OMI Colombo Province Rejoices in the Sacerdotal Ordination of Two New Priests
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) Colombo Province is filled with immense joy and thanksgiving to God as we celebrate the sacerdotal ordination of two new priests to our congregation: Rev. Fr. Akila Janith Rathnasekara, OMI, and Rev. Fr. Peduru Gayan Pradeep Croos, OMI. The ordination ceremony was scheduled for Saturday, 26th of September 2026 at 9:00 am at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Colombo 10. The sacrament was conferred by Rt. Rev. Dr. Nishantha Sagara Jayamanne, SSS, Bishop of the diocese of Anuradhapura.
Guided by the scripture, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37), the joyous occasion was shared with the Oblate Scholasticate Community, Ampitiya, Kandy. The entire Oblate family extends its heartfelt congratulations to these newly ordained priests as they step into their sacred ministerial priesthood. Their dedication and their generous “yes” to God’s call serve as a profound blessing to the Church and to the many lives they will touch in their upcoming missions.
As they officially begin their lifelong journey in the Lord’s vineyard, the Province prays that the God who called them will continue to sustain them. We pray He grants them the abundant grace needed to serve Him and His people with unfailing love, wisdom, and compassion. May their ministry bear much fruit, especially among the poor and most abandoned, faithfully reflecting the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod. We entrust Rev. Fr. Akila and Rev. Fr. Gayan to the maternal protection and constant guidance of Mary Immaculate.
Ad multos annos!
