SSS Sri Lanka

On 27th April, 2024, the Province of Christ the Bread of Life of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Sri Lanka celebrated the ordination of Deacon Santana to priesthood. The ceremony took place at St. Philip Neri’s Church, Colombo at 9:30 a.m, and was conducted by Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Anton Ranjith, one of the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Colombo. Rt. Rev. Dr. Winston Fernando, sss, the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Badulla, also graced the occasion with his presence.

In attendance were almost all the SSS confreres in Sri Lanka, along with some priests from the Dioceses and other religious Congregations. Deacon Santana’s family from Ilavalai, along with some of his relatives and friends, also joined in, making the celebration more meaningful and colorful. Fr. Anton Rothitha was the Master of Ceremony and meticulously looked into all the liturgical arrangements of the day in an orderly manner.

As a Province, we are grateful to all those who contributed to the initial formation of Fr. Santana. He thanked all his formators, directors, professions, members of the Provincial Council past and present, and Provincial Superiors past and present for their spiritual, human, moral, psychological, intellectual, emotional, and prayerful support given to him during these long years of formation. He also remembered with much gratitude Mr. Philippe Moschatta and his family for sponsoring the entire expenses of his scholastic years of formation.

Fr. Justin Chawkan, the Provincial Superior, announced the first appointment of Fr. Santana. He will serve as the Assistant Parish Priest of St. Thomas’ Church, Matale, as a member of the Blessed Sacrament Community, Matale, from 13th May, 2024. Before that, he will celebrate his thanksgiving Holy Mass in his native parish church in Jaffna, which is none other than St. James’ Church, Illavalai.

Let us join Fr. Santana in thanking God for the precious gift of priesthood in him and pray that the good Lord may accompany him on his onward journey as a minister of Word and Sacraments.