In September 2026, the Conventual Franciscan Mission in Sri Lanka celebrated three important events: the temporary profession of three novices, the priestly ordination of Friar Wisidagamage Don Isuru SANDANUWAN, and his first Mass.
On September 12, 2026, novices Senura SEUMINA, Henry ROJER, and Jude Lucian ROCHE made their temporary profession. The Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India, Friar Michael EARALY, presided over the ceremony, which was held at St. Anthony Friary in Katana, Sri Lanka.
Through their profession, the three newly professed friars committed themselves to continuing their Franciscan journey in fidelity to the Gospel and the charism of St. Francis of Assisi.
On September 14, 2026, Friar Wisidagamage Don Isuru SANDANUWAN was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend Sampathawaduge Maxwell Grenville SILVA, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ordination took place at St. Lazarus Church, in the Kurukulawa neighborhood of Ragama, Sri Lanka, through the laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination.
The celebrations continued on September 20, 2026, when the newly ordained priest celebrated his first Mass at St. Lazarus Church in Kurukulawa. Friars, diocesan priests, members of other religious communities, family members, and the faithful gathered in thanksgiving and prayer for his priestly ministry.
These celebrations marked significant moments in the life of the Conventual Franciscan Mission in Sri Lanka and highlighted the commitment of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in India to foster vocations, guide friars throughout their formation, and advance the Franciscan mission in the Church.
Friar Patrick Jentil KANNADAN
