Being a priest for Asitha Sriyantha is fulfilling his childhood dream. His family is Catholic and devout, but he studied in a Buddhist school that could have changed the course of his life. But it didn't. Now a seminarian, he studies at the University of Navarra in Pamplona and resides in the Bidasoa International Seminar.
"Since my childhood I had the desire to be a priest. When teachers asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would answer: I want to be a priest," says Asitha.
And although he comes from a devout Catholic family, with parents who are actively involved in parish activities, the decision to become a priest was not initially welcomed by his father, because in Asia it is difficult to accept that your only male child enters the seminary and leaves the family business.
"Now he is proud to have a son preparing to be a priest," exclaims Asitha. Thanks to his parents, his mother's influence, and the simple faith of his grandmother who lives with them, he grew in faith and relationship with God.
Asitha studied primary school in the school near the parish church and among her daily routine it was normal to serve at the morning Mass.
In high school his life took a turn when he entered a Buddhist school, an experience that has given him a broader understanding of Buddhism, the majority religious practice in his country.
My teachers and friends didn't understand," he says. Later, when I explained it to them, they understood my desire a little better and even encouraged me."
Now, his relatives and friends are happy because he is the first in his family to become a priest. "I hope and pray that some of my relatives will choose this wonderful life path: to become a priest," he exclaims. His only sister is always there for whatever is needed.
The Catholic Church counts in Sri Lanka with about 1.4 million faithful, representing about 7 % of the population. It is organized into 11 dioceses including one archdiocese. Asitha Sriyantha Lakmal is from the Diocese of Colombo, a diocese to which he will return after training in theology and philosophy at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarre.
"Asia is incredibly diverse, with numerous ethnicities, languages and cultural practices," comments Asitha, aware that the Church in Asia contributes to the rich tapestry of religions in various ways, reflecting the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of the continent.
"In fact, the Church in Asia often embraces and integrates this diversity, fostering a sense of unity in the midst of differences. Asia is home to several major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and others," he comments.
Therefore, the great contribution of the Church in Asia is its participation in interreligious dialogue, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among people of different religions and thus contributing to peace.
"In many Asian countries Christians carry out their mission in peace and freedom, but in others there are situations of violence and persecution," he laments.
However, the great challenge faced by young people is that they priests of the 21st centuryThe main reason for this, both in Asia and in the rest of the world, is the strong secularization of society.
To face this great challenge, Asitha Sriyantha is convinced that "formation is key to address the challenges of our mission. I believe that every priest must fulfill his mission in the face of the thinking of the modern world," says Asitha.
And an integral formation is also a challenge to attract young people, a formation that will help to find innovative ways to address these challenges and to serve actively in the divine mission.
But in addition to formation, Asitha reminds us that prayer and the sacraments are the essence of our Catholic faith, because "we will only bear the fruit that God wants, if we seek God's grace and guidance, maintaining a close relationship with Him".
This relationship of trust and faith with the Lord was acquired as a child thanks to his parents, a seed that left its mark on his soul. Thus, at the age of sixteen he entered the minor seminary of St. Aloysius in Colombo and three years later he entered the propaedeutic seminary.
"I did three years of philosophical studies at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Kandy, and now I can study theology in Pamplona thanks to the CARF Foundation," he says excitedly.
In addition, his experience at the Bidasoa International Seminary gives him a very broad richness in his vocational journey. "In Sri Lanka, we experienced the local Church. But in Bidasoa, where I live in Pamplona, the universality of the Catholic Church is palpable. We may be different with our cultures and languages, but we are one in our faith."
God willing, he will be ordained a priest to serve his diocese. "Our life is one and we serve one Master. Our thoughts and ideas may differ, but we work together and walk together towards the same goal," Asitha concludes.
In conclusion, he is very grateful for the financial effort that benefactors make so that young people like him from all over the world can finish their studies. "A good and well-formed priest can help people to reach the path of God," he says joyfully.
Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.
