Despite holding two doctorates and receiving invitations to hold professorships at top universities worldwide, Father Mike chose to live in tents among the very destitute. Refusing to abandon that calling even amidst death threats, he proved to be an indestructible living example, stated Rev. Fr. Shanil Jayewardena, OMI. He made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 39th commemoration of Rev. Fr. Michael Rodrigo, OMI, held on the 9th of November at the Mazenod Youth Center in Maggona.

“Personally, for me, the most significant moment of his life is not the moment he was martyred or killed. It is the radical decision he made at the age of 53, when he had the opportunity to lead a very comfortable life. At an age when people normally think about retirement, he dedicated himself to a challenging mission—a mission without retirement, a mission experiencing poverty,” Fr. Shanil further stated.

The commemorative programme began after Rev. Fr. Justin Silva, OMI—one of the two priests who went to identify and receive the body of Father Michael, who was assassinated by an unidentified gunman on November 10, 1987, while celebrating Holy Mass—lit a lamp before a portrait of Father Mike. The event also featured a poster exhibition prepared by Father Michael Rodrigo, highlighting the liberating core values of the lives of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The second address of the commemoration—delivered by Mr. Mahinda Namal—focused on the theology and spirituality that influenced Father Michael’s life decision and mission. It discussed how the theology of prioritizing the poor, raised by Father Michael four decades ago, has come to be embraced as official Church teaching today.

In this context, the event explored how ideas found in the Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te are reflected in the posters displayed at the commemoration grounds:

• “Showing special concern for the poor is a source of profound renewal for both the Church and society.”
• “Without extending one’s love to the poor, one cannot truly love God.”
• “Clinging rigidly to doctrines alone without compassion is nothing more than a pile of empty words.”
• “Connecting with the humble and powerless individuals among the poor is the primary path to encountering the Lord in history; He continues to speak to us through them.”

This commemorative event was jointly organized by the “Jesus Today Collective” and the Mazenod Youth Center.

Furthermore, the commemorative ceremony was held on November 10 at the Suba Seth Gedara centre in Buttala—where Father Michael Rodrigo served and was assassinated—under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Dilan Perera, OMI, the Provincial Superior of Colombo Province.