Bishop Sampathawaduge Maxwell Grenville Silva
Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Titular Bishop of Lesina
Bishop Maxwell Silva was born on 27 September 1953 in Willorawatte, Sri Lanka. He pursued extensive academic and theological studies, earning a Baccalaureate in Theology (B.Th.) from Rome, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons.), a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the National Institute of Education (N.I.E.), a Master of Arts in Sociology (M.A.), and a Master of Education (M.Ed.). Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Accountancy, showcasing his dedication to both religious and secular education.
Priestly Ministry
Ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Colombo on 25 July 1981, Bishop Maxwell Silva began his ministry as an Assistant Parish Priest in Dalugama. His pastoral journey continued as he was appointed Parish Priest of Mabola in 1983. Over the years, he served in various roles, including resident priest in Kerawalapitiya in 1993. His service extended to the educational sector, where he played a key role in the formation of young minds.
Service in Education
With a strong background in education, Bishop Maxwell Silva contributed significantly to Catholic schools in Sri Lanka. He served at St. Joseph’s School, Grand Pass, in 1997, and in 2001, he was appointed Principal of St. Thomas' College, Kotte. His leadership in education emphasized both academic excellence and moral integrity, shaping future generations in the faith.
Episcopal Ministry
On 28 November 2011, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and Titular Bishop of Lesina by Pope Benedict XVI. His episcopal ordination took place on 11 February 2012 at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Colombo, with Albert Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith as the principal consecrator.
Contributions and Publications
As an Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, Bishop Maxwell Silva has been deeply involved in pastoral care, social development, and Catholic education. His extensive academic background has enabled him to bridge faith and knowledge, strengthening the spiritual and intellectual formation of the faithful.
In addition to his pastoral and educational contributions, Bishop Maxwell Silva has also made his mark in theological and academic literature, publishing a book that reflects his deep commitment to spiritual growth and education. His work continues to inspire and guide the faithful, reinforcing the mission of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka.