The Bicentenary of the papal approbation of the Oblates Constitutions and Rules was commemorated in Jaffna on 22 August.
The programme was organised by the Oblates of the Jaffna Province and led by the Provincial Superior, Rev. Fr. Paul Jeyanthan Pachchek.
The celebrations began with a procession from the Jaffna Public Library to St. Mary’s Cathedral, Jaffna.
A thanksgiving Holy Mass was then celebrated at the Cathedral, presided over by the Bishop Emeritus, Rt. Rev. Dr Justin Bernard Gnanapragasam.
Following the Mass, a special cultural programme was held within the Cathedral premises. It featured a traditional dance, a musical presentation, and the drama titled “The Cry of Silence.”
As a special feature of the celebrations, artists from the Centre for Performing Arts, Jaffna, presented a dance drama depicting the history of the mission and contributions of the Oblates in Sri Lanka.
The event also featured the launch of the book titled “Pioneers,” which contains research articles on the missionary activities and contributions of the Oblates in Sri Lanka.
The Bishop of Mannar, Rt. Rev. Dr. Antonipillai Gnanapragasam, and the Bishop of Trincomalee, Rt. Rev. Dr Noel Emmanuel, along with priests, religious sisters and the faithful from the Oblate mission communities of the Dioceses of Jaffna, Mannar and Trincomalee, participated in the celebrations.
Around 500 people took part in the commemorative event.
