Sunday Times 2
Felicitating Fr. Neil Karunaratne
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From left to right: : Fr. Shiran, Fr. Ben, Fr. Neil and Fr, General cutting the anniversary cake
It was 70 years ago, on March 15, 1950, that Fr. Neil Dias Karunaratne made his first profession of vows as a Redemptorist missionary. In the presence of his parents, Fr. Neil, an only child, committed himself wholeheartedly to becoming a preacher and a missionary for Christ.
This important 70th Anniversary was celebrated on February 22, 2020, three weeks ahead since the season of Lent was beginning. The Redemptorist parish of St. Theresa’s was overflowing with parishioners, friends and confreres who came to celebrate with Fr. Neil as he renewed the vows which he first professed at Sancta Maria in Kandy, on March 15, 1950.
Fr. Neil was the principal celebrant at the Mass of Thanksgiving, being assisted at the altar by Fr. Michael Brehl (Superior General) and Fr. Shiran Fonseka, (Regional Superior). Confreres from the Region, Fr. Sebastian AniDato (Consultor General) and Fr. Ben Ma (Conference Coordinator – Asia/Oceania) were also present for the celebration. Archbishop Emeritus Oswald Gomis with whom he has enjoyed a close friendship over many years, was a special guest for the occasion.
While thanking Fr. Neil for his dedication and service to the congregations and community of St. Theresa’s, Fr. Shiran said, “Fr. Neil, your life and legacy are an inspiration to all of us gathered here and especially to your confreres.”
Fr. Neil was presented with a special memento and cut an anniversary cake after the Mass, greeting all those who came to wish him.
Going back to the early years, following a year as a novitiate, Fr. Neil entered the Redemptorist Seminary in Bangalore, India, firm in his faith and commitment. He was ordained a priest 64 years ago. Over the years, in his priestly ministry, Fr. Neil served in many capacities. He preached Sinhala and English missions, and conducted retreats for clergy, religious and lay faithful. He also served several years as parish priest of St. Theresa’s Church, Thimbirigasyaya.
“I was inspired by Fr. Neil when he preached a retreat as a young priest,” said Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. I was a student at De La Salle College in the early 60s, when Fr. Neil came to preach at a retreat or day of recollection.I was so inspired that after the sermon I saw him privately, and asked for guidance. Fr. Neil smiled and told me to go and speak to the parish priest, which I did sometime later. As a child, I had an idea of becoming a priest, and Fr. Neil’s preaching was the stimulant.”
Archbishop Emeritus Oswald Gomis with Fr. Neil
An important part of his service was as Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka, where he made a significant impact. Archbishop Emeritus Oswald Gomis said that Fr. Neil served as Assistant General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka for 17 years – largely during the terrorist war in the country where he had to deal with many issues concerning refugees and missing priests. He had contacts with the Army Commanders at the time and worked to diffuse the situations that arose.
During this time, Fr. Neil together with Archbishop Gomis initiated the setting up of St. Nicholas’ School and served on the Board of Governors. “The credit goes largely to Fr. Neil,” commented Archbishop Gomis. Their work was interrupted when Fr. Neil departed for Rome in 1991 and Archbishop Gomis (then Bishop) was transferred to Anuradhapura. The school suffered some setbacks but is now thriving with a branch school doing well in Negombo.
Fr. Neil worked in Rome for the Congregation of the Holy Redeemer for about six years. When he returned for Rome in 1997, he worked at the Bishops Conference once again at the Cardinal’s request until he retired. Fr. Neil is a very good and loyal friend,” said Archbishop Gomis, who has been close to Fr. Neil over the years. “He does not look for prestige but is committed to his work.”
As a long-serving member of the International Catholic Migration Commission, Fr. Neil promoted the welfare of migrants and refugees. He was also active in promoting the Catholic Business and Professionals Association in their activities.
He is presently General Secretary of SUROL, serving the needs of leprosy patients and their families. Despite his 89 years, he travels around the country visiting leprosy patients and delivering rations, medicines, and other needs of these families.
Fr. David J.Hore who delivered the homily at the celebratory mass had this to say. “Fr. Neil, you are a giant, not only in the Redemptorist Congregation, but in the Sri Lankan Church and beyond and perhaps most especially in the lives and hearts of the countless people whose lives you’ve touched through your faithful presence and loving concern.”