Grand reception for new Cardinal

His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday from the Vatican, where he received his biretta from Pope Benedict XVI, signifying his elevation as a Cardinal. Cardinal Ranjith is the only second Sri Lankan to become a Cardinal, after the late Thomas Cardinal Cooray. He was greeted on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport by Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne. Members of the Clergy representing all faiths, Ministers, MPs and a large number of devotees were present.

A grand civic reception will be accorded to felicitate Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith at the BMICH on December 6, said Procurator General, Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Fr. Merl Shanthi.

He said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Ministers, religious dignitaries and a large number of the laity is expected to be percent.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith was accorded a rousing welcome at the airport yesterday by the Catholic community on his return to the country.

Religious leaders, local and foreign dignitaries received the Cardinal.

Catholics gathered along the Colombo-Katunayake Road with flags to welcome the Cardinal who proceeded to the Tewatte National Basilica in a chariot for prayers at the grave of Cardinal Thomas Cooray, the first Cardinal of Sri Lanka.

The Catholic church has called upon the faithful to hoist the Catholic flag in their homes to mark the occasion.

Cardinal Ranjith was elevated to the highest position of the Catholic church by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on November 20.

The Cardinal will offer a special Thanksgiving Mass at St.Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena on December 4. The Cardinal will be accorded state honours at the service organised by the Catholics in Kotahena.

Twenty-four Cardinals were ordained by the Pontiff. The Pope is elected from the College of Cardinals. LF