(Colombo , Sri Lanka) On Friday December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, our brother Ranmal Fernando,celebrated his Perpetual Profession in the presence of family, loved ones and friends; at the Redemptorist Parish of St Theresa’s, Colombo.
Nine confreres gathered with Ranmal for what was truly a blessed and grace-filled occasion for the Region. Fr. Shiran Fonseka the Regional Superior, was the principal celebrant at the mass which was celebrated in the local Sinhala language; and assisted at the altar by his Regional Council – Fr. Chandana Perera (Vicar and preacher for the occasion) and Fr. Kelum Fernando (2nd Consultor). Many Region’s seminarians were also present, with a number of them having roles in the ceremony.
Ranmal is the first confrere from the Region to complete all his major formation stages in the Philippines; his Novitiate at Lipa, followed by his theological studies at SATMI – Davao.
After spending time with his family upon returning from the Philippines, Ranmal was welcomed to St Theresa’s community where he undertook community and parish experience. Ranmal also participated in a “Preparation for Final Vows” programme conducted by the Conference of Major Religious Superiors of Sri Lanka through their Committee for Religious Formation.
Now Ranmal will go to Kandy for a retreat under the guidance of “a Sylvestro-Benedictine monk” in preparation for his Ordination to the Diaconate on December 19.
David J. Hore, C.Ss.R.
