Yazha Thoni - oblate province of jaffna: omi jaffna

Yazha Thoni 

1

The Message from the Provincial 

Dear brother Oblates, 

Blessings and Cordial Greetings in the Risen Lord. 

We are still in the Easter season walking with the 

Risen Lord and being inspired by His Spirit. The 

gift of this new life-experience is our Hope for 

future endeavours. The disciples were invigorated 

to the extent of boldly announcing the Good News, 

“Jesus is Risen and We are all witnesses to it”, is 

because they were convincingly and deeply rooted 

in their master’s love and Spirit. This extraordinary 

attachment to their master gave them power, impetus 

and conviction to face any sort of antagonism created 

by the Jewish leaders when they began their ministry 

of Evangelization. The disciples were even happy to 

be killed and accept martyrdom for the sake of their 

master. Their faith should become the foundation 

of our ministry of Evangelization in a fast changing 

world that chooses short cuts for fascination and self 

satisfaction. It is only, “in growing in faith, hope 

and love, we commit ourselves to be leaven of the 

Beatitudes at the heart of the World”. 

We have a tendency to emphasize on the fact of the 

resurrection of Christ and to downplay or minimize 

the aspect of his death on the CROSS. Jesus Our 

Lord and Savior yielded himself first to be nailed 

to the Cross and be killed. He humbly accepted this 

most ignominious death in order to save us from evil, 

to purify us of our sins and to make us children of 

His Father. He conquered death and the evil of the 

world in His Resurrection and leaves us with the 

gift of everlasting peace that the world cannot give. 

He is risen from the dead and lives forever inviting 

us to experience the pain of the Cross, “whoever 

wishes to come after me must deny himself, take 

up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to 

save his life will lose it, but 

whoever loses his life for my 

sake and that of the Gospel 

will save it” (Mt:8/ 34-35). 

I wish you all A Very Happy 

Easter with the gift of Peace 

and Happiness. May the 

Risen Lord guide you and 

accompany you on your missionary journey. 

I am very much delighted to say that “St. Eugene 

de Mazenod Day Gathering”, held on the 19th of 

April at St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna, was a grand 

success. The Oblates of the Province worked hard 

putting their heart and soul for many days to make 

this event a remarkable one. The children and 

youth from our mission centers more than 1400 in 

number gathered at St. Patrick’s College premises 

witnessing to solidarity and brotherhood. The spirit 

of our Founder whose 150th anniversary of the 

heavenly birth was being concluded on this day, was 

hovering everywhere making those present witness 

to the day’s theme,” Ever Shining Brightly”. The 

Oblates won great admiration from all those who 

graced the occasion and felt proud of being closer 

to the youngsters. While appreciating the efforts 

and the spirit of collaboration of our Oblates, I urge 

you to continuously accompany these children and 

continuously commit yourselves to their integral 

formation. I also thank all the Oblates who were 

present on this occasion. 

Priestly Ordinations 

Our Oblate Deacons, Santhiogu Anthony Sebastian 

Ravel OMI and Sebastian Reginald OMI will 

be ordained priests at St. Sebastian’s Cathedral, 

2 Yazha Thoni

Mannar on the 17 th of May, 2012 at 09.30 am and 

Pakkiyanathan Antony Jesuthasan OMI, Jakkop 

Robinson Satheeskumar OMI, Sinniah Patrick Leo 

OMI and Siluvairasa Arul Sutharson OMI will be 

ordained priests at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Jaffna on 

the 24th of May, 2012 at 09.00 am. 

May I kindly invite you all to pray for these young 

Oblates and be present at these two important events 

of the Province. The Deacons begin their retreat on 

the 6th of May preached by Fr.Vincent Patrick OMI 

in Mannar. I shall be with them too during these 

days. 

A kind reminder to the District and community 

Superiors and to the respective Teams (Mission 

and Spiritual Animation) to faithfully organize 

programmes periodically enabling one another to 

grow, “That Oblate Superiors and the Community be 

attentive to on-going formation, Scripture reflection 

and Oblate studies, for their own spiritual good and 

for the authenticity of their missionary work” (Cf. 

Chapter calls for Conversion on Community – 

Personal and Communal). 

Underway : 

� Two of our Deacons, Sebastian Reval 

& S.Reginald would be ordained 

priests on the 17 th of May 2012 in 

Mannar and the other four - Patrick 

Leo, Arul Sutharson, A.Jesuthasan, 

R.Satheeskumar on the 24 th of May 

2012 in Jaffna. 

� The preliminary works are underway 

to build a chapel at St.Joseph’s 

Juniorate, Jaffna. 


Future Events 

Asia Oceania Formation Committee (AOFC) 

will hold its next meeting in Manila in January 

2013. Being the chairman of this Committee, I 

am already involved with the preliminaries. 

The AORC Meeting and the AORC – GENERAL 

ADMINISTRATION (Joint Session) will be 

held in Bangkok in April 2013. Preparation for 

this great event is underway. 

The Superior General, Very Rev. Fr. Louis 

Lougen OMI will be visiting both our Provinces 

(Colombo and Jaffna) in November 2013. 

Please keep these events and pray that we 

successfully organize them. 

I shall be away in Europe from the 1st of June to 

1st of July 2012. My visits to the Oblates of our 

Province include Rome, Paris, Denmark and 

Norway. In my absence Fr.Stanislaus Philips 

OMI will act for me. May God Bless you and 

protect you always. 

M.Paul Nadchethiram OMI 

“What you’ve done becomes the judge 

of what you’re going to do – especially 

in other people’s minds. When you’re 

traveling, you are what you are right 

there and then. People don’t have your 

past to hold against you. No yesterdays 

on the road.” 

- William Least Heat Moon 

3

Fr.F.L.N.Croos omi 

was assigned as the pastor of 

the parish of PeriyaVilan in the 

Diocese of Jaffna. Fr.F.L.N.Croos 

prior to this, has been serving 

for a short term as the pastor of 

Karampon, Kyts in the Diocese 

of Jaffna. 

Fr.Stany Anthonipillai omi 

was installed as the Superior of 

the Preaching Community at 

AmaithiAham, Vavuniya on the 

11 th of Apr. 2012 by the Provincial 

Superior. 

Fr.P.Vimalarajan omi is preparing 

for his new mission in Palermo, 

Italy. He served as a preacher for 

more than five years being part 

of the Preachers’ Community in 

Vavuniya. Fr.Vimal has taken 

residence in Colombo to organize 

his travel. He will be leaving 

towards the 15 th of June 2012. On the 29 th of April 

2012, Fr.Vimal has launched another audio CD, 

‘Thiyahi’ (Oblate) – a collection of Oblate hymns 

and songs in Tamil. 

Fr.Christy Joy Fernando omi 

has taken up the mission of 

Kokilai in Mulaithivu. Having 

contributed to the Preaching 

Community in Vavuniya for the 

last four years, Joy has started 

this typical mission at the region 

of Kokilai-Nayaaru where there 

are Singhalese and Tamils coexisting. Though 

the material facilities for a resident to work 

at Kokilai are wanting, Fr.Fernando joyfully 

progresses in the mission field with a committed 

Oblate Spirit. It is a new Oblate Mission recently 

undertaken by the Oblates of Jaffna at the request 

of the Bishop of Jaffna under a contract. While 

congratulating Joy for being the pioneer, we urge 

our Oblates to support him by their prayers and 

fraternal visits. 

Placements 

Fr.Eugene Amalraj omi who 

has been serving as Bursar at 

Sangamam, Koppay, is assigned 

as a member of the Preaching 

Community in Vavuniya on 12 

Jan 2012. 

Fr.Antony Poncian omi has 

gone back to Trincomalee after 

the successful completion of his 

M.Ed. Graduate Study Programme 

at the University of Jaffna in 

January 2012. At the request of 

the Bishop of Trincomalee & 

Batticoloa, Fr.Poncian worked out 

his transfer to take up St.Joseph’s College in Trinco 

as the new Principal, as Fr.Jevanadas Fernando is 

completing his service at this College. Fr. Poncian 

is already at St. Joseph’s College as a teaching staff 

member. 

Fr.David Ratnarajah omi has 

been assigned to assist Fr.Stan 

Philips omi at Chatti-Allaipiddi 

Missiom in the Diocese of Jaffna. 

Fr.Ratna will also serve as the 

person in-charge of the Website of 

the Province. The site- omijaffna. 

com - is under way and is hoped 

to be officially launched soon. 

Fr.Pethuru Arulnathan omi 

has taken up his residence at the 

Bishop’s House, Pattim, Mannar. 

Fr. Arul was residing for a few 

months at Sithamparapuram, 

Vavuniya. 

Fr. Fredrick Thevarajah 

omi who has been serving as 

the Superior of the Preaching 

Community in Vavuniya for the 

last four years, has got his visa 

to his new mission in Denmark 

and he would take up his new 

mission very soon. 


LEBARA VILLAGE, 

MANIYANTHODDAM, JAFFNA 

The Oblates of the Jaffna Province built 40 houses 

for the resettling of the people at Maniyamthoddam, 

Jaffna with the generous support of the Lebara 

Foundation. The building construction was started 

in the month of August, 2011, and was completed 

in February, 2012. Rev. Fr.Thevathasan Edwin 

omi coordinated this programme. The housing 

scheme was named as Lebara Village in gratitude 

to the Lebara Foundation. The houses were handed 

over to the beneficiaries at a function organized 

on the 12 th of February, 2012. In his absence, 

Mr.Leon, the founder of the Lebara Foundation 

has deligated his mother to be the chief guest for 

the handing over ceremony. The Government 

Agent of Jaffna District, the Grant Director of the 

Oblates of Mary Immaculate Rev.Fr.A.Jeevendra 

Paul omi, Fr.Clement Waidyasegara omi, the 

General Councilor for Asia-Oceania, the Oblate 

Provincial of Jaffna, the Vicar General of the 

Diocese of Jaffna, Oblates of the Jaffna Province, 

the diocesan Fathers, brothers, Rev.Sisters and 

the villagers graced the occasion. The people 

of Maniyanthoddam and the Oblates of Jaffna 

Province are very grateful to the Lebara Foundation 

for their generous support to rebuild the life of our 

affected people. 


News in Brief 

LEBARA LIBRARY, KILINOCHCHI 

The foundation stone for a modern library at Annai 

Illam, Kilinochchi, was laid by the mother of 

Mr. Leon, the founder of the Lebara Foundation, 

on the 14 th of February, 2012. This library is 

named ‘Lebara Library’. Many priests, the staff 

of Annai Illam, the students who receive monthly 

scholarship from the Lebara Foundation were 

present at the ceremony. The Oblates of the Jaffna 

Province and the people of Kilinochchi district, 

especially the students, are very grateful to the 

Lebara Foundation for its generous contribution 

and support. This library will undoubtedly help 

hundreds of children and students to better their 

education and will serve as a source of knowledge 

to the people of Kilinochchi/ Vanni in the post 

war era. 

OPENING OF THE PRIESTS’ 

RESIDENCE AND THE 

COMMUNITY HALL 

A long felt need for a mission house for 

Amathypuram - Akkarayan Mission, was realized 

on the 15 th of February, 2012. During the war, 

the priests’ residence at Amathypuram was 

completely demolished to the ground and the 

people were all displaced in many neighbouring 

villages. After the resettlement, the people were 

not willing to resettle at Amathypuram as it is 

5

occupied by the army, and there was no facility. 

Therefore, the parish priest had to move to 

Arokkiyapuram together with the people. Since 

there was no mission house, the pastor took 

shelter in the Sacristy. As it is an Oblate mission, 

the Oblates of the Jaffna Province built a priests’ 

residence at Skanthapuram, with the financial 

assistance from Missio. The new residence 

was blessed and opened by Rt.Rev.Dr.Thomas 

Savundaranayagam, the Bishop of Jaffna on the 

15 th of February, 2012. 

Golden Jubilee celebration 

Fr.P.P.Philip omi thanked the Lord for the 50 years 

of God’s grace in and through his priestly life on 

the 13th of April, 2012. St.Joseph’s OMI Juniorate 

Community, where Fr.P.P.Philip serves, organized 

a simple but colourful Eucharistic Celebration at 

the Chapel at Amala-Utpavam, Jaffna. Fr.Paul 

Nadchethiram omi, the Provincial Superior, 

Fr.Stephen, the Prior General of the Rosarian 

Fathers, a good number of other Oblates, Diocesan 

priests, religious sisters and handful of Fr.Philip’s 

family members graced the occasion. 

The parish church of Pasaiyoor thanked the 

Lord with its Jubilarian son, Fr.P.P.Philp omi on 

the 29th of Apr. 2012 in a solemn thanksgiving 

Eucharist. His Lordship Rayappu Joseph, the 

Bishop of Mannar and His Lordship Victor 

Gnanapragasam, the Bishop of Quetta, Pakistan, 

Fr.Paul Nadcethiram omi, the Provincial Superior, 

On the same occasion, a Community Hall built for 

the benefit of this mission in the same boundary, 

which is named ‘Amthivanam’ was also blessed 

and opened by the Bishop of Jaffna. The Grant 

Director of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 

Rev.Fr.Jeevendra Paul omi, the Provincial of the 

Oblates of the Jaffna Province, the oblates, the 

diocesan priests and the parishioners were present 

at the opening ceremony. The Community Hall 

was built with the financial help from the Tamil 

Diaspora Community ( md;id G+gjp jkp;o; 

fyhrhu epiyak;) in Norway. 

Fr. Justin Gnanapragasam, the Vicar General 

of the Diocese of Jaffna, priests, religious and 

parishioners graced the occasion. 

New Auxiliaries for the Archdiocese 

Two new bishops were nominated by the 

Holy Father to be the auxiliary bishops for the 

Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Msgr.Fidelis 

Lionel Emmanuel Fernando and Msgr.Maxwell 

Granville Silva were consecrated bishops on 

the 11 th of Feb. 2012 at St.Lucia’s, Colombo. 

We extend our heartiest congratulations and 

prayerful wishes to these two shepherds. 

New Leadership Team for the Holy 

Cross Sisters 

On the 1st of March, the Holy Cross Sisters 

(Menzingen) were blessed with a new Leadership 

Team for the next six years. Rev.Sr.Victorine 

James was elected as the Provincial Superior. 

Congratulations! 


Visits, Arrivals & Departures 

Fr.Renald Remindran omi, a missionary from 

the Delegation of Pakistan, visited his family in 

Jaffna and went around the province visiting his 

friends in the month of Jan. 2012. 

Fr.Francis Daniel omi who ministers in London 

at the parish of English Martyrs as its pastor 

visited the Province in the month of February 

2012. 

Fr.Clement Waidyasegara omi, the General 

Councilor for Asia-Oceania was present for 

the opening of the Lebara Housing Scheme 

collaborated and coordinated by the Jaffna 

Province at Manianthoddam, Jaffna on the 12 th 

of February 2012. 

Fr.Jeevendra Paul omi, the Grant Director in 

Rome visited the province to grace the occasions 

of the opening ceremony of the Lebara Housing 

Scheme at Manianthoddam, Jaffna on the 12 th of 

February 2012 and the AmaithyVanam-priests’ 

residence at Skanthapuram on the 15 th of Feb. 

2012, and the laying of the foundation stone to a 

Library at the Counseling Centre, Annai Illam, 

Kiinochchi. 

Fr.Maria Sebastian omi went on a family visit 

to Australia for about 3 weeks in the month of 

March. 

Fr.A.B.Vincent omi travelled to Singapore 

for a short family union visit during his school 

holidays in mid-April 2012. 

Fr.Edwin Vasantharasa omi has taken wings 

to the Philippines to pursue his Doctoral Studies 

in Canon Law. Fr.Edwin has been serving 

as the director of the Study Programme at 

Gnanodayam, Centre for Religious Studies 

and Lay Formation in Mannar. We wish him a 

successful study Programme. 

Fr. Jegankumar Coonghe omi, having 

completed a few months of pastoral ministry 

assisting Fr.Alban at Arippu in Mannar, has 

flown to Rome on the 29 


th of April, 2012, to read 

for his licentiate in Sacred Scripture at Biblicum, 

Rome. Let us keep him in our prayers. 

Fr.Godfrey Joel omi, having completed his 

studies very successfully in England in the Field 

of Education, has come back to St.Joseph’s 

College, Trinco in February, 2012. 

Fr.Mariyanayagam omi, a missionary in 

Lesotho is currently visiting Jaffna. 

Fr. Sebasty Nicholas omi who was in India for 

the last eight months, is to arrive home soon. We 

thank the Oblate Province of India for the care 

and hospitality extended to Fr. Nicholas. 

Fr. Anpurasa omi visited India for about a week 

to attend a seminar sponsored by the Center for 

Performing Arts, Jaffna. 

Fr. Sathiyaseelan omi is in India to solemnize 

the wedding of his sister. 

Fr. Atputharajah omi who has been the Pastor 

of the Haputale Mission in the Diocese of 

Badulla for the last five years has completed his 

services in the Mission. Currently he is visiting 

his sister in France before taking up his new 

ministry. 

Rt. Rev. Dr. Victor Gnanapragasam omi, the 

Bishop of Quetta, Pakistan who is currently 

in Jaffna on a family visit, visited few Oblate 

Communities in the Province. 

The ultimate measure of a man is 

not where he stands in moments of 

comfort, but where he stands at times 

of challenge and controversy. 

- Martin Luther King, Jr. 

7

News and Views 

The Centenary of Priestly Ordination of the Servant of God, 

Very Rev.Fr.B.A.Thomas OMI, 

the Founder of the Congregation of the Rosarians. 

The centenary of Priestly Ordination of the Servant 

of God, Very Rev. Fr. B. A. Thomas omi (1886- 

1964), the Founder of the Congregation of the 

Rosarians, was Commemorated on 06 th January 

2012 at Arul Ashram, Jaffna under the patronage 

of Rt.Rev.Dr.Thomas Savundaranayagam, the 

Bishop of Jaffna. This was organized in order to 

make him known in a better way to the other parts 

of the island. He is well known in the North and 

East. On this occasion there was a large number 

of priests, religious and people gathered at the 

Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by His 

Lordship. During his homily His lordship stressed 

on the importance of contemplative vocation and 

its effects. 

Thereafter, the Memorial Celebration was held 

where the newly built Memorial hall of Fr. 

B.A.Thomas was declared open by Very Rev. 

Fr.A.M.Stephen CR, the Prior General of the 

Congregation of the Rosarians, and the renovated 

Tomb of Fr.B.A.Thomas was blessed by His 

Lordship and he unveiled the mural figure of 

Fr.Thomas omi at his tomb. 

Rosarians, also spoke on Fr.Thomas in the 

context of India. 

The Servant of God, Fr.B.A.Thomas omi, the 

Founder of the Congregation of the Rosarians 

was widely known as a saintly Priest, holy 

monk, and sage who lived at Tholagatty Rosarian 

Monastery since its inception, 1928 – 1964. Many 

sought his spiritual guidance, did their retreats, 

listened to spiritual talks and visited him from 

far and wide, even from different parts of the 

world. His whole life became a great light for 

the bishops, priests, Religious and all walks of 

people through his mission of Contemplative life 

and preaching. He was considered a living saint 

by many during his life time. As he is a Servant of 

God, His beatification process is being done, and 

soon the diocesan process and its records will be 

submitted. There are Bishops, Priests, Religious 

and faithful who have responded bearing witness 

to his life, mission and his sanctity. And many 

who have experienced miracles and favours have 

sent their records. They are a great contribution 

towards the beatification process. Let us pray 

that the loving God may raise him to the state 

of sainthood. 

Rev.Fr.Paul Nadchethiram omi, the Provincial 

Superior of Jaffna Province of the Oblates of 

May God continue to bless us through 

Mary Immaculate was the main speaker of the 

the intercession of our Servant of God 

event on Fr.Thomas omi. Rev.Fr.K.P.Xavier, 

Fr.B.A.Thomas omi. 

the Vicar General of the Congregation of the 

- Rev.Fr.Justin CR 


The Oblate world had the opportunity to 

commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 

heavenly birth of the Founder, Saint Eugene 

de Mazenod during the year 2011 -2012. 

This memorable event has given rise to 

number of meaningful gatherings in the Oblate 

community worldwide. This special occasion 

was characterized by celebrations with the people 

to whom and with whom the Congregation 

is involved in the ministry. Main thrust of the 

ministry, namely, to be with the most abandoned 

was focussed in these gatherings. 

Accordingly, in the Province of Jaffna plans were 

forged under the title, “Saint Eugene de Mazenod 

Day Gathering - 2012”. One full day, 19th April 

2012, was devoted entirely for this memorable 

event; and it was held at Saint Patrick’s College, 

Jaffna, an educational institution which stands 

straight witnessing the undaunted pioneering 

mission of the Oblates. The Oblate ministries 

among the children and youth were highlighted 

in these events. 

It was significant in the history of the Province 

as it gathered large number of children and 

youth under one banner, and it was the biggest 

gathering and Oblate event in the recent past. The 

words of Saint Eugene de Mazenod to one of his 

Oblates, “I have no use for smouldering wicks in 

this society. I want you to burn, give light” were 

chosen to lay foundation for the whole concept 

behind the event giving challenge to children 

and youth. These words were powerful spur to 

the theme of the day “enrum olirum thiriyaga” 


Saint Eugene de Mazenod Day 

Gathering - 2012 

(wick that ever shining brightly). 

The participants, children and youth, of more than 

1200 of all walks of life irrespective of religion 

along with their animators were chosen from our 

various Oblate institutions and mission stations 

under the care of the Oblates in Jaffna, Mannar, 

Kilinochchi, Mullaithivu, Trincomalee districts 

and upcountry regions were gathered together 

for this one-day programme was remarkable 

one. The Oblate Province of Jaffna was fully 

immersed in them in their ministry realizing their 

importance in the society. Especially the wartorn 

community is in need of such involvement. 

The above ministry is centred on their needs of 

psychological counselling, growth in the field of 

education, wholistic approach to life, leadership 

etc. 

The day’s programme started at 9 am with 

common worship. The day was spent on various 

meaningful activities. The time till noon was 

made use of to conduct suitable activities for the 

children and youth separately and it was animated 

by many experts in the fields. The children were 

made to involve in meaningful programmes to 

enrich their friendship among themselves and 

realize their role in society and in their own 

growth. The youth were given opportunities 

through various activities to discover their 

leadership role in the society. Through many 

role-plays they were helped to identify the hidden 

talents in them and were made to understand that 

these were gifts to be made use of to become 

better people. These programmes were better 

9

assisted by the trained animators of our Oblate 

institutions. On the whole it was an enriching 

experience for the participants and organizers. 

After a delicious lunch served for all, the 

time between 2.30 to 5.00 was given to 

cultural performances. The variety of cultural 

performances by the children from the Oblate 

institutions and parishes were appreciated very 

much by the audience. The cultural features were 

based on promoting human values. A short drama 

by the Oblate Juniorists on the life and Charism 

of the founder, Saint Eugene de Mazenod and 

a short musical and orchestra performance by 

the Oblate Scholastic brothers were also well 

appreciated. 

The afternoon stage programme was graced by 

the presence of the Bishop of Jaffna, Rt. Rev. 

Dr.Thomas Savundaranayagam as chief guest, 

From the Juniorate to the Pre-Novitiate 

Seven Juniorists from St.Joseph’s Juniorate, 

Jaffna sat the English Entrance Exam at the 

National Seminary, Ampitiya, and all except 

one got through. Two out of the six have joined 

the Pre-Novitiate Programme in Mannar in mid 

April. Now there are three pre-novices from 

the province of Jaffna along with other 14 from 

the province of Colombo – which includes pre- 

Formation 

and dignified by the presence of the Chief Priest of 

Nallur Hindu Temple, Chief Priests of Buddhist, 

the Government Agent of Jaffna, Prior General 

of the Rosarians, Provincials of the Holy Family 

Sisters and of Holy Cross Sisters as special 

guests. The Bishop of Jaffna while thanking 

the Oblates for their commitment to mission, 

expressed his satisfaction and appreciation for 

their ministry among the youngsters. All guests 

in their speeches appreciated the Oblate mission, 

urged for a need of formation of the values in the 

growth of children and youth. The Provincial of 

Jaffna, Rev.Fr.Paul Nadchethiram thanked the 

participants for their acceptance of the Oblate 

ministry, thanked the organisers and called for 

vigorous and fruitful engagement in the ministry 

to children and youth in the growing society. 

- Fr.Edmund Michael omi. 

novices from Pakistan (5) and from Bangladesh 

(1) It is remarkable that we have an international 

community. 

Personality Awareness Growth and 

Development at the Pre -Novitiate 

Rev.Sr.Rina Rasiah, a Holy Cross nun conducted 

a counseling session from the 16 th of Apr. to 21st 

of Apr. for the pre-novices at the Pre-Novitiate, at 

the invitation of Fr.Jesuthasan omi, the director. 


Mission and Ministry 

Ministry Among the Needy - A Mission 

Accomplished: It is three years since Oblates 

of Jaffna Province launched a Relief Mission in 

those camps in Cheddikulam area where about 

238 000 people from Sri Lankan war fronts 

of Vanni settled in temporary shelters behind 

barbed-wires. 

Early February 2009, people started to flee 

from the north eastern war territory to come 

to army-controlled areas. Government forces 

brought them to Cheddikulam, a north central 

region in the district of Vavuniya. Fr.Celestine 

Maschringhe omi, who was the parish priest, 

acted promptly to cater to the people, for they 

were people without anything except their very 

lives. The Oblates in the neighbourhood also 

appeared on the scene to join in the relief work. 

Eventually a massive Oblate-Relief operation 

was undertaken by the Oblates. 

Cheddikulam by nature is a mission area in the 

far end of the Diocese of Mannar sharing its 

border with the central District and Diocese of 

Anurathapura. Being on the border it has been 

affected severely by the three decade civil war. 

Good number of people here are either Tamil 

settlers from the South or re - settlers after the 

relative calm situation in the area. Now it has 

become a refuge for the fleeing masses from the 

North. 


It is hard to involve in any sort of relief work 

without the knowledge and permission of the 

military. It is still harder to involve with the 

most deserving people from the war fronts of the 

North. But The Catholic Church did it best to 

help the people in need. The Caritas, Diocesan 

Institutions and other religious humanitarian 

wings extended their timely assistance by being 

close to these little ones of Jesus. Fr.Celestine, 

as the pastor of the area, was there fulltime to 

coordinate and to directly involve in the huge 

relief mission. 

Along with his spiritual and sacramental services, 

Fr.Celestine catered with cooked meals, dry 

ration, medical and sanitary care, education 

facilities, clothes and baby-needs, family reunion 

etc. to these hundreds of thousands of internally 

displaced people (IDP) –who were both Hindus 

and Christians. The pastor did not leave his 

flock unattended. Another young Oblate, 

Fr.Sathiyaseelan joined Fr.Celestine in this noble 

mission to the poor. 

Fr.Celestine built 15 churches, all of them are 

permanent, except three inside the IDP camps. 

Consequently weekly masses were organized in 

those churches especially inside the camps with 

the help of the neighbouring priests. Some 20000 

buns were distributed daily to the people in the 

camps. In organized vision clinics more than 

1500 were given spectacles. More than 1500 pre- 

11

school kids were given fresh milk daily, former 

militants in detention camps were helped with 

clothes, toiletries etc., the most deserving people 

• Call to Eternal Bliss! 

were helped financially for their daily living and 

30 students were gifted with bicycles without 

which their education would have remained a 

question mark. 

It was, on the whole, a massive Oblate endeavour 

to respond to the needs of the time. What is 

observed here is not the monetary value of the 

assistance but much more than that the closeness 

to and the solidarity with the needy. The personal 

care of the Oblates with these people stands 

out and is fresh even after years of the Oblate 

presence in the camps and in the areas. Now 

similar mission is undertaken by some other 

Oblates in other areas where it is needed now – of 

course always close to the people. 

Fr. Peter Thurairatnam – a diocesan Priest from Jaffna passed away on 

the 21 h of Jan. 2012. 

Sr.Mary Bernarda Swampillai – a Holy Cross nun in Jaffna was called 

to Eternal Bliss on the 25 th of March 2012. 

Mr. John Clementine, the brother-in-law of Fr.Poncian expired on the 

19 th of Jan. 2012 in Jaffna. 

While extending our condolences to our fellow Priests, Religious and 

their family members, we also pray for the repose of the souls of these 

dear ones. 

Rely on your own strength of 

body and soul. Take for your star 

self-reliance, faith, honesty and 

industry. Don’t take too much 

advice - keep at the helm and steer 

your own ship, and remember that 

the great art of commanding is to 

take a fair share of the work. Fire 

above the mark you intend to hit. 

Energy, invincible determination 

with the right motive, are the 

levers that move the world. 

- Noah Porter 

Editorial Board: Fr.S.P.J.Pachchek, Fr.Vincent Patrick, Fr.P.P.Philip & Fr.Meno Basty.

Yazha Thoni - oblate province of jaffna: omi jaffna

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