The History of Pannipitiya Parish
The formation of an organized Christian community in Pannipitiya began in 1928 when Rev. Fr. Zacharias Daberera was the parish priest of the Kotte parish. Government servants working in the area and some local Catholic families requested Rev. Fr. Daberera to conduct a Holy Mass in their area. A private house on Pannipitiya Morekatiya Road, owned by Mr. Henry James Madanayake, was made available for this purpose. From 1928 to 1930, Rev. Fr. Felician Fernando, who was the secretary to the Archbishop, assisted Rev. Fr. Daberera in celebrating Holy Mass in this house once a month.
In 1929, Fr. Daberera and Mr. Henry James Madanayake acquired a plot of land known as Maragahawatta for the church. The first church in the Pannipitiya parish was a modest structure made with cajuns, located where Christ King School now stands, with Holy Mass celebrated once a month. Over time, a permanent church building was established, at the current church premises, and the boundaries of the parish expanded to include Meegoda. Until 1948, the Pannipitiya church was part of the Kotte Parish, after which it came under the jurisdiction of the Nugegoda Parish. Between 1930 and 1955, the Oblate priests Rev. Fr. Joseph Fernando, Rev. Fr. Georgius, Rev. Fr. Charles Raymond, Rev. Fr. Tisot, and Rev. Fr. Lisi served in the Pannipitiya church. In 1950, the first confirmation service was conducted by His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Cooray. The Maharagama Teacher Training College and the Panagoda Army Camp, both located within the parish boundaries, contributed to the church’s development.
A significant era for the Pannipitiya church began in 1956 when Rev. Fr. Don Sylvester took residence and celebrated the church feast. In 1959, Pannipitiya was officially declared a new parish, with Rev. Fr. Don Sylvester becoming its first parish priest. The foundation stone for a new church at its current location was laid in 1984, and the construction was completed in 1986 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Marcus Ferdinandes. The church was then blessed by His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Nicolas Marcus, the Archbishop of Colombo.
Several religious congregations have played an important role in the development of the Pannipitiya parish. The Apostolic Carmel Sisters from the Maharagama Convent began their service in the parish in 1958. The Franciscan Brothers served from 1961 to 1970, during which they operated a technical institute on the church premises. In 1970, the Dominican Sisters started their service, further contributing to the growth and vitality of the Pannipitiya parish.
The Pannipitiya parish eventually led to the establishment of two new parishes. The Maharagama parish was formed, encompassing its two sub-stations, Maharagama and Boralasgamuwa. Similarly, the Homagama parish was created, including its sub-stations Homagama and Dikhathakma.
As the Pannipitiya parish continues to grow and thrive, it is poised to create an even more remarkable history in the years to come. With its strong foundation and vibrant community, the parish will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for future generations.