On Saturday, February 19, 2022, the St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Sri Lanka, belonging to the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India, saw its first fruit come to harvest with the priestly ordination of Friar Sasun RAJAPAKSE.
The effort and dedication of the friars of Sri Lanka led to the first priestly ordination of one of their sons: Friar Sasun was ordained by the imposition of hands and the consecratory prayer of the Most Reverend Sampathawaduge Maxwell GRENVILLE SILVA, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The historic event took place at St. Sebastian’s National Shrine in Kandana-Negombo, our confrere’s home parish.
On Saturday morning, the parish welcomed Bishop GRENVILLE SILVA; Friar Bonaventure KALLUVETTUKUZHIYIL, the Minister Provincial of India; Friar Bonaventure KALLUVETTUKUZHIYIL, Friar Sasun RAJAPAKSE; and all the authorities. Others present on behalf of the Province included the Provincial Definitors, some additional friars and some student friars and young men in formation at the Mission. Many priests, religious, benefactors and friends were also present at the ordination.
At the end of the celebration, everyone received a blessing from the newly ordained priest, Friar Sasun, who thanked the faithful for their support and love.
The friars of the Indian Province
