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Today · 28 OctEventha· sasa
Oblate bishop
Archbishop of Colombo
Province necrology · Register no. 212
From the Province register of Oblates who served in Ceylon and Jaffna. Dates are written day, month, year.
Archbishop Jean-Marie Masson, O.M.I., guided the Archdiocese of Colombo through the perilous years of World War II (1938–1947). During the height of World War II in 1940, as Sri Lanka faced potential military bombardment, Archbishop Masson made a solemn vow to build a National Basilica dedicated to Our Lady of Lanka if the island was spared from destruction. Following the island's protection, he initiated the construction of the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka in Tewatte, Ragama. Archbishop Masson was also a strong proponent of inculturation and paved the way for the appointment of the first native Sri Lankan Archbishop.
In memoriam
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Archbishop Jean-Marie Masson, O.M.I., guided the Archdiocese of Colombo through the perilous years of World War II (1938–1947).
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