Marking 50 years of religious service, Colombo’s Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith shared a moving testimony of his spiritual journey. From lonely nights in Ratnapura to challenges in Rome and Indonesia, the Cardinal revealed how divine grace helped him endure fear, isolation, and moments of doubt.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, marked a milestone today—50 years in religious life by sharing deeply personal reflections on his spiritual journey and the challenges he has overcome through faith.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service held at St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Colombo, the Cardinal said, “I encountered numerous fears and challenges throughout my religious life, but with the grace of Almighty God, I was able to overcome them.”
Recalling his appointment as Bishop of Ratnapura in the 1990s, he described it as a particularly trying moment. “It was a difficult time. I felt unsettled moving to an unfamiliar region. I remember spending my first night alone at the Bishop’s House in Ratnapura, feeling isolated and uncertain.”
He also spoke of his time in Rome, which brought its own share of trials. “Relocating to Rome was another major challenge. I knew almost no one. There were times I thought of resigning and returning to Sri Lanka. But divine providence carried me through.”
Another pivotal moment came when he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor. “That, too, was a tremendous challenge,” he admitted, “but I embraced it with faith.”
Cardinal Ranjith expressed heartfelt gratitude to Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, acknowledging their support and encouragement throughout his ministry.
He also extended thanks to bishops, both local and abroad, who walked with him during difficult chapters of his service.
His reflections were a powerful testimony to the role of faith, perseverance, and divine guidance in navigating a life of religious commitment.
For Easter Sunday attack, HE said state politicians are responsible and a foreign country he suspect responsible. This is greatest Mistry and complex situation HE is challenged.
He is not guilty but who is guilty will suffer.
I have written a book entitled: LOVE, Fear Not Nearer My God to Thee.
This is a motivational book to encourage women in pain, and people grieving with bad news of poor health conditions and near death conditions.
It includes some extracts on the Holy Mass, written in German by Fr. Martin Von Cochem of the Capuchin order, more than 600 years ago.
My book is available on Amazon, IngramSpark, Lulu and a few other platforms. Could you please review my book and write a promotional note which I can share in my upcoming website and in an early reprint of the book. It is 220 pages long.
I was the Business Manager of the Aloysian Herald for about 5 years under Fr. Severinus and later under Fr. WLA Don Peter. I live in Ottawa, Canada and have met visiting priests from Sri Lanka. Fr. Freely Muthukuda, Fr. Claude Perera, Gamini Silva. I remember Elmo Benedict, and even you. Please respond to this email and I will send you some copies of my book to you.