Church in Lanka launches 100 days of special preparation for the Pope's visit

Sri Lanka is gearing up for the great occasion of the Papal visit to their nation. The Catholic Bishops Conference is launching a number of programmes. A special programme centred on the preparation of the Catholics in Sri Lanka with 100 days ahead of the event in the island nation was organized In Colombo. Listen to a report:

That would mean 100 days of deep spiritual preparation, with Masses, vigils, works of charity, during which every believer is invited to make a gesture of ‘repentance’. This is an initiative launched by the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, in view of Pope Francis’ visit, who will be on the island from January 13 to 15 2015.

The announcement of the 100 days was given during a Mass celebrated on October 5 in the National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka at the Tewatte in Ragama, near Colombo. "We need a deeper spiritual preparation for the Holy Father’s visit and for the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz", said Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Colombo, His Exc. Mgr. Emmanuel Fernando, inaugurating the beginning of the 100 days.

During the celebration, Fr. Priyantha Silva introduced the official Logo of the visit of the Pontiff, and Fr. Cyril Gamini explained the theme of the Papal visit ‘Abide in Love,’ chosen from the Gospel of St. John.

Then the spiritual activities provided by the Preparatory Committee were also shown: among others, a special prayer to be recited in churches and in the home was released and a special time of worship with the children was outlined, which will be offered to the Holy Father for the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz, prepared both in Catholic schools and in the catechetical groups of children in parishes.

Every believer has been invited to carry out a concrete gesture of "repentance" during this period, with the aim of mercy and compassion for others.

(Source: Agenzia Fides)