St. Benedict's College Old Boys Association - British Columbia

DOOR IS OPEN – Missionaries of Charity

Site Admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:54:44 +0000

From: Eric Motha
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 11:12 AM
Subject: DOOR IS OPEN -Missionaries of Charity

Dear member,

Our OBA responded to the appeal from Mother Teresa’s Nuns by sending a special donation from funds lying to the credit of the “Door is Open” project.

The Missionaries of Charity will have their annual Christmas programme shortly when they will provide a meal and Winter accesories to the less fortunate in Eastside Vancouver in keeping with the true spirit of Christmas – sharing and caring for those living in abject poverty and loneliness in our social milieu.

A sincere”Thank You” for your generosity in the past.

“In this life we cannot do great things.We can only do small things with great love”-
Mother Teresa

Eric Motha

FROM THE BENS NEWS DESK

Site Admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:55:02 +0000

From: Eric Motha

Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 10:58 AM
Subject: FROM THE BENS NEWS DESK

WELCOME ABOARD !

It affords me great pleasure to inform that the following Bens have accepted my personal invitation to join the OBA in Western Canada/Western USA.

Name City of domicile Last year in College

Eliyas Taiyab Vancouver -BC 1961

Randip Lopez Vancouver-WA -USA 1973

Babu Natar San Francisco -USA 1976

Ajith Seneviratne Burnaby -BC 1976

We look forward to your participation in our activities when feasible in the bonds of Benedictinity that binds us across the miles. Our OBA has proven to be an effective link with College and the network of OBU’s around the globe from Toronto to Perth. Please feel free to contact me should you need any info/news re the global Benedictine family as we move forward. Thanks for coming on board.

BRO.GRANVILLE PERERA FSC
Bro. Granville’s planned visit to Canada has been postponed.Bro.Granville the retired Director of St.Benedict’s is presently in USA enjoying a brief sojourn before returning home on November 25. I telephoned Bro.Granville in New Jersey and conveyed our OBA’s appreciation of his unrivalled record of service as Director from 2003 to 2011.

The response from some of our members in Vancouver,Calgary & Portland to host Bro.Granville during his previously planned visit was overwhelming.Please accept my gratitude for your spontaniety and goodwill which I am certain will resurface when Bro.Granville plans to visit Canada in the not too distant future.

BENEDICTINE NITE 2011

The Dance, popularly acclaimed as the best schools event in Sri Lanka will now take place on December 23rd at the Waters’ Edge.The organizers were requested to alter the date/venue in view of the mega racing competition slated for Dec 16/17 in Colombo.
The clamour for tickets specially from overseas Bens is still on and there is no doubt ‘Benedictine Nite’ will once again be a sell out.

BRO. JANAKA FONSEKA FSC

Bro.Janaka assumed duties on October 25 as the 38th Director of St.Benedict’s heading for its 150th year in 2015. I have conveyed a message of congratulations and good wishes to Bro.Director on behalf of our OBA and also a letter of appreciation to Bro.Granville.

Eric Motha
President

Old Bens Soccer Night

Site Admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:24:18 +0000

From: Franklyn

Sent: Sunday, November 6, 2011 7:15 PM
Subject: Old Bens Soccer Night

Old Bens soccer night – November 12

St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena is one of the finest schools in the country to produce champion teams year after year and has produced so many brilliant players in the field of soccer.
By tradition most of these players continue to play at higher level after leaving school and represent the Old Benedictine’s Sports Club at top level club tournaments and have a proud history as they have won almost all championships in the country since the inception of Old Bens Sports Club (OBSC) in 1958.
The secret behind their success rests with adventurous coaching abilities adopted by Football Maestro B. Albert Fernando, his student Edward Jayawardena and other old boys who have followed their footsteps in coaching their alma mater.
Rozen Rodrigo, Thilak Peiris, Martin de Pores, Sarath Kumarasiri, Laxman Damodaran, Chandrasiri Damodaran, Ravi Ramanathan, Malcolm Rodrigo, Waldo Fernando, Adrian Vindurampulle, Anura de Silva, Alfred Dias, Nevin Noyahr, Priyanjith Perera, Alex Fernando, Dilan Pinto and Dilan Roy are few names to be mentioned as who have worn the National Jersey.
Anura de Silva who played for the college from 1979 to 1982 went on to play for the senior national team for a considerable period and became the only old boy to captain the national team of Sri Lanka when he was appointed captain in 1991. His deputy in 1991 also was another Old Ben Alfred Dias.
The concept of having this football night was thought out by the ever green present President OBSC, Tony Ganlath who captained the college basketball team in 80′s. His vision is to bring all old boys to-gether for a night to be remembered for a long-time, recollecting memories of the past.
All well-wishers and old boys are cordially requested to gather at the club house on November 12, 2011 from 7 pm onwards for a night of merry making.

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The Annual OBU Requiem Mass

Site Admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:22:21 +0000

From: Darrel Ludowyke

Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2011 3:51
Subject: The Annual OBU Requiem Mass

Dear Friends,

The Annual thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration in remembrance of the dearly departed members of the Benedictine family, in Sri Lanka and abroad who worked and served our beloved school in the years gone by was held amidst a large gathering of De La Salle Brothers, Old Boys, their family members, friends and Students, on Tuesday 8th November 2011 at 6.00 p.m. at the College Hall. Mr. Keneth Dabrera, Chairman of the Religious sub-committee, stressed that the gathering was overwhelming which surpassed the numbers attended during the past years.
Old Benedictine Priests Very Rev. Fr. Sunil Rupasinghe SSS, Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and College Chaplain Rev. Fr. Jude Angelo concelebrated the Holy Mass with the College Choir in attendance singing hymns of praise.

Rgds,
Darrel Ludowyke

Rev. Bro. Janaka Fonseka assumed duties as Director of St. Benedict’s College

Site Admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:31:01 +0000

From: Eric Motha

Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 8:35 PM
Subject: Rev. Bro. Janaka Fonseka assumed duties as Director of St. Benedict’s College

Dear Member,

The old guard changeth making way for the new incumbent as Director of St.Benedict’s.

Eric

From: Darrel Ludowyke
Subject: Rev. Bro. Janaka Fonseka assumed duties as Director of St. Benedict’s College

Date: Thursday, October 27, 2011, 12:31 AM

Dear Friends,

A thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration was held yesterday (25th Oct) to
invoke blessings to Rev. Bro. Granville Perera on his retirement after a
stint of eight years (2003 – 2011) as its Director of St. Benedict’s
College, and to welcome Rev. Bro. Janaka Fonseka as the 38th Director of St.
Benedict’s College, at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, which was filled to capacity
with Rev. Fathers, De La Salle Brothers, Old Boys, Tutorial Staff, Students
of St Benedict’s College and well-wishers.

Old Boy Priests Rev. Fr’s. Chaminda Wanigasena, Nihal Ivan and Jude Angelo
from St. Sebastian’s College, De Mazenod College and St. Benedict’s College,
been the three schools where Rev. Bro. Granville Perera served as Director,
concelebrated the Holy mass along with Rev. Fr. Tony Martin -Parish Priest
of St. Lucia’s Cathedral. The College Choir was in attendance singing hymns
of praise which included KYRIE, GLORIA, SANCTUS, AGNUS DEI and the final
blessing in Latin which was of a very high standard.

Rev. Bro. Denzil Perera – Provincial Visitor, officially pronounced Rev.
Bro. Janaka Fonseka as the Director of St. Benedict’s College at the welcome
ceremony held at the College open-air stage.

We wish Rev. Bro. Granville Perera, good health and God’s Blessings in his
future endeavor in serving God and also wish Rev. Bro. Janaka Fonseka, God’s
Blessings by motivating him with strength, courage in leading St. Benedict’s
College to greater heights.

Kind Rgds,

Darrel Ludowyke

A felicitation to Rev. Bro. Granville Perera

Site Admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:28:09 +0000

From: Eric Motha

To:
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 10:38 AM
Subject: Fw: A felicitation to Rev. Bro. Granville Perera

Bro.Janaka Fonseka FSC has assumed duties as the 38th Director of St.Benedict’s College succeeding Bro.Granville Perera FSC who was at the helm from 2003 todate.
Eric

— On Thu, 10/27/11, Darrel Ludowyke wrote:

From: Darrel Ludowyke
Subject: A felicitation to Rev. Bro. Granville Perera
To: “Darrel Home”
Date: Thursday, October 27, 2011, 12:26 AM

Dear Friends,

A felicitation ceremony organized by the Old Boys Union together with the
Development Fund, Old Bens Sports Club and the Welfare Society was held at
the Galadari Hotel on Sunday 23rd October 2011, in honour of Rev. Bro.
Granville Perera as a recognition for his dynamic leadership and dedicated
services rendered during his tenure (2003 to 2011) as the Director of St.
Benedict’s College. The proceedings got underway, welcoming Rev. Bro.
Granville Perera, with the singing of the famous hymn “Glorious Patron” by
the Old Boys Choir led by Mr. Krishan Rodrigo. Rev. Fr. Jude Angelo recited
the opening Prayer and the College Anthem was sung thereafter. A vibrant
welcome speech was made by Mr. Gamini Kannangara – Vice Patron of the Old
Boys’ Union, which followed a fitting tribute to Rev. Bro. Granville Perera
by Rev. Bro. Denzil Perera – Provincial Visitor. A sparkling and lively
video presentation depicting the achievements St. Benedict’s College made
during the era of Rev. Bro. Granville Perera as Director was presented by
Old Ben Sunesh Rodrigo.

Rev. Bro. Granville Perera, addressing the gathering paid tribute to all
those who rallied round and assisted him during his tenor as Director of St.
Benedict’s College, and requested the Benedictine family to continue and
render their support to the new incoming Director, Rev. Bro. Janaka Fonseka
too.

As a token of appreciation, a plaque was presented to Rev. Bro. Granville
Perera by Rev. Bro. Denzil Perera on behalf of the entire Benedictine
family. A further gift was presented to Rev. Bro. Granville Perera by Old
Ben Felix Dias – Vice Patron of the Old Boys’ Union. A Choral Presentation
in honour of Rev. Bro. Granville was presented by the Old Boys Choir. The
Vote of thanks was made by Mr. Shehan Patterson which followed the singing
of the National Anthem. A fellowship with Live Music and a well spread
buffet followed thereafter for the well attended gathering which included De
La Salle Brothers and many distinguished Old Bens and their spouses which
was a testimony of appreciation for the gallant service rendered by Rev.
Bro. Granville Perera. The beloved Mother, Sister and Brother of Rev. Bro.
Granville Perera, (Mrs. Elizabeth Perera, Mrs. Irangani Perera and Mr.
Michael Cecil Perera) also attended the celebration.

Kind Rgds,

Darrel Ludowyke

Eulogy for the late Mrs. Daphne Lord

Site Admin — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:48:15 +0000

Message from Mr. Dugald Gonsal

I have just updated the under noted web site to include an Eulogy for the late Mrs. Daphne Lord by her daughter Dr. Althea Lord.

http://www.shepherdians.org

Old Bens BC – Office Bearers 2011/2012

Site Admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:07:18 +0000

From: Eric Motha
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 11:59 AM
Subject: Old Bens -Office Bearers 2011/2012

The 15th Annual General Meeting was held on July 09,2011 and the following were re-elected for the fiscal year 2011/2012.Patron: Rev.Bro.Director St.Benedict’s College,Colombo

President: Eric Motha

Vice President: Michael Ramanaden

Secretary: Desmond Anthonypillai

Asst.Secretary(Sports & Social) : John A Fernando

Treasurer: Manoranjan Rasiah

Committee: Ranjit De Vaz,Eugene Motha & Prabath Pullay

Auditor: Shehan Salgadoe

A special”Thank You” to members & spouses who attended the AGM/FELLOWSHIP and helped in the arrangements to make it a pleasant evening in the tradition of the BENS.

Eric Motha

OBA – 15 th Annual General Meeting

Site Admin — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 01:40:39 +0000

From: Eric Motha
Subject: OBA- 15 th Annual General Meeting
Date: Monday, June 6, 2011, 9:55 AM

The 15th Annual General Meeting of the OBA is scheduled to be held on Saturday July 09,2011 at:

Sagewood Amenities Centre
8638 – 159 Street
Surrey, BC

Start time : 7.00pm

The presence of members and their spouses at the AGM is requested as we move forward in further strengthening the strong bonds of Benedictinity which we have pleasantly witnessed since the core group initially met on September 16,1995 at Guildford and created history in being the first Sri Lankan school to form an OBA in Western Canada/USA.

The formal notice of the AGM will follow.

Eric Motha

ANNIVERSARY NITE 2011

Site Admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:31:11 +0000

From: Eric Motha
Date: Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 8:13 PM

The 15th Anniversary Dinner Dance took place at the Bollywood Banquet Hall & Convention Centre,Surrey on May 28,2011.Our thanks go out to our members and guests who graced the occasion to mark an important milestone in the annals of our OBA. Old Ben Gaston & Shirley Rajakaruna arrived from Calgary and embellished the gathering with their presence-we appreciate your commitment to “doing the duty that is to do” in the words of the College anthem.

The Dance was well patronised with all communities of the Lankan diaspora being represented affording credibility to the stature of the Bens in Western Canada/USA.Music for dancing was provided by the popular Band “DynaMix” who kept the revellers on the floor throughout the fleeting hours with a fine mix of oldies and current favourites.The floor was packed to capacity and the Baila sessions were well handled by the DJ.

The spirit that pervaded at Anniversary Nite was commendable with fellowship and camaraderie amongst the guests much in evidence. The dinner buffet received encomiums for its quality and variety leaving no quarters for dissent and there was also a steady stream of patrons at the well stocked bar .

In summing up a memorable Anniversary Nite the popular consensus was that the Dance was well organized and maintained the finesse that is associated with “BENS NITE” since its triumphant debut in June 1996.

An Old Peterite a regular guest since 2000 summed up the Anniversary Nite succintly in congratulating the Bens on a high profile performance which others could well emulate.

The energetic committee deserve kudos for a task well accomplished and members and guests for coming ‘on board’ to fittingly celebrate the occasion which will now be etched in the annals of our OBA an integral segment of the universal Bens mosaic.

Eric