‘A perfect reflection of love’: Fr Ashan Peiris ordained to the priesthood

By Catherine Sheehan

“On this day we celebrate love, and priesthood is the perfect reflection of love, a love that serves, sacrifices, and brings God’s presence to others.”

These heartfelt words were spoken by Fr Ashan Joseph Peiris at the conclusion of his Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart on Friday 14 February, St Valentine’s Day.

“Though I don’t have a spouse or children, I am blessed with a large family,” Fr Ashan said. “The Church, all of you.”

“What a perfect day to be ordained, Valentine’s Day. When people exchange chocolates, flowers and sweets, here I am exchanging vows with Jesus. I guess you could say I have chosen the perfect Valentine.”

St Mary’s Cathedral was overflowing with joy for the momentous occasion, filled with Fr Ashan’s family, including his parents Anthony and Marise Peiris, as well as friends, and his brother priests. Beautiful and uplifting music was provided by the St Mary’s Cathedral Choir and the Sri Lankan Choir.

In keeping with his theme of love, Fr Ashan chose to consecrate his priestly vocation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In a touching moment at the end of the Mass, he placed a bouquet of flowers at the feet of the statue of the Sacred Heart.

“Ashan, tonight here at St Mary’s Cathedral, Hobart, with members of your family from Sri Lanka, priests, deacons and seminarians from the Archdiocese of Hobart, and the Catholic faithful, a spiritual journey, a vocational journey, finds a completion: you are to be ordained a priest,” Archbishop Julian said in his homily.

“Always remember that you are a priest because it is God’s good intention for your life.

“He who called you will sustain you. He will never desert you. Tonight, resolve to put your priestly life, in trusting surrender, into the hands of God.”

Concelebrating the Mass with the Archbishop was Vicar General, Fr Shammi Perera, Rector of Corpus Christi Seminary in Melbourne, Fr Cameron Forbes, Chancellor, Fr Mark Freeman, and many priests of the Archdiocese, as well as visiting clergy.

During the most moving part of the ceremony, the Laying on of Hands, Ashan knelt before Archbishop Julian. The Archbishop laid his hands on Ashan’s head and prayed over him in silence as the choir sang ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’ (‘Come Holy Spirit’).

All the priests then proceeded to lay their hands on Fr Ashan’s head one by one, praying over him in silence.

Fr Ashan was then assisted to put on a stole and chasuble as the choir sang Psalm 109: “You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.”

Following the Mass Fr Ashan said he had been “super nervous” in the lead up to his big day and had “many sleepless nights”.

“The Ordination Mass was a truly remarkable, yet a dream that I was longing for. All glory to God,” he said.

“No matter which path you take, whether you choose to be a lay person or a priest, everyone goes through different life challenges, mine was no different.

“I went through many bumpy and gravel roads. However, my faith in Christ helped me to travel smoothly, even on those bumpy roads which I’m sure will take me to beautiful places.”

Fr Ashan celebrated his first Mass the following day, 15 February, at St Mary’s Cathedral.

“The most memorable moment was when the host turned into Body and the wine turned into Blood through my weak hands,” he said.

Originally from the city of Panadura in Sri Lanka, Fr Ashan arrived in the Archdiocese of Hobart as a seminarian in mid-2023. He continued his studies for the priesthood, which he had began in Sri Lanka, at Corpus Christi College in Melbourne. He was ordained to the Diaconate in July 2024 and has served in the Huon Valley and Mersey Leven parishes.

“I feel truly happy and yet humble for all the blessings that I have received through the intercession of Mother Mary and St Joseph,” Fr Ashan said.

“Though all the hard work in preparing for the ordination is done, I believe this is the start of a new journey and I’m excited to serve the community with God’s love.

“I firstly want to thank everyone who helped me in numerous ways to be where I am today, and for their continuous prayers. I kindly would like to request everyone to continue to pray for me, and you all will be in my prayers too.”