Benedict to Ranjith: "Sincere Thanks" for Fidelity and Competence in CDW Role

In recent days there has been some speculation again as to whether the move of Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith to the See of Colombo, in his home country of Sri Lanka, could be interpreted as a sort of "demotion." This question is often tied to the fact that the Archbishop has been vocal in his support of the usus antiquior and reform of the reform, as well as a vocal critic of much that has been occurring within a liturgical context these past decades.

The NLM has consistently suggested the contrary -- not the least of which given the fact of the evident proximity of Ranjith's own liturgical thought and activities to those of the reigning pontiff.

Today, the NLM came into possession of a personally signed letter from the Holy Father to Archbishop Ranjith, dated June 16, 2009, where he notes not only the importance of the pastoral mission Ranjith is about to undertake in his home country of Sri Lanka, he also clearly expresses his thanks to Ranjith for the work he accomplished as Secretary of the CDW, noting his "competence" and "fidelity" in the exercise of that role.

To my Venerable Brother
Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don
Archbishop of Colombo

In the moment in which, with your appointment as Metropolitan Archbishop of Colombo, your service arrives at its conclusion as Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, I wish to express my sincere thanks for the fidelity, the commitment and competence with which you exercised that office.

While you now prepare for this important new pastoral mission in your country to begin, we have reason to be encouraged by the good you will be able to perform among the peoples of your land.

I happily accompany you with my fervent prayer that the Lord will fill your ministry with abundant fruits, and entrust your person to special protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and I wish to impart to you and to the Archdiocese of Colombo my Apostolic blessing.

From the Vatican, 16 June 2009.