On Sunday, September 8, 2024, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Conventual Franciscan Mission in Sri Lanka, of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India, marked a momentous occasion with the profession of solemn vows of Friar Sandanuwan (Isuru) WISIDAGAMAGE.
The Mass was celebrated at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the St. Anthony Friary, located in Katana, a suburb of Negombo, Sri Lanka. The Minister Provincial of India, Friar Michael EARALY, presided.
Friar Sandanuwan professed his solemn vows into the hands of Friar Michael EARALY, thereby committing himself fully to the Conventual Franciscan way of life in a spirit of obedience, poverty, and chastity. The profession of solemn vows ceremony was complemented by the presence of Friar Simon ELINJELY, the Mission Director; Friar Naveen KANDATHIL, the Rector of Ave Maria Franciscan Friary in Jaffna; along with all the friars of the Mission in Sri Lanka, who gathered in solidarity to witness and celebrate this sacred moment.
The ceremony was enriched by the presence of Friar Sandanuwan’s parents, relatives and friends, who joyfully joined the friars in a spirit of thanksgiving. The Mass was deeply moving and joyful, filled with prayers of gratitude for Friar Sandanuwan’s lifelong commitment to the mission of the Conventual Franciscan Order.
After the ceremony, there was a gathering which offered time for fellowship, sharing, and mutual gratitude, reflecting the shared joy of the Franciscan community and all those who came to celebrate with Friar Sandanuwan on this significant day in his religious journey.
May the Lord continue to guide and bless Friar Sandanuwan as he embarks on this next stage of his consecrated life serving God and His people.
Friar Patrick VARGHESE (KANNADAN), Provincial Secretary
