(Frangipany, Sri Lanka) The 287th anniversary of the foundation of the Redemptorist Congregation was celebrated on the 9th of November, 2019 with great solemnity in the Redemptorist Formation community at Frangipani, Kandy, Sri Lanka. There was a Solemn Vespers in which Rt. Rev. Dr. Vianney Fernando, the bishop of Kandy, was the guest of honour. Fr. George Puthenpura C.Ss.R., the Prefect of Students shared the reflection on the theme: ‘The Alphonsian mission of transforming a wounded world, in the context of Sri Lanka’ with particular focus on the formation of priests in this island nation. The Rector and staff of the National Seminary, the heads and representatives of all the Religious institutes nearby, Fr. Shiran Fonseca, the regional superior, and the members from all the Redemptorist communities from the Region were present. After the Benediction by Fr. Expeditus Jayakody, the Rector of the National Seminary, Fr. Suresh Kelum C.Ss.R., the Rector of the Community proposed the vote of thanks to all present and led everyone to the agape.
The Redemptorists in Sri Lanka are actively involved in the traditional Redemptorist Parish Missions, parish administration, and Novena devotions. Members of the Region also make themselves available for foreign ministries, especially for the pastoral care of the Sri Lankan citizens in diaspora.
The bishop, in his felicitation speech, thanked the Redemptorists for their manifold ministries in his diocese and wished them abundance of God’s blessings for the future.
Fr. George Puthenpura C.Ss.R.
