TELLING THE STORY OF JESUS IN SRI LANKA

From 22^nd-25^th of July 2019 I attended a seminar on the above said title telling the story of Jesus in Sri Lanka; where several priests, religious and lay attended from different dioceses of the country. To grace this seminar two bishops: the president of the Sri Lankan Bishops’ Conference and the Bishop responsible of inter-faith dialogue in Sri Lanka were present too. This was organized as a joint event by Movimento San Francesco Saverio from Italy and the Conference of Major Religious Superiors (CMRS) in Sri Lanka.  

The content of these four days on relating Jesus’ story in the multifaith context of Sri Lanka is very timely after the brutal Easter Sunday attack on the Christians. As part of the program we had opportunities to converse with some Muslim and Buddhist religious leaders and at the same time expressing our concerns. Also, made a visit to one of the bomb attacked churches and cemetery of the blast victims which was very emotional and a painful recalling for all of us.

Several speakers from Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Italy enlightened the participants including some lay and students who enriched us with their sharing of God experience.

We ended these four days with desire of bringing hope to the society coined with peace and justice. Unless we know the art of telling HIS story in the multi-ethnic, and multi-religious Sri Lanka, we cannot bring a transformation in the society; therefore, only a life lived and experienced in the Prince of peace – CHRIST can heal and renew our lives.

Geraldine S. E. rmi