This young seminarian from the island of Sri Lanka entered St. Aloysius Minor Seminary in Colombo in 2013, when he was 14 years old. In recent years, he has completed his studies in philosophy.
Avishka is the youngest of three siblings, has a married sister and a brother who is pursuing his higher education. His father used to work for the Ceylon Cooperation newspaper in Sri Lanka and is now retired. And his mother has always been devoted to the home and her children.
"I have a lovely family. They are Roman Catholics. I'm sure that my family environment has helped me a lot to become a Christian. and to discern my vocation," she expresses with joy.
This young seminarian was born in a village called Pamunugama, where there is a lively parish that helped him grow up during his adolescence.
"After receiving Communion, I went alter server (server) both in my parish and at my university. I was a member of the Holy Childhood Association. Those two unions helped me a lot in having a wonderful life in my adolescence. I had many friends, I worked with them, I prayed, I played, I enjoyed...it was incredible. In all those years I had the desire to become a priest," he says.
And at the age of 14 he began his "vocational journey", in which there were many joys, but also some tears. "However, after eleven years, when I look back, I see that the step forward I took at the time was thanks to the Love and Mercy of Christ. I do not know how to explain it. But I am sure that He is with me"he says.
How does a Catholic live in Sri Lanka, since the majority of the population, 70 % is Buddhist? In what ways can Catholics surprise in their country, we asked Avishka.
For him, Buddhism has spiritually enriched the culture of his country: "I am sure that whether a Sri Lankan citizen is a Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic or Catholic, born in a spiritual atmosphere. That really impacts a lot on the growth of the nation," he says.
Although Catholics form minority groupsthe role of the Church in the country is highly regarded.. The Catholic majority of Sri Lanka is located in the coastal area such as Kalutara, Colombo, Negambo, Chillaw, Mannar, etc.
"The Church's stance on moral and social issues is highly appreciated in the country. For example, in the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attackThe church raised its voice and stood up for justice for innocent people and victims," he says.
As a Catholic, he discovers something surprising for us to keep in mind: "What my non-Catholic friends identify is a great joy within us. They appreciate the sacrament of reconciliation because we know that in Christ, with Christ and through Christ we sinners are forgiven and redeemed. I am sure that this aspect of reconciliation that we have through the Mercy of Christ has given non-Catholics a positive psychological impact on them.".
And with these opportunities, for Avishka, the most potent weapons of a young priest in the 21st century are prayer for fidelity and perseveranceIn my opinion, being a young priest is difficult. It is a challenge in this individualistic and secularized world. But it is still possible if we are faithful to the vocation received from God. I am sure we should pray a lot for our perseverance, for that of all vocations and for our fidelity. For Christ everything is possible. I ask you all, friends and benefactors of the CARF Foundation prayers for our perseverance"he concludes.
Marta SantínJournalist specializing in religious information.
