A Legacy of Formation: The 71st Seminary Feast Joyfully Celebrated

The National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka—the principal house of priestly formation in Sri Lanka—joyfully celebrated its 71st Seminary Feast on 4 February 2026 in honour of Our Lady of Lanka, the beloved patroness of the Seminary.

The celebration was marked by prayer, reflection, gratitude, and fraternity. The presence of formators, lecturers, seminarians, and priest-alumni representing different dioceses across the country added colour and vitality to the occasion.

Solemn Vespers

The Solemn Vespers service of the Feast was held at the National Seminary Philosophate. Presiding over the service, Rt Rev Dr Jude Nishanta Silva, Bishop of Badulla elaborated the four dimensions of priestly formation from the Eucharistic Perspective.

Solemn Eucharistic Celebration

The Solemn Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Fr. Vimal Thirimanne, CSsR, a distinguished theologian who has served the Seminary for over 32 years, adding special significance to the celebration.

In his homily, he reflected on the Seminary’s sacred mission of forming young men to bring Christ to the People of God. Referring to the statue of Our Lady of Lanka, he explained that just as Mary presents the Child Jesus to the world, the Seminary prepares future priests to present Christ through their lives and ministry.

He emphasized that this mission must be rooted in a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ and strengthened by faithful prayer and serious theological study, enabling future priests to serve with clarity, responsibility, and pastoral sensitivity.

Fraternity and Fellowship

The celebrations continued in the afternoon with an inter-class basketball tournament among the seminarians. A special highlight of the day was the friendly matches between the seminary team and the alumni priests. These encounters fostered joy, healthy competition, and a renewed sense of priestly brotherhood that transcends generations.

A Celebration of Faith, Fraternity and Fidelity

The Seminary Feast remains a powerful reminder of the maternal and mediating role of Our Lady of Lanka, who is especially honoured as Mother and Guide of every seminarian and priest. This year’s celebration once again became a meaningful expression of faith, fraternity and fidelity.

Guided by Our Lady of Lanka, the National Seminary continues steadfastly in its mission of forming priests after the Heart of Christ, dedicated to the service of the Church in Sri Lanka and beyond.