The Region of Colombo celebrated two ordinations to the priesthood during the month of September.
On Tuesday, September 14, Deacon Kasun Dananjaya was ordained in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Ragama and on Tuesday, September 28, Deacon Aruna Jayan was ordained in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Kandawala. Both were ordained by Bishop Cletus Perera, OSB, the Bishop of Ratnapura.
Due to CO-VID 19 restrictions, including a nationwide quarantine curfew, both ordinations were celebrated in accordance with health department guidelines, including, the participation of a limited number of family members and confreres.
Bishop Cletus celebrated the ordinations in the local Sinhala language and was assisted at the altar by Fr. Shiran Fonseka (Regional Superior) and Fr. Chandana Perera (Vicar).
Fr Shiran (Regional Superior), Fr Kasun, Bishop Cletus, Fr Chandana (Vicar) 
Fr Shiran (Regional Superior), Fr Aruna & Bishop Cletus 
Newly Ordained Fr Kasun Dananjaya
Fr. Shiran described the ordinations as “truly blessed and hope-filled occasions for the Region, in the midst of all the uncertainty and restrictions generated by the pandemic; a testament to the faith and determination of Frs. Kasun and Aruna and their families.” Fr. Shiran also acknowledged with gratitude the many people “who generously accompanied both young confreres throughout their years of formation and study in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Australia.”
Frs. Kasun and Aruna are now looking forward to celebrating thanksgiving masses with the people of their home parishes, once the health and travel restrictions have been lifted.
David J. Hore, C.Ss.R.
