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St. Joseph’s College Rector transferred to Aquinas
View(s):The Archdiocese of Colombo on Wednesday gave effect to the transfers of rectors, vice rectors and directors to Colleges and Parishes that it had unexpectedly suspended on January 3, 2014.
The “rearranged” list was released by Rev. Fr. Jude Samantha Fernando, Secretary (Administration) of the Archdiocese. There were several changes. For instance, Rev. Fr. Bonnie Fernandopulle—who was earlier replaced as rector of St. Sebastian’s College by Rev. Fr. Camillus Fernando—will now retain his position at the school.
However, the transfer of St. Joseph’s College Rector Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ranasinghe remained unchanged amidst speculation that he is refusing to vacate his post. He has been advised to join the staff of Aquinas College, effective January 10, 2014.
Colombo Archdiocese Spokesperson Rev. Fr. Benedict Joseph said he was unaware of any attempt by Rev. Fr. Ranasinghe to defy instructions. “They will be given a certain period to leave so I think that is the case,” he said on Friday.
Both Rev. Fr. Ranasinghe and Rev. Fr. Fernandopulle were highlighted in the first transfer notice of December 2013 signed by Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo. “I wish to state that I am completely convinced of the integrity, honesty and commitment of these two Fathers to these institutions,” he said.
Controversy surrounded St. Joseph’s College this week. Internal sources said those who were against the transfer of Rev. Fr. Ranasinghe had planned protests. Policemen were seen inside and outside the school premises on Friday. The Rector’s Secretary told the Sunday Times “no comment”.
A section of the Old Boys Union (OBU) and some parents and donors have raised allegations about financial irregularities and the channelling of school funds into certain private bank accounts. The school has no audited accounts for the period during which transactions were made through these accounts, they claim.
Pic by Nilan Maligaspe
But Rev. Fr. Joseph said he did not know of these charges. “There could be various kinds of things that are being spoken by various people,” he maintained. “This is not something unusual. When it comes to the execution of important responsibilities, often if there are reasons for them to talk about that person regarding various things, invariably they will talk of money and his character and so on. As regards this particular allegation you are speaking of, I have not heard such a serious thing.”
The transfers were routine, Rev. Fr. Joseph emphasised: “As priests of the Catholic Church, they will not be put in a permanent abode but shifted from place to place according to the needs of the Church and Archdiocese. As such, when it comes to the transfer of priests working in colleges, the same thing is followed.”
College sources said the OBU and parents were divided, with opposing groups defending the school management against allegations of corruption. “We trust that this good tree which bears much fruit will not be removed and planted elsewhere,” said a letter to the Sunday Times from ‘The Parents of the Students of St. Joseph’s College’, referring to Rev. Fr. Ranasinghe.
Those who raised issues of financial irregularity stress, however, that the Catholic Church could put all doubts to rest by releasing the report of a Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Cardinal in 2013. Chaired by retired Chief Justice Asoka de Silva, the Commission had investigated allegations made against the school management by the OBU. Neither their findings nor recommendations were made public.It is alleged that the report of a previous Commission of Inquiry was also “suppressed”.
When he first announced the transfers, th Cardinal said pointedly that he had not been influenced by any “requests, recommendations or desires of any individual or of any group or of any commission…” He said he was acting purely on the basis of the requirements of the Colleges and his personal assessment.
“We want what is right for our school,” said Stefan Moraes, a former Vice President of the OBU who was appointed by the Rector but who resigned his post in protest. He is now part of the group calling for audited accounts.
“We want to restore College to what it was,” he said. “We are here today because we learnt something from school. It’s not about the luxuries we had but the values that we were taught. We are fighting to retain that. There is no reason to compromise all these values just because of a few people who have some sort of deciding power over matters of the school.”