Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate · 1847–2026

Oblate Province of Jaffna

17 Ministries. Many Places. One Mission. A missionary journey of faith, service, healing, reconciliation and hope.

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“He has sent us to evangelize the poor.”

Luke 4:18 · Oblate charism

1847
Founded: 1847
Jaffna: 17+
Ministries

Welcome

Oblate Province of Jaffna

A missionary family since 1847

Welcome to the Oblate Province of Jaffna, part of the worldwide Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Since arriving in Sri Lanka in 1847 and Jaffna in 1848, the Oblates have served through pastoral ministry, education, social service, and community development. Today, the Province continues its mission across Sri Lanka and abroad, proclaiming the Good News and accompanying communities in faith, service, and compassion.

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Daily inspiration

“Leave nothing undared for the Kingdom of God.”

What guides us

Our calling

Charism

Evangelizing the poor. Presence, accompaniment, education, compassion, justice, reconciliation and service.

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Mission

Empowered by the Good News, we work for a healing society in and through the light of the Good News.

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Vision

A life towards a renewed, just and free society.

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Seventeen ways of serving

Ministries

All ministries

Media Ministry

Media Ministry exists to proclaim the Gospel: sharing the Good News through digital media, documenting missionary activities, connecting communities, and spreading the Oblate mission through photos, videos, publications and social media.

Administration

Administration exists for mission: coordinating missionaries, supporting communities, planning pastoral activities and directing resources towards missionary needs.

Mission Preaching

Mission preaching brings the Gospel to communities through preaching, renewal and accompaniment.

Hospital & Prison Chaplaincy

A ministry of presence among people who are sick, isolated, vulnerable or forgotten, offering prayer, pastoral care, dignity and hope.

Formal Education

Formal education is one of the Province’s continuing missionary commitments, supporting children and young people through schools, formation, learning and values-based education.

Non-Formal Education

Learning opportunities, skills development, personal growth and social empowerment beyond the traditional classroom.

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Formation

A life given to mission

Prayer, study and community at Colombuthurai, Keeri and Ampitiya, and formation houses abroad.

Beyond the island

Missionaries sent abroad

Oblates of this Province serve in Mexico, Kenya, Europe, Australia, Pakistan and other missions.

Province office

Write to Jaffna

657/1 Hospital Road, Jaffna. The Province office answers vocation, parish and publication enquiries.

From the Province

Latest news

All news

25 October 2026

"Joint Humanitarian Appeal"

🕊️ Joint Humanitarian Appeal 🕊️

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15 March 2026

Jaffna

Sample Province gathering

Short card summary for Latest news.

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The Superior General visits the Province

24 October – 2 November 2024

Parishes and houses of the Province

The Superior General visits the Province

Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso stayed with the Oblate Province of Jaffna for ten days, visiting parishes and houses and joining vows and an ordination in Jaffna.

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16–19 February 2025

Gnanodhayam, Mannar

Provincial Assembly at Gnanodhayam

Oblates met in Mannar from 16 to 19 February 2025 under the theme “Synodal Journey of Hope – Renewing Oblate Charism Together.”

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21 August 2026

Church of Our Lady of Good Voyage, Kokkilai

Church opening at Kokkilai

The Church of Our Lady of Good Voyage was opened and blessed on 21 August 2026 by the Bishop of Jaffna.

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16 May 2026

Youth Empowerment Center, Ariyalai

A day of recollection at Ariyalai

Oblates of the Jaffna District spent 16 May 2026 in prayer and fraternity at the Youth Empowerment Center.

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What you'll find in Media

Live broadcasts, province events, photo galleries and stories from the Oblate Province of Jaffna.

Live

Oblate Jaffna TV

Watch on the official YouTube channel of the Province

Latest province updates

Events Feasts, gatherings and celebrations

Photos from the Province

Province newsStories, feasts and celebrations

Media that connects

Province timeline

Our journey

1847 – 1899 · The Early Foundations

September 17Mgr. Bettachini appointed Pro-Vicar of Jaffna.
November 28Arrival of the first Oblates in Ceylon (Frs. Semeria, Keating, Ciamin, and Br. Gaspard de Stephanis).
May 10Fr. Semeria presented Mgr. Bettachini with a project to establish a Seminary for the formation of a Ceylonese Clergy.
September 8Fr. Semeria formally appointed Secretary to Mgr. Bettachini (a post equivalent to Vicar General) and parish priest of Jaffna, with Fr. Keating as assistant.
May 12Arrival of the second band of Oblates (Frs. Mouchel, Leydier, and Le Bescou).
August 13Mgr. Bettachini appointed Vicar Apostolic of Jaffna.
AugustArrival of Frs. Vivier and Mauroit.
June 4Fr. Semeria appointed Vicar General of Jaffna.
June 16Fr. Leydier died of cholera at Vathiry.
July 26Arrival of four Oblate Fathers to work in the Vicariate of Colombo (Frs. Pulicani, Perrard, Duffo, and Lallemant).
August 23Arrival of Frs. Chounavel and Pelissier.
DecemberOutbreak of cholera at Point Pedro.
February 2Fr. Perrard appointed to Galle.
MayArrival of Frs. Rouffiac and Lacombe.
November 10Cholera broke out in Jaffna; death of Fr. Ciamin.
AprilIntroduction of the Catholic Faith at Wewala, a Buddhist village near Moratuwa.
July 6Arrival of Frs. Geneys and Flurin.
SeptemberFr. Perrard sent to Kurunegala.
January 22Fr. Lacombe died of cholera at Mathagal at the age of 27.
February 5–7The great cholera and smallpox epidemics raging throughout the peninsula ceased upon the termination of a Triduum in the Jaffna Cathedral in honor of the Immaculate Conception.
SeptemberFr. Pulicani appointed to Duwa, Fr. Perrard to Alukuru Korale, and Fr. Duffo to Kalutara.
December 14Death of Fr. Crousel in Colombo.
March 9Sacrilegious theft in the Jaffna Cathedral; a Triduum of expiation held. First reappearance of cholera since 1855.
May 24Mgr. Semeria created a Roman Count and Assistant to the Pontifical Throne.
August 15St. Thomas’ Church, Point Pedro, opened.
October 1First Report of Jaffna Catholic Schools published.
April 14Consecration of the Episcopal Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Jaffna.
June 27Transfer of St. Joseph’s Orphanage to Colombogam.
April 17Mission preached at Katuneriya by Mgr. Semeria. The Society of the Brothers of St. Joseph established at Colombogam to train teachers for vernacular schools and catechists to assist missionaries.
MaySardiel, the “Robin Hood of Ceylon,” converted and assisted on the gallows by Frs. Duffo and Perrard.
January 24Foundation of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Peter at Jaffna (the first community of indigenous nuns, founded by the Holy Family Sisters).
August 21Bro. Dowling died of consumption at Jaffna.
April 15Mgr. Semeria left for Europe accompanied by Fr. Bonjean. Fr. Boisseau took charge of St. Joseph’s Orphanage; Fr. Moukel appointed Pro-Vicar.
JulyAn Association founded at Marseilles by Mgr. Semeria to provide dowries for Jaffna orphan girls.
January 23Death of Mgr. Semeria from pleurisy at Marseilles, France.
July 5Nomination of Mgr. Bonjean as Vicar Apostolic of Jaffna.
August 24Consecration of Mgr. Bonjean.
Foundation of St. Martin’s Seminary, Jaffna, by Bishop Bonjean.
Commencement of the Madhu pilgrimage.
Foundation of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Press in Jaffna.
Cornerstone laid for the Church of Our Lady of Madhu. Inauguration of the Jaffna Catholic Guardian.
December 23Mgr. Bonjean ordained Fr. Sandarasegara, the first Ceylonese to be raised to the priesthood by an Oblate Bishop.
SeptemberEstablishment of a Catechumenate and the St. Vincent de Paul’s Foundling Orphanage in Jaffna.
September 22Nomination of Mgr. Theophilus Andrew Melizan as Coadjutor to Mgr. Bonjean.
November 29Consecration of Mgr. Melizan at Marseilles, France.
JuneGampola and the surrounding territory (Udapalata Pattuwa) placed under the jurisdiction of the Vicar Apostolic of Jaffna.
August 28Bishop Bonjean took possession of the Vicariate of Colombo as Vicar Apostolic. Establishment of the Ecclesiastical Seminary (later named St. Bernard’s Seminary).
January 6Establishment of the Hierarchy in Ceylon. The Colombo Vicariate became the Archdiocese of Colombo, and Mgr. Bonjean became the first Archbishop of Colombo.
December 13Inauguration of St. Lucia’s Cathedral.
The Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka was formed. A monthly Catholic family magazine called Bhakthi Prabodhanaya was started.
August 3Death of Archbishop Bonjean.
November 28Mgr. Melizan, transferred from Jaffna, appointed Archbishop of Colombo.
AugustFounding of St. Aloysius’ Seminary.
August 24Consecration of Mgr. Joulain.
March 2Opening of St. Joseph’s College.
June 28Fr. Antony Coudert appointed Coadjutor Bishop to Archbishop Melizan.
November 30Consecration of Mgr. Coudert.
October 9Inauguration of the Catholic Union of Ceylon.
January 27Death of Archbishop Melizan; Mgr. Coudert became the Archbishop of Colombo.
Jaffna and Colombo welded into a single Oblate Vicariate; Fr. Jules Collin became the First Vicar of Missions.
Beginnings of the Tewatte Shrine.
November 1Arrival of Mgr. Augustin Dontenwill, Superior General.
February 7Death of Mgr. Joulain.
July 28Fr. Jules Andrew Brault appointed Bishop of Jaffna.
February 15Consecration of Mgr. Andrew Brault.
July 16First Catholic Literature Convention; beginning of the Catholic “Forward Movement.”
January 20Death of Bishop Andrew Brault.
January 16Fr. Guyomar nominated as Bishop of Jaffna (Consecrated March 9).
July 2Coronation of Our Lady of Madhu.
February 2Fr. Bastiampillai Anthonipillai Thomas founded the first indigenous contemplative order of Rosarians with six postulants at Tholagatty, Jaffna.
March 31Death of Archbishop Antony Coudert.
December 14Fr. Peter Marque appointed Archbishop of Colombo.
February 11Consecration of Mgr. Peter Marque.
May 1Inauguration of the Oblate Scholasticate (Immaculate Conception) in Colombo.
June 4Death of Archbishop Peter Marque.
June 2Fr. Jean Marie Masson appointed Archbishop of Colombo (Consecrated August 24).
December 13Consecration of St. Lucia’s Cathedral.
January 5Erection of the Diocese of Chilaw; nomination of Fr. J. Aloysius Perera as Bishop of Chilaw.
April 8Death of Mgr. Aloysius Perera.
January 12Fr. Edmund Peiris nominated Bishop of Chilaw (Consecrated April 25).
January 25Consecration of the Church of Our Lady of Madhu.
December 14Nomination of Fr. Thomas Cooray as Coadjutor to Archbishop Masson.
March 7Consecration of Mgr. Thomas Cooray.
February 11Proclamation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Lanka.
July 28Death of Archbishop Masson. Mgr. Thomas Cooray succeeded to the See of Colombo, becoming the first Ceylonese Archbishop.
December 8Consecration of the Archdiocese to the Immaculate Heart of Mary solemnly renewed by Archbishop Thomas Cooray.
July 8100 years of Oblate presence in Sri Lanka celebrated at St. Joseph’s College with a Marian Congress, Vocation Exhibition, etc.
October 14Establishment of the House of Preachers “Nazareth” in Wennappuwa, with Fr. Lopupillai Augustine as Superior.
March 10Fr. Emilianus Pillai nominated Coadjutor to Mgr. Guyomar, Bishop of Jaffna.
May 16Oblate Novitiate shifted from Bambalapitiya to “Mont Eden,” Kalutara.
August 12Oblate Scholasticate moved from Kynsey Road, Borella, to the vacated Novitiate premises at Bambalapitiya.
April 25St. Vincent’s Home, Maggona, handed over to Oblate administration (Became a formal Religious House on May 9, 1951).
May 1Oblate Scholasticate shifted to Kohuwela from Bambalapitiya. The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima arrived from Portugal, brought by two Oblates, and toured the country.
July 18Mgr. Emilianus Pillai succeeded to the See of Jaffna.
July 21Oblate Juniorate opened at Kohuwela.
January 5Fatima Parish, Maradana, handed over to the Oblate Congregation.
December 14Ragama Parish handed over to the Oblates. Lakrivi Movement started in Sri Lanka by Fr. Felix Mavel.
August 2The Regional Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka at Ampitiya, Kandy, handed over to the Oblates. Fr. Fred Sackett appointed First Rector.
August 31Oblate Scholasticate shifted to the Ampitiya Seminary building from Nugegoda.
June 22Fr. Marcelline Jayakody won an award as a leading personality in the film world for his magnificent lyrics in the film Rekava.
February 11Blessing of the Grotto at Tewatte; first Mass said by Most Rev. Fr. Leo Deschatelets, Superior General.
June 22Oblate Scholasticate moved to its own buildings adjacent to the seminary.
“Amala Utpavam” house of Oblate Preachers established at Colombogam.
August 1North Central Province (NCP) handed over to the Oblates for evangelization. Rev. Fr. Anthony Fernando appointed First Ceylonese Provincial (1963–1968).
October 9Archbishop Thomas Cooray created a Cardinal by Pope Paul VI.
April 28Oblate Missionaries from Sri Lanka went to Malaysia.
February 13Sri Lanka raised to the status of a Province.
July 3Sri Lankan Province started missionary work in Kanchipuram, India.
July 17Fr. Edmund Fernando consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop to the Cardinal Archbishop.
December 30“Amala Utpavam” Home for retired Fathers opened in Jaffna.
February 14Sri Lankan Province opened a mission in Pakistan.
July 27Juniorate established at Colombogam, Jaffna.
December 29Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) started; Fr. Lucien Schmitt appointed Fr. Tissa Balasuriya as its first director.
February 1Juniorate established in India.
MayFr. Dalston Forbes elected General Councilor for Asia.
February125 years of Oblate Presence in Sri Lanka celebrated, graced by Most Rev. Fr. Richard Hanly, Superior General.
May 15Oblate Novitiate moved to “Sidupiyanilla,” Bandarawela, from Mont Eden, Kalutara.
May 26Novitiate started canonically in India.
JulyMission in Bangladesh started under the leadership of Fr. Henry Vanhoof.
December 26Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka at Tewatte consecrated and dedicated by His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Cooray.
September 2Cardinal Cooray retired from the See of Colombo.
January 2–8Oblate Congress held at Kandy.
July 11Fr. Michael Rodrigo founded the “Suba Seth Gedara” (Friendly Wishes House) at Alukalavita in Buttala.
NovemberFr. Jim Cooke elected as the 1st Assistant General (the first Sri Lankan to hold the post).
May 22Postage stamp issued honoring late Fr. S. Gnanaprakasar, the first Oblate to be so honored.
December 8“Marian Grove,” a house for elderly Oblates, opened at Green Path, Kohuwela.
JanuaryThe Oblate Pre-Novitiate began at De Mazenod House, Mattakkuliya.
March 10Fr. Joy Goonewardena named Bishop of the new Diocese of Anuradhapura.
May 22Formal opening of the Communication Centre in Thodharpham, Jaffna.
June 18–24Sri Lankan Oblate Provincial Congress in Kandy.
Fr. Marcelline Jayakody won the prestigious international Ramon Magsaysay Award. Fr. Fernand Jette, Superior General, visited Sri Lanka.
May 30Fr. Bernard Quintus elected Second Assistant General.
November 14Opening of the Oblate Communication Centre at Palwatte, Minuwangoda.
December 8Establishment of the General Delegation in Jaffna.
December 8Rev. Fr. Louis Ponnaiah, OMI begins as Superior of the General Delegation of Jaffna (1984–1991).
December 15Mgr. Edmund Fernando named to the See of Badulla.
May 22Commemorative stamp issued honoring Fr. Peter Pillai.
July 28Oblate Congress held at Tewatte.
October 27Rajabima Oblate Centre opened in Anuradhapura.
November 10Assassination of Fr. Michael Rodrigo at Buttala.
JulySecond Asian Oblate Formators Meeting held in Wennappuwa.
October 20Bro. S. Wryma, the last foreign Oblate Brother, passed away.
October 29Cardinal Cooray passed away.
May 22Philatelic Bureau issued a stamp honoring Fr. M. J. Legoc.
August 5Visit of Fr. Marcello Zago, Superior General. Erection of the Vice Province of Jaffna.
September 4Mgr. Edmund Peiris passed away.
September 10Oblate Congress.
December 28Philatelic Bureau issued a stamp honoring Thomas Cardinal Cooray.
August 23General Delegation of Jaffna raised to Vice-Province; Rev. Fr. Louis Ponnaiah, OMI becomes its first Provincial.
Rev. Fr. P. Jesunesan, OMI listed in Provincial leadership (1989–1999).
May 22Postage stamp issued honoring Fr. T. M. F. Long, former Rector of St. Patrick’s, Jaffna.
June 11First South Asian Oblate Formators Meeting held at Ampitiya.
June 19Rev. Fr. P. P. Philip Fernando, OMI installed as Provincial of the Vice-Province of Jaffna (1991–1997).
Mr. Roche Tewerapperuma made an Honorary Oblate.
February 17Blessing of the new Chapel at “Marian Grove.” Fr. Fraccid Anthony founded the “Sahana Medura” (House of Comfort) at Kanuwana, Ja-Ela, devoted to healing the mentally ill.
May 27Fr. Marcello Zago, Superior General, arrived to visit the Province.
December 3Blessed Eugene de Mazenod, Founder of the Oblates, declared a Saint.
December 9Oblate-founded approved school (Susithodaya) celebrated its 100th anniversary.
December 12St. Eugene de Mazenod canonization celebrations at St. Lucia’s Cathedral organized by the Sri Lanka Province.
June 1Visitation of the Province by a team appointed by Fr. General.
August 12–16Oblate Congress at Ampitiya.
May 15Rev. Fr. P. Jesunesan, OMI takes over as Provincial Superior of the Vice-Province of Jaffna.
June 14Mgr. Edmund Fernando resigned from the See of Badulla.
Rev. Fr. P. Jesunesan, OMI elected General Councillor for Asia-Oceania at the General Chapter.
Rev. Fr. A. Jeevendra Paul, OMI appointed Vicar Provincial by the Superior General.
JanuaryRev. Fr. Jeevendra Paul, OMI appointed Provincial Superior (1999–2004).
July 8The Vice-Province of Jaffna declared a full-fledged Province by the Superior General.
July 12Decree of Promulgation signed in Rome; Rev. Fr. Jeevendra Paul, OMI becomes the first Provincial of the Province.
Rev. Fr. S. M. Selvaratnam, OMI begins his term as Provincial Superior (2005–2008).
Rev. Fr. Edwin Vasantharajah, OMI begins his term as Provincial Superior (2014–2020).
Rev. Fr. Paul Natchathiram, OMI begins his term as Provincial Superior (2008–2014).
Grand Celebration of the Youth Programme in Jaffna
Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI begins his term as Provincial Superior (2020–2022).
October 4Rev. Fr. Eugene Benedict, OMI appointed General Councillor for Asia-Oceania at the 37th General Chapter in Rome.
January 10Rev. Fr. Paul Jeyanthan Pachchek, OMI appointed Provincial Superior.
February 17Installation of the new Provincial Superior.
January 15Rev. Fr. Paul Jeyanthan Pachchek, OMI reappointed for a second term.
February 16Installed for the second term as Provincial Superior.
August 21Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in Jaffna — 200 years of faith, service, and dedication to the Church and community.

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October 2026

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October 2026

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Birthday · 11 October

Bro. Louis Tillet

Birthday remembered from the Province necrology register (no. 282).

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Oblate Province of Jaffna

A missionary family since 1847