St. Pio Delegation, Sri Lanka, joyfully celebrated the Silver Jubilee of twenty-five years of Capuchin presence from Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, in Sri Lanka on 23 September 2026 at Padre Pio Nivasa, Pallansena. The celebration was held on the feast of the Delegation’s patron, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, making the occasion a significant moment of thanksgiving for God’s blessings and guidance throughout the past twenty-five years.
The Silver Jubilee was not merely a celebration of twenty-five years of institutional presence. It was an occasion to remember with gratitude the friars who pioneered the mission, the brothers who received formation in Sri Lanka, the communities and institutions that welcomed the Capuchins, and all those who, in various ways, contributed to the growth of the Capuchin presence in the country. Above all, it was a moment to acknowledge the providence of God that has accompanied the Delegation throughout these twenty-five years.

Solemn Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration
The Jubilee celebration centred around the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Colombo. The celebration was honoured by the presence of Rev. Fr. Robin Victor D’Souza, Provincial Minister of the Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka, together with the Vicar Provincial and Mission Secretary, Fr. Paul Melwyn D’Souza; Councillors—Fr. Santosh Naveen D’Souza, Fr. Charles Furtado, and Fr. Antony Raj. Also present were the former Provincial Ministers, Rev. Fr. Alwyn Dias, presently Provincial Minister of St. Fidelis Province, North India; Rev. Fr. Jossy Fernandes; Rev. Fr. Arokiya Dass, Provincial Minister of Mary Queen of Peace Province, South Tamil Nadu; and Fr. Jeric Quintas, the Delegate. The gathering was further graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Anura Sri Kanal, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Pallansena; Fr. Arun Kumar, Provincial Delegate; together with Reverend Fathers, brothers and sisters, benefactors, friends, and well-wishers.
In his homily, the Bishop reflected with gratitude on the twenty-five-year journey of the Capuchin presence in Sri Lanka. He recalled how the friars came to Sri Lanka in response to the needs of the Church, particularly in the area of formation, and gradually became an important presence through their pastoral, educational, spiritual, and missionary services. As the Delegation enters the next chapter of its journey, he urged the friars to carry forward the legacy of the past with renewed faith and commitment, becoming, in the spirit of St. Pio, humble instruments of God’s love and mercy.

Silver Jubilee Felicitation Programme
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a short Felicitation Programme was held in the same premises. Addressing the gathering, Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, expressed appreciation for the service and contribution of the Capuchin friars in Sri Lanka. His message encouraged the friars to continue their mission with dedication, fraternity, and a spirit of service to the Church and the people.
Fr. Arun Kumar, Provincial Delegate, presented the report of the twenty-five-year journey of the St. Pio Delegation, recalling the important milestones and paying tribute to the friars and collaborators who contributed to the mission over the years. Rev. Fr. Robin Victor, Provincial Minister of Holy Trinity Province, addressed the gathering and expressed his gratitude to all who had supported and accompanied the Capuchin mission in Sri Lanka. He thanked the Church authorities, friars, benefactors, friends, and well-wishers for their continued cooperation and support.
The distinguished guests and dignitaries were subsequently felicitated as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for their presence and contribution to the Jubilee celebration.
The Jubilee Souvenir was also released by the dignitaries to recall and cherish this beautiful journey of service. This souvenir preserves the history, memories, photographs, messages, and reflections connected with twenty-five years of Capuchin presence in Sri Lanka. It stands as a lasting testimony to the people and communities who have shared in and supported the journey of the St. Pio Delegation. Another meaningful moment was the distribution of certificates to students who had successfully completed English language classes held by the Delegation.
As the St. Pio Delegation enters the next chapter of its journey, may the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Pio of Pietrelcina continue to accompany the friars, and may the Capuchin presence in Sri Lanka remain a humble instrument of God’s love, peace, and mercy.