Colombo, Sri Lanka — In preparation for Pope Francis’ visit to Sri Lanka in January of 2015, the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka announced a program of 100 days of deep spiritual preparation. Masses, vigils, and works of charity will be directed to this effort, during which every believer is invited to make a gesture of "repentance."
The announcement of the 100 days was given during a Mass celebrated on October 5 in the National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka. "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, Emmanuel Fernando, inaugurating the beginning of the 100 days.
During the celebration the logo of the visit and the chosen theme, "Remain in My Love", taken from the Gospel of John were illustrated. 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.
And today we celebrate...