Pray for Sri Lanka

We are praying for the victims of the explosions in three churches and three hotels over the Easter weekend in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pope Francis issued an appeal for peace in Sri Lanka in his Easter message: "I wish to manifest my affectionate closeness to the Christian community there, hit while they were gathered in prayer, and to the victims of such cruel violence. I entrust to the Lord all those who have tragically died, and I pray for the injured who are suffering because of this dramatic event.” 

As an expression of our solidarity with the victims of the Sri Lanka bombing, to those who are injured and those who died, their families, and the community of Sri Lankans, let us pray:

• We pray for the victims of the violent attacks in Colombo, Sri Lanka. For those who lost their lives, may they find eternal peace in the arms of our heavenly Father. For those injured, those who lost their loved ones, or lost their sense of security, may they draw strength and peace from their faith in the risen Lord as they work to rebuild their lives. Help them to remain faithful, knowing that nothing can separate them from Your love. 
• For our world, that people and nations may work toward achieving lasting peace and harmony, and healing divisions caused by religious or ideological beliefs, and political differences. 

Letters

• Joint Statement by CCCB and the Canadian Council of Imams Condemning the Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka. Read here
• Letter to Bishop of Badulla from CCCB. Read here
• Statement from Canadian Council of Imams regarding the Sri Lanka Attack. Read here

Message from CIC
The Calgary Interfaith Council strongly condemns the cowardly and inhumane terrorist attack against Christians, foreign tourists, and the people of Sri Lanka that took the lives of 300 innocent men, women, and children.  The attack was particular heinous in that it took place in sacred spaces on a religious holiday.  Such contempt for religious freedom undermines any semblance of humanity on the part of the terrorists who cannot hide behind the veil of any religious tradition for their legitimacy.  We offer prayers of condolence and our resources to enable the victims of this terrorism to mourn their losses and restore themselves in dignity and compassion.

Fr. Adrian Martens said a prayer for victims of the Sri Lanka bombings (CIC Memorial Vigil, April 23, 2019 at the City Hall, Calgary)