"Be ever vigilant and work with governmental authorities and other religious leaders to ensure that the dignity and primacy of the family is upheld." This is Pope Francis’ exhortation to the Bishops of Sri Lanka, who arrived in Rome on May 3rd for their visit ad limina Apostolorum. On this Asian island, in many cases "families have been separated as spouses leave their homes to find work;" and, the Pope continued, "there is also the great challenge and increasing reality of mixed marriages, which require greater attention to preparation and assistance to couples in providing for the faith formation of their children." The Pope specifically urged them to "help the faithful to live their vocation freely and with joy" and to "open new generations to the life of Christ and his Church, supporting marital love and fidelity." Consequently, Francis said to the Bishops, "Your efforts in support of the family assist not only the Church, but aid Sri Lankan society as a whole, especially in its efforts for reconciliation and unity."
In the aftermath of the war, "the Catholics of Sri Lanka wish to contribute, together with the various elements of society, to the work of reconciliation and rebuilding:" the Church, from this point of view, "is uniquely positioned to provide a living image of unity in the faith as she is blessed to count both Sinhalese and Tamil among her number. In parishes and schools, in social programs and other institutions of the Church, Sinhalese and Tamil find opportunities to live, study, work and worship together." Another important contribution of the local church to the new development is the "charitable work" in the areas of education, health care and aid to the poor. Then, the Pope added that, since "Sri Lanka is a country not only of rich ethnic diversity, but also of various religious traditions; this highlights the importance of interreligious and ecumenical dialogue for fostering mutual knowledge and enrichment," the Church "must remain steadfast in seeking partners in peace and interlocutors in dialogue." Finally, Pope Francis recommended that the Bishops "be attentive to the human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral formation of priests, not only in their years of seminary training, but also throughout their lives of generous service." After the audience with the Pope, the Bishops of Sri Lanka and their President, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, Archbishop of Colombo, visited the Pontifical Council for the Family and met the Dicastery’s President, Msgr. Vincenzo Paglia (in the photo, taken during the meeting).
