Oblate Province of Jaffna

Fifteen of our young Oblates visited the mission places of our Province and pay our Oblate solidarity to our brother Oblates who are with the new faces of the poor. We really experienced the Synodal Church in their missions. Indeed they are community spirit-centered, mission-oriented and participatory. They are real missionaries in our own land. … Read moreThe Synodal journey of Young Oblates (YOG – 1-5 years of Priesthood)

It was on the 18th of December, 2021 the Amathy Karangkal, the center for Amputees invited all for a Christmas gathering with the amputees and with the relatives of late Fr. Jeevanathas, OMI. The first of all the events, the chapel was opened after a renovation by Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI, the Provincial … Read moreProgram with Amputees

The animation for formators began on the 25th of January, 2022 at De Mazenod Scholasticate, Jaffna. The input talk was given by Very Rev. Fr. Francis Jeyaseelan, CR, the regional Superior of the Congregation of Rosarian on “The challenges of priestly formation in the contemporary changing society”. He based the challenges of religious formation on … Read moreThe animation for formators

On the second of February, five were initiated into the Pre-Novitiate programme; two of them are from the Province of Colombo and three from the Province of Jaffna. Fr. Provincial in his sermon said that “Formation is indispensable for everyone who is born in this world; We talk about liturgical formation, human formation, intellectual formation … Read moreInitiation at the Pre-Novitiate

Kilinochchi –Mullaitivu The Oblates, ministering in the districts of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu were gathered at “Amaithy Vanam” Skanthapuram, on the 30th of December. Thirteen Oblates participated in this gathering. The meeting commenced with the Adoration focused on the theme of “Thanksgiving”.Rev. Fr. Rene Beshman, OMI, the outgoing Superior thanked all the members for their immense … Read moreDistrict Meetings

Thadchenamarutha Madhu Parish has received another new Church dedicated to Our Lady of Velankanni at Iranai Iluppaikulam. This Church was consecrated, blessed and opened by Rt. Rev. Dr. F. L. Emmanuel Fernando, the Bishop of Mannar on the 20th of February, 2022. The foundation stone was laid by late Rt. Rev. Bp. Rayappu Joseph. Very … Read moreOur Lady of Velankanni Church

The animation programme for our bursars was held on the 7th of January 2022 at Thodarpaham, the Provincial house, Jaffna. Welcoming the participants, Fr. Provincial said that one of the objectives of the programme is to keep us updated in the field of economics and professional management of our temporal goods of the Province.The input … Read moreThe animation programme for Bursars

Parents’ day With the theme “ngw;NwhNu vk; xspahf” (Our parents are our light), Juniorate community marked the parents’ day on the 18th of December, 2021. The first event of the day was encountering of the parents with the formators. Rev. Fr. Amalathas, OMI, the Rector of the Juniorate gave an input talk stressing on the … Read moreNews from St Joseph’s Juniorate

Do you need something Brother Józef will arrange everything. Including horse and cigars.January 31, 2022 When we enter “Sri Lanka” in the search engine, the first results displayed are tourist offers: “Sri Lanka – the exotic within your reach!” One of the holiday offers shouts from a small monitor. When I was in the fifth grade of primary school, … Read morePawe? Biega?ski OMI: From the Netherlands to Ceylon – brother’s mission “Whiskey” [blog]

Oblate Ex-seminarians, belonging to Jaffna Province, got together to show their solidarity with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and share the charism of our founder St. Eugene De Mazenod. The Oblate values and spirituality received from different formation houses motivated them to be united with the Oblate family in whatever the ways possible. It has … Read moreSolidarity of the Sons of De Mazenod

Loving and compassionate Father, On the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the missionary life and presence of the Oblates in Sri Lanka, we are gathered as a compassionate and prophetic community in the holy ground from where our beloved Oblate pioneers launched their intrepid missionary endeavours. We are gathered here today in order to … Read moreJubilee Prayer

Hereby I declare, that this year be celebrated as the 175th Anniversary of the arrival of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Sri Lanka It is with particular joy that we welcome all of you for this inauguration of our 175th year of jubilee celebration of the presence of the Missionary Oblates of Mary … Read moreDeclaration

Dear Rev. Bishops, Fellow Religious, Lay Associates and Brother Oblates! We have gathered together to thank and praise God for God’s actions for our people in and through our pioneering Oblates. It is only right that we thank God for them in the words of Mother Mary. Mother Mary magnified the Lord, proclaiming God’s actions … Read moreGospel reflection at the Eucharistic Celebration on the Inauguration of 175th year of the Arrival of the Pioneering Oblates in Sri Lanka. (Eph.1:3-6,11-12; Lk.1:46-55)

I am really happy to be here to be a part of your celebration inaugurating 175 years of the presence and the service of the Oblates in Sri Lanka. ‘Go and preach’, ‘Go and baptize’, ‘preach to all nations’ are the mandates given by our Lord. And all the baptized are expected to take up … Read moreFelicitation from Rt. Rev. Dr. Christian Noel Emmanuel, Bishop of Trincomalee on the Inauguration of the Jubilee

First and foremost my heartiest congratulation to the Oblates for celebrating this 175th Jubilee year of your Congregation. And I for one is very grateful to the oblate congregation for what I am today. I thought very briefly I would share my experience with the Oblate congregation. First and foremost when I started to know … Read moreFelicitation from Rt. Rev. Dr. F. L. Emmanuel Fernando, the Bishop of Mannar on the Inauguration of the Jubilee

I am indeed delighted to convey the felicitation and God’s blessing to all the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Sri Lanka both Jaffna province and Colombo province on the occasion of 175thanniversary of their life and presence in Sri Lanka. Oblates care of the eastern region that is Trincomalee – Batticaloa diocese is mentioned in … Read moreFelicitation from Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Ponniah, the Bishop of Batticaloa on the Inauguration of the Jubilee

First of all I like to congratulate the Oblates for soaking 175 years of service in this island. Mgr. Bettacchini was under pressure to have more priests. He was not satisfied with the Indian Oratorians so and the people at the same time were demanding that they should be looked after. It is because the … Read moreFelicitation from Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam, the Bishop of Jaffna on the Inauguration of the Jubilee

Dear Very Reverend Father Provincial, Eugene Benedict OMI, Provincial of Jaffna Province Dear Very Reverend Father Provincial, Roshan Silva OMI, Provincial of Colombo Province, Very dear Reverend Fathers and Brothers, Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Very dear faithful devoted lay men and women associated to us through friendship,  support and in living the charism of … Read moreMessage of Most Rev. Fr. Louis Lougen, OMI the Superior General on the inauguration of the 175th Jubilee of the life and mission of the Oblates in Sri Lanka

Inaugural celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Oblate presence in Sri Lanka- held in Jaffna. Today we are gathered here for the inaugural celebration of the Jubilee year. It marks the 175th anniversary of the Oblate presence in Sri Lanka. This is an event which is very much significant and thus it has to … Read moreMessage of Very Rev. Fr. Roshan Silva, OMI the Provincial of the Province of Colombo on the Inauguration of the Jubilee

This Message was delivered on the 14th of February 2022 on the inauguration of the Jubilee Dear Fathers and Brothers, It gives me immense joy to say a few words on this historic occasion of the 175th year of jubilee of the arrival, life and presence of the Oblates in our country. The Oblate Charism: … Read moreMessage of Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI the Provincial of the Province of Jaffna on the Inauguration of the Jubilee

We, the Oblates are proud of celebrating the 175 years of Oblate presence in Sri Lanka. Oblates from both Provinces – Jaffna and Colombo together with Bishops of Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Mannar, the Vicar Generals, Episcopal Vicars, Provincials of other Congregations, Priests, Religious and lay faithful were gathered together in the Eucharist on the 14th … Read moreInauguration of the Jubilee

On Wednesday, September 29 we, the scholastics, rejoiced over the triple blessings from God Almighty as he blessed us with one more year of witnessing life with Evangelical Counsels and also on guiding, shepherding and leading our brothers to the state of receiving Minor Orders Viz., Lector and Acolyte. Accordingly, we all renewed our vows … Read moreRENEWAL OF VOWS AND CONFERRING OF MINOR ORDERS

The loss of Fr. Mike is irreplaceable to us, Oblates. His death leaves us a memory. His caring heart, strong advice, silent words, profound knowledge gave us convictions that are valuable. These abilities surely had an impact on us as everyone here witnessed that he had been and still he is part of our lives. … Read moreA tribute to Fr. Edmond Michael, OMI

Congratulations Fr. Vincent Patrick, OMI Rev. Fr. David Vincent Patrick, OMI was honoured with “Kalabhooshana State Award” by the Department of Cultural Affairs on the 3rd of November, 2021. The award was in recognition of his outstanding social service rendered to humanity. As a religious and missionary he is committed to this noble goal. Fr. … Read moreCongratulations

Gnanatheepam the Oblate Youth Empowerment Centre is progressing and marching towards it’s Motto “We rise by lifting others”. Accordingly this year it has achieved lots of success. Here below I list some of the activities throughout the last four months. Parapet wall: The long awaited need of constructing a wall around Gnanatheepam was realized and … Read moreGnanatheepam – On the Go…

Fr. Soosayappu Antony Poncian, OMI has launched a book on ‘ey;yhad;’ (The Spirituality and Personality of a good Teacher) . We hope that your thoughts and insights on “The Spirituality and Personality of a good Teacher” would bring meaning and help teachers to form students. Rev. Fr. I. Selva Vijendran, OMI has launched a book … Read moreLaunching of books

Delivered on October 10, 2021 at St. Peter’s basilica, Vatican, Rome. Synod calls us to become experts in the art of encounter Jesus on a journey A certain rich man came up to Jesus” as he was setting out on his journey” (Mk 10: 17). The Gospels frequently show us Jesus “on a journey”; he … Read morePope Francis’ Homily during the Mass Opening the synod path,

The Province of Jaffna organized annual retreats in three different places due to Covid-19 pandemic and health restrictions which were imperative to safeguard from being infected. The first annual retreat was held from October 3rd to 9th at Gnanodhayam, Mannar. The preacher was Rev. Fr. Gerard Rozairo, OMI. The second annual retreat was held from … Read moreThe Annual Retreats – 2021

We, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Province of Jaffna welcome our six Brothers to our Eucharistic cenacle with unalterable fraternal love. It is our fervent prayer that St. Eugene, our Holy Founder and Mary Immaculate the Patroness of our Congregation will accompany them with their paternal and maternal love to perform the apostolate … Read moreLet us rejoice in receiving six new Priests to our Province

Titular and principal patron of the congregation General Meeting

The above course was organized by the AORC for the OMI Priests of Asia-Oceana Provinces in the month of June from the 21st to 26th. This was facilitated by PRERANA Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Bengaluru, India. 48 Oblates from Asia Oceana provinces took part in this course on spiritual direction. Jesuit priests who were experts in … Read moreOnline Course on Spiritual Direction

The Oblate Liturgical Book in Tamil was launched on the 5th of August, 2021 at Thodarpaham. Rev. Fr. S. James Surenthirarajah, OMI, who holds a Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy, with his sincere dedication and hard work, has produced a beautiful Oblate Missal in our Mother Tongue, Tamil. The Book is named ‘mkykupj; jpahfpfspd; jpUg;gyp E}y;”. … Read moreThe launching of the Oblate Liturgical Book:

Three candidates from the Province of Jaffna were initiated into Novitiate on the 21st of August, 2021. They are: J. Dishon Assician Vaz, P. Jude Prasanth and Mariyanayagam Rajmathushan. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI, the Provincial Superior presided over the Mass. We wish them a very good beginning and wonderful life at the Novitiate. On the … Read moreThe Initiation and the first Profession of Vows

On the 20thof August, 2021, Rev. Fr. Lebourn Suthan, OMI, was given obedience to St.Michael’s College, Batticaloa. This day has turned out to be of historical importance, as the Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Province of Jaffna have extended their ministry of Education to the Diocese of Batticaloa. Rt. Rev. Dr. Ponniah Joseph , … Read moreHistorical advent of Oblates into St. Michael’s College, Batticaloa

We, the scholastics from Rome, are really blessed and cherished in being in the Community which is obviously coloured and flavoured with multi-nationality. This energized us really to move forward in our new experiential journey of priesthood with fraternal support and prayers. Our first impression of this new community is, welcoming amidst all our differences … Read moreCODEX HISTORICUS OF INITIAL FORMATION – From Rome

Living in Australia means encountering many opportunities. It is a young, multicultural and open country with an ever-growing economy. It is a country where people from all over the world can feel at home to some extent due to its multicultural aspect. Apparently it doesn’t have a long history like other countries but it is … Read moreCODEX HISTORICUS OF INITIAL FORMATION – From Australia

When I landed in Manila, Philippines back in July 2019, I felt as if my heart would burst, both from excitement and nervousness. For the first time I went out of my country that is so alien to me that everywhere I looked, things looked new, vibrant and intimidating all at the same time. The … Read moreCODEX HISTORICUS OF INITIAL FORMATION – From the Philippines

“The years in the Scholasticate give the required training and education to those who to prepare for priesthood. They will cultivate those skills needed for an effective ministry of the world. And be led to appreciate the gift of the priesthood, through which they are to share in the unique way in Christ’ on ministry … Read moreCODEX HISTORICUS OF INITIAL FORMATION – From the Scholasticate, Jaffna

Academic and cultural involvement We are new to this reality at the beginning. So much so we are all involved seriously in our studies as our priority. Our participation in cultural events could not push through due to the pandemic which completely hindered our learning. In addition, we were asked to be engaged in the … Read moreCODEX HISTORICUS OF INITIAL FORMATION – From the Scholasticate, Kandy

Our heart is truly filled with inexplicable joy of love when we look back on the nostalgic memories of our experiences during the last nine months at this wonder place called ‘’SIDUPIYANILA’’- which means a ‘House of Achievement’ or a ‘Home of Joy’, where we were strongly rooted and widely connected while undergoing the initial … Read moreCODEX HISTORICUS OF INITIAL FORMATION – From the Novitiate

Through the guidance of our shepherd Lord Jesus Christ, after completing the first step of our formation in our Juniorate, we came to another “Gethsemane” to spend six months with Jesus while developing our skills and talents for our better future with the intention of becoming great Oblates one day. Though we are from two … Read moreCODEX HISTORICUS OF INITIAL FORMATION – From Pre-Novitiate

As our country experiences a continuous lockdown, it affects our daily routine and our programmes. This situation does not pave the way to organize ourselves, because, we do not know what would happen in the next moment. However, we need to organize ourselves because the missed opportunities are missed forever. During the lockdown, after consulting … Read moreCODEX HISTORICUS OF INITIAL FORMATION – News from the Juniorate

Rev. Fr. Francis Daniel, OMI is a pioneer in the Oblate Province of Jaffna. He has etched his history as an Oblate who celebrates sixty years in his Religious Profession. He has served in several capacities as Parish Priest, Superior, Missionary, Lecturer at the Major Seminary, and Jaffna University, Chaplain and Formator as well. He … Read moreLife @ OMI – Diamond Jubilee Bells Ring (An Interview with Rev. Fr. Daniel, OMI)

18th of May marks the commemoration of the victims of the Sri Lankan civil war, commonly known as “Mullivaikal Remembrance”. It was back then in 2009 when the armed conflict in Sri Lanka came to an end; thousands of lives perished in the narrow strip of the land called Mullivaikal. While the Sri Lankan government … Read moreThe Remembrance that never ends…

Oblate Province of Jaffna felt the immediate need of the three boxes of Power Sprayers to the Teaching Hospital in Jaffna. This is being used to spray sanitizer to prevent Corona infection. We thank the Donors, and the Provincial Administration for their timely support in this critical situation. Apart from this, under the leadership of … Read moreThe felt need of the hour

Nature also is designed to be what we create. It gains shape to what we perceive or want it to be. There are merits and demerits since it can lead to disorganization of the bio-world. Nature and people ought to work independently. The conspicuous planning for better eco-world slowly and steadily leads to an eco-spiritual … Read moreLife @ OMI – Soil & Soul – Lie Along With Nature (An Interview with Fr. E. Godfrey Joel, OMI)

A Blood donation Campaign was organized by the Oblate Youth Empowerment Centre (OYEC) Gnanatheepam on the 2nd of May 2021. At 9.00 am Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI, the Provincial Superior blessed everyone present and inaugurated the campaign. Forty youth both boys and girls from different places participated enthusiastically and donated their precious blood. All … Read more“Blood is life; so care and share”

A meeting was organized under the leadership of Fr. Jenis, OMI, the Coordinator of the De Mazenod Campus. This meeting was convened so as to discus and evaluate the classes that had been conducted at DMC. There were sixteen members present at the meeting. To begin with there was a power-point presentation regarding the activities … Read moreDMC meets…

Jaffna.. The Oblates who serve in the Oblate district of Jaffna gathered at Nambikkai Illam on the 18th of March, 2021 for their monthly meeting. There were two special items in that meeting namely the discussion on the theme for the next General Chapter and sharing of Fr. Sujaharan, OMI about his missionary experience in … Read moreOblate District meetings

International Women’s Day was celebrated by CPR in Anpaham, Mulankavil. The women who participated are from Kilinochchi, Jaffna, Mullaithivu, Mannar and Vavuniya districts. The chief guest was Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict OMI, the Provincial Superior. CPR conducted a shiramadhana at Muslims’ Cemetery in Mullaithivu. Skill development for the youth in Kilinochchi. Awareness and Empowerment … Read moreProgrammes conducted by Center for Peace and Reconciliation (CPR)

The name “Sons of De Mazenod” was born from the heart of Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI, the Provincial Superior. He said that we all share the same Charism in our hearts and lives. This is how it was initiated to gather all the ex-seminarians to be with them and to develop the same friendship … Read moreSONS OF DE MAZENOD

A newly built Pre-School was opened by Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI, the Provincial Superior on the 21st of April, 2021 at Anpaham, Mulankavil. Sincere thanks go to the Provincial Superior, the Treasurer, the Donors, and the Oblates who helped with their immense contribution for its success. Especially we thank Mrs. Sieni Schoulten for … Read moreOpening of the Pre-School

Rev. Fr. Joseph Raj Claier OMI, having completed his Postgraduate Diploma in “Conflict and Peace Studies” in the University of Colombo, successfully completed the Masters in the same field. All the best Father.

Rev. Fr. Raj Claier, OMI, Bro. Ajanthan, OMI and Bro. Vimal, OMI received a unique opportunity to pursue their studies in Rome. Of course, Rome is an “Eternal City”; the dictum “all roads lead to Rome” has its paramount importance in its historicity and the constantly creating atmosphere for studies. This would enhance their intellectual … Read moreArrivederci e buonviaggio a Roma

Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, the Provincial met the Scholastics at De Mazenod Scholasticate, Jaffna and Kandy and had an individual one-to-one talk with them. Personal journey with the individual should be the key element in the Formation. Since Fr. Provincial is in-charge of the initial formation he made it possible to accompany them and guide … Read moreProvincial’s Visit

The AORC was hosted this time by the Oblate province of Colombo, and it was held from Mar. 01 to 05, 2021 at the Provincialate of Colombo. With the ongoing pandemic the ex-officio members of the AORC could not be physically present except for the province of Jaffna. The meeting was held virtual. Fr. S.M. … Read moreAORC – 01st of March -5th of March, 2021 Zoom Conference held in Colombo

Bros. Don Bosco John Jenybert Croos, OMI, Jesuthasan Amirtharaj, OMI, Sebamalai Roystan, OMI, Francis Manokaran Piragash Nijanthan, OMI, Velichore Volantine Morris, OMI, and Arasaratnam Danistan, OMI, made their Perpetual Profession of Vows on the 14th of April, 2021 before Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI, the Provincial Superior. On the following day they were ordained … Read morePerpetual Profession and the Diaconate

Eleven Juniorists were initiated into the Pre-Novitiate on the 02nd of February, 2021 at Gnanodhayam. The Eucharist was presided by Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI, the Provincial Superior. In his homily, Fr. Provincial insisted the significance of the calling and the freedom to respond to that call. He elaborated clearly as to how God actualizes … Read moreInitiation

There was a courtesy visit of Fr. Provincial to Juniorate on the 26th of January, 2021. He was welcomed by Rev. Fr. Amalathas, OMI, the new Rector, Fr. Daniel, OMI and the Juniorists. Fr. Provincial addressed the Juniorists; he pointed out the importance of the formation and the value of the life in the Juniorate. … Read moreJuniorate

Greetings to all of you my brother Oblates and to the members of our Oblate family. I am here in Brazil in visitation and the Oblates here, also send their greetings. I send a short message now regarding the coronavirus COVID-19. I think it is a moment of solidarity, of prayer and of hope. Solidarity first of all among ourselves … Read moreThe Oblate response to coronavirus – Fr. Louis Lougen, OMI