Praying for Sri Lanka

A statue of the Risen Christ and the Paschal candle splattered with blood and shrapnel.

On what was supposed to be a happy, pleasant Easter day, the hand of terrorists once again struck at the heart of Christians praying in their churches. This time it was the country of Sri Lanka, home to many peace-filled people, as I've experienced with many priests from that country who are very quiet, reserved and spiritually-gifted. The death toll stands at 300 dead, with about 500 people wounded in the attacks on 9 sites across the country, in churches and hotels. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry said that at least 36 foreigners were among those killed. Those countries that have confirmed their citizens were killed, and they include the United States, Britain, China, Japan, and Portugal.

Police had warned that terrorists could attack “with little or no warning,” and listed several potential targets, including tourist spots, transportation centers, markets, malls, government offices, hotels and places of worship. The church attacks were the most heinous of crimes as they hit worshippers, mostly Catholics and Christians as they gathered to celebrate Easter Masses.