2015-01-13 14:44:00

Sri Lankan Catholic speaks of inter-faith relations


(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis called for reconciliation, inter-faith dialogue and a more inclusive society at the start of his 3-day visit to Sri Lanka. A key highlight of his visit to the island nation is the celebration on January 14th of a Mass for the Canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz who will become Sri Lanka’s first-ever saint.  

Rohan Warnakula, who is assisting with media coverage of the papal visit, spoke to Vatican Radio's Tracey McClure about inter-faith relations and the excitement ahead of the Canonisation Mass which is being presided over by the Holy Father at a park in the capital, Colombo.  

Listen to the full interview with Rohan Warnakula: 

“Tomorrow morning we have organised our Mass to begin at eight o’clock in the morning, but the people who live all around the Island are trying to gather from five o’clock in the evening, so you can imagine how willing people are to gather to celebrate Mass with the Holy Father.”

He also praised the amount of support which government officials have given to the visit, particularly the amount of extra public transport arranged to transport Catholics to the Mass.

Sri Lanka’s population is over 70% Buddhist, with Catholics making up only 9% of the population. However Warnakula said cooperation between the different communities is very good.

He explained how representatives from different religious groups will often attend each other’s festivals to encourage each other’s work. 








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