Edwin Savundra

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Edwin Savundra
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Born (1946-10-12) October 12, 1946 (age 77)
DiedJanuary 13, 2023(2023-01-13) (aged 76)
NationalitySri Lankan
CitizenshipSri lanka
OccupationCatholic priest

Rev. Father Edwin Savundra (October 12, 1946 – January 13, 2023) was a Sri Lankan Catholic priest and the founder of the English Language Campus[1][2][3], a project aimed at improving English education in the remote villages of Vanni and Mannar, Sri Lanka. He was also the author of several books

Early life

Edwin Savundra was born in 1946 into a Catholic family as the youngest child in Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka). He began his education at the local parochial school and later enrolled at Saint Martin's Minor Seminary in Jaffna in 1961[4][5]. Following this, he continued his studies at St. Patrick's College, Jaffna before entering[5] Sacred Heart Seminary in Poonamallee, Chennai, India in June 1964, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy and Theology. At the seminary, he received training under the guidance of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Priesthood

After completing eight years of formation, Edwin Savundra returned to Jaffna, Sri Lanka, and on the 19th of October 1972, he was ordained at St. Mary's Cathedral, Jaffna by His Lordship Bishop Leo Rajendram Antony, along with Rev. Fr. T. E. Thevarajan and Rev. Fr. J. Nicholas[6][5].

His first assignment was at Saint Theresa's Church in Kilinochchi. In 1973, he was then assigned to St. Mary's Cathedral, Jaffna. Responding to Bishop Bastiampillai Deogupillai's request, Fr. Edwin Savundra was later sent to Vidattaltivu[7] in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mannar in 1974 to serve as the acting parish priest. During his tenure there, he undertook the task of deepening the pond that provided water for the people of Vidattaltivu, making a significant contribution to the community[1].

He also served as the Assistant Administrator of the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu and the parish priest of Pandivirichchan[7][5] in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mannar from 1974 to 1978. The outstations of the Pandivirichchan Parish included Periyakunchukulam, Periyamurippu, Kallikulam, and the areas along and beyond Aruviaru, Periyathampanai, Sinnapandivirichchan, and Palampiddy. Later, Fr. Edwin Savundra was assigned to Adampan[8] parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mannar from 1978 to 1981, which also had many substations including Manthai, Periyanavatkulam, Siriyanavatkulam, Pappamodai, Thenudaiyan, Nedunkandal, Alkattiveli, Parappukadanthan, Palaikuli, Chalampan, Kannaddy, and Palaiyadi Puthukulam.

Fr. Edwin Savundra went to Rome, Italy, in 1981 for his postgraduate studies in Philosophy at Pontifical Urban University and received a Master’s Degree in Philosophy. After completing his postgraduate degree, he took a period from 1984 to 1988 to further enrich his experience and worked as a Professor of Philosophy at Saint Francis Xavier's Seminary[9] in Jaffna. He then returned to Rome and obtained his Ph.D. from the Pontifical Gregorian University between 1988 and 1990. Upon completing his doctorate, he resumed his position at Saint Francis Xavier's Seminary in Jaffna and served as the Head of the Department of Philosophy[1][9] from 1990 to 1996. He also served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Jaffna in Western Philosophy from 1994 to 1995.

However, due to the political climate during the civil war in the country, he sought refuge in foreign countries[10][11][12]. He chose Papua New Guinea[3], a poor and mission country, and served as a Professor of Philosophy from 1997-1998 at the Good Shepherd College, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands Province. Later, he had the opportunity to teach at the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)[13] from 1999-2001, and he also taught classes in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, and at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Kandy, Sri Lanka[8]. Drawing from his teaching experience, he was able to write a philosophy book titled "The Philosophy of Form and the Human Person", which serves as a textbook for university students. Fr. Edwin Savundra served in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis [14]as Parish Administrator (2001-2009) at Nativity Catholic Church in Cleveland, Minnesota, located about 70 miles southwest of the Twin Cities and five miles north of Marysburg, Minnesota, where he was beloved as a parish priest. Later, from 2010 to 2012, he served as the Parish Administrator at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City, Minnesota. Fr. Edwin Savundra took sick leave in 2012 and officially retired on June 15, 2013[14].

After retiring from his active pastoral ministry, he returned to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna in 2013 to continue his mission of helping the people, particularly after the civil war ended in 2008.

Fr. Edwin was involved in initiating numerous humanitarian[15][2][8][1][16] fundraising initiatives following the Boxing Day tsunami[15][16] in Sri Lanka. He has particularly focused on development works in the Dioceses of Jaffna and Mannar while carrying out his mission preaching in the USA. Some of his notable initiatives since becoming a priest include:

  • Establishing a Youth Farm at Kunchchukulam.
  • Implementing the Fr. Bastian Educational Assistance Scheme.
  • Implementing the Fr. Abraham’s Educational Assistance Scheme.
  • Establishing an English Language Campus and an English Library at Viswamadhu.

Father Edwin Savundra celebrated his golden jubilee of ordination[14][17] at the Manresa Retreat Center in Pickering, Ontario on October 19, 2022, surrounded by cherished friends and beloved family members.

Beauties of Meadows

After returning to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna, Fr. Edwin Savundra wanted to express his sincere gratitude[18][19] to the priests and a brother (both Christian and Catholic) who were slain during the ethnic war between 1984 and 2009. Among them was Jeyarajasingham, a Methodist pastor from Murunkan, who was one of the first victims. The last victim was Rev. Fr. G. A. Francis Joseph[18], the former Rector of St. Patrick's College, Jaffna.

In remembrance of these brave individuals, a shrine has been established at the English Language Campus, known as the 'Beauties of Meadows'[18][20]. Every year, on the first Saturday of June[20], we hold solemn memorial services to pay tribute to their lives and sacrifices. These services serve as a meaningful way to remember their contributions and the impact they had.

English Language Campus

Another specialized ministry was initiated to promote English education, addressing the lack of quality English education in rural areas. Many children from impoverished families suffer from inadequate English education in their schools, depriving them of equal opportunities. To rectify this imbalance, a program was established to promote English language proficiency in rural communities[8].

On June 6, 2013, the "English Language Campus" was inaugurated in Kilinochchi, marking the commencement of its educational activities with the first batch of students. Fr. Edwin Savundra played a pivotal role in establishing the campus and introduced a residential program known as the English Teacher Training Program. However, due to water scarcity in Kilinochchi, the English Language Campus was relocated to a more suitable location in Punnaineeravi, Visuvamadu[5][21].

The new site in Punnaineeravi offers abundant water resources and ample space for the development of the campus. Additionally, the campus acquired an additional three acres of land, allowing for the construction of a dedicated playground for the students attending the English Language Campus. To further support the language learning journey of the students, an in-house English Library[4] was also established within the premises.

In line with his vision, Fr. Edwin Savundra formed an association called "THE VANNI FEET"[2] (Federation of Empowerment through English Teaching), which consists of charitable organizations actively promoting English education in the Vanni region. The primary goal of this association is to strengthen the region through the provision of quality English education[2].

Death and Funeral

On January 13, 2023, Fr. Edwin Savundra peacefully passed away at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, New York[22]. Prayer vigils were held in Visuvamadu, Sri Lanka, his home country, where he had touched the lives of numerous individuals. Additionally, visitation and a mass took place in Toronto, Canada[5], attended by his family, friends, and former students, some of whom are now priests[3][1]. The funeral mass was held at the Church of the Nativity in Cleveland, Minnesota, officiated[23] by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bernard Hebda, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, followed by burial at Marysburg Cemetery, fulfilling Fr. Edwin Savundra's wish[23], on January 26, 2023[24]. The Requiem Mass was also held in Sri Lanka.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "WATCH: அருட்தந்தை Antony Roche Alfred (Fr. Roc) அருட்தந்தை எட்வின் சவுந்திராவைப் பற்றி தமிழில் ஆற்றிய உரை" (video). youtube.com. IBK In LIVE. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 தென்னவள் (26 January 2023). "Professor Edwin Soundara, who opened the window of the world in Vanni உலகத்தின் யன்னலை வன்னியில் திறந்து வைத்த பேராசிரியர் அருட்தந்தை எட்வின் சவுந்தரா காலமானார்!" (in தமிழ்). Vanni Sri Lanka: Kuriyeedu Tamil. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "WATCH: Speech by Rev. Fr. Joe Sunnystan Selvanayagam's about Fr. Edwin Savundra" (video). youtube.com. IBK In LIVE. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "WATCH: Speech by Rev. Fr. Alphonsus I. Bernard about Rev. Fr. Edwin Savundra" (video). youtube.com. IBK In LIVE. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 "WATCH: அருட்தந்தை டி. இ. தேவராஜன் (Fr. T. E. Thevarajan ) இலங்கையில் நடந்த திருப்பலியில் ஆற்றிய உரை" (video). youtube.com (in தமிழ்). Tamilbest இறை இல்லம். 28 January 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  6. ↑ "Biography of Rev. Fr. J. Nicholas". Jaffna R. C. Diocese. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Diocese of Mannar Sri Lanka". Mannar Sri Lanka: gcatholic.org. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "WATCH:அருட்தந்தை எஸ். அன்புராசா (Rev. Fr. S. Anpurasa) இலங்கையில் நடந்த திருப்பலியில் ஆற்றிய உரை" (video). youtube.com (in தமிழ்). Tamilbest இறை இல்லம். 28 January 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "WATCH: Rev. Fr. Joe Sunnystan Selvanayagam about Fr. Edwin Savundra" (video). youtube.com. IBK In LIVE. 21 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  10. ↑ "Plea for Peace Dr. Edwin Savundra to hold book signing June 14" (PDF). Pine River Journal. MN, USA. 11 June 1998. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  11. ↑ "Visiting Sri Lankan Priest Pleads for Peace in Faraway homeland" (PDF). Lake County News Chronicle—. MN, USA. 5 November 1998. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  12. ↑ "Priest's Mission Stop the war" (PDF). Religion Daily News. MN, USA. 30 June 1999. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  13. ↑ "BPY-011 Philosophy of Human Person, Lecture notes for Philosophy". Docsity. MN, USA. 2004. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Congratulations, jubilarians!" (web) (Press release). MN, USA: The Catholic Spirit. 30 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Cleveland Mourns -Raise money for the tsunami victims back in Sri Lanka" (PDF). Cleveland Church. MN, USA. 30 July 2008. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Tsunami Hits Home– Cleveland Priest with Sri Lankan Connection" (PDF). St. Peter Herald. MN, USA. 6 January 2005. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  17. ↑ "WATCH: CATHOLIC NEWS JAFFNA DIOCESE 22.10.2022 Golden Jubilee Celebration #குருத்துவ வாழ்வில் #பொன்விழா காணும் #யாழ். மறைமாவட்ட குருக்கள்" (video). youtube.com (in தமிழ்). Yarl Marai Alai TV -Official YouTube Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 "WATCH: Sri Lanka-Finding Father Francis, Beauties of Meadows Natural Shrine" (video). youtube.com. BBC News. 26 January 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  19. ↑ "WATCH: CATHOLIC NEWS JAFFNA DIOCESE 11.06.2022 -Beauties of Meadows #"புல்தரையின் அழகுகள்"நினைவிடத்தில் ஈழ விடுதலை போராட்டத்தில் கொல்லப்பட்ட காணாமல் ஆக்கப்பட் குருக்களின் நினைவுகளை தாங்கி நினைவேந்தல் நிகழ்வு" (video). youtube.com (in தமிழ்). Yarl Marai Alai TV -Official YouTube Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna. 11 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "WATCH: அருட்தந்தை எட்வின் சௌந்தரநாயகம் பற்றி யாழ் மறைமாவட்ட அருட்தந்தை ஜெ.ஜெபரட்ணம் (Rev. Fr. J. Jebaratnam ,Vicar General) ஆற்றிய உரை" (video). youtube.com (in தமிழ்). Tamilbest இறை இல்லம். 28 January 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  21. ↑ "WATCH: CATHOLIC NEWS JAFFNA DIOCESE – Rev. Fr. Edwin Savundra #அருள்தந்தை. எட்வின் சவுந்திரா" (video). youtube.com (in தமிழ்). Yarl Marai Alai TV -Official YouTube Roman Catholic Diocese of Jaffna. 11 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  22. ↑ "Sri Lankan Father Edwin Savundra recalled his kindness and generosity". Minnesota News. MN, USA. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "WATCH: Funeral Mass officiated by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bernard Hebda" (video). youtube.com. IBK In LIVE. 26 January 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  24. ↑ "We offer our prayers -Fr. Edwin Savundra" (pdf). Immaculate Conception of Marysburg. MN, USA. 22 January 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2023.

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