SSS Sri Lanka

The Blessed Sacrament Scholasticate in Kandy is a religious formation house of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation. It is a place where Scholastics who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life can receive formation and theological education and other training. In other words, it focuses on religious formation, study of philosophy, theology, spirituality, and pastoral ministries, preparing the scholastics for religious life and priesthood in the Church. 

It provides a structured and supportive environment for those students to deepen their vocation in discerning God’s call to serve. It encompasses spiritual integration, academic/professional studies, and pastoral ministries with a focus on formation for apostolic religious life. 

The objectives of the Scholasticate include the deepening of human and religious maturity, the understanding and embodiment of the Congregation’s specific way of life, practical experiences in the Congregation’s mission, discernment of vocational and ministerial choices, acquisition of knowledge in philosophy, theology, pastoral ministry, and other fields, preparation for perpetual profession, and preparation for instituted and ordained ministries.

Located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, the Blessed Sacrament Scholasticate offers a peaceful and conducive setting for intellectual and spiritual growth. The institution follows a curriculum that combines academic study with practical training, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals equipped to serve the Church and society.

The Blessed Sacrament Scholasticate welcomes candidates who have a genuine desire to serve God and His people. Aspiring priests and religious individuals can find guidance, mentorship, and a community of like-minded individuals as they progress through their formation journey.

Since its establishment in 1977, the Scholasticate has been dedicated to the growth and development of its candidates. Initially, due to limited facilities, the scholastics resided at the OMI Scholasticate. However, in 1977, the current location was inaugurated under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Lawrence Sullivan, SSS, as its First Director. The building, originally an old Sinhala School, was renovated and expanded, providing a conducive setting for intellectual and spiritual growth. The Scholasticate underwent further development, with the addition of a two-story building proposed by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Sullivan in 1985. This building, named after him, offered essential facilities such as dormitories, dining hall, library cum conference room, parlors, and a chapel.

The Scholasticate continued to evolve under the leadership of various directors, 

Fr. Kevin Gallager, SSS (1980-1982),  Fr. Winston Fernando, SSS (1982-1985, 1995-1997), Fr. Lawrence Sullivan, SSS (1985-1988), Fr. Alfred Alexander, SSS  (1988-1989, 1992), Fr. Sunil Rupasinghe, SSS  (1989-1995),  Fr. Joseph Fernando, SSS- 1997-1998, Fr. Alfred Alexander, SSS (1998-1999). Fr. Dilan Fernando, SSS (1999-2003), Fr. Nilindra Gunasekara, SSS (2003-2006), Fr. Gnananesan Arulanandan, SSS (2006-2009), Fr. Ignatius Saverimuttu, SSS (2009-2015), Fr. Justin Chawkan, SSS (2015-2021), Fr. Sagara Jayamanne, SSS (2021-)

Each director contributed to the growth and enhancement of the institution, striving to provide a nurturing environment for the scholastics to pursue their religious vocation.

Over the years, the Scholasticate has remained steadfast in its mission to guide aspiring priests and religious individuals on their formation journey. Through mentorship, guidance, and a supportive community, candidates are encouraged to discern their calling and deepen their commitment to serve God and His people. We are grateful to Mr. Philippe Moschatta and his family for their financial contributions since 2014 for the education of the scholastics. We continue to pray that the Lord will bless them with good health, peace and joy.