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The Catholic fraternity yesterday condemned the attempts to bring down the country’s image in foreign countries. His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith yesterday said that the attempts aimed at bringing down the country’s image at international level are condemned by the Catholics regardless of persons involved in such activities.
He said the Catholics hail the President’s policy that certain foreign elements should not be allowed to sow the seeds of separatism in the country.
“We agree with the President’s policy that the various foreign powers should not be allowed to create dissention among the communities,” he added.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith was delivering his speech at the State ceremony to felicitate him at the BMICH yesterday. Members of Maha Sangha, Members of National Christian Council, Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Marcus Fernando, Archbishop Emeritus Dr Oswald Gomis and Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka Archbishop Joseph Spiteri were present.
Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith received his red biretta from Pope Benedict XVI during the Consistory ceremony in Saint Peter’s Basilica last month when His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI installed 24 new Roman Catholic Cardinals from around the world.
He was ordained to the priesthood by Pope Paul VI in St. Peter’s Basilica in 1975.
He was of the view that the effective way to defeat the pro LTTE elements in foreign countries is to set up civil administration in the North and the East.
His Eminence said that he has received information that several misguided Catholic priests operating from foreign soil are involved in futile attempts of dividing the country.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith expressed regret over this situation.
He made a special mention on the country’s first Cardinal - His Eminence Cardinal Thomas Cooray who showed him the proper path.
He made special mention of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI whom he has been closely associated with for the past 20 years.
He said he was enriched by the vast knowledge of the Holy See.
He said he was blessed with the association of the Holy See.
His Eminence stressed that economic development should accompany ethical and spiritual progress.
He added that Western countries suffer from the ethical and spiritual deterioration though they have achieved economic progress.
He stressed the importance of having ethical and spiritual development in the country in line with the economic development. (Courtesy: Daily News)
