NOTABLE OBLATES IN SRI LANKA
Bishop Jean-Etienne (Stephen) Sémeria, OMI (1813-1868) – Italy
- ⦿ Leader of the first group of Oblates to arrive in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1847.
- ⦿ Became the first Oblate bishop in the country when he was consecrated Bishop of the Vicariate of Jaffna in 1857.
Archbishop Christopher Bonjean, OMI (1823–1892) – France
- ⦿ Served as Vicar Apostolic of Jaffna in 1868, succeeding Bishop Sémeria.
- ⦿ Appointed Vicar Apostolic of Colombo in 1883.
- ⦿ Became the first Archbishop of Colombo in 1886.
- ⦿ Founder of the first seminary in Sri Lanka (St. Martin’s Seminary in Jaffna).
- ⦿ Revered as the "Father of Aided Denominational Schools."
- ⦿ Officially initiated the construction of the present church building of the Shrine of Madhu in 1872, after finding the shrine in a neglected, rudimentary state.
Fr. Constant Chounavel, OMI (1825–1923) – France
- ⦿ A multi-talented architect, carpenter, painter, sculptor, musician, and writer.
- ⦿ Composed numerous hymns and authored many books in both Sinhala and Tamil.
- ⦿ Compiled a Sinhala grammar book tailored for English speakers.
- ⦿ Translated the Holy Bible into Sinhala.
- ⦿ Constructed many churches across the island, including St. Joseph’s Church in Wennappuwa.
Fr. John Pahamunay, OMI (1863–1918)
- ⦿ An exceptional literary scholar.
- ⦿ Served as the Editor-in-Chief of both the Gnanartha Pradeepaya and The Ceylon Catholic Messenger newspapers.
- ⦿ A convert and the brother of Ven. Pahamunay Siri Saranankara Sumangala, who served as the Mahanayaka of the Malwatte Chapter in Kandy.
- ⦿ One of the first seminarians of St. Martin’s Seminary, Jaffna.
Fr. Swaminathapillai Gnanapragasar, OMI (1875–1947)
- ⦿ Popularly known as Swami Gnanapragasar.
- ⦿ A monumental figure in Tamil literature and history, specializing in philology, etymology, Dravidian linguistics, and the history of Jaffna.
- ⦿ A pioneering missionary who bridged Tamil culture with the Christian faith.
- ⦿ Widely known for his vibrant missionary activities in Nallur, Jaffna.
- ⦿ A commemorative stamp was issued by the government on May 22, 1981, to honor his legacy.
Bishop Jean-Marie Masson, OMI (1876–1947) – France
- ⦿ The fifth Archbishop of Colombo and the last in a line of five foreign Oblate Archbishops.
- ⦿ Particularly known for a solemn vow made to Our Heavenly Mother to save Ceylon from the ravages of World War II.
- ⦿ His episcopacy was significantly shaped by World War II, which brought immense challenges, including economic hardship and severe restrictions on missionary work.
- ⦿ Despite these difficulties, he maintained a resolute focus on pastoral care and social outreach.
Servant of God, Fr. Bastiampillai Anthonipillai (B. A.) Thomas, OMI (1886–1964)
- ⦿ Founded the Congregation of the Rosarians, the first indigenous, strictly contemplative and penitential religious order in Asia.
- ⦿ Due to his profound holiness, asceticism, and radical social vision, he is often referred to as the "Rishi (Sage) of Tholagatty."
- ⦿ Was officially declared a Servant of God by the Vatican in 2006, setting him on the path to sainthood.
Servant of God, Cardinal Thomas Benjamin Cooray, OMI (1901–1988)
- ⦿ Became the first Sri Lankan Archbishop of Colombo in 1947.
- ⦿ Later elevated as the first Sri Lankan Cardinal in 1965.
- ⦿ An influential Council Father in the Second Vatican Council, actively attending all four sessions.
- ⦿ His leadership was marked by a strong emphasis on education, the establishment of Catholic institutions, and the promotion of local vocations.
- ⦿ Instrumental in constructing the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka in Thewatta and fostering a national Catholic identity.
- ⦿ A commemorative stamp was issued by the government in 1989 to honor him.
- ⦿ Was officially declared a Servant of God by the Vatican in 2010, advancing his cause toward sainthood.
Bishop Jerome Emilianus Pillai, OMI (1901–1972)
- ⦿ The first Tamil Catholic bishop of Sri Lanka (Ceylon).
- ⦿ Served as the Bishop of Jaffna from 1950 to 1972.
- ⦿ Participated as a Council Father in all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council.
- ⦿ Brother of Fr. Peter Pillai, OMI.
Fr. Peter Pillai, OMI (1904–1964)
- ⦿ A scholar of exceptional caliber, holding multiple postgraduate degrees, including a PhD and a DSc.
- ⦿ Famously achieved high honors at the University of Cambridge, excelling simultaneously in Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
- ⦿ Served as the first Sri Lankan Rector of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo (1940–1961).br/>
- ⦿ Founded the Aquinas College of Higher Studies in 1954 to provide affordable tertiary education.
- ⦿ A tireless advocate for the marginalized, he founded the Social Justice Movement and its flagship journal, Social Justice.
- ⦿ A pioneer in promoting labor rights, fair wages, and better housing conditions long before they became mainstream political issues in the country.
- ⦿ Brother of Bishop Emilianus Pillai, OMI, Bishop of Jaffna.
- ⦿ A commemorative stamp was issued by the government in 1985 to honor his immense contributions.
Bishop Edmund Peiris, OMI (1897–1989)
- ⦿ The first Bishop to serve in the Diocese of Chilaw.
- ⦿ Recognized historically as the first Sinhalese Bishop.
- ⦿ A renowned historian and linguist who dedicated much of his life to researching Sri Lankan history, particularly the cultural impact of the Portuguese and Dutch periods.
- ⦿ A prominent member of the Royal Asiatic Society (Ceylon Branch).
- ⦿ A passionate advocate for integrating traditional Sri Lankan cultural elements into Catholic worship.
- ⦿ Instrumental in preserving and promoting the profound literary works of Fr. Jacome Gonsalves.
- ⦿ A commemorative stamp was issued by the government in 2004 to honor him alongside Fr. Jacome Gonsalves.
Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, OMI (1902–1998)
- ⦿ Celebrated as the "Father of Sinhala Church Music" for revolutionizing Catholic liturgy by creating hymns rooted in indigenous folk traditions.
- ⦿ A cultural bridge-builder who held deep respect for Buddhist heritage, earning him the affectionate title Pansale Piyathuma ("Priest of the Buddhist Temple").
- ⦿ Won the National State Literary Award (Presidential Award) in 1979 for his book of poetry, Muthu—becoming the first Catholic priest to receive a state literary award.
- ⦿ Received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1983 for his contributions to Public Service through journalism, literature, and creative communication.
- ⦿ Conferred the title of "Kalasuri" in 1991 by the Government of Sri Lanka for his exceptional contributions to the arts.
- A commemorative stamp was issued by the government in 2005 to honor his memory.
Fr. Anthony Fernando, OMI (died 1990)
- ⦿ The first Sri Lankan Oblate to become the Provincial Superior (1962–1969) in the country.
- ⦿ Pioneered the opening of missions outside Sri Lanka by sending the first local Oblate missionaries to India in 1968.
- ⦿ Widely known for his dedicated, compassionate service to the resident and migrant fishing communities and their families in Negombo.
Fr. A. J. B. Antoninus, OMI (died 1973)
- ⦿ A well-known author whose landmark works include The Chronicle of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Madhu, Saradiel: The Robinhood of Ceylon, and Martyrs of Mannar.
- ⦿ Regarded as perhaps the foremost historical authority on the Martyrs of Mannar.
- ⦿ Documented the definitive historical context, the exact locations of the massacres, and the spiritual impact of their ultimate sacrifice.
Fr. Michael Paul Rodrigo, OMI (1927–1987)
- ⦿ An exceptionally gifted scholar who earned two doctorates from the Institut Catholique de Paris and the Gregorian University in Rome.
- ⦿ Left his prestigious academic post at the National Seminary to live in solidarity among the impoverished Buddhist peasantry in the remote village of Buttala.
- ⦿ Founded Suba Seth Gedara ("House of Good Wishes"), a rural community center dedicated to the holistic development of the villagers.
- ⦿ Became a powerful advocate for the poor and oppressed, as well as a passionate promoter of interreligious dialogue and the "Dialogue of Life."
- ⦿ Assassinated while celebrating Holy Mass in 1987. His tragic death is widely regarded as a martyrdom for his unwavering stance with the oppressed during a period of intense political violence in Sri Lanka.
Fr. Henk Schram, OMI (died 1984) – Netherlands
- ⦿ Widely known and revered as the "Father of Workers."
- ⦿ A tireless champion of labor rights and social justice.
- ⦿ Served as a long-time chaplain to the national apostolate of the Christian Workers’ Movement (CWM) in Sri Lanka.
Fr. Charles Lytton, OMI (1847–1924) – Ireland
- ⦿ Served as the second Rector of St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna (following its renaming).
- ⦿ Served as the second Rector of St. Joseph's College in Colombo.
- ⦿ Actively advocated for the construction of the northern railway line to link the northern and southern regions of the country.
Fr. Maurice Le Goc, OMI (1881–1945) – France
- ⦿ A legendary educationist and highly efficient administrator.
- ⦿ A renowned botanist and landscape architect who published Tropical Botany (1920), a landmark textbook widely used in schools across India and Sri Lanka for decades.
- ⦿ Served as the fourth Rector of St. Joseph's College in Colombo (1919–1940).
- ⦿ Founder of St. Joseph’s College South, which later became St. Peter’s College (1922).
- ⦿ Founder of St. Paul’s College, Waragoda (1935).
- ⦿ Founder of St. John’s College, Dematagoda (1939).
- ⦿ Celebrated for his scientific research on Sri Lanka's flora, including the Madu tree (Cycas zeylanica).
- ⦿ Scientifically diagnosed the disease affecting the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura (the oldest human-planted tree in the world) and successfully treated it, saving the sacred monument.
- ⦿ A commemorative stamp was issued in his honor by the government in 1989 on National Heroes Day (May 22).
Fr. Timothy Long, OMI (1896–1961) – Ireland
- ⦿ Served as Rector of St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna (1936–1954).
- ⦿ Co-founded Iona College, an Oblate educational initiative in Brisbane, Australia (1958), and served as its first Rector.
- ⦿ Generously supported many civic development projects in Jaffna.
- ⦿ A key figure behind the establishment of the Jaffna Public Library, traveling across numerous countries to tirelessly solicit funds and book donations. To honor his monumental efforts, a full-size statue of Fr. Long was erected in front of the library in 1975.
- ⦿ A commemorative stamp was issued in his honor by the government in 1990 on National Heroes Day (May 22).
Fr. Félix Mevel, OMI (1924–1984) – France
- ⦿ Founder of the La.Kri.Vī. (Lakrivi) Children’s Movement in Sri Lanka in 1954.
- ⦿ An Oblate remembered for his profound missionary zeal and love for children.
Fr. Lucien Schmitt, OMI (1921–2007) – Germany
- ⦿ Served as the Provincial Superior of the Sri Lankan Oblate Province from 1968 to 1974.
- ⦿ As Provincial, he was instrumental in purchasing the property for the current Oblate Novitiate, Sidupiyanila, in Bandarawela in 1973.
- ⦿ Collaborated closely with Fr. Joe Fernando to help establish the Social and Economic Development Centre (SEDEC) for the relief and development of the poor.
Fr. Fredrick Sackett, OMI (1916–2005) – United States
- ⦿ The first Rector of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka in Ampitiya, Kandy (1955–1964).
- ⦿ During his tenure, oversaw the construction of a new residential wing featuring 80 student rooms, the lecture halls, and the main auditorium (which was later named in his honor).
Fr. Dalston Forbes, OMI (1926–2010)
- ⦿ The second Rector of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka in Ampitiya, Kandy (1964–1972).
- ⦿ In honor of his theological legacy, the annual memorial oration of the National Seminary has been named after him.
Fr. James Cooke, OMI (died 1984)
- ⦿ The third Rector of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka in Ampitiya, Kandy (1972–1974).
- ⦿ Appointed Provincial Superior of the Oblates in Sri Lanka in 1974.
- ⦿ Became the 1st Assistant General of the Oblates in Rome in 1980, making him the first Sri Lankan to hold this high global post.
Bishop Henry Goonawardena, OMI (1925–2000)
- ⦿ The pioneer Bishop of the Diocese of Anuradhapura.
- ⦿ Affectionately known as the "People's Bishop" due to his deeply rooted, grassroots approach to pastoral ministry.
- ⦿ Highly regarded for maintaining profound respect, harmony, and peaceful coexistence with the Buddhist community in the historic ancient capital.
Bishop Edmund Fernando, OMI (1921–2004)
- ⦿ The second Bishop of the Diocese of Badulla (1983–1997).
- ⦿ Prior to that, served as the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo (1968–1983).
- ⦿ Widely remembered for his fatherly, warm, and highly accessible personality.
Fr. Tissa Balasuriya, OMI (1924–2013)
- ⦿ Social activist known for his pioneering work in Asian Liberation Theology.
- ⦿ A founding member of the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians (EATWOT).
- ⦿ Dedicated his life to bridging the gap between Christian faith, human rights, and social justice.
- ⦿ Founded the Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) in Colombo in 1971, which became a prominent national hub for radical thought, human rights advocacy, and interfaith dialogue.
- ⦿ Author of several influential books, including Planetary Theology (1984), The Eucharist and Human Liberation (1979), and Mary and Human Liberation (1990).
- ⦿ A commemorative stamp was issued by the government in 2013 to honor his life and work.