MINISTRY OF MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
OTHER MINISTRIES
MINISTRY OF MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
The Missionary Oblates in Sri Lanka have a long-standing tradition of engaging in the field of media and communications, working in close collaboration with lay experts. Recognizing that evangelization must extend far beyond the physical pulpit, our pioneers embraced mass communication as a powerful tool to uplift and sustain the faith of the people.
Pioneers of the Catholic Press
This commitment dates back to the 19th century. In 1871, Bishop Christopher Bonjean, OMI, installed a printing press in Jaffna, producing publications in both English and Tamil, and famously founding the newspaper "The Catholic Guardian" in 1876. Meanwhile, in Colombo, several Oblates served for decades as the visionary editors of the nation's premier Catholic weeklies: the Sinhala "Gnanartha Pradeepaya" and the English "Catholic Messenger."
In the 1890s, the Oblates established a landmark printing press within the premises of St. Vincent’s Home in Maggona. This facility served a dual purpose: it functioned as the engine for the vernacular Catholic press in Sri Lanka—printing numerous books, prayer manuals, and the renowned "Bhakthi Prabodhanaya" magazine—while also serving as a premier vocational training ground for underprivileged youth.
Intellectual and Cultural Contributions
For nearly two centuries, Oblate priests and brothers have gone beyond traditional pastoral care, emerging as foremost scholars, historians, linguists, and journalists. Distinguished figures such as Fr. S. Gnana Prakasar, OMI, Fr. D. Anthony, OMI, Fr. A.J.B. Antoninus, OMI, Fr. Maurice Le Goc, OMI, Bishop Edmund Peiris, OMI, Fr. Sebastian Fernando, OMI, Fr. Martin Quere, OMI, and Fr. Tissa Balasuriya, OMI, made indelible marks on Sri Lankan Catholic literature, theology, and history.
Furthermore, the Oblate charism deeply enriched the local arts, with figures like Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, OMI, and Fr. Michael Silva, OMI, becoming celebrated nationwide for their profound contributions to Church music and Sri Lankan culture.
The Digital Frontier Today
Today, we remain committed to this legacy by actively engaging in the modern digital landscape. We utilize social media and digital platforms to share our ongoing missionary endeavors, offer spiritual reflections, and connect with the next generation through vocation promotion. Just as our predecessors used the printing press, we now navigate the digital social environment to ensure the Good News reaches the peripheries of today's connected world.
Our Current Media Services
Today, our Ministry of Media & Communications goes beyond simply maintaining a digital presence to offer specialized, practical services that support the wider mission of the Church. Our dedicated team expertly handles OMI website development and management, comprehensive social media administration, and the production of impactful documentaries. Furthermore, we actively empower the next generation of Catholic communicators by conducting professional media workshops and training programs.
Present Director of Communications: Fr. Shanil Jayawardena, OMI