and Buenos Aires, where during a chat with ecclesiastic ranks and, in 2004 he would was certain of his religious vocation, he the faithful. He set aside protocols in hundreds of men from the parish of Our be elected President of the Episcopal spent the following years in a crisis of order to reach out to his clergy. By then, Lady of Caacupe, in a slum in the Bar- Conference (he was re-elected in 2007). He led a moderate line, far from the maturity that led him to spend time in Bergoglio already had a strong in�lu- racas neighbourhood, a bricklayer stood powers that be and with marked social solitude. ence over the city's clergy, especially the up and said, clearly moved, "I am proud concern, that had been the majority for When he revealed his resolve youngest. They liked his affable ap- of you, because when I came here with (Contd. on Pg. XXII) some time now in a traditionally conser- to become a priest his mother was not proachability, his sincerity, and his wise my companions on the bus I saw you vative Church. It pleased. He suffered a grave lung illness. counsel. None of this would change with sitting in one of the last seats, like one Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 5 How a Pope is Elected

By Francis Madiwela

Mario Bergoglio was not even comforting mother who offers mentioned. Many journalists the joy of Jesus to the world." hen the position of ignored the fact that he was the Cardinal Bergoglio did not Wa pope falls vacant, runner up during the 2005 pa- know that he would be the next either by death or pal elections. The Vatican sent pope who would have to carry the resignation of the pope, cardinal Bergoglio a �irst class out this lofty agenda. the college of cardinals from ticket to attend the conclave. Many cardinals in the all parts of the world gather in But he returned the ticket and audience were edi�ied with this Rome to elect a new pope. The bought an economy class ticket short speech. Cardinal Jaime maximum number of cardinal for this long 13-hour journey Ortega of Havana asked for a electors is 120 and cardinals from Buenos Aires to Rome. He copy of the speech. Cardinal who are above the age of 80 are booked into the international Bergoglio did not have any. not eligible to vote. In April of clergy hostel, the Domus Inter- He gave his speech from some 2013 when the present pope nationalis Paulus Sextus in the scribbled notes. But he prom- was elected there were 117 street Via della Scrofa. The day ised to recall what he said and cardinals eligible to vote but after his election as the pope, give it to his colleague on the only 115 came to Rome and he went to this hostel on his following day. Cardinal Ortega the other two could not attend own, to pay his bill. with the permission of the due to ill-health. The meeting The Italian press future pope uploaded the of cardinals to elect a pope is had already given Cardinal speech to his website. (It is called a conclave and they meet Scola more than 50 votes. They not prohibited to publish behind closed doors of the Sis- counted the 23 votes of the Ital- the pre-conclave speeches tine chapelTwo Thirds in the Vatican. Votes ian cardinals, plus a few from of the prelates) Europe. They thought some The last pope to step down of the cardinals from Latin from his post was Pope America (19) and from the USA Gregory XII in 1415, exactly The candidate for (11) would vote for Scola. Only 598 years before 2013. papacy should get two thirds 77 votes were needed for the This shows the resigna- of the votes of the college of two-third majority. Anybody tion of Benedict XVI was cardinals. Before they, start who placed a bet on Cadinal an extraordinary and not the conclave, all the cardinals Bergoglio at the beginning of a customary event. The take an oath to keep absolute the conclave would have had a new pope had the golden secrecy about the deliberations winning chance of 30 to 1. opportunity to consult his and voting in the Sistine chapel. Before the election of the new predecessor which is a They vote once on the �irst day pope the cardinals gather in unique privilege the previ- of the conclave and after that general congregations in the ous did not have for which produces black smoke. trusting in the mercy and the twice in the morning and twice Vatican to make funeral ar- almost 600 years. The newly- The crowd and the media patience of God in suffering, I in the evening till they elect a rangements for the deceased elected pope need not depend personnel gathered outside the accept." The name that he took pope with two thirds majority. pope and declare a period of on the speculations of others as Sistine chapel seeing the black as the pope is the name of St. Before the conclave the Sistine mourning after the funeral. to why his predecessor stepped smoke coming through the , an epitome of chapel is cleaned and swept These congregations were used down. The new pope can chimney will know that a pope poverty and peace. thoroughly under strict super- by the prelates to give short directly ask him. If he needs has not yet been elected. If one Once elected the new vision to make sure that there speeches on what kind of a any guidance or advice he is cardinal gets two-thirds of the pope has to choose a white are no electronic microphones, pope the church needs. There privileged to ask his predeces- vote then the ballot papers robe and a skull cap that will �it recorders and other bugging/ was no papal funeral or a pe- sor, who is still alive. are burnt with chemicals that him. The Italian family which eavesdropping devices. The riod of mourning in the spring When voting begins produce white smoke. At times makes papal vestments has cardinals cannot take their cell of 2013 because the outgoing the cardinals are given a square the people outside cannot several robes and skull caps phones or computers into the pope had resigned from his "Eligioballot paper. in Summum On the Ponti�ico" top of the distinguish between the black of different sizes ready for the post. There was plenty of time page there is a Latin phrase: conclave. TV and newspapers and the white smoke. When new pontiff. The new pope for the cardinals to introduce are barred from the Sistine the pope is elected, to make it with the Dean of the cardi- themselves to each other. Only ("I elect as Supreme Pontiff"), chapel. clearer to the public, the bells nals goes in procession to the At the time of the 50 of the 115 cardinals in the followed by a space for the balcony of the Papal Palace of the Basilica of St. Peter will papal elections in 2013 the conclave were there in 2005 name. Below that there is a facing St. Peter's square where be rung. world media was more en- to elect Pope Benedict XVI. So space for the voter to sign his Will of the Majority tens of thousands of people are grossed with the resignation of there were 65 new faces in the name. They are supposed to gathered together to hear the the pope than the subsequent conclave. There was plenty of fold the ballot paper twice, good news and to have the"Habe- �irst election of the new pope. But time for speeches the duration walk to the front of the chapel musglimpse Papam" of the new pontiff. The for the Italian media it was like of which was limited to �ive where there is a big chalice When a cardinal re- cardinal dean declares, a football super �inals being minutes each.Bergoglio covered by a paten (plate), ceives two-thirds of the votes ("we have a pope") played in Rome. They could display the ballot paper to the of the conclave, he is elected followed by the former name not ignore it. Italian casinos conclave of cardinals, keep the the pope and the bishop of of the cardinal and the name even took bets on the papal ballot paper on the paten and Rome. The Dean of the car- that he has decided to take as elections. Their �irst contender The congregation drop it into the chalice. The dinals approaches him and the pope. Then the new pontiff was Cardinal , of the cardinals doing a post cardinals do this gesture one asks if he is willing to accept appears in the balcony and the archbishop of . Pope mortem on the elections would by one to prove to others in the the will of the majority of the addresses the faithful and gives Benedict XVI had transferred recall that it is the pre-conclave conclave that they have voted cardinals and what name he his �irst blessing to the City of him from the prestigious posi- short speech which bolstered individually. wants to be called by as pope. If Rome and to the world. tion of the of Venice the candidacy of Bergoglio. When all have voted he accepts the decision he will Before the cardinals return to to the post of the Archbishop He took only three-and-a-half the three cardinals elected by immediately become the new their dioceses the ceremony of Milan. Three previous popes minutes for his presentation. the conclave count the votes. pope. He will also announce for the formal inauguration of before Pope John Paul II had He emphasized two salient One takes a ballot paper from the name that he wishes to be the pope will take place in St. come from these two dioceses points during his speech. The the chalice and opens it in known by as pope. In the case Peter's Basilica. of Venice and Milan. Catholic Church must re�lect front of the congregation of the of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergo- Pope John Paul got rid There second guess the light of Christ as the moon cardinals. Then he announces glio, the Archbishop of Buenos of the coronation ceremonies was the Canadian Cardinal re�lects the light of the sun and the name and writes the name Aires, the name that he chose of a pope where the new pope . Pope Benedict it should not try to emanate its down. Then the third assistant was Francis. He was elected is crowned with a papal tiara had promoted him to the Ro- own light. The Church should cardinal puts a needle and a on April 13, 2013 and was the (triple crown). Now a woolen man Curia (cabinet) as the go into the peripheries where thread through the center of 266th in the line of popes and pallium (long stole) will be cardinal in charge of appoint- there is poverty, sin, pain, in- the ballot paper and collects the �irst pope to take this name. placed on the neck of the"Tu newes ing bishops. In 2010 he was justice, ignorance and indiffer- them together, if there is no When Cardinal Bergoglio was Petrus"pope while the Vatican choir transferred to Rome from the ence to religion. He ended his two-third of votes cast for one asked whether he will respect sings the Latin hymn, diocese of Quebec. He was speech saying, "The next pope of the cardinals the papers are the decision of his colleagues ("You are Peter"), which holding this prestigious post should be someone who helps burnt in an urn which is con- to elect him as the Pope he did consists of the words of Christ when Pope Benedict resigned. the Church surge forth to the nected to the chimney of the not say, "Accepto" (I accept). placing Peter as the head of his The name of Cardinal Joge peripheries like a sweet and Sistine chapel, with a chemical He said, "I am a great sinner; followers (Mathew 16:18). Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 6 7 On the Feast of the , Pope Francis gives a shout-out to big families

On the feast of the Holy love life. “Each of your children,” Family and looking he said, “was wanted by God and ahead to a 2015 in which it amazes us how great a miracle concern for the family will once is a child. A child is somebody again be at the top of his person- who changes our life.” al to-do list, Pope Francis urged Pope Francis also un- politicians to make support for derlined the important role large families a priority. played by grandparents, saying “In a world often they can not only provide prac- marked by egoism, a large fam- tical support but above all can ily is a school of solidarity and of help the parents pass down to mission that’s of bene�it to the their children their faith. entire society,” Francis said. The Pope went on to The comments came in urge politicians and the local an audience the Pontiff held on administration to provide more Sunday, December 28; morn- support to help people with ing with an Italian association large families, lamenting that halof large families, which �illed such help is not always forth- the Vatican’s Paul VI audience coming. He concluded his ad- l with children, parents, and dress with a special prayer for grandparents. Children were cies, such as adjustments to the “I hope, therefore, that in a world often marred families hit by the economic seated on the stairs leading up to tax system and school fees, that thinking also of the low fertil- by sel�ishness, a large family is crisis where either the father the stage where Francis spoke, or mother have lost their jobs and he spent considerable time encourage parents to have more ity rate that Italy has had for a a role model for solidarity and or where the young cannot �ind interacting with them. children. Noting that article 31 long time … one percent, almost sharing and this bene�its the employment, as well as all fami- The “National Asso- of the Italian Constitution actu- nothing … there will be greater whole of society.” lies struggling with solitude and ciation of Large Families” brings ally calls for special attention to attention from politics and pub- Speaking to the families divisions. And please, continue together families that have at large families, Pope Francis said lic administrators at every level and their children, Pope Fran- praying for me, the Pope end- least four children, through this provision “doesn’t get an to give support to these fami- cis said he was pleased to meet ed, “because in a way I’m like a birth, adoption, or foster care. adequate response in the facts. lies,” Francis said. them, saying it was clear that grandfather for all of you.” Its mission is to promote poli- They remain just words.” Earlier, Pope Francis said they love the family and they Retired but Retained in By Trevor Ludowyke On the eve of his birthday Decem- God’s Service ber 17, 2011, Cardinal Jorge Ber- goglio, Archbishop of Buenos Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio made a brief Aires, had submitted his resignation to intervention of the cuff, with no writ- Pope Benedict XVI, in keeping with the ten text before him. He never consid- stipulations of the Code of Canon Law ered himself , nor did the media which requires that diocesan bishops who had identi�ied only a dozen among should retire at the age of 75. Custom- the 115 cardinal electors as such. Poor arily, this retirement age is delayed by health conditions and advanced age pre- a year or two in the case the bishop is cluded their eligibility to a great extent a cardinal. Yet, Cardinal Jorge, being a and Cardinal Jorge included himself in that category. Little did he realise that well-organised man and meticulous in his �ive minute intervention off the cuff every way, had by then prepared all his was in fact prompted by divine assis- documents well in advance and submit- tance and had impressed many of the ted the complete �ile to the Vatican of�ice cardinal electors, a fact revealed later on handling such matters. Furthermore, he to His Holiness after his election. had also prepared all the documents re- Considering that Cardinal Jorge quired to be handed over to his successor had tendered his resignation from ad- who would have been appointed within a ministrative functions of the Archdio- year of his submitting his resignation. His cese of Buenos Aires and was preparing Eminence had made up his mind that he to settle down in retirement, it came as should humbly retire from active service Cardinal Jorge proposed to make himself him way beyond his imagination. a shock to him that the Master had other paving the way for a more energetic and available to anyone who required spiri- The abdication of Pope Benedict plans. Our Lord did tell Peter after the youthful successor to take over the dio- tual guidance or counselling. He had in XVI from the Petrine ministry came as a resurrection, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress cese of Buenos Aires, despite the fact that fact con�ided with his auxiliary bishop surprise to the world and a conclave was yourself and walk wherever you wanted, he was in no way incapable of continuing that he would be available even after his convened to elect a new Pope. Cardinal but when you are old, you will stretch his Episcopal ministry. Many Cardinals retirement to help out in parishes which Jorge Bergoglio, packed his bags and in- and Bishops bat on despite retirement out your hands and another will dress needed his assistance and also provide stead of going to his planned retirement you and carry you where you do not age while retirement of some are delayed spiritual guidance anytime. home for priests, boarded a plane and owing to lack of a suitable successor. Car- want to go” (John 21:18). Yes, he had planned it so well �lew in to Rome. Arriving at the Fium- These words of our Lord came dinal Jorge had almost packed his bags to and was ready to open a new leaf in his incino Airport, His Eminence avoided true in the case of Peter where he had to gracefully vacate his position and is said retirement even though he knew that he public comments about the forthcom- face martyrdom, whereas in the case of to have made plans to live his retirement would certainly miss being with those ing election, but had made it clear to the Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio it was a case of in a retirement home for priests of the so close to his heart, viz. his people. As Argentine media that his age precluded being chosen as the successor of Peter diocese which was situated within his Ready to Retire Archbishop, he was overwhelmed with him from election as Pope. His Eminence and entering the Room of Tears where native district of Flores. Episcopal duties which laid heavy bur- was convinced that he would be able to he dressed in the of�icial attire of the dens upon him and managing such a dif- return back from Rome no sooner the new Pope though minus the red mozetta Although he was to resign from of�ice, �icult diocese was very demanding. Now, conclave ended and he even booked his or the elbow length cape worn by Popes Cardinal Jorge himself was convinced he was sure that he would be relieved of return air ticket on economy class for and the red leather shoes of the �isher- that he would not retire from Episcopal this pressure and could at last breathe March 23,Surprise 2013. Abdication man, both of which he declined to wear. ministry, as he had so much to offer to easily and live a sedate life in his retire- And in humbly accepting this call, Car- the Church and those who required his ment. Cardinal’s close friends are of the dinal Jorge Bergoglio chose the name Prior to the conclave proper, the College ‘Francis’; a name which indicated the spiritual guidance and ministerial ser- view that he did not seem anxious to re- of Cardinals met over a number of days essence of his papacy, a shepherd who vice. Physically, he was very much �it and tire as was evident when he had to talk in General Congregations during which would stand with and stand for the poor- his sprightly walk was more than evi- about his life after retirement. Cardinal each cardinal was allotted �ive minutes est of the poor. The Lord retained him in dence of him being far from retirement. Jorge patiently waited for his resigna- to make a brief intervention on issues his service for a more sublime mandate, Furthermore, being a Jesuit, whose par- tion to be accepted. Little did he realise confronting the Church as they saw it. saying “Feed my Sheep.” ticular charism is spiritual discernment, that his Master had greater plans for Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 6 7

Compiled by: Kishani S. Fernando The new Portrait of

A new portrait of Vaz is in the process Saint Joseph Vaz of being painted. This portrait will be exhibited at Galle Face Green on January 14. The new portrait will incorporate some addi- ceremony. It is also representative of the Sri Lankan iden- trunk of an elephant, tions to the present of�icial painting by D.L.G Perera dated tity and culture. reminding us inci- September 1896 and preserved in the Library of the Na- The stage where the main altar dais is placed is dents related of Fr. Jo- tional Seminary in Ampitiya, Kandy. covered by a Kandiyan roof. On either sides of the seph Vaz who had the The of�icial painting has been explained as fol- stage are two parabolic huts to accommodate over 1000 power to subdue and lows : Fr. Joseph Vaz is holding the cross and pointing to it. concelebrating priests. The proposed roof line for these calm wild elephants. The gesture of the hand resembles the gesture of the hand two sides was also a Kandiyan roof but to cut down on These are made un- of God giving life to Adam painted by Michelangelo Buon- cost it was made simply. der the direction of arotti on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. It The stage is composed of several levels including Former Navy designer is also interpreted as an invitation from Fr. Joseph Vaz to entrance lobbies, wash rooms, a medical unit etc. The top Jayashantha. all of us to follow the cross. level is built with Sacristies for the Holy Father and the The �loral The new portrait painted by Rev. Fr. Priyantha Vatican Papal delegation and the altar dais. arrangements on the Silva is in keeping with sacred art and sacred geometry. On the stage with the Holy Father will be local stage will be done It will be a theological depiction that will include the mis- and visiting concelebrating Cardinals and Bishops, local with Nil Manel and sion and service of Fr. Vaz in Ceylon. and Vatican Masters of Ceremony, and Acolytes white lotus �lowers. As such the new portrait adds several �igures serving at the Holy Mass. The lotus was selected on either side of Saint Joseph Vaz. On his left is the the �igure of Fr. Jacome Gonzalves who translated into the The Altar dais at Galle Face Green local languages the prayers written by Fr. Vaz. Hence he is depicted writing on a scroll that drapes from the hand of Fr. Vaz pointing to the cross. Behind Fr. Gonzalves are The stage will be decorat- since it is the national �lower of Sri Lanka. shown some other Oratorians that served in Sri Lanka. On ed with traditional local art forms, Flower arrangements will be done by Joan the other side the same scroll is held in prayer by two per- Christian iconology and symbol- Forbes. sons representing the Sinhalese and the Tamil faithful of ism. The four columns on either The altar table that will be placed Ceylon and the lay ministries of ‘Muppu’ and ‘Annavi’ that side of the Presi- on the stage is the same altar table that was Fr. Vaz installed. dential Chair of the used by Pope Saint John Paul II Holy Father will be at the Beati�ication Mass of Fr. Joseph Vaz in 1995. It was there- decorated with the symbols of the after kept at St Mary’s Church, and the Na or iron Nayakakanda and used for the wood �lower - the local �lower at- exposition of the Blessed Sacra- tributed to Our Lady of Lanka and ment. The Altar Cloth is a col- thus representing the country’s lective offering from the humble, dedication to her. In between the rural people of this island – a columns are �ive arches which are community of traditional weav- traditional Kandiyan sun arches. In ers, led by Sandra Wanduragala the central arch is placed a cruci�ix. the founder of Selyn Exports Pvt The 8’ cruci�ix hangs behind Ltd and Andrea Boekel renown the Presidential Chair on which the needle work artist. Holy Father will sit. The four ends On the top the sun is depicted behind the cross On the right side of of the cross and the centre circle is �itted with the design the stage will be a 6’ statue of without eyes mouth, etc, as depicted in the painting of of the Honeysuckle �lower referred to in Sri Lankan tra- Saint Joseph Vaz. The statue was 1896, for Christ ‘the uncreated sun’ is prominent on the ditional art as the Vel pota. This bell shaped �lower is carved specially for the occasion in ac- cross. A smaller moon with the �igure of the rabbit turning sweetly scented and produces a nectar that attracts the cordance to the new portrait. The statue towards the sun stands for Fr. Vaz’s call to turn towards Hummingbirds to it. The breaking of the stem releases its was carved by Mr. Raymond Fernando of the uncreated sun. A star with twelve petals (symbolic of strong sweet odour. The �lower has been likened to the Moratuwa. A statue of Our Lady of Lanka the 12 stars on the crown of Mary mentioned in the Apoc- Christian spirit attracting many followers with its sweet will also grace the stage. This is from the alypse) signify the dream of the father of Fr. Vaz and the odour. However it also reminds of the persecution of Atthidiya Church. This statue too was cut Blessed Mary whose slave Fr. Vaz professed to be- Christians which is likened come. The Crosier above the heads of the two persons be- to the stem being broken by Mr. Raymond Fernando. hind Blessed Joseph Vaz signify the shepherding ministry to release the sweet odour It is customary that a relic of the Saint is pres- of Fr. Vaz. The Crosier here is shown like an Acanthus leaf of the Saviour. The cross ent at a Canonization Ceremony. In this regard the ebony seen on the capital of a Corinthian column which is the and the Presidential Chair cross from Joseph Vaz Pura highest grade of columns used in the Roman Churches, is donated by Amal Fur- in Maha Galgamuwa will be thus signifying the offer from Rome to make him a Bish- niture’s Moratuwa. The exposed also on the right side op. �igure of Christ attached of the stage. The cross was The bread and wine on the altar beside the miter to the cross is crafted by given by Fr. Vaz to be planted symbolizes the partaking in the sacri�ice of Jesus, in refus- �iberglass artist Ranil Fer- at the entrance to their vil- ing the offer to be made a bishop. A punkalasa or the tra- nando. lage as a protection from wild ditional pot of plenty is used for the �lower pot signifying A further 12 col- elephants. prosperity of the new mission amidst persecution. umns can be seen support- The main ambo is Extracts taken from the Fr. Priyantha Silva’s ing the roof of the stage. designed with the tree of life, masteral thesis. These are decorated with the symbols of four Evange- As the arrival date of Pope Francis draws near, the �igures of the Apostles. lists and the Na or iron wood arrangements for his visit are also being completed. Here All these columns have �lower. The tree of life has we set out some details of the Altar dais built for the Can- a blue square base rep- been depicted according to onization of Blessed Joseph Vaz and Holy Mass to be cele- resenting the human na- traditional local art including brated by Pope Francis at Galle face green on 14.01.2015. ture, an octagonal middle representing the resurrection Christian iconology. The tree The location and positioning of the stage which and a red cylindrical top representing the divine nature. of life rises from a traditional includes the altar dais at Gal- The �igures of the Apostles placed on the octagonal sec- punkalasa or pot of plenty le face green, was based on a tion signify that they were instrumental in spreading the signifying the abundance detailed study conducted for of Creation. Symbols of the news of the Resurrection to the world. The column taken that purpose. Reasons given Evangelists are also promi- together represents the spiritual journey of a Christian - for the present location were nently placed. At its apex is who journeys from the human through the resurrection : to avoid the sun falling on the Holy Spirit in the form of experience to the divine. The capital of the column ends in the faces of the people and the dove breathing life to the a carved Pekada design giving it a local �lavour. impeding their participation tree of life. The ambos are do- The colours used for the stage are the royal colours ac- in the Holy Mass, the num- nated by Harsha Fernando of cording to Sri Lankan tradition - maroon and gold, consid- ber of people that could be Sebastian Mill, Moratuwa. ered appropriate to host the Holy Father who is the Vicar accommodated at Galle face The 12 wooden candle stands that the acolytes of Christ - the King of Kings. green and sound travel with will carry are also works of art. These were donated by the wind blowing in from the On the front path and the steps leading to the Nalin Fernando. sea – facilitating all round Presidential Chair will be positioned 12 punkalas or tra- Stage design concept, colour scheme and other clarity. ditional pots of plenty. These represent the 12 Diocese of designs described here are by Fr. Priyantha Silva. Stage The stage is built Sri Lanka. These are crafted under the direction of Ravi is constructed by the Navy under the supervision of Rear taking into account the Holy Bandu Vidyapathi of the Cultural Ministry. Admiral Wipula Jayasena and his team. Architectural Father’s spirituality and Vat- On either side of two �lights of steps will be pairs drawings by Captain Priyantha Priyadharshana of the ican requirements for such a of Korawak gal balustrades in the form of a head and Navy perfected by Architect Sagara Jayasinghe. Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 8 Schedule of the Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis to Sri Lanka Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 9 The Altar Cloth : A labour of love

By Kishanie S. Fernando

taken away the mainstay of her home. She was left to provide for her two children and herself as best as she St. Joseph Vaz �lag Pope Francis’ visit to Sri Lanka had been an- could.” nounced. Fr. Priyantha Silva was in charge of the Al- “In Sri Lanka’s south, in the town of Ahangama, tar and stage decor, for the Canonization Mass of the Epa sits in a similar room. She too is deftly embroider- Blessed Joseph Vaz to be celebrated at Galle Face Green ing a work of art as she pores over her work. Epa cre- by the Holy Father. Who would stitch the Altar cloth? ates exquisite works of art with needle and thread. Epa In 1995 when Pope Saint John Paul celebrated is also a war widow – her husband, a soldier in the Sri the Beati�ication Mass of Fr. Joseph Vaz at the Galle Face Lankan army lost his life in a volley of gun�ire from a Green the altar cloth had been made by a team led by separatist weapon. In the instant he was felled, Epa lost Barbara Sansoni of Barefoot Pvt. Ltd. More than �ive the provider of sustenance to her two children and her- hundred severely distressed young persons who were self. Her world was torn apart. Epa however, is in a living a happy and wholesome life having learnt the skill �inancially more stable position than Ayitta because the of weaving, had taken part in the making of the cloth. It army provides her with her husband’s pension. What was a beautiful cloth. Who would do it this year? they cannot provide her with is her strength to forge I suggested Selyn Handlooms who also had a on ahead. Epa discovered this inner strength through community of weavers that engaged in the traditional her work. She mobilises other women to engage in her Sri Lankan weaving. The Selyn Socio-Economic Devel- same craft. Through this, she �inds a level of serenity – The Joseph Vaz �lag is composed of three opment Foundation or “Selyn Foundation”, was a vision an almost therapeutic peace.” colours the face of the Saint Joseph Vaz and the of founder Sandra Wanduragala. It is part of Seylin’s ini- “In several far-�lung villages, groups of wom- Oratorian cross. The colours green and orange tiative to uplift the livelihood and empower the rural en sit spinning coloured yarn in a vivid spectrum of symbolize all the races and religions in Sri Lanka woman artisan and to innovate within the handloom colours. They dexterously set up their hand looms and and India. The yellow stripe in between repre- industry. Her vision beyond Selyn to a grassroots effort before long, the ‘clack clack’ of the loom �ills the air. Sit- sents the Papal authority. The Oratorain cross to relieve poverty and empower Sri Lankan youth and ting on a stool a woman works both hands and feet as women by means of edu- a beautiful piece of fabric appears almost reminds us that Joseph Vaz belonged to the Ora- cation, vocational train- as if by magic. This is hard work, but the torian Order of Priests. Last year the �lag was re ing, credit-provisions end result is something stunning. These adapted by the Joseph Vaz National Secretariat, and other developmen- women are often the mainstays of their by the addition of a halo around the head of Fr. tal tools was impressive. homes.” Joseph Vaz in recognition of his status as a Saint. To carry out her vision, “On Sri Lanka’s East Coast, in the town The �lag is used in shrines and churches they have established of Maruthumun- dedicated to the Saint and also by other churches nine handloom work- ai, Selyn’s weav- on his feast day. shops and �ive sewing/ ing community The Joseph Vaz �lag was designed- Kishanie by Mr. handwork workshops in consist of men, Shelton Fernando in 1995. villages in the rural out- who also are skirts of the Kurunegala masters in the and Batticaloa districts. craft These of weaving are Meetings were on a hand loom”. “The two bird motifs are representative of arranged. Selyna Peiris, doves holding the olive branch of peace. However, this Director Business De- the kind of peo- has been given a Sri Lankan �lavour with the birdthe tree de- velopment of Selyn Han- ple to whom Se- plantedpicted in by the the traditional water, That art extends form of its the roots island. by a The stream. tree dlooms con�irmed that lyn Handlooms Andrepresents will not the fear one when mentioned the heat comes;...... in Jeremiah ...... their products are made provide skills, by women, including training and The �ish repre- groups of war widows sents Jesus' ministry: he chose several �ishermen to be from both sides, ie the his disciples and declared he would make them "�ishers wives of soldiers and of men." The �ish is also used by Jesus to describe "the the wives of displaced persons and these groups were Sign of Jonah." (Matthew 12:38-45) This is symbolic of distributed mainly in Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Galle. the resurrection of Christ upon which the entire Chris- “Weaving also works as a therapy for these persons who Thetian faith fabric, is based. techni ( 1 Corinthiansques, shape 15:1-58). and form have lost much due to the war …. And it would be con- sidered a privilege by them to be part of such a project” she said. It was settled that Selyn Handlooms will un- Andrea continues to explain : The rich, lus- dertake the job with the assistance of Andrea Boekel re- trous fabric of the background which in effect, forms nowned needle artist as their designer. Time lines were the canvas for our expression is hand woven by Selyn set for the initial design concept to be presented. Sacred weavers. Traditional appliqué, patchwork and hand embroidery has been used. Vividly coloured, beautiful iconography and Christian symbolisam of colours and fabrics have been selected for the appliqués. The �inest numbers were discussed. A proposal presented. Chang- quality fabrics and threads have gone into its making. es made. And work begun Almost all aspects of the project are created by hand. in earnest with teams of This ensured that work could be distributed to several women working in the participants at one time. North and East, Cen- marketing abilities. These are the The Altar Cloth is different from the conven- tral, Southern and North stories of some of the people of Sri tional ones in that it covers the altar fully. This is neces- Western provinces. The Lanka who contributed towards sary because Galle Face is whipped by strong winds. It task of coordinating with Thethe making Picture of the message Altar cloth. is tailored to perfection. The tailor is a whiz. Handling Selyn Handlooms was that amount of fabric could not have been easy. undertaken by Felicia The main design will be featured in the centre StitchingAdihetty. and spin- Andrea Boekel the designer of drop. On either side of the main design, two peacocks ning to live the Altar Cloth, says that the con- will be featured. The design of the peacock was taken cept for the design was based on from a sculpture done by Fr. Priyantha. The Peacock two passages from the Holy Bible is symbolic of the resurrection. On the border of the “On Sri Lanka’s - Romans 5:2-5 and Jeremiah 17:7. cloth, small Sri Lankan patchwork motifs as is attached east coastal town of Trin- In her proposal for the production willThe form offer a border.ing comalee, in a modest yet of the Altar cloth. She elaborates: well-ventilated room, “The concept is straightfor- Ayitta sits with her head ward and simple. .... Every person Result : obviously a glamorous work of art por- poring over an embroidery who views it will gather the mean- traying an “Sri Lankan” identity even while espousing frame. She has a look of deep concentration on her face. ing of our portrayal of this work.” Christian symbolism. Her nimble �ingers weave in and out of the fabric held You will see how “Lovingly, His arms protect It is “A collective offering from the humble, ru- taut in the frame, creating sheer wizardry with needle this island and its people in His tender grasp. The four ral people of this island who gave of their labour and love to prepare an exquisite work of art that will adorn and thread. Ayitta is highly skilled in hand embroidery, colours of the main communities are represented in the the altar for the Holy Father, Pope Francis to offer mass. yet not too long ago, Ayitta was a mere statistic. She was graphic of Sri Lanka. He seeks their trust in His all-en- It was a project led by Sandra Wanduragala and Andrea a war widow – someone who had lost the main provider compassing power. The Christians of this country have Boekel who has invested their own funds, time and cre- of the household income. Her husband was a part of never wavered, praying for peace and harmony even Extractsative efforts taken in fromit.” the Proposal presented for the pro- the separatist group engaging in acts of destruction to while mayhem reigned.The red circle is divinity – the duction of the Altar cloth by Selyn and Andrea Boekel and man and property with shrill calls for a separate state. state of holiness of Christ’s believers who uphold his the Log book of Andrea Boekel Ayitta had no part in this, but she had involuntarily been cross even when tormented and persecuted. It is how caught up undergoing immense hardship; death had we stand and boast in our hope of the glory of God.” SpecialSpecial IssueIssue onon PapalPapal VisitVisit MessengerMessenger JanuaryJanuary 11,11, 20152015 Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 1010 14 POPE FRANCIS: Man of God and Man of the People Rev. Fr. Vimal Tirimanna, CSsR each of us with a warm hand shake and a broad smile. In my life thus far, I had been to many audi- ences and meetings with both ecclesiastical and civil dignitaries in many parts of the world, but I must say his sheep. Pope Francis who as the Cardinal Archbishop with all sincerity that at none of those precious mo- of Buenos Aires used to travel daily by bus and do his ments of my life had the dignitaries concerned been own cooking, often has been insisting that bishops and so much at ease, so informal, so human, as Pope Fran- priests all over the world as shepherds of the �lock (the cis was during this particular audience. To begin with, sheep) of Jesus Christ need to be so close to them (the there were no airs put on, nor were there those empty sheep) in such a way that they familiarize themselves (and at times ridiculous!) formalities that one normally with them, be in solidarity(l’odore with delle them, pecore) not above them. encounters on such occasions. Here was Pope Francis, To put it in his famous words, he wants them to get “the the Universal Visible Shepherd of the Church, the Vicar smell of the sheep” , by going into of Christ on earth, meeting the shepherds of the local the sheepfold, being with the sheep, sharing their joys churches and those who were helping them. It was and sorrows, rather than sitting in comfortable places simply a meeting of a human person with other human or even inside the sanctuary of the church. In his very persons, but with this unique difference: By his very �irst visit to the Cathedral of San Ru�ino, Assisi, on Oc- simple, sincere and informal conduct, the Pope not tober 4, 2013, in a memorable speech he expressed only showed what a great personality he is, but also exactly the same sentiments colourfully when he said: automatically earned respect for himself as a person. “This, I have been repeatedly saying, to walk with our Yes, he did not demand respect by virtue of his of�ice as people, at times in front of them, at times in their midst Pope, but earned it through his very human personal- and at times behind them, in front of them, to guide ity, warmth and conduct! Only those who are real men the community; in the midst of them, to encourage and of God and those who have healthy personalities with sustain them; behind them, to keep them(il �iuto)together in a sane self-image could afford to be so, and that’s ex- unity so that no one should be too far behind; and also t was 17th October 2014. The Extraordinary Synod actly what Pope Fracis is! Thousands upon thousands for another reason: to have ‘the smell’ of the I of persons who had met him as Pope during the past 20 people, to have their sense, because people normally of Bishops on Family which attracted so much of world attention was about to be wound up. It be- months or so, have shared the same personal experi- have the sense for new ways to walk; they have the ing a non-working day for the Synod, most of the Asian ence and, it is this very experience that has taken the sense of the faith which theologians call ‘sensus �idei’.” bishop-participants of the Synod were having their world by storm, ever since he was elected as the Suc- The Pope’s oft-repeated call urging bishops special Central Committee (CC) meeting of the Fed- cessor of St.Peter in March 2013. and priests to reach out to people is vividly expressed eration of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) at the Filippino embassy attached to the Vatican, just a few steps away from Casa di Santa Marta in the Vatican where Pope Francis lives. I too had the privilege of be- ing present at that meeting as the specially appointed secretary to keep the minutes of that particular meet- ing. All of us were informed beforehand that in spite of his very busy schedule that particular week (with the Synod reaching its Conclusion the following day, with the Beati�ication of Pope Paul VI two days thereafter and, with so many bishops from all over the world hav- ing appointments with him, one after the other,...etc.), Pope Francis had agreed to give a special brief audi- ence for the CC participants, at 10 am at Casa di Santa Marta. It was organized thanks to the good of�ices of Antonio Luis Cardinal Tagle of Manila. So, the idea was It is no exaggeration to say that his very per- also in No:49 where he repeats what to adjourn the special CC meeting around 9.55 am, and sonality has put the Church not only back on the right he has been already telling the priests of the Arch- then, walk up for the special papal audience. However, track of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also back on the diocese of Buenos Aires when he was the Archbishop as the CC meeting was well into its �irst hour, suddenly secular international scene. Commentators are more or there: “I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and the hand phone of Oswald Cardinal Gracias of Mum- less unanimous that in the history of the Church there dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than bai (who was presiding over the meeting) rang. It was has never been a Pope so popular as this Pope is. In ad- a Church which is unhealthy from being con�ined and around 9.45 am, and some of us who were seated clos- dition to what I mentioned above, they give a few more Afrom Down-to-Earth clinging to its own security”! Realistic Approach er to Cardinal Gracias could hear the voice at the other other reasons for such unprecedented popularity: his end of the line saying in Italian: “Sua Eminenza,...Papa peculiarly people-orientedness, his down-to-earth re- sta giá aspettando per voi. Sbrigatevi per favore!” (‘Your alistic approach to Church and world issues, his love What has endeared this Pope to most of the Eminence,...the Pope is already waiting for you! Please for the poor and the marginalized (not only in words as people around the world (even among non-Catholics) hurry up!’). The CC meeting was abruptly suspended many leaders do today, but in his very deeds), his cour- is his down-to-earth approach to the Church and world and all of us rushed to Casa di Santa Marta within just age to call a spade a spade without any sense of hypo- issues. His concern to �ind some concrete pastoral solu- �ive minutes. And there His Holiness was indeed wait- critical diplomacy and his determination to continue tions to those who are in dif�icult marriage and family ing at the very entrance of Casa di Santa Marta with a the reforms of the Second Vatican Council as willed by situations (by calling the two Synods, one of which just broad smile on his face. the world-wide episcopate of theEvangelii Catholic Gaudium Church. All in ended in Rome) without denying the Church’s cherished Warmth and conduct these characteristics were more than visible in his cel- teachings, is a clear example of this. That is to say, he is ebrated , more interested in arriving at where concrete, real hu- As we entered, the Pope cordially welcomed written form (issued in November 2013), and at the man persons live in the world and �inding ways of show- each of us with a warm shake-hand, as if each of us recently concluded Extraordinary Synod in the form of ing them that the gospel of Jesus is indeed “good” news mattered to him so much! Then, he informally spoke action. However, in order to illustrate what each of the rather than endlessly repeating Church’s teachings in an about the mission of evangelization in Asia and its im- above-mentioned reasons amount to, I will discuss each abstract way that goes above and beyond the real peo- of them brie�ly under the following sub-headings: portance, and assured his closeness and prayers for all A Pope of the People ple of this world! This was exactly the style of Jesus, too, the Churches in Asia in ful�illing their mission. He re- who spoke and worked among real people of this world, minded us that he had already been to Asia (to Korea Extraordinaryin their own concrete life Love situations. for the Poor just the previous month) and also that he would soon Jesus Christ came to liberate people from the be going to Asia again: to Sri Lanka and to the Philip- evil ways and to show them the right path to walk. Our present Pope is the only Successor of Pe- pines, and said he was looking forward to those trips He established His Church to continue that liberation ter to choose the name Francis, after St.Francis of As- eagerly. At the request of Cardinal Gracias (President work down through the ages. He appointed St.Peter sisi, the great friend of the poor who �irst founded a of the FABC), the Pope then imparted his Apostolic as his visible representative here on earth, and that’s religious congregation that was to earn its own living Blessing on all of us gathered there and on the differ- what all the Successors of Peter (Bishops of Rome) are by begging (mendicanti). In fact, one of the main char- ent Churches in Asia that were represented. Since he expected to be. They are �irst and foremost to be at the acteristics that de�ines Pope Francis(Contd is hison love Pg. for XXII) the had to meet the visiting Prime Minister of Korea, im- people’s side and then, lead them along the way that mediately thereafter, he bade good bye, again greeting Jesus has already shown, just as a good shepherd leads Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 SpecialSpecial IssueIssue onon PapalPapal VisitVisit MessengerMessenger JanuaryJanuary 11,11, 20152015 10 1411 Miraculous Moment with the Holy Father, Pope Francis

a week or so. After he de- Spirit has large glass win- cided that the splendid dows along one wall of the isolation at the Apostolic chapel that give it a light, Palace was not for him, airy atmosphere, while a he moved into Suite 201, striking white ceiling with which includes a small sloping sides decorated sitting room for receiving with triangular shapes re- guests. calls the Holy hov- Pope Francis said ering above the heads of that the those gathered. seemed to him like “an In the chapel, a inverted funnel” – big and small central aisle leads to spacious, but with a really the plain white marble al- narrow entrance. He ex- tar and large wooden cru- plained, “People can only ci�ix on the wall behind. come in dribs and drabs It is where, Pope Francis and I cannot live without has presided at Holy Mass people. I need to live my with regular groups of life with others." He elab- Holy See employees and orated that a strong sense other guests visiting the of community, together FormalVatican CityEncounters state. with discipline and a mis- sionary spirit, were the three features of Jesuit life After breakfast, that �irst attracted him to the Pope sets off through the order. the Vatican gardens to the The Holy Father, Private Mass at Saint Mar- and seeming apparently but had chosen to reside The simple, aus- Apostolic Palace where His Holiness Pope Francis tha’s House reached whilst delighted to spend time in the guesthouse known tere setting of Suite 201 most of his formal en- who arrives in Sri Lanka my wife and I were in the chatting certainly amazed as Saint Martha’s House where the Pope now lives counters and audiences on January 13, 2015 has Olympic City of Lausanne, us. He was pleased to hear which would allow the and works has drawn take place. On an average proved himself as a Pope Switzerland to attend my that I have been chris- Holy Father ‘to live in the much attention. Besides day, he may meet with a of Surprises. I would like graduation and for a while tened on Christmas Day community’ with other a small desk, an armchair president or a prime min- to share in this article, we were speechless. The like him and that we share priests and people stay- and a stiff-backed chair ister, religious or lay peo- the miraculous moment four children barely had our birthdays on two con- ing or passing through the where the Pope chooses ple, or with bishops from spent with him, a day in a coupleIt of hours has beento leave a secutive days in the month Vatican. to sit, there are a few around the world. his life as the Pope and dreamColombo of for my Rome. family to of December. The Holy Saint Martha’s books and objects that in- He’ll also meet some poignant measures join the assertive Pope Father quipped, ‘We can House stands on the site clude an of St. Fran- with his closest advocates, of his mission to restore with the winning smile share one birthday cake!’ of a hospital built a cen- cis, a statue of Our Lady the cardinal and bishops authenticity and integrity at a Holy Eucharist, to His Holiness was tury earlier to provide of Lujan, Patron Saint of in charge of the different in the Universal Catholic partake in the celebra- delighted to hear about health services for local Argentina, a cruci�ix and Curial of�ices, and some- Church. tion of the greatest mir- the development in Sri residents or for pilgrims a statue of a sleeping St. times there’ll be a less During his years acle on earth on the very Lanka since the end of travelling through the Joseph. formal encounter with as the Archbishop of Bue- altar of his Private Cha- the humanitarian op- Eternal City and was fully It was on St. Jo- friends, journalists or or- nos Aires, he was known pel in the Vatican State. erations, to identify our refurbished in the 1990s seph’s feast day, March 19, dinary people who have for living a simple lifestyle, Indeed, that moment resplendent isle as the under Pope John Paul II. 2013 that Pope Francis written to the Pope shar- using public transport with the charismatic land of ‘Cardinal Ranjith,' In more recent decades it inaugurated his ministry, ing their personal stories and spending much time leader of 1.2 billion discuss about the career served as a home where explaining that just as Jo- Attitudeof joy or suffering.of Closeness with people in the poor- Catholics in the world in the Navy, congratulate elderly priests and bish- seph was the loving, faith- est parts of the city. As far will linger as the most on the Silver Anniversary ops could live out their ful guardian of Mary and as feasible, he continues cherished event in the and share a few minutes twilight years following the young Christ child, At lunchtime, to live that way today, us- lives of self, wife Carmel with each child and had their retirement. so we are all called to be the Pope returns to Saint ing a small car, travelling and children – Shanil, a hearty laugh in accept- But after partici- responsible guardians of Martha’s to share a meal, by coach with his fellow Shalini, Shemal Jnr and ing the decorative pack pating in two conclaves Christ, of each other and often in the company of cardinals and rejecting Shenali. of ‘Ceylon Tea.' Then the himself, Pope John Paul Holyof all MassGod’s creation. those he has met with any symbols of power and Holy Father astonished II decided the time had during the course of the prestige. us by proposing a ‘Family come to improve living morning. After a short I am sure the When the day Portrait’, before warmly arrangements for the car- The Pope’s day rest and a quick cup of cof- readers may have heard September 18, 2013 bidding each one of us dinals called from coun- begins around 0500, when fee, it is back to work for tales of astonished indi- dawned, we reached the adieu. tries around the world he gets up and spends the rest of the afternoon, viduals who’ve picked Vatican well in advance Throughout the to elect a new successor an hour or so in private before returning to the up their phones to hear a and the Swiss Guards on audience with the Holy Fa- of St. Peter. Accordingly, prayer preparing for the guesthouse for a shared voice on the other end say- duty guided us right to the ther, he repeated his �irst the ancient hospital was day ahead. The Holy Fa- dinner and a private time ing, “Hello, this is Francis chapel without any hassle. words immediately after transformed into a �ive ther once disclosed that of evening prayer. He still speaking, I received your The Holy Mass took near- his election on March 13, story guesthouse with he likes to pray with the listens to classical music letter and was wondering ly 40 minutes and at the 2013 from the balcony of one apartment, 106 suites psalms in the morning, to relax before bed and when you’d like to come end, the Pope came and St. Peter’s Basilica, ‘Pray Suiteand 22 201 single rooms. while in the evening, be- Borges and Dostoevsky and meet me..?” He loves joined the congregation in Saintfor me!’ Martha’s easily more House than tween 1900 and 2000, he are among the(Cont. authors Pg 15) he to manage his daily diary silent meditation for a few a dozen times. likes to spend an hour in most frequently revisits. himself and maintain as minutes. Then we were During a con- adoration in front of the much contact as possible warmly embraced by the It was within days clave, rooms in the Saint Blessed Sacrament. with people. Holy Father. after the inauguration of Martha’s are assigned. Ar- At 0700 he cel- The news of the His relaxed, un- his ponti�icate that Pope gentinian Cardinal Jorge ebrates Holy Mass in the Holy Father’s magnani- hurried way of speaking Francis disclosed that he Mario Bergoglio was al- Chapel of the Holy Spirit mous gesture to invite the to each one of us, ask- would not be living in the located Room 207, where at Saint Martha’s House. ‘Fernando Family’ to his ing questions, joking Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, he continued to stay for The Chapel of the Holy Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 1215 Journey of Blessed Joseph Vaz

Sillalai SILLALAI

PUTTALAM

Puttalam

Miraculous moment... enchanted by his more el in economy for the 13- was the usual applause. of �lowers on the altar be- shop of St. Joseph and it Contd. from Pg. 14.. hands-on approach, Pope hour �light to Rome. The And he gave me a hug and neath an ancient icon of was the top of this table Francis has insisted that only concession to com- a kiss, and said: “Don’t the Virgin Mary. that was used to memori- every good pastor, priest fort he made was to re- forget the poor!” And The image that alize her image. While ap- That attitude of closeness or bishop, should always quest a seat by the emer- those words came to me: Pope Francis knelt in front plying his paints, St. Luke can be clearly seen when be found, “walking with gency exit where there the poor, the poor. Then of is called ‘Salus Populi listened as the Mother of the Pope holds his Gen- our people.” During a visit was more legroom. He right away, thinking of the Romani.’ It is held to have Jesus spoke of the life of eral Audience attended by to Assisi, the city of his had a bad knee and hip. Firstpoor, ActI thought as the ofPope Francis been painted by St. Luke, her son, which the Evan- tens of thousands of peo- namesake, the Pope asked The Alitalia crew put him of Assisi. the author of the Gospel gelist later recorded in his ple in St. Peter’s Square. priests, “What could be Namein Row as 25 Francis and he settled that shows more than Gospel. After sharing his re�lec- more beautiful for us than in for the long �light. On the �irst day any other suffering side It was truly an act of love of tions and brief greetings waling with our people? In after his election, Pope of Christ’s life and also of a son towards his mother. read by assistance in a front in order to guide the Pope Francis Francis did something Mary’s life. The tradition And in this act, we could dozen different languag- community, in the middle commenting of his choice unprecedented. At about that this particular image see clearly more of the es, Pope Francis spends in order to encourage and of name said, during the 0800, he slipped out of is the original, and was inner life of Pope Francis. up to two hours walking support, and at the back election, I was seated next the Vatican in a single painted by St. Luke him- No Pope has ever seemed through the crowds, shak- in order to keep it united to Archbishop Emeritus unmarked black car and self when Mary was still so completely focused to and so that no one lags of Sao Paulo and Prefect rode across Rome to the alive, is very strong. ing hands, embracing, Flight to Rome honour the Blessed Virgin hugging and talking to too far behind.” Emeritus of the Congrega- Basilica of St. Mary Ma- The legend tells Mary before doing any- pilgrims, particularly chil- tion for the Clergy, Cardi- jor, the largest and most that after the Cruci�ixion, dren and young people or The Vatican pro- nal Claudio Hummes: a beautiful basilica in the when Our Lady moved to thing else. And that is why Hands-onthe sick, disabled Approach and el- vided a �irst-class air good friend, a good friend! world dedicated to Mary, the home of St. John, she this �irst act of Francis’s derly visitors. ticket to the future Pope When things were looking the Mother of God. Then took with her a few per- ponti�icate was so revela- to come to Rome for the dangerous, he encouraged stopped at the chapel in sonal belongings, among tory – he was declaring his Conclave, but he refused me. And when the votes the far corner toward the which was a table built by love for Jesus’s mother. While the media has been astonished and to use it and opted to trav-LITURGICALreached two-thirds,CALENDAR there YEAR back B - 11th to place Jan. - a18th bouquet Jan. 2015 Jesus himself in the work- Sun: THE OF THE LORD Wed: Heb.2:14-18; Mk.1:29-39 Sat: Heb.4:12-16; Mk. 2:13-17 Is.55:1-11; 1Jn.5:1-9; Mk.1:7-11 Thu: Heb.3:7-14;Mk.1:40-45 Sun: SECOND SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME Mon: Heb. 1:1-6; Mk.1:14-20 Fri: Feast. of Bl. Joseph Vaz, Apostle of 1 Sam.3:3b -10,19; 1 Cor.6:13-15,17-20 Tue: Memorial of St. Hilalry, Bishop and Doctor Sri Lanka Jn.1:35-42 Heb.2:5-12; Mk. 1:21-28 Acts.20:17-18,28-32,36;Mk.16:15-20 SpecialSpecial IssueIssue onon PapalPapal VisitVisit MessengerMessenger JanuaryJanuary 11,11, 20152015 XVII13 Pope Francis' address to Asian Youth Dear Young Friends,

to its message of hope and salvation. The This great gathering of Asian Gospel teaches us that the Spirit of Jesus young people allows us to see something can bring new life to every human heart of what the Church herself is meant to and can transform every situation, even be in God’s eternal plan. Together with the most apparently hopeless. Jesus can young people everywhere, you want to transform all situations!A This is the mes- help build a world where we all live to- sage which you are called to share with gether in peace and friendship, overcom- your contemporaries: t school, in the ing barriers, healing divisions, rejecting workplace, in your families, your univer-e violence and prejudice. And this is exact- sities and your communities. Because Je- ly what God wants for us. The Church is sus rose from the dead, we know that H meant to be a seed of unity for the whole has “the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68), human family. In Christ, all nations and that His word has the power to touch ev- peoples are called to a unity which does ery heart, to conquer evil with good, and not destroy diversity but acknowledges, to change and redeem the world. reconciles and enriches it. Dear young friends, in this gen- How distant the spirit of the eration the Lord is counting on you! He is world seems from that magni�icent vi- counting on you! He entered your hearts sion and plan! How often the seeds of on the day of your Baptism; he gave you goodness and hope which we try to sow his Spirit on the day of your Con�irma- seem to be choked by weeds of sel�ish- tion; and He strengthens you constantly we are one family, help us. Help us to be are asking: “What is in store for me?” We ness, hostility and injustice, not only all by His presence in the Eucharist, so that united. You can do it. Let there not be are capable of doing bad things, very bad around us, but also in our own hearts. you can be His witnesses before the winners and losers but only one family, things, but please, do not despair: The We are troubled by the growing gap in world. Are you ready to say “yes”? [Yes!] only brothers and sisters.” Now I invite Father is always there waiting for us! our societies between rich and poor. We Are you ready? [Yes!] Thank you! Are you you all to pray together in silence. Come back! Come back! This is the word: see signs of an idolatry of wealth, power tired? [No!] Really? [Yes!] HOPE Come back! Come back home because and pleasure which come at a high cost A good friend of mine told me, the Father is waiting for me. And if I am a to human lives. Closer to home, so many “You cannot speak to the young with pa- Now, a word of hope. What is great sinner, he will celebrate the more. of our own friends and contemporaries, per; you must speak and address young hope? There are so many forms of hope, And you priests, please, embrace sinners even in the midst of immense material people spontaneously, from the heart.” but here is one which is really beautiful! and be merciful. prosperity, are suffering from spiritual Korea is one; it is a family. You all speak poverty, loneliness and quiet despair. This is only an apparent con�lict, the same language, the language of one To hear this is something beau- God seems to be removed from the pic- because when the Lord calls, He always family; you are brothers and sisters who tiful. It is something that brings me great ture. It is almost as though a spiritual does so for the good of others, whether speak the same language. In the Bible, happiness, to know that God never tires of desert is beginning to spread through- it is through the religious life, the con- when the brothers of Joseph went down forgiving; He never tires of waiting for us. out our world. It affects the young too, secrated life, or as a lay person, as the to Egypt to buy some food – they were robbing them of hope and even, in all too father or mother of a family. The goal is May Mary, our Mother, watch hungry, they had money, but they had many cases, of life itself. the same: To worship God and to do good over you and keep you ever close to Jesus nothing to eat – they went there to buy to others. her Son. And from his place in heaven, Yet this is the world into which food and they found a ! How? may Saint John Paul II, who initiated the you are called to go forth and bear witness This is the prayer that a young Because Joseph realised that they spoke World Youth Days, always be your guide. to the Gospel of hope, the Gospel of Jesus person should make: “Lord what do his language. Think about your brothers With great affection I give you my bless- Christ and the promise of His Kingdom – you want from me?” With prayer and and sisters in the North: They speak the ing. And please, pray for me, thank you this is your theme. In the parables, Jesus the advice of some good friends – laity, same language and when a same language very(We carrymuch! here excerpts of the Pope's tells us that the Kingdom comes into the priests, religious sisters, bishops, popes is spoken in a family, there is room for hope. address at the Asian Youth Day in Korea) world quietly, growing silently yet surely First, my advice is to pray; to pray for our None of us know what life will wherever it is welcomed by hearts open brothers and sisters in the North: “Lord, bring us. And you, dear young friends, Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 XVII14 I

Pope Francis in the world of the young A warm welcome by Korean youth Hitching a ride in the Pope mobile

Asian Youth Day delegates welcome Pope Francis to Salmoe, where Koreans com- Pope Francis found some young friends to keep him company when he picked up memorate the birth of Catholicism. The faith was not brought to the peninsula by two schoolboys in his Pope-mobile. The delighted 11-year-olds, Livio Bastianelli and foreign missionaries but was sought out by Korean nobles in the late 18th century David Maria Bianchi toured St Peter’s Square in Pope Francis’ white jeep, waving to after readingWith Christian young texts. offenders in a Rome prisonthe crowds. A tribute from Indonesian youth

Pope Francis kisses and washes the feet of 12 young offenders at a Rome prison after Holy Mass, inside St Peter's Basilica which marked the beginning of four days of Eas- ter ceremony in spectacular style. One of the 12 was a young Muslim woman. This was a ritual he had performed in Argen- tina. Previous popes would carry out the foot-washing ritual on Holy Thursday in Rome's grand St. John Lateran Basilica and the 12 people chosen for the ritual were Indonesian youth take part in the 6th Asian Youth Day with Pope Fran- priests to represent the 12 disciples. To young seminarians A little wanderercis at Salmoeon Shrinestage in South with Korea on Augustthe 15, Pontiff 2014. and novices

Pope Francis gave an off-the-cuff lecture to seminarians and novices from across the globe, at a four-day interna- tional event gathered in the Paul VI Hall. In his remarks, the Pope urged those present not to be tempted by a Even little children gather around him. This adorable little culture that exalts provisional values and told them to boy waving to the crowd was on top of the world when he avoid trappings like the latest smart phones and expen- made friends with Pope Francis by wandering up onto the sive cars so that they can devote more resources to help stage during the Pontiff's address at the Vatican’s celebration the Mesmerisingpoor. the youngfor at families. Copacabana in Rio

Pope Francis encouraged celebrations. Estimates stated that young people should thank their young people to honour their grand- it was the largest gathering ever in grandparents for the wisdom they parents as he addressed a crowd of Copacabana. share. Bridging the gap between 3 million, on Friday, July 28, 2013 on The Pope noted that Friday younger and older generations has Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro marks ‘Grandparent's Day’ in Brazil been a major message for the Pope during the 28th World Youth Day and many other countries. He said during his trip to Brazil. Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 XIX15 English with Fun and Entertainment

Dear Readers, as a universal option." He emphasized that, in the meantime, the rule must be strictly adhered to, and any priest who cannot In our 57th lesson we read about the predictions of Birth of Christ and events from Activityobey it "has 4: toLearn leave some the ministry". more delicate the life of St. Nicholas with an insightful reference to the origin of Santa Claus. Landmarks of the illustrious career of shades of meaning of the words se- Pope Francis lected from quotes In this lesson let’s concentrate on the Bruised

Comments made by our readers are very encouraging. Thanks for your efforts to - injured, hurt, sore, damaged, make ‘English with Fun and Entertainment’ an interactive process. God Bless You! Obsessionshurting aching battered painful In June 1992, Bergoglio was named of Auca and auxiliary of NJ - manias, fascinations, �ixa- Buenos Aires, and in February 1998, Con�licttions, passions, preoccupations Activity 1 – he became archbishop of Buenos Aires, succeeding Antonio Quarracino. - battle, �ight, war, struggle, Read aloud and learn the Landmarks of the illustrious Indifferenceskirmish, clash encounter, engagement career of Pope Francis Activity 3: – unimportance insigni�i- Learn the inspirational cance, inconsequence, meaninglessness quotes from Pope Francis as a spiritual Reconciliationirrelevance, triviality Quoteand world (i) leader bruised – settlement, under- “I prefer a Church which is standing, resolution, compromise, re- , hurting and dirty because it Propositionunion, cease�ire, appeasement Three years later, in February 2001, he has been out on the streets, rather than was elevated to cardinal by Pope John a Church which is unhealthy from being – plan, proposal, scheme, Spoken style Paul II, named the cardinal-priest of con�ined and from clinging to its own se- Religious style Contradictintention, suggestion, offer Saint Robert Bellarmine. Your Holiness curity. I do not want a Church concerned Holy Father with being at the center and then ends – deny, reverse, oppose, The obsessions is His Holiness Pope Francis; in Latin, by being caught up in a web of challenge, gainsay, dispute, controvert, Franciscus,of�icial Episcopusstyle of the Romae. Pope in Holy English Fa- and procedures.” —Pope Deceitfullyrefute ther is another honori�ic often used for Francis – dishonestly, cunningly, popes. His full title, rarely used, is: His con�lict Holiness Francis, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of The pope implored those involved in the fraudulently, deviously, treacherously, Jesus Christ, Successor of the of the to �ind a peaceful solution to craftily. Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal theQuote con�lict. (ii) Activity 5: Church, of Italy, Archbishop and . Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sov- indifference “Leave behind the self-inter- Read the texts given ereign of the State, Servant of est that hardens your heart, overcome Earlybelow Life and and frame Education �ive ‘wh’ questions In 2005, he was named president of the the servants of God. the that makes your heart Bishops' Conference of Argentina, and insensitive towardsreconciliation others, conquer he served in that position until 2011. Activity 2: your deadly reasoning, and open your- Quoteself to dialogue(iii) and ." Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Bue- After Pope John Paul II's death in April Let’s learn a few similar nos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 2005, Bergoglio received the second- words to the underlined words and read "The proposal of the Gospel proposition 1936, to Italian immigrants. As a teen- most votes in the 2005 papal election; of�icialthe text again. must be simpler, profound, and radiant. Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) ager, Bergoglio underwent surgery to It is from this that the mor- won election as Pope John Paul's suc- – authorized, certi�ied, endorsed, remove a lung due to serious infection. honori�ic Quoteal consequences (iv) then �low." Becomingcessor.. Pope sanctioned Following his high school graduation, he vicar – title, name, designation, Pope Francis considers wom- enrolled at the University of Buenos Ai- pseudonym, en an essential part of the church. "The res, where he received a master's degree successor– priest, cleric, rector, preacher, feminine genius is needed wherever we in chemistry before beginning training On March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, parson Quotemake important (v) decisions," he said. Jorge Bergoglio was named the 266th at the Jesuit seminary of Villa Devoto. In primate – heir, inheritor, bene�iciary, Pope of the Church— legatee contradict “The Big Bang, which today March 1958, he entered the Society of becoming the �irst citizen from the - archbishop, bishop, prelate we hold to be the origin of the world, Jesus. Americas, the �irst non-European and Coatcardinal of arms of does not the intervention of Bergoglio went on to attend the Philo- �irst Jesuit priest to be named pope, and the divine creator but, rather, requires sophical and Theological Faculty of San adopting the name Pope Francis (he re- Pope Francis it. Evolution is not inconsistent with the Miguel, where he earned a degree in phi- portedly took the title after St. Francis notion of creation." of Assisi of Italy, a Catholic preacher losophy, and later received a doctorate during the 12th and 13th centuries). For clergy - Pope Francis fears some cler- in theologyEntering in Freiburg, Priesthood Germany. ics "become wolves and not shepherds". Also in December 2013, Pope Francis He criticized "spiritual worldliness", was named Person of the Year by Time which can be de�ined as deceitfully try- magazine ing to appear holy and said that "Career- ism and the search for a promotion [to The following March, it was announced the hierarchy] come under the category that Pope Francis had been nominated Motto :MiserandoJesuit Atque emblem: Eligendo (Latin:"by of spiritual worldliness." Francis gave an for the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. having mercy and by choosing") Quoteexample vi of clerical vanity, When was Symbolism: In reference Questions – to Francis being a Jesuit, the uppermost - "Look at the peacock; it's Jorge Mario Bergoglio charge is the emblem of the Society of beautiful if you look at it from the front. born ? Jesus. The emblem is composed of a But if you look at it from behind, you Where was he born? radiating sun, within which is the IHS discover the truth ... Whoever gives in Ordained as a priest in December 1969, Why did he undergo surgery as a christogram (a monogram of the Holy to such self-absorbed vanity has huge Bergoglio began serving as Jesuit pro- teenager? Name of Jesus) in red, with a red cross misery hiding inside them." Francis be- vincial of Argentina in 1973. He later re- What are his quali�ications? Eight-pointedsurmounting the star H and three black nails lieves bishops and priests should resist turned to his alma mater, the Philosophi- When was he ordained as a priest? below the H. the temptations of money, "careerism" Spikenard : It is a long-standing and "vanity". cal and Theological Faculty of San Miguel, symbol of the Virgin Mary. where he served as rector (1980-86) as : Also called a nard �lower, it He states that "If, hypothetically, West- well as a professor of theology. represented Saint Joseph. In Hispanic ern Catholicism were to review the is- Contact us on: 071 8004580 Compiled by Noel Jayamanne iconographic tradition Saint Joseph is of- sue of celibacy, I think it would do so for E-mail: [email protected] ten depicted with a branch of spikenard cultural reasons (as in the East), not so in his hand. much Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 XX16 Papal Visits to Sri Lanka As the Catholic community awaits the blessed and rare visit of the present Pope it is quite necessary to know about the previous Papal visits in 1970 and 1995. History is a teacher that takes us back to the past in order to prepare us for the future!

later at 11.00p.m., despite a scheduled THEtwo hour VISIT stay OF ST. POPE JOHN PAUL II

This visit was basically organised for the beati�ication of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Apostle of Sri Lanka. Scheduled for more than a day Pope John Paul II ar- rived at the BIA, on January 20, 1995 at 3.00p.m. President Chandrika Bandara- Pope John Paul II at Galle Face Green naike Kumaratunge and His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Nicholas Marcus Fernando, who was Archbishop of Colombo, welcomed visit in just sixty days. the Pontiff. The next morning thousands Finally, the Pope arrived after his of the faithful were gathered at the Galle Pic. Nihal Senewiratne Face Green for the beati�ication of their visit to Manila, on December 4, 1970 in Papacy and a return to more simplistic VISIT OF BLESSED POPE PAUL VI long-loved Apostle, Fr. Joseph Vaz. Af- an ALITALIA aircraft at exactly 7.55pm. roots of the Catholic faith that has pro- ter the beati�ication, Pope John Paul ad- With more than eight hundred thousand pelled him into celebrity status, beyond people gathered at the Bandaranaike dressed the gathering and professed his During the 1960s the Catholic what any other pope has known. Fur- International Airport (BIA) premises, message of peace. Thus the local Church Church and the government were not thermore he has restarted activating the the Holy Father travelled in an Air Force started to shine in faith and continued having a sound relationship. This was due Vatican II reforms and made the Church Land Rover so that the people could see its journey towards Holiness. to nationalizing of private schools and the UPCOMING VISIT OF POPE strong in faith, hope and love. Truly, this him. The Pope in his homily emphasised political con�licts of the leftists and right- FRANCIS upcoming visit by Pope Francis will re- on peace and the necessity of a church wing and many other socio-political rea- organise the local Church and help its of love. The few moments Pope Paul VI sons. However as time went on, the Papal continuity in the right path. The signi�i- spent at BIA erased all ill-feelings of the Since Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pilgrimage of Pope Paul VI to Asia was an- cance of this Papal visit will not only be past and generated a new atmosphere in Pope two years ago, he has directed his nounced. Without delay, the Prime Minis- for the purpose of Canonizing Blessed cooporation of social reforms launched �lock towards the kingdom of God in quite ter of Ceylon Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike Joseph Vaz but also to change ourselves by the State. This Pontiff impressed the a different way. His ponti�icate has been with the guidance of the Archbishop of and act as true Christ bearers - Abide in whole country as a true messenger of devoted to the values of simplicity and Colombo, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Love - will be our prime principle. peace. Henceforth, a documentary �ilm love. Pope Francis has certainly ignited Avishka Mario Senewiratne Cardinal Cooray invited the Holy Father and Sinhala translation of the Social Doc- the hearts of many people where hope St. Joseph’s College, to visit Ceylon. The Pope’s reply being a trine of the Church was released to the had been diminished. It is this rejection Colombo 10. positive one, made the Ceylonese com- public. Pope Paul left Ceylon three hours of the ostentatious components of the munityPope prepare for theFrancis �irst ever Papal opens 2015 with calls for peace, loyalty to the Church and devotion to Mary

The Pope’s New "I think of the bours, the latter are no the social responsibility of Year message under the many men and women la- longer regarded as be- consumers. Every person theme, “No Longer Slaves, bourers, including minors, ings of equal dignity, as ought to have the aware- but Brothers and Sisters” subjugated in different brothers or sisters shar- ness that “purchasing is - indicates, that the Holy sectors, whether formally ing a common human- always a moral – and not Father is reminding us of or informally, in domestic ity, but rather as objects. simply an economic – act.” the Good News that Jesus or agricultural workplac- Whether by coercion or Organisations in has freed us from the slav- es, or in the manufactur- deception, or by physical civil society, for their part, ery of personal sin and the ing or mining industry." or psychological duress, have the task of awaken- structures of societal sin In his address human persons created in ing consciences and pro- and invites us to accept Pope Francis prayerfully the image and likeness of moting whatever steps this divine freedom, to mentions migrants who God are deprived of their are necessary for combat- live it out in our lives and have been lied to regard- freedom, sold and reduced ing and uprooting the cul- to share it with all people. ing jobs in foreign lands, to being the property of ture of enslavement. However, instead adults and children held others. They are treated Pope Francis also of offering freedom and captive in labour traf�ick- as means to an end.” The calls for end to the “global- fraternity, the exploitation ing and debt bondage, Pope has stated. ization of indifference,” and ope Francis opened ment to peace and frater- of countless human beings those caught in the snares “Businesses have a greater emphasis on fra- P2015 by calling nity among peoples,” the by many who hold power, of sex traf�icking and those a duty to ensure digni�ied ternity and solidarity with on the world to Pope said in his traditional “leads to contempt for the who have suffered (and of- working conditions and all our brothers and sisters. redouble its efforts for noontime Angelus address fundamental rights of oth- ten died from) organ traf- adequate salaries for their He also calls for an end to peace, saying, “peace is on New Year’s Day, de- ers and to the suppression �icking. The Pope knows employees, but they must indifference and tolerance always possible, and we livered before a crowd of of their freedom and dig- that human traf�icking is also be vigilant that forms of human traf�icking, not have to seek it.” He also more than 100,000 gath- nity,” laments the Pope. not simply another mon- of subjugation or human only on the part of nations, asked Catholics to remain ered in St. Peter’s Square. He writes that mil- ey-making venture. traf�icking do not �ind but on the part of each indi- loyal to their Church. “Prayer is at the lions of people today - chil- “Whenever sin their way into the distribu- vidual. Many organizations “May there never root of peace,” Francis said dren, women and men of corrupts the human heart tion chain. Together with besides governments have again be wars, but always on January 1, also declared all ages - are forced to live and distances us from our the social responsibility a role to play to ending the desire and commit- World Day of Peace. in slave-like conditions. Creator and our neigh- of businesses, there is also traf�icking. Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 XXI17 Our work is done: Fr. Alex Dassanayake

write about some places hal- The last time I talked to him tures. This is how I came to lowed by Joseph Vaz in and was last November – with la- know about Joseph Vaz and his around Kandy. That is how I got bored breadth he told me “our crucial mission in Sri Lanka. my price photographs of the work is now complete”. Fr. Alex Every year thereafter relics of Joseph Vaz given to the served as the Vice Postulator in the �irst week of January, Mr. Mahawewa community and the in the cause of Canonization of Christopher would come to re- Wahakotte community. At Ma- Blessed Joseph Vaz - the Apostle mind me of the impending feast hawewa he led us to the church of Sri Lanka. He had carried out of the Blessed Joseph Vaz. He on the hill and took out the ivory his mission effectively under would invariably bring me leaf- statue of Our Lady from its glass the guidance of his heroes dy- lets, booklets, newspaper arti- case and removed the oversized ing words: “Remember that one cles, photocopies, photographs. crown placed on her head by the cannot easily do at the time of One day he brought me a book devotees - so that I could take a his death what one has neglect- on Joseph Vaz autographed by photo of the statue. ed to do all his life”. A saying that the Indian priest author. It was At Wahakotte the cruci- he even got printed on his letter no surprise that I became an �ix behind the altar in the Sac- head. enthusiastic proponent of Jo- risty was placed high on a cup- Saying all that it must seph Vaz - visiting churches and board and closed with a glass be added that Fr. Alex Dassan- shrines dedicated to him and globe. I was wondering how to ayake was introduced to me by digging up historic documen- take a photo of this when almost Mr. Christopher. One evening in tation on him, throughout the as if reading my mind Fr. Alex 2005 two strangers came to see length and breadth of the island. got a wobbly stool and climbed me at my residence. They had All my research would be put House. I learnt that every time I did not learn of Jo- on to the cupboard and removed removed their shoes at the door into words and pictures in News a statue was completed - it was seph Vaz in school. My genera- the glass globe. We held our and sat in the Verandah wait- paper articles. I remember an Christopher who would accom- tion school religious knowledge breath. He handed down the ing for me. This was how I met occasion when Mr. Christopher pany him to the various church- syllabus was silent on Joseph cruci�ix to us and told me to take Mr. Christopher. Christopher had inspired me to carry out es to present and install it. Vaz. We did not hear of him in a picture which has been one of was precise with words and some basic research on Joseph It was also Mr. Chris- church either. In 1995 when he my favourite shots ever since. did not waste time. “The Joseph Vaz in Katukurunda, Kalutara, topher who introduced me to was beati�ied in Colombo, it did He did not stop there he took Vaz feast is coming up in a few Christopher himself leading me the work carried out by the Jo- not mean much to many of my us into the garden overgrown weeks, he informed me. My par- to many places including the seph Vaz Committee - a small generation. Then how did I hear at that time, to a structure built ish church at Moratu Modara house once owned by the family but dedicated lot of persons. I of this Man-Saint to whom we in honour of the Blessed Joseph is dedicated to him”. It did not of Fr. Suwaris where Fr. Joseph believe their prime objective owe our Catholic lives today. Vaz. After many more stops we mean a thing to me –“I do not Vaz had taken rest. was to promote the devotion We drove along narrow returned to the Ampitiya Semi- know anything about this per- In his company I was to Blessed Joseph Vaz. Led by rustic roads �irst to Mahawe- nary. Fr. was silent on the re- son”, I half lied remembering also introduced to Mr. Ray- Fr. Alex Dassanayake and the wa and then to Wahakotte. It turn journey he wheezed badly. that I did in fact have a book mond Fernando the wood statue most Rev. Dr. Vianney Bishop of was just my husband, my baby However next morning he was under that title inherited from carver. I was impressed to see Kandy, they have worked tire- daughter and Fr. Alex Dassan- waiting for us and wanted to my father’s library. Later I also how Mr. Christopher spiritually lessly for the cause of the Can- ayke. It was the �irst time we had show us the Blessed Joseph Vaz remembered that Fr. Anselm inspired Mr. Raymond to carry onization. But what inspired met Fr. Alex. All the way Fr. Alex shrine on the opposite hill from Cruz had referred to Joseph Vaz out his work. I was surprised to me most were those members talked about Joseph Vaz and his the Seminary which had been as having been a good friend of hear how Christopher and Ray- of the Joseph Vaz Committee life and mission in Sri Lanka. Fr. refurbished by Fr. Claver. King Narendrasimha of Kandy. mond had carried a statue of the who silently walked endless Alex was the expert. We knew After this initial meet- Fr. Cruz had also taken me to the Blessed Joseph Vaz during the miles and spent ungrudgingly nothing and tried eagerly to soak ing with Fr. Alex, several years Archbishop’s private parlour to war times - having bought a sep- their moneyKishanie to propagate S. Fernando the in his vast knowledge. back I would often call him show me the large painting of arate bus ticket for the statue all name and work of Joseph Vaz . Fr. Alex wanted me to Pope Francis Surprisesto verify facts Again: on Joseph Vaz.20 newthe man withCardinals, the bird like fea- majoritythe way to the fromMannar Bishop’s developing nations

Pope Francis announced his Burma, Cabo Verde and Tonga — will (Ethiopia) • José de Jesús Pimiento Rodríguez, new picks for Cardinals last Sunday and each have a Cardinal for the �irst time. • Archbishop John Atcherley Dew of Archbishop Emeritus of Manizales the lineup continues to diversify the top The only English speaker in the group Wellington () (Colombia) leadership in the Catholic Church. is Archbishop from New Zea- • Archbishop of • Archbishop Luigi de Magistris, Major The Pope selected 20 new Car- land and the only Vatican of�icial in the Ancona-Osimo (Italy) Pro-Penitentiary Emeritus dinals from 18 countries and not one group is the Moroccan-born Archbish- • Archbishop Pierre Nguyen Van Nhon • Archbishop Karl-Josef Rauber, is from the United States and, only one op , who leads the of Hanoi (Vietnam) Apostolic is from the Vatican bureaucracy. These Vatican’s Supreme Court. The last time • Archbishop Alberto Suárez Inda of • Luis Héctor Villaba, Archbishop Cardinals, Pope Francis said in his Sun- the US did not receive a Cardinal for two Morelia (Mexico) Emeritus of Tucumán (Argentina) day Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, show years in a row was nearly four decades • Archbishop , S.D.B., • Júlio Duarte Langa, Bishop Emeritus that the Church of Rome and the par- ago. of Rangoon (Burma) of Xai-Xai (Mozambique) ticular churches across the world are Last Sunday’s move is another • Archbishop Kriengsak connected by “indissoluble links.” play in Francis’ efforts to reform the Ro- Kovithavanij of Bangkok (Thailand) The new Cardinals will be ele- Selecting Cardinals is one of the man Curia, and not just geographically. • Archbishop of vated formally at the Vatican on Feb. 14. most important choices a Pope makes. In mid-February, he will call all the Agrigento (Italy) Pope Francis will then have appointed a Cardinals are the Catholic Church’s se- Cardinals to the Vatican for a two-day • Archbishop Daniel Fernando Sturla total of 31 cardinals. (TIME) nior leaders, lead the largest dioceses meeting “to re�lect on the orientations Berhouet, S.D.B., of Montevideo (Uru- and are the Church’s highest-ranking and proposals for the reform of the Ro- guay) advisers. Most importantly, Cardinals Theman 15Curia.” new Cardinals under the age • Archbishop Ricardo Blázquez Pérez of under the age of 80 vote to select the of 80 and eligible to vote for the next Valladolid (Spain) Pope. Pope Paul VI set the limit of Car- Pope are: • Bishop José Luis Lacunza dinal electors at 120 and Pope Francis’ Maestrojuán, O.A.R., of David (Panama) new picks will push that number to • Bishop of 125. Santiago de Cabo Verde (Archipelago of Pope Francis, once again, • Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, ) showed that he wants this top Church Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the • Bishop Soane Patita Paini Ma�i of Ton- leadership to re�lect the changing ga (Island of Tonga) global Catholic population and priori- • Archbishop Manuel José Macario do The �ive additional honorary ties. Seven of the new cardinals come Nascimento Clemente, Patriarch of Lisbon Cardinals — and bishops from Europe, �ive from Latin America, (Portugal) emeriti, who are over the age of 80 and three from Asia, three from Africa and • Archbishop Berhaneyesus Demerew therefore unable to vote in papal elec- two from Oceania. Three countries — Souraphiel, C.M., of Addis Ababa tions — are: Special Issue on Papal Visit Messenger January 11, 2015 XXII18

like a funeral procession, res, to churches in various and shines with his of Jesus in the country with everyone consoling capitals of the province. guidance. To the regular (1973-1979); and rector the relatives, but nobody Except for a people who for one reason of the Colegio Maximo waking the dead."O�icio Pa- chance occurrence-a trib- or another come into in San Miguel, Argentina Francis:The... trio After the worst of ute to the Pallottines mas- contact with him, he is a (1980-1986)? Who is this Contd. from Pg. 4 the crisis, in the sacred during the military simple, warm person, full priest, confessor of the Mass of 2003, before dictatorship— Kirchner of thoughtful gestures in community of the Colegio central of�ice of the Buenos Nestor Kirchner, who had and Bergoglio never saw things both big and small. del Salvador of Buenos Aires archbishopric. assumed the presidency each other again. For those who know his Aires (1986-1990), who It was not easy in his �irst year took a six- to persuade him to do it. was a line that had been just hours before, Bergo- The Cardinal was religious thinking inti- month sabbatical in Ger- “Journalistic interviews very critical of the neolib- glio called for everyone to often the target-especially mately, he is the priest many, where he completed are not my strength,” he eralism of the 1990s and "carry the nation on their during the 2005 conclave, committed to getting the his thesis on the eminent often says. (In fact, in our the prescriptions of the shoulders" to make the in which he was one of the Church out among the theologian and Catholic �irst meeting he agreed, International Monetary country great.Te Deum most likely Papal candi- people with a message of philosopher Romano initially, to discuss only his Fund, which constantly But it was his dates-of persistent jour- compassion and enthu- Guardini, who helped homilies and sermons.) sought repayment of the homily of the nalistic attacks. Reporters siasm; the priest whose stoke the church reform When he �inally agreed, foreign debt on the basis of Mass the following year accused him of turning veneration would turn that took shape in the he placed no conditions, the sacri�ice of those who that would end up hav- over two Jesuit priests into a true phenomenon Second Vatican Council? although he showed a had the least. ing the largest political who had been working in of popular devotion in Who is this certain resistance to talk- It is easy to detect consequences. Among a slum to a marine com- Buenos Aires; the pastor teacher who brought ing about himself in our in Bergoglio's pronounce- many other ideas, Ber- mand during the military who is ultimately respect- Jorge Luis Borges to class efforts to show his human ments before the �inancial goglio pointed out that dictatorship. The author ful of orthodox doctrine and had him read his stu- side and his spiritual collapse at the beginning “are quick to of the report claimed that and ecclesiastic discipline, dents’ short stories? Who dimension. And every ses- of the century his concern intolerance.” He criti- Bergoglio, who was at that but equally the owner of is this pastor convinced sion invariably ended with for the deterioratingTe Deum situ- cized “those who feel so time the leader of Argen- an understanding that is that the Church should go the cardinal’s expressing ation in the country. His included they exclude tina’s Jesuits, was trying to both modern and spiritu- from “regulating faith” to doubt about the useful- messages in the everyone else, those who push out the progressive ally profound about the “transmitting and facili- ness of the task: “Do you on May 25, 2000—which are so clairvoyant they members of the Church of Church and living the tating faith”? Who is this think anything I said might became a kind of civic have become blind,” and the Society of Jesus. Gospel in challenging religious minister who be helpful?” speech of great conse- he warned that “copy- Other observ- contemporary society. in a very few years went There was never quence—were eloquent. In ing the hate and violence ers thought just the But who is this from a modest place in any attempt to exhaust 2000, when Fernando de la of the tyrant and the opposite—that Bergoglio descendant of Italians, a Jesuit residence in the the subjects that came Riia had been president for murderer is the best way actually saved the lives born in Buenos Aires in up. Only to get a sense of city of Cordoba to become less than �ive months, Ber- to inherit it.” The next of the two priests and 1936? Who is this boy the mind of this sensitive archbishop of Buenos goglio said: "Sometimes I day, his spokesperson at circumvented an extreme who graduated from and yet also resolute and Aires, cardenal primado of wonder if we aren't march- the time, a priest named crisis in his religious com- high school as a chemi- very sharp man, who had Argentina, and president ing, in certain aspects of Guillermo Marco, clari- munity. “It was a very dif- cal technician and at age already become an impor- of the diocese? Who is this the life of our society, in �ied that the archbishop’s �icult time for the Church twenty-one embraced his tant key to the Church in Argentine who lived an a sad parade, and if we words were directed to of the Society of Jesus, but religious calling? Who is the world. His responses almost monastic life, and aren't putting a tombstone the whole society, includ- if he had not been at the this Jesuit, ordained at age re�lect a country in is now pope? constant crisis, a Church on our search as if we were ing the government and forefront of it, the dif- thirty-three, professor of Despite the maxim plagued with challenges, walking toward an un- the Church itself, and �iculties would have been literature and psychology, that it is dif�icult to know and a society that search- avoidable destiny, doomed that, in any event, “if the much worse,” said the Or- with degrees in theology what a Jesuit is thinking— es, often unconsciously, to impossible things, and shoe �its, wear it.” Presi- der’s two-time secretary and philosophy, speaker and allowing a certain mys- to satisfy its thirst for we just resign ourselves dent Kirchner was highly of religious matters, Angel of several languages? 'Elterious Jesuita' aura that goes with transcendence. to small illusions lacking annoyed and decided PersonalCenteno. charm Who is this religious man the personality—this book To men and hope. We must acknowl- never to attend another who was a teacher at the tries to answer women who want to �ind edge, with humility, that Te Deum of�iciated by Colegio de la Inmaculada those questions on the basis meaning in their lives, the system has fallen into Bergoglio. And in an act To many leaders Concepcion in Santa Fe, of a series of meetings with to love and to be loved, a period of dark shadow— not seen in two hundred who visit him regularly, Argentina (1964-1965); Cardinal Bergoglio that took and to �ind happiness, his the shadow of distrust— years of Argentine his- Bergoglio is a man of per- provincial , from answers are, in sum, an in- place over the course of and that some of the prom- tory, he moved the o�icio sonal charm who capti- age thirty-six to forty- vitation to think with your more than two years in the ises and principles sound patrio out of Buenos Ai- vates with his demeanor three, of the Company gaze upon the most high. Pope Francis: Man... Contd. from Pg. 10 this Pope is his boldness to proclaim the the world as a primary group of advisers done with Peter and under Peter!” Gospel values and as he often says, to do to him in making basic Church reforms, Cardinal Raymond Burke of the so with joy and with humour – after all, it beginning with the Vatican Curia (This USA later told reporters that there has is a gospel of joy, not a gospel of anxiety group of Cardinals was later expanded to been no other Synod that he knew of in poor and the marginalized, a clear trait or worry that imparts on people unbear- nine members, now known as G-9). Any- recent times that assured the freedom of of a real man of God. It is almost impos- Evangelii Gau- able burdens! Just as Jesus, the prophet, one who reads his one and only Apos- expression, as this particular Synod. This sible to read any of his discourses or dium was in His day, our present Pope has no tolic Exhortation to-date, “new” attitude of enhanced collegiality of homilies without �inding a reference to time for diplomacy and duplicity. Since (1913) will be able to see how the bishops is surely a recovery of what the them, always in their favour. Even in his he has nothing to hide or no need to Pope yearns to re-introduce that spirit Second Vatican Council taught with re- Papal audiences, he always gives a spe- hoodwink others, he is honest to him- (The spirit of Collegiality) to the Church gard to the exercising of the Church’s su- cial place to the poor, the sick, the mar- self and expresses his convictions in his life all over the world. Moreover, the re- preme authority to teach in and throughLumen ginalized and makes it a point to break words and deeds without any inhibition cent Synod itself (which was the �irst un- Gentiumthe Successor of Peter in communion all formal/security arrangements and whatsoever. There is no hypocrisy in him, der this Papacy) is a clear re-enactment with the College of Bishops (cfr., reach out to them and have a word with and the world (irrespective of religious of this spirit which was so evident in the , Nos:22,23). As a matter of fact, them, often a word of encouragement differences) has clearly seen this in Pope Second Vatican Council, itself. Vatcian II did not invent such collegiality and prayer that often end in a blessing. Francis and respects him for that. Only a In his very opening speech to in teaching, but re-discovered what was After becoming Pope, he refused to live God-fearing, truthful and convinced per- this Synod comprising bishop-repre- already there in our Catholic tradition in the magni�icent Apostolic Papal Pal- son could afford do this and that is what sentatives from all over the world, Pope Reformingfrom the earliest the times. Vatican Curia ace in the Vatican, the of�icial residence Pope Francis is! Francis encouraged them to speak freely. Bureaucracy of Popes, and opted to live at Casa di Continuing the Spirit of the He stressed that all must speak clearly Santa Marta. Immediately after his as- Second Vatican Council with freedom to say what the Holy Spirit suming of of�ice as Pope, one of the �irst prompts them to say; he also wanted From the very �irst moment of things he did was to make one of the Pa- them to listen to each other with humil- his election, Pope Francis has made no pal ceremonial liturgists an Archbishop, This, to me is the greatest con- ity and openess. “Speaking clearly with secret of his aversion to exaggerated for- and put him in charge of doing charity tribution this Pope is making for our frankness and listening with humility malities. When he appeared on the bal- to the poor in Rome. This writer person- Church and history will not forget his are the keys to collegiality,” he said. The cony of St. Peter’s Basilica, immediately ally heard from Arcbishop Konrad Kra- unique role in bringing back to the Pope’s aim was not to impose his own after his election as 266th Pope, instead jewske himself that the Pope told him in Church that spirit of the Early Church will on the Church according to his own of using the customary formula in Latin plain language: “Don’t be wasting your which the Second Vatican Council tried whims and fancies (though he as Pope, of greeting the thousands“Buona of Sera”people gath- precious time hanging around me for all to revive. His sincere intention not to has all the authority to do so), but to ar- ered there at St. Peter’s Square, he sim- these liturgical, ceremonial rubrics, but govern the Church on his own, unilater- rive at discerning and understanding ply said in Italian ! (Good go.... and attend to the poor around us ally and dictatorially, but together with what the Spirit was telling the Church Evening!). The new Pope’s informal way here in Rome, on behalf of me and the the College of Bishops, is a clear illustra- as a whole. He wished to exercise his of doing things was further seen by the Church!” It is now public knowledge that tion of this. After all, our Catholic faith responsibility as the Successor of Peter, whole world that evening when instead the gifts the Pope receives often end up tells us that Jesus entrusted His author- but together with the College of Bishops of �irst imparting the customary blessing with the poor through Archbishop Kra- ity not just to St.Peter alone, but to the and not in isolation, in his own right, of the new Pope, he himself inclined in so that the true voice of the Holy Spirit front of the people gathered there ask- Callingjewske’s pastorala Spade activities a Spade! in Rome. Twelve Apostles headed by Peter. him One of Pope Francis’ efforts to (promised by Jesus to the Church) could ing them to pray for God’s blessings on revive and re-live this genuine ecclesial be clearly heard, discerned and listened to ful�ill his dutiesContd as the on Bishop Pg. XXIV of spirit is his appointment of Eight Cardi- to. That is precisely why he reassured his Rome. Another clear characteristic of brother-bishops: “Have no fear, as this is nals representing all the continents of SpecialSpecial Issue Issue The onon Messenger PapalPapal VisitVisit Messenger Messenger April 28 JanuaryJanuary, 2013 11,11, 20152015 19XX The Pope, rock and “ Rev. Fr. Daniel Icatlo, JCD ou are Peter and upon foundation of unity this rock I will build my Pope’s visit to Church (16:18).” Pope Sri Lanka Francis invites us all to re�lect on this famous passage of the Gos- pel of St Matthew. Christ prom- We would not want ises the primacy on the prince these re�lections, however, to of the Apostles after Simon, in remain in the level of theoreti- the name of the Twelve, pro- cal re�lections. These ought to fessedY his faith in Jesus as “the have a real bearing in our love Christ, the Son of the living God.” and reverence for the Vicar of And Jesus calls Simon “blessed” Christ. for this faith, recognizing in him The successor of Peter, a special gift from the Father. Pope Francis, is coming to Sri As we read in the Gos- Lanka for the �irst time in a few pel of St John (cf. Jn 21: 15-18), days. Both the ecclesiastical and Jesus will actually confer on civil authorities of this country him this primacy after his Res- extended invitations to which urrection. This supreme au- the Holy Father acceded. Aside thority is given to Peter for the from the material preparations, bene�it of the Church. And since the more important prepara- the Church has to last until the tion is the spiritual one. The visit of a Pope to end of time, this authority will The words of Jesus “You the Lord as the Prince of all the The Church of the New a country is normally pastoral be passed on to Peter’s succes- are Peter and upon this rock I Apostles and the visible head of Testament, like Israel of the Old in nature. He may attend some sors down through history. The will build my Church” has been the whole Church militant, and Testament, is a family of believ- of�icial receptions of a civic na- Bishop of Rome, the Pope, is the ful�illed to the letter. The symbol that he received immediately ers, a kingdom ruled by God, ture but that would not in any successor of Peter. of the , St. Peter’s and directly from Jesus Christ with Christ Himself as the head Understanding Jesus’ way transform his pastoral visit Basilica in Rome is in fact con- our Lord not only a primacy of that family and the King of words to the Church in Sri Lanka into structed on top of the bones of of honour but also a true and that kingdom. Christ chose to one of a political nature. It is the �irst Pope. Under the main proper primacy of jurisdiction. exercise His headship through a still a Shepherd’s meeting with The Holy Father ex- altar rests the remains of “Kefa.” Out of his deep humili- representative, a vicar on earth. Magisterial teachings Christ’s �lock, which brings with horts us to pause for a moment ty, the Holy Father refers to him- That “Vice Christ” is the Pope, it enormous amounts of graces. on this point, on the fact that self as the Bishop of Rome. How- whoever he may be. Let us therefore make the most Jesus attributes this new name ever, this does not mean that he In other words, Jesus The Magisterium or of those graces and spiritual to Simon: “Peter,” who in Jesus’ is one more Bishop among the Himself invented the papacy teaching authority of the Church bene�its that the Pope will dis- language is pronounced “Kefa,” many Bishops of the world. To as an instrument of unity and in the de- pense to us faithful by growing a word that means “rock.” In occupy the See of Peter is to be continuity for His Church, the �initively de�ined the doctrine in faith and love for the Church the Bible, this name, this word the Head of the Catholic Church. community of believers forged of the and his and the Papacy. “rock” is referred to God. Jesus He is the “Vice Christ” or the vis- by God’s grace and destined to successors in these terms: Listen to what Pope attributes it to Simon not for his ible Christ on earth. overthrow the devil’s rule of “We teach and declare, Misunderstanding the Francis tells us. “Brothers and quality or for his human mer- evil, which has dominated the therefore, according to the tes- sisters, that which has occurred its, but for his genuine and �irm Gospel passages world since the fall of Adam and timony of the Gospel that the in a unique way to , faith, which comes from above. Eve. This comes across in St. primacy of jurisdiction over also takes place in every Chris- Jesus feels a great joy Matthew’s Gospel passage cited the whole Church was immedi- Some non-Catholic tian that develops a sincere in His heart, because He recog- above both in what Jesus says to ately and directly promised to Christians mistakenly think faith in Jesus, the Christ, the Son nizes in Simon the hand of the Peter, who was the �irst Vicar of and conferred upon the blessed that the papacy was invented by of the living God. Father, the action of the Holy Christ, the �irst pope, and also in Apostle Peter by Christ the Lord. the Roman Emperor Constan- Jesus challenges each Spirit. He recognizes that God where he says it. For to Simon, Christ had said, tine three-hundred years after and every one of us. How is your the Father has given to Simon a ‘You shall be called Cephas’ (Jn Another common mis- Christ. They claim that up until faith? Each one must answer in “trustworthy” faith, in which He, 1 :42). reading of the Gospel passages then the Church had no single their heart. How is your faith? Jesus, can build His Church, that “Then, after Simon had where Jesus promises primacy head. Rather, so they say, the Bi- What does the Lord �ind in our is, His community. That is, all of acknowledged Christ with the to Peter claims that “Kefa” is a ble alone showed individual be- hearts? A steadfast heart like a us, all of us. confession, “You are the Christ, word, with a feminine gender. In lievers the way to follow Christ, rock or a sand-like heart, that is, What Jesus had in mind the Son of the living God” (Mt and the Church was a democrat- Greek, nouns and adjectives are doubtful, wary, incredulous? was to give life to “His” Church, 16:16), it was to Simon alone ic gathering of those followers. gender speci�ic. So, they con- “If the Lord �inds in our a people no longer founded on that the solemn words were If that were so, they clude that it could not have been hearts a faith, I do not say per- ancestry but rather on faith, spoken by the Lord: ‘Blessed wish to change Catholic beliefs applied to Peter since he is de�i- fect, but sincere, genuine, then namely a relationship with Him- are you, Simon Bar-Jona. For and practices the way modern nitely masculine. But Jesus used self, a relationship of love and of �lesh and blood has not revealed political systems change laws a masculine form precisely to He also sees in us the living trust. Our relationship with Je- this to you, but my Father who and leaders - by opinion polls indicate that He was referring to stones with which He can build sus builds the Church. And so to is in heaven. And I tell you, you and popular votes. Besides for- Simon, son of John. This is clear- His community. Of this commu- start His Church, Jesus needs to are Peter, and on this rock I will getting that the list of books er when we consider the Latin nity, the fundamental rock is �ind in the disciples a solid faith, build my church, and the powers included in today’s Bible was translation which is “Petrus” Christ, the only cornerstone. On “trustworthy.” It is this that He of hell shall not prevail against not �inalised until decades af- (masculine gender) and not “Pe- his part, Peter is a rock, as a vis- must verify at this point of His it. ter the death of Constantine, tra” (feminine gender,) meaning ible foundation of the unity of journey. “I will give you the keys and besides ignoring the �ifteen rock. the Church; but each baptized The Lord has in mind of the kingdom of heaven, and centuries of Christian history Jesus was making a play person is called to offer to Jesus the image of construction, the whatever you bind on earth between St Paul and Martin Lu- of words in , a Hebrew their own faith, poor but sin- image of the community as an dialect, using the same term shall be bound in heaven, and ther, that point of view seriously cere, so that He can continue to edi�ice. That is why, when He both in the primary as well as what you loose on earth shall misinterprets the powerful Gos- build his Church, today, in every hears Simon’s sincere profes- in the secondary clauses of His be loosed in heaven’ (Mt. 16: pel passages in the Gospel of St. part of the world. sion of faith, He calls him “rock,” sentence. Thus, a clearer rendi- 17-19). And after his Resurrec- Matthew (16: 13-20). “And today Jesus asks the intention of building his tion for better understanding tion, Jesus conferred upon Si- But Christ’s Church was His disciples, that is us, all of us: Church upon this faith is mani- mon Peter alone the jurisdiction would be: “You are Kefa and never a democracy. It has always “But you, who do you say that fested. of supreme shepherd and ruler upon this Kefa I will build my been hierarchical in its structure I am?” What will we respond? When building an edi- over his whole fold with the Church.” The English translation from the very beginning of its ex- Let us think about this. But �ice, the �irst step is to dig the words, ‘Feed my lambs .... Feed certainly loses the original clar- istence. Besides, as the Mystical above all let us pray to God the foundation. The taller the build- my sheep’ (Jn 21:15-17; Vatican ity of the beautiful play of words Body of Christ there is a harmoni- Father, through the intercession ing the deeper ought to be the I, , chaps. 1,2 and ous interaction among the Church the Lord wanted to convey. of the Virgin Mary; let us pray foundation. However, once a 4). members and the members with Thus, the theory that that He may give us the grace to bedrock is reached there would The Church under- their Head. Just as there is no de- Jesus was applying to himself respond, with a sincere heart: be no need for deeper excava- stands those words of Jesus to mocracy in our physical bodies, the word “rock” and foundation “You are the Christ, the Son of tions. That “rock” will support mean that the blessed Apostle neither is there such a phenom- of the Church on earth seem un- the whole structure. Peter was constituted by Christ enon in the Church. founded. the living God.”