Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Colombo on June 30.
Among those present were representatives of the Holy See, interfaith dignitaries, government officials, community leaders, as well as bishops, priests, religious, and laity from across the island.
Ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 1975, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has become one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures in Sri Lanka, known not only for his deep spirituality and theological insight but also for his role in national reconciliation, education, and the promotion of social justice.
In his homily, Cardinal Ranjith humbly reflected on his journey, stating: “I am deeply grateful to God for His guidance over these 50 years.
My priesthood has been a gift, and I dedicate this moment to all who have walked with me, in faith, in hope, and in service to the Church and the people of Sri Lanka.”
Over the past fifty years, he has held various key positions, including Apostolic Nuncio, Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in the Vatican, and eventually, Archbishop of Colombo.
He was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
The Cardinal’s Golden Jubilee celebration included charitable initiatives, youth encounters, and interfaith dialogues, all echoing the prelate’s lifelong commitment to unity, peace, and the dignity of every human person.
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate complex socio-political challenges, Cardinal Ranjith remains a steadfast voice for justice and truth.
His 50 years of priesthood serve not only as a personal milestone but also as an inspiration to generations of clergy and faithful alike.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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