Simplicity richly rewarded

It was September 2000, was walking along Galle Road when I noticed that the entrance of St. Lawrence’s Church, Wellawatte – the Parish to which I belong–was a hive of activity. I wondered what could be the reason. On inquiry, I was told that they were busy decorating the entrance for the celebration of the First Mass of a Priest Son of the Parish, his name was Rev. Fr. P. Anton Ranjith. I thanked God for this wonderful gift to our Parish and walked home.

The following week, I was back to work at St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, where I teach. One morning we were all summoned for a General Assembly at the College Quadrangle. The then Rector, Rev. Fr. Feiician Ranjith Perera introduced a newly ordained Priest who was to join our Tutorial Staff. I saw a tall, thin, young Priest walk up with cautious look and stride, his name was Rev. Fr_ P. Anton Ranjith. What a coincidence well that was how my association and friendship with the newly appointed Auxiliary Bishop Msgr. P Anton Ranjith all began.

Fr. Anton as we used to call him (not any more though) is a very simple, humble person with plenty of talent and drive but someone who never thinks too highly of himself – very unobtrusive by nature. He is a very astute judge of character, somebody one can trust and turn to for sound and wise advice. Above all a human being who understands another human being’s plight and helps to ease the tension with his calm and collected approach.

I had the good fortune to work with him on many occasions while he was at St. Peter’s. The lessons I learnt under his guidance will certainly last a lifetime. I saw in him a very firm leader who led from the front, a master planner who believed in working to schedule, a man with a mission and a vision. However, it was during his tenure as Vice Rector that his leadership and administrative skills were very evident and it was pretty obvious to those of us who knew him well that positions of higher rankings were certainly on the cards and we were not wrong.

Thus far I have penned my thoughts about the Fr. Anton I knew as superior and mentor. Now I would like to say a few words about Fr. Anton the friend. I would unhesitatingly call him a sincere friend ready to help and offer advice when needed. He has a habit of being very straightforward and expressing his opinion without mincing his words – a quality I greatly admire and appreciate. All in all a good friend.

Over the years Fr. Anton has become a good friend of my family. He always has a silent smile and nod for us whenever and wherever he meets us. When I spoke to him to convey our good wishes after his new appointment, I asked him, “Father will it be the same hereafter?”, his reply was a very firm “Yes.”

My sincere wish and prayer for dear Fr. Anton as he takes a further stride in the Lord’s vineyard as an Auxiliary Bishop is that he may always be guided by the promptings of the Holy Spirit with Mother Mary’s gentle whisper in the background saying , “Do whatever He tells you.”

IMOGEN MEL

Tutorial Staff

St. Peter’s College, Colombo-04