Sri Lanka: 39th Martyrdom Anniversary Recalls Oblate Priest’s Choice to Live Among the Poor

An Oblate priest who gave up the prospect of an eminent academic career to live and serve among Sri Lanka’s poorest communities was remembered during the 39th anniversary of his martyrdom, with speakers highlighting his commitment to the poor as a lasting example of Christian witness.

The commemoration of Fr. Michael Rodrigo, OMI, was held on November 8  at the Mazenod Youth Centre in Maggona, a coastal town in Sri Lanka’s Western Province.

Delivering the keynote address, Fr. Shanil Jayewardene, a young scholastic of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), described Fr. Rodrigo as a life witness whose example could not be silenced by his assassination.

Despite holding two doctoral degrees and receiving invitations to teach at leading universities worldwide, Fr. Rodrigo chose to live among the poor, pitching a tent and pursuing his mission despite death threats.

Fr. Shanil said Fr. Rodrigo’s most significant decision came at the age of 57, when he could have enjoyed a comfortable life but instead embraced a demanding ministry among marginalized communities.

“Personally, for me, the most significant moment of his life was not the moment he was martyred or assassinated. It was the radical decision he made in his life,” he said.

He described Fr. Rodrigo’s commitment to a life of poverty as a mission that “knows no retirement,” contrasting it with the comfort and security he could have pursued.

The program opened with the lighting of a lamp before Fr. Rodrigo’s photograph by Fr. Justin Silva, one of two priests who went to identify and take charge of his body following his assassination on November 10, 1987. Fr. Rodrigo was shot by an unidentified gunman while celebrating Mass at Subaseth Gedara in Buttala, in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, where he served the local community.

A poster exhibition prepared by Rev. Fr. Michael Rodrigo highlighted the liberating values reflected in the lives of Jesus and Mary.

Another address examined the theology and spirituality behind Rodrigo’s decision to live among the poor, particularly his emphasis on the Church’s preferential option for the poor, a principle that has since become central to Catholic social teaching.

The commemoration was jointly organized by the Sithijaya Praja Kendraya and the Mazenod Youth Centre.

A separate Mass and memorial ceremony were held on November 10 at Subaseth Gedara Centre in Buttala, where Fr. Rodrigo carried out his ministry and was killed. The observance was led by Fr. Dilan Perera, provincial superior of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Sri Lanka.