SSS Sri Lanka

The Sixth Sunday of Easter in 2024 was a splendid day for the parishioners of St. James’ parish, Ilavalai as they welcomed their son of their soil, Revd. Fr. Sabarathinam Santana, SSS., who was ordained on the 27^th April, 2024 at St. Philip Neri’s Church, Pettah, Colombo -11, by His Lordship Right Revd. Dr. Anton Ranjith Pillainayagam, the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo. On Sunday the 5^th of May, on a beautiful luminous morning at 10.00 a.m. the parishioners together with the parish priest, Revd. Fr. Christopher George Jeyakumar, several priests and religious and people of the neighboring parishes gathered at St. Anne’s junction, Illavalai to welcome the newly ordained priest. When Fr. Santana, sss., arrived at the welcoming point with the religious of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation, the parish priest formally welcomed the new SSS priest with a kiss and embrace and then he was garlanded and escorted to the parish church with the cultural dances and music. 

The First Thanksgiving public Mass of the 14^th priest of St. James’ Church, Ilavalai began at 10.40 a.m. Several priests concelebrated with the newly ordained priest and hundreds of faithful participated at the Holy Mass. Revd. Fr. Mangalathasan Gnanapragasam, SSS., was the preacher for that special occasion and in his fabulous homily he highlighted on the gift of vocation, important of ministry and challenges had to face by priests. Obviously, Fr. Santana celebrated the Mass with overwhelming piety, serenity and confidence.  

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration a protracted felicitation ceremony was conducted by the parish community for the new priest. Revd. Fr. C. G. Jeyakumar, the parish priest and the dean of the Illavalai deanery, delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing on the importance for a priest to be a role-model in this challenging and digital world. Furthermore, on behalf the parish community he thanked God for the gift of vocation from his parish and for choosing Fr. Santana to be an ‘other Christ’ in the SSS Way of Life. 

Then, Fr. Santana was honoured by poems, songs, cultural dances, speeches and gifts. During the ceremony all and sundry were given refreshment.  The felicitation ceremony was culminated with the acknowledgment talk by Fr. Santana. In his address; he thanked the parish priest and the parish community for organizing his First Thanksgiving public Mass meaningfully and placidly. He acknowledged the ardent support of his family, and all those who were the sources of strength during his journey towards priesthood. He appreciated the hard work done by his colleagues, friends and well-wishers to make the event of his life a success. After the ceremony the priests, religious and some distinguished invitees were served a delicious meal at the parish hall. Subsequently, Fr. Santana with his family members proceeded to his biological home where the family hosted a reception for relatives, neighbours and friends.  

Novice Tiyok Benjamin