Negombo, Sri Lanka. The Claretians of the St. Joseph Vaz Independent Delegation gathered in gratitude and festivity on Monday, September 8, 2025, to mark a profound triple celebration: perpetual professions, first professions, and the renewal of vows. The day, which coincided with the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was further enriched by honoring three missionaries on their Silver Jubilee of religious profession.
The solemn Eucharist, held at St. Claret Seminary in Negombo, was presided over by Fr. Joseph Jeyaseelan, CMF, Major Superior of the Delegation.
Two Claretian students, J. Kirishanth, CMF, and P. Suganthan, CMF, professed their perpetual vows, embracing lifelong consecration in the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. At the same celebration, Anton Alanraj, Diman Pod Kulas, and P. Yuhatharshan made their first profession, dedicating themselves to God’s mission through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Ten students renewed their vows during the Mass, including C. Kiresiyan, J.S. Davin, S.L. Kanjush, A. Antony Anojan, D. Varun Prakash, S. Fleming Swiger, S. Amalajaanu, X. Damian Donaldin, and M. Ajeethkumar. Significantly, Student Maria Thevan Morais renewed his vows in Kodok, South Sudan, through the hands of the Superior Delegate, Fr. Milfer Vaz, CMF, showing the universal character of the Claretian mission.
The community also lifted prayers of thanksgiving for three missionaries celebrating 25 years of religious profession: Fr. Everest Dias, CMF, Fr. Milfer Vaz, CMF, and Fr. Vincent De Paul Croos, CMF. Their Silver Jubilee was remembered as a witness of fidelity and missionary zeal that continues to inspire the younger generations.
The celebration was marked by joy, fraternity, and renewed commitment to the mission of evangelization, reflecting the vitality and growth of the Claretian presence in Sri Lanka and beyond.
