CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY

SCHOOL CHAPLAINCY: DE MAZENOD COLLEGE

KANDANA

De Mazenod College holds a deeply rooted connection to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Originally founded in 1914 as St. Sebastian’s English School under the leadership of Fr. Romuald Fernando, OMI, the institution relocated to its present grounds in 1930. The following year, it was proudly renamed in honor of the Oblate Founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod. While the De La Salle Brothers have expertly administered the college since 1933, the Oblates continue to maintain a vital spiritual presence on campus through our dedicated chaplaincy ministry.

The Role of the Oblate Chaplain

The College Chaplain serves as a pillar of support, compassion, and spiritual guidance within the educational environment. Distinct from academic teachers or administrative staff, the Oblate Chaplain provides a unique, empathetic presence dedicated to the holistic well-being of both students and staff.

  • Pastoral Care & Counseling: Offering accessible spiritual guidance and empathetic listening that respects the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of the student body.

  • Crisis Intervention & Mediation: Providing immediate emotional and spiritual support during difficult times, mediating conflicts with an emphasis on reconciliation, and coordinating with professional counselors when specialized care is needed.

  • Life Education: Actively promoting ethical, moral, and human values within the school environment to help shape students into responsible, compassionate adults.

Spiritual & Liturgical Life

Integrated seamlessly into the school's Catholic educational framework, the chaplain collaborates closely with the De La Salle Brothers' community to foster a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.

  • Sacramental Care: Guiding the spiritual growth of the students through the regular administration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.

  • Liturgical Services: Organizing meaningful Masses and prayer services in the College Chapel for regular school days, special institutional occasions, and diverse groups, including student cadets, past teachers, and the Old Boys’ Association.

Our Legacy of Service

For decades, devoted Oblate Fathers have guided the spiritual journey of De Mazenod College. We honor the legacy of our past and present chaplains who have served this vibrant community:

  • Rev. Fr. Joachim Fernando, OMI (1960, 1962, 1964)

  • Rev. Fr. James Dalpathado, OMI (Aug 1979 – Apr 1982)

  • Rev. Fr. Dennis Iddemalgoda, OMI (May 1982 – Mar 1983)

  • Rev. Fr. Chrishantha Fernando, OMI (Oct 1994 – Jan 2007 & Feb 2008 – Jan 2015)

  • Rev. Fr. Anthony Jayamanne, OMI (Jan 2007 – Dec 2007)

  • Rev. Fr. Hilary Peiris, OMI (Jan 2007 – Feb 2008)

  • Rev. Fr. Lylie Jayantha, OMI (May 2019 – Feb 2021)

  • Rev. Fr. Chrysantha Thilakeratne, OMI (Feb 2021 – Present)