EDUCATION

ST. MARY'S PARISH - MATTAKKULIYA

Dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, St. Mary’s Church in Mattakkuliya traces its rich origins back to 1861 and recently celebrated its joyous 150th anniversary.

Geographically unique, the parish consists of 27 zones. Two-thirds of the parish area is bordered by the winding Kelani River, while the remaining one-third connects by land to Mutwal. Over the decades, the Catholic population here has grown by leaps and bounds, with the parish census now recording approximately 6,500 faithful. Reflecting this vibrant and diverse community, Holy Mass and Sunday school are conducted in all three languages: English, Sinhala, and Tamil.

A History of Expansion

As the early mission flourished, the original church building was found inadequate to accommodate the rapidly growing population. In 1920, Rev. Fr. Lagathu, the parish priest then residing at St. John's, Modera, made the visionary decision to build a new church for Mattakkuliya.

In September of that year, Rev. Fr. Theodore Laboure, OMI, was sent to assist Fr. Lagathu with this monumental task. Together, with the support of the community, the foundation for the magnificent new church was laid on February 21, 1921.

Vibrant Pastoral Life and Ministries

Today, the ministries at St. Mary's continue to grow and thrive. Under the dedicated leadership of the current parish priest, Rev. Fr. Ajith Perera, the community engages in powerful praise and worship sessions that quench the spiritual thirst of the parishioners.

The youth are considered the backbone of the church. They are continuously encouraged by the indefatigable parish leadership to harness their talents for the greater glory of God through active participation in various groups. The parish offers a wide platform of societies designed to strengthen faith and serve the vulnerable, including:

  • The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP): Spearheading the church's charity and relief services.

  • Young Christian Students (YCS): Motivating and guiding the parish youth.

  • The Holy Childhood Society: Guiding the youngest members of the parish in their foundational faith.

  • Devotional Societies: The Legion of Mary, Rosa Mystica, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which actively increase and strengthen the parishioners' devotion to Mother Mary and Christ.

Navigating Present-Day Challenges

The Mattakkuliya parish remains deeply embedded in the daily realities of its people. Presently, the church faces the formidable challenge of supporting parishioners who are suffering under the weight of the current economic crisis. Furthermore, the parish is actively working to combat the social vulnerabilities within the community, offering spiritual and practical support to youth and elders struggling with various addictions.

Through faith, active ministry, and Oblate leadership, St. Mary's Church continues to stand as a beacon of hope, charity, and spiritual refuge in Mattakkuliya.