His Eminence was welcomed by his brother bishops and priests at the entrance of St. Lucia’s Cathedral and proceeded to begin the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration. The cathedral was filled with the faithful, clergy, and religious who gathered to thank God for fifty years of priestly service and dedication.
In his homily, His Eminence reflected with deep humility and gratitude on the journey of his priesthood, beginning with his ordination in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on June 29, 1975. Isolated and uncertain, with no family present due to financial constraints, he likened his call to that of Abraham—leaving without knowing where God would lead him. Over time, Scripture, especially the Letter to the Hebrews, became a source of strength, revealing God's guiding hand even in fear, confusion, and solitude.
He emphasized the priesthood as a divine vocation, not a worldly one, shaped by obedience, sacrifice, and surrender to God's will, much like Mary’s “yes” and Christ's agony in Gethsemane. Drawing from Gaudete et Exsultate, he spoke of holiness as a joyful journey toward the fulfillment of God’s plan, urging all to resist sin and the devil’s distractions with courage and humility.
His Eminence candidly recalled moments of fear and inadequacy—whether in missionary leadership, episcopal appointments, or diplomatic service in Rome and Indonesia. Yet, in each trial, God revealed His love and strength, echoing St. Paul’s words: “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10). The most profound experience of this grace, he noted, came during his leadership in the aftermath of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
He concluded by thanking God for molding him through every trial and every transfer, recognizing himself as a weak man transformed by divine grace. He humbly asked for continued prayers and gave praise to God for making him a witness to His mercy and love.
"To Him be glory and praise forever. Amen.
Read the full Homily in Sinhala
"At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, a felicitation message and the Apostolic Blessing of His Holiness Pope Leo XVI were solemnly read by Monsignor Roberto Lucchini, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Sri Lanka.
