Forming Mature, Educated & Service-Oriented Candidates
The Oblate Juniorate seeks to form mature, educated, and service-oriented candidates who would be capable of living Christian discipleship in the Oblate Congregation — men whose hearts are aflame with the love of God and neighbour.
Six Dimensions of Formation
General Formation
Selection & AdmissionOblate Vocation Director
Fr. Sarath Perera OMI accompanies candidates throughout the discernment process,
visiting homes, meeting families, and conducting vocation camps.
Mazenod House, 40, Farm Road, Colombo 15.
Home Visits & Family Meetings
The Vocation Director visits the homes of candidates and meets their parents to ensure a holistic understanding of the candidate's background.
Parish & Community Consultation
Parish priests, Religious, and devout lay faithful who know the family background of candidates are consulted before selection.
Vocation Camps & Interviews
Vocation camps, personal interviews, and entrance examinations in Sinhala, English, Mathematics, and IQ are conducted prior to selection.
Academic Standard
When educational performance does not meet the required standard, candidates are encouraged to repeat Grade 10 within the Juniorate itself.
A letter from the parish priest and/or Religious or devout lay faithful is required, along with a report from the school principal, a medical certificate, IQ and EQ test results, and the required church and civil documents.
Required Documents
Spiritual Formation
Prayer & SacramentsAccompaniment & Assessment
Formators prudently accompany and assess candidates to discern their true motivation in following Jesus Christ within the Oblate Congregation.
Personal & Community Prayer
Growth in spiritual life through both personal prayer and community prayer forms the bedrock of daily life in the Juniorate.
Eucharistic Celebration
Meaningful preparation for conscious, active, and full participation in the Eucharist is a central priority of formation.
Feasts & Liturgical Life
Feasts of Our Lord, feasts of the Holy Mother Mary, and Oblate feasts are given special importance in the liturgical calendar of the Juniorate.
Spiritual Direction
Each student is provided with regular spiritual direction by appointed spiritual directors to accompany their interior journey.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Ample opportunities are provided for candidates to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) regularly.
Monthly Recollections & Annual Retreats
Monthly recollections deepen the interior life throughout the year, complemented by a full Annual Retreat for deeper conversion.
Pastoral Formation
Apostolic ExperienceApostolic Placement in an Oblate Parish
Candidates in A/L and post-A/L classes are sent out on pastoral placement to gain the Oblate missionary and pastoral outlook and practical training. Under the accompaniment of Oblate priests, they are exposed to real parish ministry — preaching, catechesis, outreach, and service of the poor. This hands-on experience is integral to forming the missionary identity that lies at the heart of the Oblate charism.
Educational Formation
Academic ExcellenceCandidates enter the Juniorate at Grade 10, post O/L, or post A/L level and progress through their education to complete the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination and the National Seminary Entrance Examination (NSE). The choice of examination subjects is decided by the Juniorate staff, guided by the pastoral needs of the Oblate Province of Colombo. Literary Associations in Sinhala and English help Juniorists develop language and communication skills.
Computer
Laboratory
Reading
Room
Seminary
Library
Music
& Arts
Psychological Formation
Human DevelopmentPsycho-Sexual Education
Conferences and lectures by competent professionals on psycho-sexual aspects and integral human development are provided regularly.
Dignity & Self-Awareness
Candidates are helped to develop their consciousness regarding their own intrinsic dignity and the dignity of every human person.
Family Connection
Visits from parents and family members, as well as holidays spent with the family, are actively maintained as part of healthy human formation.
Physical Formation
Sport & WellbeingA healthy body supports a healthy spirit. The Juniorate provides ample opportunities for physical development through a structured and varied programme of sport, outdoor activity, and community games.
Daily Games
Regular sporting activity is woven into every day of Juniorate life.
Earth Care
Stewardship of creation through gardening and care for the seminary grounds.
Swimming
Swimming sessions contribute to the overall physical fitness of the Juniorists.
External Matches
Periodic matches with outside teams build sportsmanship and community spirit.
Inter-House Competitions
Internal competitions across Juniorate houses foster healthy rivalry and teamwork.
Holistic Wellbeing
Physical fitness is understood as an expression of care for the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Feel the Call?
If God is stirring something in your heart, we warmly invite you to reach out to our Vocation Director and take the first step towards a life of missionary discipleship.