Thomas Cardinal Cooray: A Servant of God and a Pillar of the Sri Lankan Church
Thomas Cardinal Cooray, the first Sri Lankan-born Archbishop and the first Cardinal in Sri Lanka, played a pivotal role in shaping the Catholic Church in the country. A man of deep faith and unwavering dedication, he championed local clergy development, Catholic education, and social justice. His legacy continues to inspire generations of faithful.
Early Life and Formation
Born on December 28, 1901, in Periyamulla, Negombo, Thomas Benjamin Cooray was raised in a devout Catholic family. From an early age, he exhibited honesty, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. His education began at Dalupotha Roman Catholic Boys' School, and he later joined the Minor Seminary in Slave Island in 1913. He excelled academically at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, and went on to study at University College, Colombo, where he graduated in 1924.
Priestly Formation and Academic Excellence
Joining the Oblate Novitiate, he pursued studies in philosophy and theology, earning a Doctorate in Philosophy (1928) and a Doctorate in Theology (1931) at the Angelicum in Rome. He was ordained a priest on June 23, 1929, and returned to Sri Lanka in July 1931. His first appointment was at St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, where he taught Latin and Botany and contributed to the writing of the book Introduction to Tropical Botany by Maurice Le Goc. He later became Superior of the Oblate Scholasticate, the first Sri Lankan to hold this position.
Episcopal Leadership and Cardinalate
On December 14, 1945, Fr. Cooray was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Colombo, succeeding Archbishop John Mary Masson in 1947. His motto, "Ministrare Non Ministrari" (To serve and not to be served), defined his tenure. Recognized for his contributions, Pope Paul VI elevated him to Cardinal in 1965, making him the first Sri Lankan Cardinal. He actively contributed to Vatican II and played a significant role in global Church affairs.
Key Contributions
1. Strengthening the Local Clergy
Cardinal Cooray prioritized building a strong Sri Lankan clergy, transitioning leadership from foreign missionaries to local priests. He expanded seminaries and sent clergy for higher studies to ensure a well-formed local priesthood.
2. The National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka
Fulfilling a wartime vow, he spearheaded the construction of the National Basilica at Tewatte, ensuring it became a center of Marian devotion. It was consecrated on February 6, 1974.
3. Defending Catholic Education
During the 1960-61 school takeovers, he fought to preserve Catholic education, ensuring institutions like St. Joseph’s, St. Peter’s, and Holy Family Convent remained within the Church’s mission.
4. Social Outreach and Lay Apostolate
He established SEDEC (Caritas Sri Lanka) to assist the underprivileged and brought Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity to Sri Lanka. He also empowered lay Catholics, strengthening apostolic movements.
Legacy and Canonization Cause
Cardinal Cooray retired in 1976 and passed away on October 29, 1988. As per his wish, he was laid to rest at the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka. Declared a Servant of God, his cause for canonization is progressing, honoring his remarkable faith and service.
On October 29, 2010, at a Eucharistic celebration at the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith officially declared the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of His Eminence Late Thomas Benjamin Cardinal Cooray.
Conclusion
A visionary leader and humble servant, Thomas Cardinal Cooray’s legacy continues to shape the Church in Sri Lanka. His life was marked by both saintliness and humanness, blending deep spirituality with genuine compassion for the people he served. His unwavering commitment to faith, education, and social justice makes him one of the nation’s most revered Catholic figures.
This article is based on the oration delivered by the late Archbishop Emeritus Oswald Gomis on November 8, 2013, at Aquinas University College, Colombo.
