EDUCATION

RAJABIMA OBLATE CENTRE

ANURADHAPURA

Situated in the North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka—a vast region spanning over 10,000 square kilometers with a predominantly Buddhist population—the Rajabima Oblate Centre serves as a vital hub of Catholic mission and inter-religious harmony. In a sacred city where the Catholic population is small and widely scattered among over a million residents, the Centre stands as a beacon of faith, dialogue, and community support.

Background & Foundation

The Rajabima Oblate Centre was officially established on October 27, 1987, by the then Oblate Provincial, Rev. Fr. Anselm Silva, OMI, in close consultation with Rt. Rev. Dr. Henry Goonewardena, OMI, the Bishop of Anuradhapura.

Initially housed in an older building, it was founded with two primary objectives: to foster genuine inter-religious dialogue within the sacred Buddhist city, and to provide a welcoming, homely environment for Oblates ministering throughout the diocese. From its inception, it has also served as a space for the theological updating of priests and consecrated persons, and for nurturing the faith of the local Catholic community.

Expansion for New Needs

As new socio-pastoral needs emerged within the diocese, the Oblates recognized the necessity for expanded facilities. Guided by the spirit of our Founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod, who taught that "Love embraces all; for new needs, it invents new means," the community took inventive steps to enhance their mission in the NCP.

Under the initiative of former Provincial Rev. Fr. Clement Waidyasekara, OMI, new buildings were constructed to cater to these growing demands. This renewed facility was solemnly blessed on June 30, 2009, by the current Bishop of Anuradhapura, Rt. Rev. Dr. Norbert Andradi, OMI.

Current Socio-Pastoral Activities

Today, the Rajabima Oblate Centre is a dynamic center of diverse ministries. The Oblates residing here actively engage in a wide array of pastoral and social initiatives:

  • Pastoral Care: Administering the quasi-parish of St. Eugene de Mazenod at Pothanegama.

  • Chaplaincy: Serving as dedicated chaplains to the local prisons and hospitals.

  • Inter-Religious & Ecumenical Apostolates: Actively engaging in a "dialogue of life" with the Buddhist majority and collaborating with other Christian denominations.

  • Youth & Education: Animating the Lakrivi Children’s Apostolate within the diocese and promoting the education of disadvantaged children, notably through the establishment and administration of Mazenod College.

  • Spiritual Formation: Hosting retreats, seminars, and providing spiritual accompaniment for candidates exploring the Oblate way of life.

  • Community Support: Fostering inter-congregational ministries (such as the Regional Religious Unit) and providing warm hospitality to all Oblates ministering in the region.

  • Publications: Producing the Oblate Journal, informative booklets, and contributing articles to national daily newspapers.

Contact - Rajabima Oblate Centre