Former Archbishops of Colombo

Christophe-Ernest Bonjean, O.M.I. (1883-1892)

Appointed as Vicar Apostolic of Colombo in 1883, Bonjean was a missionary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (O.M.I.) and played a crucial role in establishing the Catholic Church’s strong foundation in Sri Lanka. In 1886, he became the first Archbishop of Colombo after the vicariate was elevated to an archdiocese. Born in Riom, France, he previously served as the Vicar Apostolic of Jaffna before taking on leadership in Colombo. His tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on education and seminary formation, which paved the way for the future development of the local Church. He passed away in 1892.

André-Théophile Mélizan, O.M.I. (1893-1905)

A native of Marseille, France, Mélizan was a member of the O.M.I. and had previously served as the Bishop of Jaffna before being appointed Archbishop of Colombo in 1893. He was deeply committed to expanding Catholic education and missionary outreach, ensuring that the faith took deep roots in Sri Lankan society. Under his leadership, several new churches and schools were established. His episcopate was also marked by efforts to enhance religious instruction and pastoral care. He passed away in 1905.

Antoine Coudert, O.M.I. (1905-1929)

Born in Manglieu, France, Coudert was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Colombo in 1898 and succeeded as Archbishop in 1905. His nearly 24-year tenure was a period of steady growth for the Church, with a strong focus on clergy formation and the construction of new churches, schools, and social institutions. He also worked towards integrating local priests into leadership roles, recognizing the importance of indigenous clergy in the mission of the Church. He passed away in 1929, leaving behind a well-structured archdiocese.

Pierre-Guillaume Marque, O.M.I. (1929-1937)

Marque, originally from Gardères, France, was appointed as Archbishop of Colombo in 1929. His tenure saw an emphasis on spiritual renewal and social welfare, particularly in addressing the needs of poor Catholic communities. He continued to build upon the work of his predecessors by strengthening seminary training and catechetical instruction. However, his time as Archbishop was relatively short, as he passed away in 1937 while visiting Paris.

Jean-Marie Masson, O.M.I. (1938-1947)

A French-born prelate, Masson was appointed Archbishop of Colombo in 1938. His episcopacy was significantly shaped by World War II, which brought challenges such as economic hardship and restrictions on missionary work. Despite these difficulties, he maintained a strong focus on pastoral care and social outreach. His efforts helped stabilize the local Church during a period of global turmoil. He passed away in 1947.

Thomas Benjamin Cooray, O.M.I. (1947-1976)

The first Sri Lankan Archbishop of Colombo, Thomas Cooray was appointed in 1947 and later became the first Sri Lankan Cardinal in 1965. He was an influential figure in the Second Vatican Council, attending all four sessions. His leadership was marked by a strong emphasis on education, the establishment of Catholic institutions, and the promotion of local vocations. He was instrumental in constructing St. Lucia’s Cathedral and fostering national Catholic identity. After nearly three decades as Archbishop, he retired in 1976. He passed away in 1988 and was later declared Servant of God as part of his canonization process.

Nicholas Marcus Fernando (1977-2002)

The first Diocesan Archbishop (not belonging to a religious order), Nicholas Marcus Fernando led the archdiocese from 1977 to 2002. Born in Munnakkara, Negombo, he was known for his pastoral sensitivity and theological insight. His tenure saw a focus on interreligious dialogue, clergy formation, and lay leadership development. He also strengthened the Church’s involvement in social justice initiatives, particularly during Sri Lanka’s civil conflict. He retired in 2002 and passed away in 2020.

Oswald Thomas Colman Gomis (2002-2009)

A well-respected historian and educator, Gomis was appointed Archbishop in 2002 after serving as Bishop of Anuradhapura and an Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo. His leadership focused on modernizing the archdiocese, improving Catholic education, and expanding media and communication efforts. He was instrumental in enhancing catechetical programs and fostering youth engagement in the Church. He retired in 2009 and passed away in 2023.