The Oblate Institute for Religious Studies called “Gnanodhayam”, situated on Thalvupadu road, Mannar Sri Lanka, successfully conducted programs according to the goal of the Institute and the intention of the donors, namely “Empowering of the Laity and Theological formation of the Religious and Youth” during this year.
Lay theological programs
The main purpose of this institute is to train and form Laity, Youth and Religious. With this goal n view classes, seminars and conferences were organized in the Institute. These provided them with opportunities towards their formation and enrichment that they may in turn assist the Christian communities of their milieu.
We were able to conduct monthly seminars to educate the catechists in theology, meaningful liturgy and sound Biblical knowledge towards a renewal of their faith life. First six months of the year we had a Diploma Course on “The Catechism of the Catholic Church”. And now we are conducting another six month diploma course on “Advanced Study of the Gospels”. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Jesuthasan is conducting these classes. We are also planning to start one year diploma course on “Pauline Theology” next year as our contribution for the Year of Faith. Many resource persons both religious and priests helped us to conduct these programs.
Classes on Christian Civilization
Recently the Government has introduced “Christian Civilization” as a subject for Advanced Level. Many students in Mannar Diocese are offering Christian Civilzation for the Examination. But they do not have proper qualified and able teachers in their schools. So to help them, we conduct weekly classes on Christian civilization. Grade 12 and 13 students come in big numbers and there is lot of appreciation for it. Many students are coming from different parishes of the diocese of Mannar. Fr. Ramesh is conducting the classes on Saturdays.
Youth formation seminars
Since our youth have gone through immense hardships, pain and trauma due to the war, we have organized psycho-social as well as spiritual assistant programs for them. This is also Monthly sessions. There are about 45 youth regularly attending these programs. There are lectures, group sessions and other work-shops. A group of trained counselors, priests and religious conduct these sessions. They direct and guide them, empowering them with hope and peace of mind. They tap their capacity and make them become good leaders. They are provided with printed materials, and refreshment.
English Language & Computer Courses
English, as an international language, today becomes an important aspect in every one’s life, especially of the students who want to learn further. Hence the students who want to do higher studies need English language as one of the pre-requisite. Knowing the need of English for the students who hope to continue their studies, our Institute conducts a Certificate course in Basic English for Post A/L & O/L students. We also conduct English classes for school children from Grades 1–11. The English programs which we are conducting in our institute, is recognized by the international Institute of language skill
Considering the need of the time, we also conduct a three month Basic computer program for the students. This is also one of the ‘Youth Programs” i.e. to help our youth to improve their skills.
Written by Father Ramesh OMI, Gnanothayam, Mannar