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CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

MARADANA

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Colombo, the Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Maradana stands as a serene oasis amidst the city's hustle and bustle. What began as a humble gathering of faithful in a small hall on Dean’s Road has evolved into a cornerstone of Catholic life and a primary spiritual home for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in the Colombo Province.

Architectural Significance & Heritage

The present church was constructed under the visionary leadership of the Oblate Engineer, Fr. Jean Sion. It is architecturally renowned for its unique curved assembly layout, specifically designed to foster a deeper sense of community by connecting the congregation more intimately to the Altar. The sacred space is further adorned with notable stained-glass windows depicting the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima.

As a pivotal center for the OMI Colombo Province, this church serves as the primary venue for significant provincial events, including Priestly Ordinations and the final funeral rites for deceased Oblates.

A Diverse and Prayerful Community

The parish is a melting pot of the faithful, serving a diverse demographic that includes the urban poor, local residents, and city commuters.

  • Multilingual Liturgy: To serve the multicultural heart of Colombo, Eucharistic celebrations are held in Sinhala, Tamil, and English on Sundays.

  • A Sanctuary for Workers: Recognizing its location in a commercial hub, the church offers weekday noon Masses in English, providing a spiritual reprieve for those traveling from distant areas to work in the city.

  • The Miraculous Medal Novena: A cherished tradition initiated by Fr. Peter Stephen, OMI, in 1964, the Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal continues to draw hundreds of faithful every Thursday.

Legacy of Social Mission

The parish has a long history of pioneering social and pastoral initiatives. During the 1960s, under the guidance of Fr. Philip Dissanayake, OMI, the parish introduced transformative services such as Alcoholics Anonymous and the St. Pius X Pastoral Institute. Today, that spirit of service continues through modern initiatives like the Mazenod Care Centre.

Novena Preaching

Oblate preachers are frequently invited to prepare parishes for their annual feasts by conducting nine-day novenas. Rather than just visiting for the service, the preacher remains with the community throughout the nine days. They deliver theme-based homilies during the Eucharistic celebrations and set aside a specific day for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, remaining available for confession and counseling. By living among the people, the preacher accompanies the faithful on their spiritual journey. Our preachers are also regularly invited to minister at national sanctuaries, such as the Marian Shrine in Madhu.

Mazenod Care Centre

Established in 2022 and blessed by Bishop Norbert Andradi, OMI, the Mazenod Care Centre is a compassionate response to the needs of the marginalized. Functioning as a "halfway home," the center provides free, dignified accommodation for underprivileged patients and their caregivers who travel long distances for treatment at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (General Hospital Colombo).

The facility features six well-furnished rooms with attached bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living area, offering a clean and comfortable environment for those who cannot afford city lodging. This mission reflects the enduring commitment of the parish to serve the poor in the spirit of St. Eugene de Mazenod.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

  • 271, Ven Baddegama Wimalawansa Mawatha, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka.

  • +94 011 269 1933