August 23, 2026, marked a significant and grace-filled day for the Sacred Heart Novitiate, “Sidipiyanila,” in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, belonging to the Oblate Province of Colombo. On this day, seven young brothers made their first profession of vows in the holy institute and the Society of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI).
Newly Professed Brothers
- Bro. Chamika Shenal (Colombo Province)
- Bro. Janith Shaminda (Colombo Province)
- Bro. Kevin Robert (Colombo Province)
- Bro. Shamel De Silva (Colombo Province)
- Bro. Sham Rithushan (Jaffna Province)
- Bro. Shaleem Asif (Pakistan Delegation)
- Bro. Shuvon Kisku (Bangladesh Delegation)
Presiding Clergy The festive Holy Mass was jointly presided over by:
- Very Rev. Fr. Roshan Silva, OMI, Provincial Superior of the Colombo Oblate Province.
- Very Rev. Fr. Jayanthan Pachchek, OMI, Provincial Superior of the Jaffna Oblate Province.
- Rev. Fr. Dudley Saparamadu, Novice Master of the Sacred Heart Novitiate.
Distinguished International Presence The significance of the celebration was magnified by the presence of several high-ranking international Oblates who traveled to Sri Lanka to participate in provincial election consultations and the Asia-Oceania Formation Conference (AOFC) held in Jaffna:
- Very Rev. Fr. Henricus Asodo, OMI, Second Assistant General of the Congregation.
- Very Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI, General Councilor for the Asia-Oceania Region.
- Very Rev. Fr. James Brobst, OMI, General Councilor for the US-Canada Region.
- Other visiting overseas Oblates attending the AOFC.
Community and Gathering The solemn liturgy was shared alongside a vibrant gathering of the professed brothers’ relatives, Oblate lay associates, students, and numerous well-wishers.
The community continues to offer prayers that these newly professed brothers may steadily grow in grace and deepen their commitment to the true Oblate spirit.
