MINISTRY OF THE WORD

Preaching the Gospel to the poor and the most abandoned is the fundamental vocation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Through the Ministry of the Word, we strive to bring the message of Christ to life, making it accessible, relevant, and deeply comforting to all—especially those who feel spiritually hungry or distant from the Church. True to the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod, our approach is characterized by a profound closeness to the people, animating communities with the joy and hope of the Gospel.

The House of Preachers: Nazareth Oblate Preaching Community

At the heart of our specialized evangelization efforts is the Nazareth Oblate Preaching Community. This dedicated "House of Preachers" focuses entirely on the dynamic renewal of faith across Sri Lanka. Unbound by the daily administrative duties of a single parish, this specialized team travels across dioceses to conduct impactful parish missions, youth retreats, and spiritual animation programs. They serve as a powerful catalyst for spiritual revival, reigniting the fervor of the faithful and bringing a message of healing and reconciliation to communities in need of deep spiritual nourishment.

Our Parish Missions

For an Oblate, a parish is never merely an administrative center; it is a vibrant missionary outpost. Whether nestled in the bustling commercial heart of Colombo, rooted in historic rural valleys, or situated along remote coastal fishing belts, our Oblate-run parishes are sanctuaries of deep pastoral care, social advocacy, and community upliftment.

We minister to highly diverse demographic groups—from the urban poor and transient city workers to marginalized ethnic minorities and migrant fishermen. In every location, the Oblates work tirelessly to build up not just the physical infrastructure of the church, but a "living parish community" where every individual experiences the dignity and love of Christ.

The OMI Colombo Province currently administers and provides dedicated pastoral care to the following parishes:

  • Bollatha Parish (Sacred Heart Church)

  • Kokilai "Quasi" Parish (Mohoththuwaram)

  • Kuchchaveli Parish

  • Maradana Parish (Church of Our Lady of Fatima)

  • Mattakkuliya Parish

  • Medawachchiya Parish

  • Padaviya Parish

  • Pothanegama "Quasi" Parish (St. Eugene de Mazenod Church)