FRANCISCAN CONVENTUAL MISSION CELEBRATES NEW VOCATIONS AND PRIESTLY ORDINATION

Three Novices Make Temporary Vows and Friar Isuru Sandanuwan is Ordained to the Priesthood 

12 September 2026 | St. Francis of Assisi Mission, Sri Lanka: – The Franciscan Conventual Friars of the St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Sri Lanka celebrated three significant events in September 2026: the temporary profession of vows of three novices, the priestly ordination of Friar W. D. Isuru Sandanuwan, OFM Conv., and his First Solemn Mass.

On 12th September 2026, at St. Anthony’s Friary, Katana, Novice Senura Seumina, Novice Henry Rojer, and Novice Jude Lucian Roche made their temporary profession of vows during a celebration presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Michael Earaly, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Maximilian Kolbe, India. Through their profession, the three novices committed themselves to continue their Franciscan journey in fidelity to the Gospel and the charism of St. Francis of Assisi.

On 14th September 2026, Friar W. D. Isuru Sandanuwan, OFM Conv., was ordained to the sacred order of priesthood by His Excellency the Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration. The ordination took place at St. Lazarus Church, Kurukula, Sri Lanka.

The celebrations continued on 20th September 2026, when the newly ordained priest celebrated his First Solemn Mass at St. Lazarus Church, Kurukula, surrounded by fellow friars, clergy, religious, family members, and the faithful, who gathered to offer thanksgiving and prayers for his priestly ministry.

These celebrations mark significant milestones in the life of the Franciscan Conventual Mission in Sri Lanka and reflect the commitment of the Province of St. Maximilian Kolbe, India, to fostering vocations, nurturing religious formation, and advancing the Franciscan mission of the Church.