St Joseph’s Church, Wennappuwa: A 145-year-old monument to steadfast devotion
Wennappuwa, one of the predominantly Catholic towns on the island and a renowned centre of Catholic life within the Diocese of Chilaw, marks the 145th anniversary of St. Joseph’s Church today, Sunday, May 3, 2026. Standing majestically along the Chilaw – Negombo main road, St. Joseph’s Church remains a powerful symbol of the town’s identity and a lasting monument to the devotion, perseverance and unwavering faith of earlier generations who nurtured and sustained Catholic life in this region over centuries.
Across the country’s coastal belt of Sri Lanka, imposing churches stand as defining features of village landscapes, bearing witness to the extraordinary dedication and selflessness of foreign missionaries who sacrificed personal comfort, wealth, and even life itself in the service of their pastoral mission. This reflection serves as a sincere tribute to those devoted missionaries, particularly the Very Rev. Fr. Constant Chounavel, OMI, the French Oblate missionary who founded St. Joseph’s Church, Wennappuwa and other churches in the Diocese.
Landmark: St. Joseph’s Church
Origins of Wennappuwa
Historical evidence drawn from the Choolavamsa (p. 97) indicates that the village of Wennappuwa, originally known as ‘Wenniarpura or Wenupura’ dates back approximately 860 years to the reign of King Parakramabahu of Anuradhapura. The earliest settlers were paddy cultivators who established their dwellings in Gangoda, near the village tank.
According to records compiled by Bishop Edmund Peiris, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Chilaw, a Catholic presence existed in Wennappuwa as early as 1600 AD. Catholics baptised by Jesuit missionaries are said to have sheltered and supported fellow Catholics in neighbouring villages during periods of Dutch persecution.
Kurusa Thotupola
The Hamilton Canal, which passes through Wennappuwa, once served as a primary route of transportation and travellers navigating the canal by canoe frequently stopped at Wennappuwa’s small port to rest and replenish their supplies. The faithful erected a cross at this landing site to signify the presence of a Catholic community in the village.
Historical tradition records that St. Joseph Vaz and the renowned historian and missionary Very Rev. Fr. Jacome Gonzalves used this canal during their journeys between Puttalam and Colombo. On several occasions, they are believed to have disembarked at Kurusa Thotupola to minister to the spiritual needs of the people of Wennappuwa.
The parish
In 1861, Very Rev. Fr. Constant Chounavel, OMI, the first parish priest of Wennappuwa, visited the village and resolved to replace the small wattle-and-daub church situated near Kurusa Thotupola, Gangoda, with a more substantial structure at the present site. This decision coincided with the demarcation of the Colombo–Puttalam road, which Fr. Chounavel believed warranted situating the church in a more prominent and accessible location.
At that time, the parish comprised around 300 families, all of whom were Catholic. Foreseeing population growth, Fr. Chounavel recognised the need for a spacious church capable of accommodating the expanding congregation.
The massive structure was completed within 18 years, solely with manual labour.
The founder
Very Rev. Fr. Constant Chounavel, OMI, was a distinguished scholar, author, lyricist, and musician, fluent in both Sinhala and Tamil. He served the Wennappuwa parish for two decades until his death. His affection for the village was evident in his endearing reference to Wennappuwa as “Juse Kotuwa” the Stable of St. Joseph, or “Little Bethlehem.” Fondly known among the people as “Sudu Swami” (the fair priest) and “Ingineru Swami” (the engineering priest), Fr. Chounavel worked tirelessly alongside his parishioners. Inspired by his commitment, the villagers actively contributed labour and resources toward the realisation of the church.
Fr. Chounavel (1825–1923) spent 71 years in Ceylon and earned recognition as a prolific writer, composer, and translator of Catholic literature in Sinhala and Tamil. He authored and translated 35 books and composed numerous hymns that continue to enrich liturgical worship across Sri Lanka.
The foundation stone of the present church was laid in 1863 by Most Rev. Stephen Semaria, OMI, Bishop of Jaffna, under whose jurisdiction Wennappuwa then fell. The church was consecrated on May 7, 1881 by Most Rev. Dr. Andrew Malison, OMI, Bishop of Jaffna.
In fulfilment of Fr. Chounavel’s final wishes, his mortal remains were laid to rest in front of the main altar of the church he founded.
Subsequent developments
Successive parish priests, with the collaboration of parishioners, contributed significantly to the development of the church. Rev. Fr. Alexius Seru, OMI (1935–1937), constructed a choir loft and renovated the sanctuary. During the tenure of Rev. Fr. Basil Fonseka (1949–1954), the historic belfry was erected, and three bells weighing 425 kg, 380 kg, and 193 kg were installed in 1953.
To meet the needs of a growing congregation, the left wing of the church was added under Rev. Fr. Theodor Perera (1954–1959). Pews were introduced during the period of Rev. Fr. Don Marceline (1965–1969). The church pavilion was constructed for the centenary celebrations in 1981 under Rev. Fr. Alex Dasanayake (1976–1981).
A comprehensive renovation and expansion of the left wing was completed in 2017 under Rev. Fr. Eric Fernando. More recently, the installation of the statue of the Dreaming St. Joseph in 2021 by Rev. Fr. Anthony Ranjith Fernando and a statue of St. Joseph with the Child Jesus facing the main road in 2025 by the present Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Linton Fernando, have further enhanced the church.
Historic statue
Fr. Chounavel, himself a skilled sculptor, entrusted one of his gifted students, who was also the brother of the legendary Saradiel of Utuwan Kanda, to carve the imposing statue of St. Joseph that crowns the church façade. This distinctive sculpture reflects ideals of piety, chastity, and steadfast faith. Parishioners firmly believe that St. Joseph continues to protect Wennappuwa from natural calamities and other dangers.
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