The Redemptorist Studentate at Frangipani celebrated its annual feast during the foundation day of the Congregation in honor of St. Alphonsus, our founder. Last November 9, 2024, while the whole Congregation celebrated its 292nd founding anniversary, the students here in the Frangipani community at the same time prepared a remarkably simple celebration with a prayer service, a tradition here in Sri Lanka whenever there are feasts or special occasions.
Some priests from different religious congregations, diocesans, and professors from the National Seminary attended the celebration. The prayer service started at exactly 7:00 PM with student prefect giving an introduction.
As part of the tradition during the prayer service, there was a series of hymns to be sung by the congregation, with an explanation to the song’s meaning. An exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction followed at the end. Also, a recorded song from the album of The Reluctant Saint – the Musical, was played entitled “Leave the World and Follow Me.” This song was used as background music after the exposition while everyone kept silent on their meditative adoration to the Blessed Sacrament.
This song reminded us of how St. Alphonsus fought his feelings of hurt deep inside him, and how he struggled to let go and leave the world to follow the call of God. He wanted to be the light of the world, to hear those in need and to bring good news to the poor. He longed to tell those in need of God’s love, and never to stop reaching out and to keep loving them.
Within the prayer service was a scripture reading and a short reflection by Fr. Vimal Tirimanna, C.Ss.R. His reflection emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit as the one leading and guiding the Church. That provided a moment of enlightenment for the audience.
Before the end of the prayer service, the superior of the community, Fr. Ranmal Fernando, C.Ss. R, expressed his heartfelt joy and gratitude to the students. He acknowledged their hard work and dedication over the past two weeks preparing for the feast. He also thanked the community for their unwavering support, as well as the presence of each community from St. Theresa’s Church, Thimbirigasyaya, headed by Fr. Chandana Sanjeewa Perera, C.Ss. R, the Regional Superior and Sancta Maria. He also acknowledged those who were present during the celebration despite their busy schedules in their respective communities.
The prayer service then ended with the singing of Salve Regina in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. It was followed by a Gaudeamus and a communal dinner. This act of sharing a meal together not only signifies our tradition as Redemptorists but also the unity and brotherhood among the different religious and diocesan priests present in the celebration, making everyone feel as one community.
Br. Daryl Sarabia Tecson, C.Ss.R.
Immersion Student in Sri Lanka
