The Lord would have received him to the heavenly aboard with the words “Well done good and faithful servant. In small things you were faithful… Coma and enjoy the blessed happiness of our Kingdom” – His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.
Born
to Don Christian Samarakoon and Dona Celestina Wijeyeratne on 1st
August 1945 at Wahakotte young Raymond Samarakoon followed his priestly
formation both in St. Aloysius’ Minor Seminary and the National Seminary of Our
Lady of Lanka, Ampitiya; he was ordained to the priesthood on the 25th
of January 1972 - 51 years ago. He served as an Asst. Parish Priest in the
parishes of Moratuwa and Tudella and as a Parish Priest in the parishes of
Kadawatha, Panadura, Ratmalana, Bolawalana, Dehiwala, Enderamulla, and
Nugegoda. He was away for studies in the Philippines and the United Kingdom. From
1982 – 1987 he served as the Secretary to the Late Archbishop Nicholas Marcus
Fernando. He also served as the Deputy Rector and the Course Director of the Department
of Hospitality Management for over 20 years at Aquinas College, Borella.
His
Eminence during his introduction said Fr. Raymond was known as an open-minded,
friendly, simple, and kind-hearted person and a person who will inspire confidence
in the other priests. As a senior priest, he saw the needs of many others
sacrificing himself generously. He concluded by giving thanks to the Lord for
the beautiful vocation that He gave Fr. Raymond which he conserved right up to
the end of his life.
Rev.
Fr. Ivan Perera - Emeritus National Director of Catholic Education during his
homily stated that Fr. Raymond was good, pleasant, genuine, and a godly man
throughout his life and also a very good administrator where his attire was
neat as his room. He was a person who knew his limits and respected
confidentiality which made the Late Archbishop Nicholas Marcus Fernando pick
him to be his secretary especially because of his ability to keep documentation
in a well orderly manner stated Fr. Ivan recalling the memories of this humble
priest wishing that he would be welcomed to his eternal reward.
He
was buried at the Borella general cemetery side of the chapel.
May
he rest in peace.
Photos by Akila Peiris
Report by Waruni Ranasinghe
Media Unit, Aquinas College
01.03.2023
Roman Catholic Metropolitan Archdiocese of Colombo - SRI LANKA
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