The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in Sri Lanka commemorated the 200th anniversary of their official recognition by the Holy See with a Thanksgiving Mass recently at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Maradana, Colombo.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Roshan Silva, OMI, Provincial Superior of the Colombo Province. Concelebrating with him were Fr. Alex Costa, OMI, the most senior Oblate priest currently serving in Sri Lanka, and Fr. Sajith Thilina, OMI, among the congregation’s most recently ordained priests. Nearly all Oblate priests and brothers serving in the country took part in the celebration.
The homily was delivered by Fr. Maximus Fernando, OMI, a senior priest who has served extensively in foreign missions and now serves as Treasurer of Nazareth House in Wennappuwa.
Reflecting on the meaning of “seniority” in religious life, Fr. Fernando said it is not defined merely by age but by wisdom, fidelity, commitment, and loyalty to one’s vocation. He recalled that the founder of the congregation, St. Eugene de Mazenod, called his followers to be “apostolic laborers” striving for “the very summit of perfection” in service to Christ and the Church.
The anniversary celebration also marked important milestones for the congregation’s mission in Sri Lanka.
Lay collaborators, including adults, youth, and children involved in OMI missionary activities, renewed their commitment to support the congregation’s apostolate. In addition, the missionary works centered on the “Samaata Sarana” (Help for All) home in Modara, Colombo, were formally entrusted to the Oblate congregation.
The celebration was attended by Fr. Justin Chawlan, SSS, President of the Conference of Major Religious Superiors of Sri Lanka and Provincial Superior of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation, along with other priests, religious sisters, and lay faithful.
Founded by St. Eugene de Mazenod in 1816, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate received papal approval in 1826. For two centuries, the congregation has been engaged in missionary work, especially among the poor and the most abandoned. In Sri Lanka, the Oblates continue to serve in parishes, social ministries, and outreach programs, sustaining their founder’s vision of evangelization and compassionate service.
