Security plans and spiritual programmes underway for Pope Francis visit

With the Holy Father set to visit the country on January 13, the Sri Lankan Army and Police are gearing up to implement a tight security plan, while the church prepares to greet the Roman Catholic Pontiff and canonise the first saint of Sri Lanka

“We will provide tight security to the Pope without causing any disturbance to any religious activities,” Army Spokesperson Brigadier Ruwan Wannigasooriya said.

The Police too were involved in security arrangements in addition to traffic plans.

Apart from some of the major programmes conducted by the Sri Lankan Catholic Church, its major focus would be to prepare the people spiritually for Pope Francis’ visit.

“Special prayer cards have been distributed to all the churches, and prayers will be recited before or after each holy mass in preparation for the Holy visit and the canonisation of the Blessed Joseph Vaz that will take place during the Pope’s visit,” Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando secretary to the Media & Information Secretariat – Pope’s Visit said.

“Sunday School children will undergo special preparation and during the Pope’s visit they will present to Pope Francis a spiritual bouquet that will include prayers and good deeds done by these children in preparation for the visit,” he added.

Discussing the route the Pope will take, Fr. Gamini said the Pontiff will travel from the Bandaranaike International Airport along the Negombo road to Colombo in an open vehicle.

“The motorcade will continue upto the Archbishop’s House in Borella and here the pontiff will meet with the bishops of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka. That evening he will visit the President and proceed to the BMICH to meet other religious leaders,” Fr. Gamini said.

The next day will be a special occasion for the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka. The Holy Father will celebrate holy mass on Gallle Face Green at 8.30 am and during this mass the Blessed Joseph Vass will be canonised.