History

THE CONFERENCE OF MAJOR RELIGIOUS SUPERIORS OF SRI LANKA

The Conference of Major Religious Superiors is a permanent organization of Religious Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life of Sri Lanka, established by the Holy See under the name of “The Conference of the Major Religious Superiors” (CMRS) in accordance with Canons 708 – 709.
(Can. 708 Major Superiors can be associated usefully in conferences or councils so that by common efforts they work to achieve more fully the purpose of the individual institutes, always without prejudice to their autonomy, character, and proper spirit, or to transact common affairs, or to establish appropriate coordination and cooperation with the conferences of bishops and also with individual bishops. Can. 709 Conferences of Major Superiors are to have their own statutes approved by the Holy See, by which alone they can be erected even and under whose supreme direction they remain.)
The Inaugural Meeting: of the CMRS
took place on 23rd September 1960 at the Archbishop’s House Colombo.
It was convoked by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. J.R. Knox, Delegate Apostolic for Ceylon.
The Meeting was Presided by His Excellency, and there were three Bishops present.
His Grace Most Rev. Dr Thomas Cooray OMI Archbishop of Colombo,
His Lordship Dr. N.M. Laudadio SJ Bishop of Galle,
and His Lordship Dr. Leo Nanayakkara OSB Bishop of Kandy.

The Major Superiors Present at this Inaugural Meeting were

1 Fr. E Crowther SJ SuperiorTrinco – Batticaloa
2 Fr. Ianacone SJ Superior Galle
3 Fr. Alexis Serru OMI
4 Fr. D.S.Tonini OSB
5 Fr. Hickey CSsR
6 Fr. Fitzgerald SSS
7 Fr. Neira OP
8 Bro. Francis Xavier FSC Superior General
9 Bro. Vincent Joseph FSC
10 Bro Peter Berchmans FMS
11 Bro Gabnel – Franciscan Brothers
12 Bro. Benjamin – Brothers of St. Joseph
13 Mother Good Counsel RGS
14 Mother Helene Oliver HF South
15 Mother Visitation HF North
16 Mother Marie de Cervellan FMM
17 Mother Elizabeth de la Trinite SCJM
18 Mother Gabrielle LSP
19 Mother Martina HA
20 Mother Ruth AC
21 Mother Mary Renata PH
22 Mother Bernadette HC
23 Mother Maria DOLSH
24 Mother Marie Benoit SP
25 Mother Marie Reine Rosern SCC
26 Mother Victoria SBV
27 Mother Victricia SDS
28 Mother Clelia Elye OP
29 Mother Clelia Elye OP
30 Mother Regina Michael – Maryknoll Sisters
His Excellency welcomed the group and recalled how the idea of having this Conference originated at the All Ceylon Seminar held in Colombo 7th-10th August 1959. A vote taken at the end of the Seminar requested to have a Conference for all Non-Clerical Religious Institutes. His Excellency further explained that the Scared Congregation for Religious has replied saying it is desirable that there be a single Conference for all Religious and that Clerical institutes be accordingly invited to join in. The Sacred Congregation had also suggested that the Statutes of the Major Religious Conference of Colombia could be taken as a pattern. Copies of this were distributed. The Provisional Secretary Fr. Claude Lawrence OMI read them out. Remarks were made, and some adjustments were made to suit the situation of Ceylon and a final copy of the Statutes were made and finally adopted – ad experimentum.
According to the adopted Statutes a Board of Directors was elected by secret vote.
The First CMRS Board elected on 23rd September 1960

THE 1960's

20th October 1962 The first AGM
All members of the Board were re-elected


Fr. Alexis Serru OMI – President
Fr. E Crowther SJ – Vice President

Board Members
Bro. Vincent Joseph FSC
Mother Good Counsel RGS
Mother Helene HF
Fr. Claude Lawrence OMI         Secretary
Treasurer Fr. Joseph Fernando OMI Treasurer
Procurator Archdiocese of Colombo


7th December 1962 Quarterly Meeting

(Fr. Alexis Serru OMI completed his term of office as Provincial Superior )
Fr. E. Crowther SJ – President
Bro. Vincent Joseph FSC – Vice President
Board Members
Mother Good Counsel RGS
Mother Helene HF
Fr. Anthony Fernando OMI
Fr. Claude Lawrence OMI Secretary
Fr. Joseph Fernando OMI
Procurator Archdiocese of Colombo Treasurer
This Committee continued till May 1967
Due to the prevailing situation of the country


31st May 1967 AGM

Fr. Crowther SJ – President
Mother Good Counsel – Vice President
Committee

Fr. Anthony Fernando OMI
Mother Euphemia AC
Bro. Lawrence        Secretary


23rd February 1968

( Fr. E Crowther SJ completed his term of office as Provincial Superior)
Mother Good Counsel RGS – President
Bro. Vincent Joseph FSC
Mother Helene HF
Mother Maud

27 th February 1969 AGM

Fr. W.H. Moran SJ – President
Fr. Lucian Schmit OMI – Vice President
Committee

Mother Good Counsel RGS
Mother Maud AC
Bro Lawrence FSC         Secretary

The Challenges faced by the CMRS in the 1960’s

The biggest challenge of this era was the Nationalization of Schools.
Next all Sisters were banned from pursuing studies in all the Schools of Nursing in the country.
Religious Sisters were ordered to quit the Hospitals where they have been ministering for a number of years
Seven Congregations who have been in this Ministry were affected by this quit order.
  • Franciscan Missionaries of Mary   serving at the General Hospital Colombo since 1886 and later in  the Leper Hospitals of Mannar ,Mulativu & Hendala
  • Sisters of Holy Family of Bordeaux serving at the District    Hospital Nawalapitiya since1892.
  • Sisters of Perpetual Help serving at the Chest Hospital Ragama since 1929
  • Sisters of Holy Cross of Menzigen General serving at the General Hospital Jaffna and Kayts since1930
  • Sisters of Providence serving at the Chest Hospital Ragama sinc e 1948
  • Maryknoll Sisters serving at the General Hospital Kandy since 1949
  • Salvatorian Sisters serving at the General Hospital Kurunegala since 1954
Nearly 300 Foreign Religious Sisters had to leave the island.
Extension of Visas for the remaining Foreign Religious both men and women in all the Congregations was a big issue.

The Challenges faced by the CMRS in the 1960’s

  • 3rd – 5th May 1962: A Course in Psychology and Youth Guidance was conducted for 256 Religious, at Aquinas University College by Fr. E. Ugatre SJ from Sacred Heart College Shembaganur South India
  • 6th -10th May: A Programme for Novice Mistresses was conducted by Fr. E. Ugatre SJ
  • 16th November AGM Fr. Peter Pillai OMI shares that Aquinas will begin begin a Course of Religious Studies for Young Religious lasting forone year.
  • 5th-8th December 1963: A Seminar for 87 – Women Local Superiors was held at Good Shepherd Convent Nayakakanda on the understanding the Vow of Obedience by Fr. W.H. Moran SJ.
  • 10th -15th December 1963: A Retreat for 42 – Men Local Superiors was conducted by Fr. W.H. Moran at the Tewatte Retreat House, there were 42 participants.
  • 6thApril – 2nd May 1963: An Advanced Catechetical Seminar – 1st Session was held at Good Shepherd Convent Nuwara Eliya. 58 Sisters, 18 Brothers and 1 Priest. Participated . . The resource persons were Jesuits and Oblates
    First Week : Fr. James Cooke OMI, Christian Doctrine & Fr. Michael Rodrigo OMI , Anthropology,
    Second Week: Fr. J.V.Sommers SJ , , Fr. Labanchi SJ , Fr.J Ciampa, Study of Old Testament
    Fr. James Cooke OMI, continued Christian Doctrine
    In the third and fourth Weeks : Fr.Anthony Fernando OMI – Buddhism, Fr. Dalston Forbes OMI – Christian Doctrine,
    Fr. Joachim Pillai OMI – New Testament
    As an outcome of this programme a Newsletter was published bi-monthly till the second session . This was sponsored by CMRS and directed by the National Seminary. All were grateful to Fr. Anthony Fernando OMI who was its editor. The CMRS also opened a common Catechetical Library at Bridget’s Convent .
  • 22nd May – 26th May 1963 A Seminar for Novice Mistresses was held at Holy Family Convent Bandarawala Directed by Frs. W.H.Moran SJ, Percy Abraham SJ, and V. Perniola SJ.
  • There were two one day programmes – On Understanding Communism in China by Fr. Landy. 5th July 1964 for Women Religious at Good Shepherd Convent Kotahena and on 12th July for Men Religious at St. Joseph’s Novitiate – Mutwal. These lectures were followed by discussions and Fr. E.J Brady S.J. gave the participants literature on communism helping them to grasp what its and the plight of the people in China.
  • 4th -12th January 1965: A number of Religious participated in Fr. Riccardo Lombardi’s Spiritual Seminar held at the National Seminary Ampitiya. “The Creation of A New World – A Better World” according to the Spirit and Teachings of Jesus Christ.
  • March ’65 The Sinhalese translation of the French work “Life WithinThe City of God ” by Fr. Rene Carpentier SJ came out of the press. CMRS is grateful to Fr. Joseph Ciampa SJ for obtaining permission from the author and publishers for translating and publishing and Fr. D.J. Anthony for translating it into Sinhalese.
  • 4th-12th March A Novena of Prayer and Work was conducted in all the Communities of Religious Congregations to obtain from God good vocations to the married state, priesthood and religious life. CMRS earnestly requested all Parish Priest to join in this prayer campaign with their parishioners. Novena Cards and Posters were sent to all Religious Houses and Parishes.
  • 9th April-7th May 1965: An Advanced Catechetical Seminar 2nd Session was held again at Good Shepherd Convent Nuwara Eliya. 56 Sisters and 13 brothers participated.
    • A Special General meeting was called to study the Proposals. A Catholi c Board of Education was formed , consisting of the following: Fr. A.E.L. Margez OMI, Fr. Andrew Peter Fernando OMI, Bro. Lawrence FSC, Mopther Good Counsel RGS, Mother Aquinas HF, Bro. Charles FSC, Fr. Perniola SJ, Bro. Calixtus FSC, Bro. Peter FM S, Sr. Immaculate RGS, and . Annette AC.
      This group met from time to time and acted as an advisory body for CMRS.
  • 30th November 1966 The Conference met His Eminence Cardinal Cooray OMI and all the other Bishops and discussed on the following points: Religious Life, Religious Poverty, The different types of apostolates, and the challenges facing the Catholic Education and the problems facing the Private Schools.
  • During this year Fr. D.J. Anthony made a translation into Sinhala of the Renewal of Religious Life according to Vatican II and over 1000 copies were sent to all the Religious Communities.
    A Tamil translation of the”A Guide through the Bible by Fr. K. Dalapathado OMI was made by Fr. G.T. Balasunderam
    75% was distributed in Jaffna.
The report of 1968 69 says that from all angles it an eventful one.
First the Diocesan Convention in the Diocese of Galle in which four major Superior were involved. Later all were kept busy with the National Pastoral Convention for the greater part of the year either attending preparatory Committee Meetings and then later actually taking part in the deliberations of the two sessions of the Convention.
At the end of the First Session of the Convention Fr. Anthony Fernando OMI in consultian with others prepared apaper on the Priesthood. Brother Lawrence and Brother Calixtus together with a group of Brothers prepared a paper on the Brotherhood. Mother Good Counsel requested Mother Joseph Deagan together with agroup of Sisters to prepare one for the Sisterhood
23rd February 1968:Mother Martina Superior General of the Sisters of the Holy Angels read Pope Paul’s Allocution to the Meeting of the Women Superiors General in Rome. Mother M. Loyola HF took the discourse of Cardinal Antonuitti, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Religious and Mother Good Counsel RGS that of Cardinal Agagianian on the Call to Missions and the Development of an Authentic mission commitment among Women Religious.
25th March 1968; Mgr. Manik Muthukumaru had a session with the Major Superiors enlightening them on the proposed changes to the Code of Canon Law with referance to the Decree On The Adaptation And Renewal Of Religious Life PERFECTAE CARITATIS Proclaimed By His Holiness Pope Paul VI On October 28, 1965 and
ECCLESIAE SANCTAE Motu Proprio Implementing Four Council Decrees POPE PAUL VI August 6, 1966
A special General Meeting of the Conference was held on the 13th of September 1969 at 9.15 am . Fr. W.H. Moran explained that the purpose of the Meeting was to give an opportunity to the National Directors to address the Major Superiors.
Fr. Don Sylvester on the Catechetical Movement in Ceylon
Fr. Joe Fernando on the working of the Socio Economic Development Centre
Fr. Thomas Kuriacose SJ on the Apostolate for the Youth,
Sister Joseph Deegan RGS on the needs of the Sister Formation Programme
Fr. Dalston Forbes OMI on the Seminary Training and Priorities of the Synod.

THE 1970's

14th October 1972 AGM
Fr.Vito. Perniola SJ – President
Fr. L Schmitt OMI
Committee Members
Mother Good Counsel – RGS
Sr. Bernadette Fernando – HF
Bro Lawrence – FSC Secretary

9th October 1973 AGM
Fr.Vito. Perniola SJ – President
Sr. M. Joseph Deegan RGS – Vice President
Committee Members
Fr. L Schmitt OMI
Bro. Flavian Joseph – FSC
Sr. Bernadette Fernando – HF
Bro. Fredrick – Secretary

22.02. 1979 Emmergency Meeting
Sr. Rose Fernando FMM is elected as a General Councillor
Sr. Louisa HF replaces her as Vice President
Sr. Innocentia AC is elected to the Committee.
Fr. Thomas Kurikose SJ President
Sr. Louisa HF Vice President
Committee Members
Sr. Marie de Lorette
Fr. Anton Malawaratchchi
Sr. Innocentia AC
Sr. Marie Bernard SDS Secretary
24 th October 1975 AGM
Fr. James Cooke OMI President
Sr. Joseph Deegan RGS Vice President
Committee Members Sr. Francisca SCJM
Fr. Vito. Perniola SJ
Fr. Neil Karunaratne CSsR
Sr. Helene Margurite HF Secretary

1977 AGM
Fr. Thomas Kurikose SJ President
Sr Rose Fernando FMM Vice President
Committee Members
Sr. Louisa HF
Sr. Marie de Lorette
Fr. Anton Malawaratchchi
Sr. Marie Bernard SDS Secretary
This is a period where much effort is made to deepen the understanding of the orientations given by Vatican II,
We are to view that the life and mission of the Church are shared by all People of God with equal responsibility. The responsibility of each is according to the role, the calling, the vocation of each. Therefore it is necessary that the CBCSL AND CMRS meet regularly but it has not happened in the sixties.
1st -10thFebruary 1972
A Colloquium was held at the Retreat House Lewella , Kandy organised by the CMRS
The focus was on
i. The Religious Life in the Church at the present phase of evolution of our country.
ii. Group Dynamics and Sensitivity Formation
The Conference was very grateful to all the Resource Persons Bishop Leo Nanayakkara OSB, FR. Tissa Bala suriya, Fr. Paul Casperz Fr. Vernon Buyser, Fr. and Fr. Eustace Fernando SJ

17th February 1972 His Lordship Bishop Edmund Fernando OMI was present at the first CMRS Board Meeting g for the year. He expressed the desire that the CMRS should make it a point to have a dialogue with CBCSL at least once a year.
26th February 1972
12th – 19th April The Annual Theology Seminar conducted by Fr. Caprioli SJ, Fr. Morelli SJ and Fr. Rex Ockersz SJ was held at Good Shepherd Convent Nuwara Eliya

12th February 1972

12 – 16th December 1972 A Course in Counselling was given by Mr. & Mrs. M. Cassidy from the Christian Counselling Centre Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. Bro. Hermengild FSC The Director of Diyagala Boy’s Town placed the Boy’s Town Social Centre buildings at the disposal of CMRS . 35 Women Religious and 7 men Religious participated.

During this year two members who have served in the Board for many years had to leave as they ended their term of office as Provincial Superiors. Mother Good Counsel 1960-1973. Bro. Lawrence 1967 – 1973
1981 AGM
Sr. Marie de Lorette SCJM President
Bro. Clifford Perera FMS Vice President
Committee
Sr. Inisia AC
Fr.Alfred Alexander SSS
Fr. Glen Fernando CSsR
Sr. Marie Bernard SDS Secretary & Treasurer
30th November 1983 AGM
Bro. Baptist Croos FSC President
Sr. Josephine Mendis HF Vice President
Sr. Cynthia Mendis PH
Committee Members
Fr.Bernard Quintus OMI
Fr.Alfred Alexander SSS
Bro Andrew Michael FSC Secretary & Treasurer
14th July 1984 AGM
Fr, Bernard Quintus was elected to the General Council of his Congregation
Sr. Maude AC was elected to replace him
1987 AGM
Fr. Anslem Silva OMI President
Sr. Gillian LSJ Vice President
Sr. Christoble Wijesekera FMM Treasurer
Committee Members
Sr. Anastasia Perere SCJM
Fr. Alexander SSS
Fr. Dalston Forbes OMI Executive Secretary
1989 AGM
Sr. Canice Fernando HF President
Fr. Anton Peiris SJ Vice President
Sr. Anastasia Perera SCJM Treasurer
Committee Members
Bro. Emmanuel FSC
Sr. Irene Alwines HC
Fr. E.Janz SDB
Christoble Wijesekera FMM
Fr. Dalston Forbes OMI Executive Secretary
1991 AGM
Fr. Alexander SSS President
Sr. Anastasia Perera SCJM Vice President
Bro. Clement FSC Treasurer
Committee Members
Sr. Nivard Senarath RGS
Fr. Glen Fernando CSsR
Sr. Cinthia AC
Sr. Canice Fernando HF
Fr. Dalston Forbes Executive Secretary
23rd December1993 AGM
Fr. Alfred Alexander SSS President
Sr.Ethel Alwis PH Vice President
Committee Members Fr. John Cammillus OMI
Sr.Cinthia AC
Fr. Peter Kurukulaaratchchi SJ
Sr. Marie de Lorette SCJM
Fr. Dalston Forbes Executive Secretary
January 1996 AGM
Fr. Peter Kurukulaaratchchi SJ President
Sr. Euphrasia Rodrigo Vice President
Fr. Camillus Fernando OMI Sr. Dilecta AC
Bro. Clement
Sr. Marie de Lorette
Bro. Sunanda Alwis
30th November 1996
Two new Ex.Co members
Fr. Anslem Fonseka OSB
Sr. Shirani Perra PH
29th November 1997
Bro. Baptist Croos FSC President
Sr. Catherine Perera FMM Vice President
Fr. Herald Thamel SSS Treasurer
Committee Members
Sr. Euphrasia HF
Fr. Bernard Quintus OMI
Fr. Vimal Tirimane CSsR
Sr. Dilecta AC
Bro Alexander FSC Executive Secretary
30th November 1999 AGM
Fr. Vimal Tirimane CSsR President
Sr. Marie de Lorette SCJM Vice President
Sr. M Dilecta AC Treasurer
Committee Members
Sr. Merlyn Fernando SP
Sr. Euphrasia HF
Fr. Baylon Perera SJ
Bro Alexander Executive Secretary
24th November 2001 AGM Fr. Vimal Tirimane CSsR President
Sr. Kumudini Dassanayake HF Vice President
Sr. Sirima Opanayake OP Treasurer
Committee Members
Sr. Anita Fernando RGS
Bro.Henry Dissanayake FSC
Fr. Baylon Perera SJ
Fr. Thomas Kuriacose SJ Executive Secretary
27th November 2003 AGM Fr. Oswald Firth OMI President
Sr. M. Sunitha AC Vice President
Sr. Sirima Opanayake OP Treasurer
Committee Members
Bro. Michael de Wass FMS
Sr. Anita Fernando RGS
Fr. Thomas Kuriacose SJ Executive Secretary
25th November 2004 AGM
Fr. Oswald Firth OMI is elected to the General Council
Sr. M. Sunitha AC President
Fr. Anthony Pinto SDB Vice President
Sr. Sirima Opanayake OP Treasurer
Committee Members
Bro. Michael de Wass FMS
Sr. Anita Fernando RGS
Sr. Immaculate Joseph HC
Fr. Thomas Kuriacose SJ Executive Secretary

February 2005 Special MeetingTo organize for the Tsunami aftermath –
Absence of a Secretary felt – Sr. Bernadette Fernando SCC invited to be Executive Secretary
1st December 2005 AGM
Bro. Michael de Wass FMS President
Sr. Immaculate Joseph HC Vice President
Bro.Henry Dissanayake FSC Treasurer
Committee Members
Christoble Wijesekera FMM
Fr. Mariathas Selvaratnam OMI
Sr. Shirani Perera PH
Sr. Bernadette Fernando SCC Executive Secretary
21st June 2006 Quarterly Meeting (Two replacements
Bro. Michael de Wass FMS is called by his Congregation for Mission Ad Gentes
Sr. Shirani Perera PH completes her term of Office as Superior General of her Congregation)
Sr. Immaculate Joseph HC President
Fr. Maria Anthony SJ Vice President
Bro. Henry Dissanayake FSC Treasurer
Committee Members
Sr. Christoble Wijesekera FMM
Fr. Mariathas Selvaratnam OMI
Sr. Anastasia Perera SCJM
Sr. Bernadette Fernando SCC Executive Secretar
29th November 2007 AGM
Fr. Maria Anthony SJ President
Sr. Francisca Perera HF Vice President
Bro.Henry Dissanayake FSC Treasurer
Committee Members
Sr. Christoble Wijesekera FMM
Sr. Malathie Dassanayake PH
Fr. Rohan Dominic CMF
Sr. Bernadette Fernando SCC Executive Secretary

Sr. Christoble Wijesekera FMM – left us for her eternal reward
Sr. Anastasia Perera SCJM was elected to replaced her.
3rd December 2009 AGM
Fr. Rohan Dominic CMF President
Sr. Anastasia Perera SCJM Vice President
Bro. Denzil Perera FSC Treasurer
Committee Members
Fr. Sunil Rupasinghe SSS
Sr. Immaculate Joseph HC
Fr. Paul Nadchethiram OMI
Sr. Bernadette Fernando SCC Executive Secretary

September 2010
Sr. Rohini Mendis resign as Vice President
Sr. Malathi Dassanayake was elected to replace her.