In a momentous and spiritually significant event, the Department of Christian Civilization at the University of Jaffna organized a celebration to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Catholic Students’ Union at the Good Shepherd Centre on the 06th of October 2024. It was a dual celebration, that is, the University of Jaffna’s own Golden Jubilee which was ceremonially inaugurated as Jaffna Campus on the 06th of October 1974 by the then Prime Minister Sirimao Bandaranayake and the Golden Jubilee of the Catholic Students’ Union which was established in the same year with the founding of the Jaffna Campus. The Golden Jubilee celebrations of both of these esteemed entities highlighted the fifty years of dedicated service in the Northern region of the country. The event brought together the Vice Chancellor and academic community of the University of Jaffna, current students, alumni and the interreligious leaders in an atmosphere of reflection, gratitude and hope for the future.
As the University of Jaffna celebrates its Golden Jubilee, the Catholic Student Union also marks fifty years of service, growth and transformation. The union’s evolution into the Good Shepherd Chaplaincy has enabled it to continue its mission of supporting students’ spiritual needs and providing a space where they can reflect on their faith while engaging with the broader academic environment. This dual celebration symbolizes the intertwined histories of the university and the chaplaincy, and their shared commitment to promoting education, faith, and community service.
The event, which took place at the Good Shepherd Chaplaincy, began with a Thanksgiving Holy Mass concelebrated at 7:00 a.m., presided over by Rev. Dr. J. E. Jayaseelan, the first chaplain of the Catholic Students’ Union. This special service, attended by a large congregation of students, staff and alumni, provided an opportunity for the community to give thanks for the many blessings received over the past fifty years. Rev. Dr. Jeyaseelan, who has witnessed the growth of the union since its earliest days, offered a heartfelt homily, reflecting on the chaplaincy’s spiritual journey and the values that have guided its mission. He emphasized the importance of maintaining faith and Christian values in today’s rapidly changing world, encouraging the students to continue striving for excellence in both their spiritual and academic lives. He also highlighted the memories of late Mr. Andrespillai Vimaladasan who was the first president of the Catholic Students’ Union which was established in 1974 and who was killed by the Sri Lankan forces on the 23rd of July 1983.
Following the Mass, a felicitation ceremony was held at 8:00 a.m., where the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah, delivered an inspiring address. In his speech, he admired the Catholic Students’ Union for its unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant Christian community within the university. He highlighted the union’s role in providing a safe and supportive space for students to engage with their faith, while also navigating the challenges of university life. He also noted that the union’s contributions to the university’s cultural and spiritual life have been invaluable, particularly in promoting values of compassion, service and community.
In addition a special commemorative publication was released, documenting the history of the Catholic Students’ Union and its impact on the university community. The publication titled “The University of Jaffna and the Catholic Students’ Union (Good Shepherd Chaplaincy): Fifty Years in Retrospect” edited by Rev. Prof. J.C. Paul Rohan included salient phases of the journey of the Catholic Students’ Union highlighting the union’s enduring legacy of faith, service and community. The book serves as a testament to the union’s rich history and its ongoing relevance in the lives of Catholic students at the University of Jaffna.
One of the most touching moments of the celebration was a tribute to the late Mr. Andrespillai Vimaladasan who played a vital role in the growth of the union and its transformation into the Good Shepherd Chaplaincy. A native of Pandatharippu, Mr. Vimaladasan was remembered as a dedicated and humble individual who gave his life in service to the chaplaincy and the Catholic student community. Rev. Fr. Gerad Saverimuthu led the tribute, offering a touching reflection on Mr. Vimaladasan’s contributions and the lasting impact he had on the union’s development. The audience was moved as they listened to stories of Mr. Vimaladasan’s selflessness and his unwavering dedication to ensuring that the Catholic Students’ Union remained a place of spiritual nourishment for future generations of students.
After the tribute, attendees were invited to visit an exhibition that showcased the fifty-year history of the Catholic Students’ Union. The exhibition featured a rich collection of photographs, documents and memorable items that highlighted the key milestones in the union’s journey. The exhibition also provided a visual and historical journey through the union’s evolution from its humble beginnings in 1974 to its present-day. Attendees, especially alumni, were able to reflect on their own experiences and the significant role the union played in their spiritual and academic development. Breakfast was served following the exhibition, giving participants an opportunity to socialize and reconnect with former members and friends.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations were more than just a reflection on the past. The event was also served as a moment to look forward to the future. It was a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future filled with hope to continue the faith, service and commitment to the community. The event helped strengthen the bond between the Department of Christian Civilization and the Catholic Student Union, reinforcing their shared mission of fostering a supportive Christian community within the university. It also served as a platform to reconnect with alumni, fostering a sense of continuity and shared purpose between past and present members of the union.
