Following the Easter Sunday Bombings in Sri Lanka, ACN spoke with Fr. Malaka Leonard Fernando, the Minister Provincial of the Vice Province of our Lady of Lanka, Sri Lanka, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans who lives just half a kilometer from Katuwapitiya, where St. Sebastian’s Church was bombed.
Baring his mind on the situation, the Priest explained that Sri Lankans had suffered enough from 30 years of war against terrorists and so hoped that the Country was becoming a peaceful environment.
“But with these blasts”, he said, “all our hope has gone. We are far away from peace.”
Fr. Malaka disclosed that some of his close friends were injured in the attack and some killed.
Nonetheless, he maintains a singular message: “There is no way to peace, peace is the way.”
“The way of peace is the path of love. St. Francis, our patron Saint, loved people and the nature alike. Let us take every possible step to avoid violence and live peacefully.”, he said.
He called on all to join in the prayer for Sri Lanka and many other Countries where Christians suffer violent attacks on account of their faith.
He went ahead to share the following prayer which he said is recited everyday for their Country, Sri Lanka:
“O Most Loving and Tender Mother, Queen and Patroness of Sri Lanka, we humbly ask you to look upon us, your children, in our hour of need. Dearest Mother, you have come to our rescue, even in times of peril, from war and destruction. In your never failing love for us, we earnestly ask you, to dispel from our midst, waves of violence, killings and addictions, and various forms of evil actions to disrupt unity among people.
Help us to build in our land God’s Kingdom of Justice and Love. We entrust to your loving care and guidance all races and peoples of our country. Help us to bring about brotherhood, peace and unity in our society. Guide the destinies of our nation and obtain for us lasting peace so that all of us may live as brothers and sisters of one family. Amen.”
To read full interview, go to: https://acnmalta.org/2019/04/30/there-is-no-way-to-peace-peace-is-the-way/
