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Today · 28 OctEventha· sasa
Oblate bishop
First Sri Lankan Cardinal & Archbishop of Colombo
Province necrology · Register no. 418
From the Province register of Oblates who served in Ceylon and Jaffna. Dates are written day, month, year.
His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Cooray, O.M.I., was a monumental figure in Sri Lankan history, serving as Archbishop of Colombo (1947–1976) and becoming the first Sri Lankan elevated to the Sacred College of Cardinals by Pope Paul VI in 1965. Cardinal Cooray fulfilled the war-time vow of his predecessor by completing the construction of the National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka at Tewatte, Ragama. He actively participated in the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) and masterminded the post-conciliar renewal across Sri Lanka, promoting indigenous music, Sinhala liturgy, and lay ministry. A statesman of immense spiritual dignity, he navigated the nationalization of schools in 1960 with wisdom, preserving Catholic education through private non-fee-levying schools. His cause for beatification is currently underway.
In memoriam
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Cooray, O.M.I., was a monumental figure in Sri Lankan history, serving as Archbishop of Colombo (1947–1976) and becoming the first Sri Lankan elevated to the Sacred College of Cardinals by Pope Paul VI in 1965.
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