On 1st of August 2026, the Redemptorist confreres of the Region of Colombo gathered in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving to celebrate the Feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. The celebration was made even more meaningful as the confreres joined in giving thanks to God for the First Profession of Br. Sumeda Fernando.
In 1939 three Irish Redemptorist Fathers established the Redemptorist Congregation in Sri Lanka. Over the years, the congregation was assisted by people who took in the role of being their helpers. And among them five recognized as Brothers. They were: Brs Alphonsus, Joseph, Mathew, Noel and Patrick.
In 2011, on the 19th of May, Mr. Naththandige Sumeth Sumeda Fernando, at the age of 15, entered our Junior Seminary and made his first profession on the 1st of August 2026.
This day was an inspiring moment both for the Redemptorist confreres in the Region of Colombo, participating in the service and for Sumeda’s taking the vows of Poverty, Chastity, and obedience.
With the taking of his 3-fold consecration, he moved from his role as a layman to that of being a Brother, one who has now dedicated himself to the Redemptorist Congregation as a Witness to Christ.
Fraternal Charity is his vocation, and this is the message he preaches both silently, through acts of service and orally, as he encourages those around him to live a better love of God.
His Brotherhood is primarily a love of God and a deep involvement in the lay people of the poor family. In the Community, as in other Religious Houses he is the “mother of the Community.”
Pope John Paul II at World Youth Day, in Toronto, on the 28th of July 2002 had this to say: “The life of the lay brother is often seen as embraced with a deep contemplative prayer life – as his life is a rhythm and prayer. From prayer he finds strength, guidance, and freedom for the apostolic life of fraternal service. The radical observance of the Holy Gospel is the goal of every lay brother – and he brings the presence of God and the good news of Christ – in the streets, in the alleyways, on the bus – everywhere. Very often he becomes like leaven in the dough, making everything rise to life with the love of God. He is one of those who is able to carry out “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother to me.” (Mt. 12:50).
Fr. Neil Dias Karunaratne, C.Ss.R.
Region of Colombo – Sri Lanka
