SSS Sri Lanka

Bells of St. Thomas’ Church, Matale rang vibrantly on October 11th, 2023 for the joyful event of the Perpetual Profession of Bro. Santana, sss in the Province of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament , Sri Lanka. The Eucharistic Celebration which commenced at 5.30 pm was presided over by Rev. Fr. Justin Chawkan, sss, the Provincial Superior of the Province flanked by so many SSS priests from different houses, religious from Rosarians, IVDei, Rogationists, Good Shepherd, Holy Cross and and Daughters of the Eucharist. Recalling the message of Pope Francis when he introduced the year of Consecrated Life, 2014, Fr. Justin emphasized on three important programmatic attitudes for a holy and deeper living of consecrated life. They are: to be brave, to be joyful and to be in communion. As weak as we are, we may not be able to do these perfectly by ourselves, but the Lord who chose us to be his, to be precious, continues to accompany us with his grace and love. Life of prayer and life of Eucharist, the major heritages received from St. Peter Julian Eymard, our founder, should help us in our commitment for life, just like the branches constantly draw strength from the Vine, giving us nourishment and growth.
After the candidate declared his obedience to the Church and Congregation, Bro. Santana made his perpetual profession by reading out the formulae and signing it. As a sign of welcoming him into the Congregation, he was then worn the ring of the Congregation followed by the kiss of peace by all the SSS.
The celebration came to an end with a fellowship meeting and supper.
We thank Fr. Roger and the Matale community, together with Fr. Sagara and the Scholasticate community for organizing the event of the day, looking into all the necessary arrangements.
A special word of thanks goes to Fr. Manuel who coordinated the Preparatory Program for Perpetual Profession (P4). We are also grateful to Fr. Joel De Cruz, sss the Provincial Superior, Philippines and Fr. Vergel Dalagain, sss for their wonderful guidance given to Bro. Santana when he commenced his preparatory program in the Philippines from July to August, 2023.
We are also grateful to Fr. Philip Benzy, sss who, on behalf of the General Council, addressed us via zoom during the final evaluation of the P4 and commissioning held on October 11th.

Bro. Santana is now getting ready for his ordination to the Diaconate which is scheduled to be held at the Blessed Sacrament Scholasticate, Kandy on October 19th, by our beloved SSS Bishop Emeritus, Dr. Winston Fernamdo.
Our best wishes and prayers to Bro. Santana.
Report by:
Fr. Ignatius Saverimuttu, sss