Malcolm Ranjith
Encyclopedia
Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don (born 15 November 1947), often known simply as Malcolm Ranjith or Albert Malcolm Ranjith is a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church who serves as the de facto primate of Sri Lanka
. He is the Archbishop of Colombo
, and thus the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province of Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Cardinal Ranjith has previously served as auxiliary bishop of Colombo (1991–1995), Bishop of Ratnapura
(1995–2001), Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
(2001–2004), Apostolic Nuncio
to Indonesia
and East Timor
(2004–2005), and Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
(2005–2009).
to Don William and Mary Winifreeda. He studied at the De La Salle College in Mutwal
before entering St. Aloysius Seminary in Borella
in 1965. From 1966 to 1970, he pursued studies in theology and philosophy at the National seminary
in Kandy
. He was thereafter sent by the then Archbishop Thomas Cooray
to further his priestly studies in Rome
, he graduated from the Pontifical Urbanian University
with a baccalaureate in theology(B.TH).
On June 29, 1975,Malcolm Ranjith was ordained
to the priesthood
by Pope Paul VI
in St. Peter's Basilica
. He then pursued post graduate studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute
in Rome, from where he obtained a Licentiate
in Sacred Scripture
in 1978; his thesis
centered on the Epistle to the Hebrews
. During his time at the Biblical Institute, he studied under Carlo Martini
and Albert Vanhoye
(both future cardinals
), he also attended the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
where he undertook scriptural research as a postgraduate student.
,Malcolm Ranjith became an assistant parish priest
in Pamunugama in 1978, later serving as a parish priest
in Payagala and Kalutara
. His pastoral
work among the poor but religious people in these fishing villages led him to become involved with social justice
. He also established "Seth Sarana," a center for poor relief in the Archdiocese of Colombo
. He once said that "love for the liturgy
and love for the poor...have been the compass of my life as a priest."
In 1983,father Malcolm Ranjith was named the National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies
. He revived the Society of the Holy Childhood and, as Diocesan Co-ordinator for Human Development, he introduced bold initiatives in areas such as housing, fisheries and various self-employment projects.
of Colombo and Titular Bishop
of Cabarsussi. He received his episcopal consecration
on the following 31 August from Archbishop Nicholas Marcus Fernando, with Bishops Thomas Savundaranayagam
and Oswald Gomis
serving as co-consecrators
. He served as the Vicar General
in charge of Parochial Apostolate and Lay Apostolate from 1991 to 1995. His peers elected him the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka as well. As the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Beatification of Ven. Joseph Vaz and the visit of Pope John Paul II to Sri Lanka in January 1995, certainly impressed the Church leaders.
. Ranjith took office as Bishop of Ratnapura on 2 November 1995. His appointment was hailed as a welcome spark to kindle the fire of missionary zeal in the hearts of the clergy and laity in his diocese. It was evident from the unprecedented numbers of well wishers of all religions that thronged to welcome him. The unflagging zeal and leadership displayed by him in guiding the flock of Ratnapura perhaps paved him the way to the Holy See
.
Ranjith has always promoted inter-faith dialogue in Sri Lanka as he believes it can eliminate potential causes of tensions and disagreements between the religious and ethnic groups that make up the country. He once said that "dialogue is vital and fundamental and as Catholics we must celebrate the richness of the Word of God incarnate in our life, families and communities".
, and simultaneously appointed President of the Pontifical Mission Societies by Pope John Paul II
. It is the Holy Father’s ministry for the coordination of the missionary efforts of the Church and involves overview and growth of the local Churches in mission countries.
This Ministry coordinates over 1100 Archdioceses, Dioceses, Apostolic Vicarates and Apostolic Prefectures as well as Sui Juris Missions. The Adjunct Secretary is the President as of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which are the instruments of the Pope for enhancing support through prayer and contributions for the mission of the Church.
Upon his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor, then-Bishop Ranjith was raised to the rank of Archbishop, holding the title of Titular Archbishop of Umbriatico from his promotion to the office of Papal Nuncio until his appointment as Metropolitan Archbishop of Colombo.
During his tenure as Papal Nuncio he was instrumental in enhancing mutual relations between the Holy See and Indonesia. He won the admiration of the church hierarchy for the pivotal role he played in assisting the establishment of cordial relations between the local Churches and their Governments whilst ensuring that the rights of the local Church are respected by these governments.
of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
on 10 December 2005. He has described the liturgical reforms inspired by the Second Vatican Council
as "a mixed bag of results." While praising the use of vernacular languages, he also criticized the "quasi total abandonment" of Latin
and the "acceptance of all kinds of 'novelties' resulting from a secularizing and humanistic theological and liturgical mindset overtaking the West." He has also lamented the "banalization and obscuring of the mystical and sacred aspects of the liturgy in many areas of the Church in the name of a so-called Konzilsgeist (spirit of the Council)."
Ranjith opposes the reception of Communion in the hand and standing, once saying, "I think it is high time to...abandon the current practice that was not called for by Sacrosanctum Concilium
, nor by Fathers, but was only accepted after its illegitimate introduction in some countries." A staunch supporter of the Tridentine Mass
, Ranjith once said that bishops who opposed Summorum Pontificum
were allowing themselves to be "used as instruments of the devil," accusing them of "disobedience...and even rebellion against the Pope." He once said, "I'm not a fan of the Lefebvrians
...but what they sometimes say about the liturgy they say for good reason."
Archbishop Ranjith is fluent in ten languages; Italian, German, French, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Spanish, English, Sinhala and Tamil. His ability to converse and understand the problems of the Catholic Church spread throughout the world and his commitment and dedication in the execution of the enormous responsibilities of the Universal Church on his shoulders has made him one of the most influential voices in the Vatican.
appointed him as Metropolitan Archbishop of Colombo
. naming Joseph Di Noia as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
. http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/24000.php?index=24000&lang=en#NOMINA%20DEL%20SEGRETARIO%20DELLA%20CONGREGAZIONE%20PER%20IL%20CULTO%20DIVINO%20E%20LA%20DISCIPLINA%20DEI%20SACRAMENTI In a letter to Archbishop Ranjith, Pope Benedict said that "'I wish to express my sincere thanks for the fidelity, the commitment and competence with which you exercised that [Divine Worship secretary] office'" http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2009/06/benedict-to-ranjith-sincere-thanks-for.html Pope Benedict also expressed that "we have reason to be encouraged by the good you will be able to perform among the peoples of your land."
Archbishop Ranjith was among 34 other metropolitan archbishops http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vis/dinamiche/b0_en.htm to receive his pallium
from Pope Benedict on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
on 29 June 2009. The Archbishop was greeted with warmth and solemnity upon his arrival in Sri Lanka on 31 July 2009. Upon his arrival he was received by the President of Sri Lanka, such high-profile reception being due to the status of the Archbishops of Colombo as leaders, de facto Primates, of the Catholic community in the country.
Archbishop Ranjith took formal canonical possession of the Metropolitan See of Colombo in a private ceremony on 5 August 2009 and celebrated the Mass for the solemn beginning of his pastoral ministry as Archbishop of Colombo on 8 August 2009, when he was publicly installed in the cathedra of the Archbishops of Colombo.
On 7 October 2009 Archbishop Ranjith issued new liturgical guidelines in his diocese. These include; "all faithful, including the religious, to receive Holy Communion reverently kneeling and on the tongue" as well as laymen being forbidden from preaching. In addition to this, priests are forbidden to bring elements or styles of worship from other religions into the liturgy.
In April 2010 Archbishop Ranjith was elected and took office as President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka.
. On 13 February 2011 Cardinal Ranjith took possession of his titular church in Rome.
In addition to serving as archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Ranjith serves as a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
and of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
. These memberships will be renewed every five years until his 80th birthday when he loses them on the same day he loses the right to vote in a conclave.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
. He is the Archbishop of Colombo
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo
The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Archdiocese of Colombo is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. It was erected as the Diocese of Ceylon from Diocese of Cochin by Pope Gregory XVI on December 3, 1834, and renamed as the Diocese of Colombo on February 17,...
, and thus the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Province of Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Cardinal Ranjith has previously served as auxiliary bishop of Colombo (1991–1995), Bishop of Ratnapura
Roman Catholic Diocese of Ratnapura
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ratnapura is a diocese of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka....
(1995–2001), Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in Rome is the congregation of the Roman Curia responsible for missionary work and related activities...
(2001–2004), Apostolic Nuncio
Nuncio
Nuncio is an ecclesiastical diplomatic title, derived from the ancient Latin word, Nuntius, meaning "envoy." This article addresses this title as well as derived similar titles, all within the structure of the Roman Catholic Church...
to Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
and East Timor
East Timor
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, commonly known as East Timor , is a state in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecusse, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island, within Indonesian West Timor...
(2004–2005), and Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments is the congregation of the Roman Curia that handles most affairs relating to liturgical practices of the Latin Catholic Church as distinct from the Eastern Catholic Churches and also some technical matters relating to the...
(2005–2009).
Early life and education
An only son, Malcolm Ranjith was born in PolgahawelaPolgahawela
Polgahawela is a town in north western Sri Lanka. The town is most notable for a major railway accident that occurred in 2005. Polgahawela is a small city that belongs to the North Western Province of Sri Lanka, and situated at a distance of 80 km north-east from the capital city of Colombo; 50 km...
to Don William and Mary Winifreeda. He studied at the De La Salle College in Mutwal
Modara
Modara, also known as Mutwal, its anglicised version, is a municipal ward of Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka. The mouth of the river Kelani Ganga also lies nearby....
before entering St. Aloysius Seminary in Borella
Borella
Borella is the largest suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka represented by divisional code 8.-Demographic:Borella is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic area. The major ethnic communities in Borella are Sinhalese and Tamils. There are also various other minorities such as Burghers, Arab descendants and others...
in 1965. From 1966 to 1970, he pursued studies in theology and philosophy at the National seminary
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
in Kandy
Kandy
Kandy is a city in the center of Sri Lanka. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka; it is both an...
. He was thereafter sent by the then Archbishop Thomas Cooray
Thomas Cooray
Thomas Benjamin Cooray, OMI was a Sri Lankan Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Archbishop of Colombo from 1947 to 1976, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1965.-Biography:...
to further his priestly studies in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
, he graduated from the Pontifical Urbanian University
Pontifical Urbaniana University
The Pontifical Urbaniana University or Pontifical Urban University is a pontifical university under the authority of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.-History:...
with a baccalaureate in theology(B.TH).
On June 29, 1975,Malcolm Ranjith was ordained
Holy Orders
The term Holy Orders is used by many Christian churches to refer to ordination or to those individuals ordained for a special role or ministry....
to the priesthood
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
by Pope Paul VI
Pope Paul VI
Paul VI , born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church from 21 June 1963 until his death on 6 August 1978. Succeeding Pope John XXIII, who had convened the Second Vatican Council, he decided to continue it...
in St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter , officially known in Italian as ' and commonly known as Saint Peter's Basilica, is a Late Renaissance church located within the Vatican City. Saint Peter's Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world...
. He then pursued post graduate studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute
Pontifical Biblical Institute
The Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, Italy is an institution of the Holy See run by the Jesuits that offers instruction at the university level...
in Rome, from where he obtained a Licentiate
Licentiate
Licentiate is the title of a person who holds an academic degree called a licence. The term may derive from the Latin licentia docendi, meaning permission to teach. The term may also derive from the Latin licentia ad practicandum, which signified someone who held a certificate of competence to...
in Sacred Scripture
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
in 1978; his thesis
Thesis
A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings...
centered on the Epistle to the Hebrews
Epistle to the Hebrews
The Epistle to the Hebrews is one of the books in the New Testament. Its author is not known.The primary purpose of the Letter to the Hebrews is to exhort Christians to persevere in the face of persecution. The central thought of the entire Epistle is the doctrine of the Person of Christ and his...
. During his time at the Biblical Institute, he studied under Carlo Martini
Carlo Maria Martini
Carlo Maria Martini, SJ is an Italian Cardinal of the Catholic Church. He was Archbishop of Milan from 1980 to 2002, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1983.-Early life and education:...
and Albert Vanhoye
Albert Vanhoye
Albert Vanhoye is a priest of the Society of Jesus and an exegete. He was created cardinal in 2006. He gave the 2008 Lenten Papal and Curial Retreat.-Formation and studies:...
(both future cardinals
Cardinal (Catholicism)
A cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical official, usually an ordained bishop, and ecclesiastical prince of the Catholic Church. They are collectively known as the College of Cardinals, which as a body elects a new pope. The duties of the cardinals include attending the meetings of the College and...
), he also attended the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem ; ; abbreviated HUJI) is Israel's second-oldest university, after the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. The Hebrew University has three campuses in Jerusalem and one in Rehovot. The world's largest Jewish studies library is located on its Edmond J...
where he undertook scriptural research as a postgraduate student.
Priestly ministry
Upon his return to Sri LankaSri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
,Malcolm Ranjith became an assistant parish priest
Curate
A curate is a person who is invested with the care or cure of souls of a parish. In this sense "curate" correctly means a parish priest but in English-speaking countries a curate is an assistant to the parish priest...
in Pamunugama in 1978, later serving as a parish priest
Priesthood (Catholic Church)
The ministerial orders of the Catholic Church include the orders of bishops, deacons and presbyters, which in Latin is sacerdos. The ordained priesthood and common priesthood are different in function and essence....
in Payagala and Kalutara
Kalutara
Kalutara is a resort town located approximately 40 km south of Colombo in Sri Lanka.- Overview :Once an important spice-trading center, the city's name is derived from the Kalu Ganga River . In the 11th Century, the town was temporarily made a capital on the orders of a South Indian Prince...
. His pastoral
Parish (Catholic Church)
In the Roman Catholic Church, a parish is the lowest ecclesiastical geographical subdivision: from ecclesiastical province to diocese to deanery to parish.-Requirements:A parish needs two things under common law to become a parish...
work among the poor but religious people in these fishing villages led him to become involved with social justice
Social justice
Social justice generally refers to the idea of creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being. The term and modern concept of "social justice" was coined by...
. He also established "Seth Sarana," a center for poor relief in the Archdiocese of Colombo
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo
The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Archdiocese of Colombo is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. It was erected as the Diocese of Ceylon from Diocese of Cochin by Pope Gregory XVI on December 3, 1834, and renamed as the Diocese of Colombo on February 17,...
. He once said that "love for the liturgy
Mass (liturgy)
"Mass" is one of the names by which the sacrament of the Eucharist is called in the Roman Catholic Church: others are "Eucharist", the "Lord's Supper", the "Breaking of Bread", the "Eucharistic assembly ", the "memorial of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection", the "Holy Sacrifice", the "Holy and...
and love for the poor...have been the compass of my life as a priest."
In 1983,father Malcolm Ranjith was named the National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies
Pontifical Mission Societies
The Pontifical Mission Societies is the name given to a group of Catholic missionary societies that are under the canonical juridiction of the bishop of Rome. These organizations include the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of St...
. He revived the Society of the Holy Childhood and, as Diocesan Co-ordinator for Human Development, he introduced bold initiatives in areas such as housing, fisheries and various self-employment projects.
Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo
On 17 June 1991, Ranjith was appointed Auxiliary BishopAuxiliary bishop
An auxiliary bishop, in the Roman Catholic Church, is an additional bishop assigned to a diocese because the diocesan bishop is unable to perform his functions, the diocese is so extensive that it requires more than one bishop to administer, or the diocese is attached to a royal or imperial office...
of Colombo and Titular Bishop
Titular bishop
A titular bishop in various churches is a bishop who is not in charge of a diocese.By definition a bishop is an "overseer" of a community of the faithful, so when a priest is ordained a bishop the tradition of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches is that he be ordained for a specific place...
of Cabarsussi. He received his episcopal consecration
Bishop (Catholic Church)
In the Catholic Church, a bishop is an ordained minister who holds the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and is responsible for teaching the Catholic faith and ruling the Church....
on the following 31 August from Archbishop Nicholas Marcus Fernando, with Bishops Thomas Savundaranayagam
Thomas Savundaranayagam
Thomas Savundaranayagam is the bishop of Jaffna and a strong activist for Tamil rights in Sri Lanka and humanitarian efforts in what is sometimes called "Tamil Eelam". He has called for international intervention to stop the Sri Lankan conflict.-References:...
and Oswald Gomis
Oswald Gomis
Oswald Thomas Colman Gomis is the former Roman Catholic Archbishop of Colombo and he is the current Chancellor of the University of Colombo. Msgr. Gomis' previous post was as the Bishop of Anuradhapura having been appointed in 1996. He was also the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo from 1968 to 1996...
serving as co-consecrators
Consecrator
Consecrator is a term used in the Roman Catholic Church to designate a bishop who ordains a priest to the episcopal state. The term is often used in Eastern Rite Churches and in Anglican communities. The term "Principal Consecrator" is used to designate the primary bishop who ordains a new bishop...
. He served as the Vicar General
Vicar general
A vicar general is the principal deputy of the bishop of a diocese for the exercise of administrative authority. As vicar of the bishop, the vicar general exercises the bishop's ordinary executive power over the entire diocese and, thus, is the highest official in a diocese or other particular...
in charge of Parochial Apostolate and Lay Apostolate from 1991 to 1995. His peers elected him the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka as well. As the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Beatification of Ven. Joseph Vaz and the visit of Pope John Paul II to Sri Lanka in January 1995, certainly impressed the Church leaders.
First Bishop of Ratnapura
Archbishop Malcolm was also the first shepherd to be appointed by the Holy See to the newly carved Diocese of RatnapuraRatnapura
- Floods :The town of Ratnapura is situated in the flooding plain of the river Kalu. The town experiences regular floods usually in the month of May. There is no large dam across the Kalu, so this leaves the city at the mercy of nature's forces every year. Several proposals have been made to reduce...
. Ranjith took office as Bishop of Ratnapura on 2 November 1995. His appointment was hailed as a welcome spark to kindle the fire of missionary zeal in the hearts of the clergy and laity in his diocese. It was evident from the unprecedented numbers of well wishers of all religions that thronged to welcome him. The unflagging zeal and leadership displayed by him in guiding the flock of Ratnapura perhaps paved him the way to the Holy See
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
.
Ranjith has always promoted inter-faith dialogue in Sri Lanka as he believes it can eliminate potential causes of tensions and disagreements between the religious and ethnic groups that make up the country. He once said that "dialogue is vital and fundamental and as Catholics we must celebrate the richness of the Word of God incarnate in our life, families and communities".
Adjunct Secretary
Ranjith is also the first Sri Lankan Bishop to be appointed to the Holy See's civil service. On 1 October 2001, he was named Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of PeoplesCongregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in Rome is the congregation of the Roman Curia responsible for missionary work and related activities...
, and simultaneously appointed President of the Pontifical Mission Societies by Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
. It is the Holy Father’s ministry for the coordination of the missionary efforts of the Church and involves overview and growth of the local Churches in mission countries.
This Ministry coordinates over 1100 Archdioceses, Dioceses, Apostolic Vicarates and Apostolic Prefectures as well as Sui Juris Missions. The Adjunct Secretary is the President as of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which are the instruments of the Pope for enhancing support through prayer and contributions for the mission of the Church.
First Sri Lankan Papal Nuncio
Ranjith is the first Sri Lankan Bishop to be appointed a Papal Nuncio. He served in Jakarta as the Holy Father’s Apostolic Ambassador to Indonesia and East Timor from 29 April 2004 until his return to Rome in December 2005. The Catholic Church in Indonesia which consists of 17,000 islands spreads to 37 Dioceses and has one of the biggest Catholic population amongst the countries in Asia next to the Philippines being dominated by almost 88 million Catholics.Upon his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor, then-Bishop Ranjith was raised to the rank of Archbishop, holding the title of Titular Archbishop of Umbriatico from his promotion to the office of Papal Nuncio until his appointment as Metropolitan Archbishop of Colombo.
During his tenure as Papal Nuncio he was instrumental in enhancing mutual relations between the Holy See and Indonesia. He won the admiration of the church hierarchy for the pivotal role he played in assisting the establishment of cordial relations between the local Churches and their Governments whilst ensuring that the rights of the local Church are respected by these governments.
Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship
Archbishop Ranjith was appointed SecretarySecretary
A secretary, or administrative assistant, is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit...
of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments is the congregation of the Roman Curia that handles most affairs relating to liturgical practices of the Latin Catholic Church as distinct from the Eastern Catholic Churches and also some technical matters relating to the...
on 10 December 2005. He has described the liturgical reforms inspired by the Second Vatican Council
Second Vatican Council
The Second Vatican Council addressed relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the modern world. It was the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church and the second to be held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. It opened under Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and closed...
as "a mixed bag of results." While praising the use of vernacular languages, he also criticized the "quasi total abandonment" of Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
and the "acceptance of all kinds of 'novelties' resulting from a secularizing and humanistic theological and liturgical mindset overtaking the West." He has also lamented the "banalization and obscuring of the mystical and sacred aspects of the liturgy in many areas of the Church in the name of a so-called Konzilsgeist (spirit of the Council)."
Ranjith opposes the reception of Communion in the hand and standing, once saying, "I think it is high time to...abandon the current practice that was not called for by Sacrosanctum Concilium
Sacrosanctum Concilium
Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, is one of the constitutions of the Second Vatican Council. It was approved by the assembled bishops by a vote of 2,147 to 4 and promulgated by Pope Paul VI on December 4, 1963...
, nor by Fathers, but was only accepted after its illegitimate introduction in some countries." A staunch supporter of the Tridentine Mass
Tridentine Mass
The Tridentine Mass is the form of the Roman Rite Mass contained in the typical editions of the Roman Missal that were published from 1570 to 1962. It was the most widely celebrated Mass liturgy in the world until the introduction of the Mass of Paul VI in December 1969...
, Ranjith once said that bishops who opposed Summorum Pontificum
Summorum Pontificum
Summorum Pontificum is an Apostolic Letter of Pope Benedict XVI, issued "motu proprio" . The document specified the rules, for the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, for celebrating Mass according to the "Missal promulgated by John XXIII in 1962" , and for administering most of the sacraments in...
were allowing themselves to be "used as instruments of the devil," accusing them of "disobedience...and even rebellion against the Pope." He once said, "I'm not a fan of the Lefebvrians
Society of St. Pius X
The Society of Saint Pius X is an international Traditionalist Catholic organisation, founded in 1970 by the French archbishop Marcel Lefebvre...
...but what they sometimes say about the liturgy they say for good reason."
Archbishop Ranjith is fluent in ten languages; Italian, German, French, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Spanish, English, Sinhala and Tamil. His ability to converse and understand the problems of the Catholic Church spread throughout the world and his commitment and dedication in the execution of the enormous responsibilities of the Universal Church on his shoulders has made him one of the most influential voices in the Vatican.
Archbishop of Colombo
On 16 June 2009, Pope Benedict XVIPope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
appointed him as Metropolitan Archbishop of Colombo
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo
The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Archdiocese of Colombo is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. It was erected as the Diocese of Ceylon from Diocese of Cochin by Pope Gregory XVI on December 3, 1834, and renamed as the Diocese of Colombo on February 17,...
. naming Joseph Di Noia as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments is the congregation of the Roman Curia that handles most affairs relating to liturgical practices of the Latin Catholic Church as distinct from the Eastern Catholic Churches and also some technical matters relating to the...
. http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/24000.php?index=24000&lang=en#NOMINA%20DEL%20SEGRETARIO%20DELLA%20CONGREGAZIONE%20PER%20IL%20CULTO%20DIVINO%20E%20LA%20DISCIPLINA%20DEI%20SACRAMENTI In a letter to Archbishop Ranjith, Pope Benedict said that "'I wish to express my sincere thanks for the fidelity, the commitment and competence with which you exercised that [Divine Worship secretary] office'" http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2009/06/benedict-to-ranjith-sincere-thanks-for.html Pope Benedict also expressed that "we have reason to be encouraged by the good you will be able to perform among the peoples of your land."
Archbishop Ranjith was among 34 other metropolitan archbishops http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vis/dinamiche/b0_en.htm to receive his pallium
Pallium
The pallium is an ecclesiastical vestment in the Roman Catholic Church, originally peculiar to the Pope, but for many centuries bestowed by him on metropolitans and primates as a symbol of the jurisdiction delegated to them by the Holy See. In that context it has always remained unambiguously...
from Pope Benedict on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, or the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, is a liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which is observed on 29 June...
on 29 June 2009. The Archbishop was greeted with warmth and solemnity upon his arrival in Sri Lanka on 31 July 2009. Upon his arrival he was received by the President of Sri Lanka, such high-profile reception being due to the status of the Archbishops of Colombo as leaders, de facto Primates, of the Catholic community in the country.
Archbishop Ranjith took formal canonical possession of the Metropolitan See of Colombo in a private ceremony on 5 August 2009 and celebrated the Mass for the solemn beginning of his pastoral ministry as Archbishop of Colombo on 8 August 2009, when he was publicly installed in the cathedra of the Archbishops of Colombo.
On 7 October 2009 Archbishop Ranjith issued new liturgical guidelines in his diocese. These include; "all faithful, including the religious, to receive Holy Communion reverently kneeling and on the tongue" as well as laymen being forbidden from preaching. In addition to this, priests are forbidden to bring elements or styles of worship from other religions into the liturgy.
In April 2010 Archbishop Ranjith was elected and took office as President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka.
Cardinal
On 20 October 2010 Pope Benedict XVI announced a Consistory for the creation of new Cardinals to be held on 20 November 2010, and made public the names of 24 Prelates he intended to raise to the Cardinalate on that occasion, Archbishop Ranjith being among those chosen for promotion to the Sacred College. Accordingly, Archbishop Ranjith was created a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church on the Consistory of 20 November 2010, and was assigned the title of Cardinal-Priest of San Lorenzo in LucinaSan Lorenzo in Lucina
The Church of St Lawrence's at Lucina is a Roman Catholic parish and titular church and minor basilica in Rome, Italy, dedicated to Saint Lawrence, Roman deacon and martyr. The name Lucina comes from the Roman matron owner of the house on which the church was built.The current Cardinal Priest of...
. On 13 February 2011 Cardinal Ranjith took possession of his titular church in Rome.
In addition to serving as archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Ranjith serves as a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments is the congregation of the Roman Curia that handles most affairs relating to liturgical practices of the Latin Catholic Church as distinct from the Eastern Catholic Churches and also some technical matters relating to the...
and of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in Rome is the congregation of the Roman Curia responsible for missionary work and related activities...
. These memberships will be renewed every five years until his 80th birthday when he loses them on the same day he loses the right to vote in a conclave.