St. Joseph's OMI Seminary, nestled in the peaceful suburb of Kohuwala on the outskirts of Colombo, is the principal centre of formation for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Sri Lanka. Since its founding, the seminary has been a sacred space where young men are shaped — spiritually, intellectually, and apostolically — to become missionary priests and brothers.
Drawing from the rich charism of our founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod, we are committed to forming Oblates who carry the Gospel to the most abandoned and marginalised — in Sri Lanka and across the globe. Our formation is rooted in community life, daily prayer, and a passionate love for the Church.
The seminary is a vibrant community of formators and seminarians who come from diverse cultural and regional backgrounds across Sri Lanka, united by a single call: to be missionaries of mercy in the tradition of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
From humble beginnings to a flourishing centre of Oblate formation, the story of St. Joseph's Seminary is one of providence, perseverance, and missionary zeal.
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate first arrived in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), sent by St. Eugene de Mazenod himself to evangelise the island. They established missions in the North, East, and Central regions, laying the foundation for a lasting Oblate presence.
Recognising the need for a dedicated house of formation for local vocations, the Oblates established St. Joseph's Seminary in Kohuwala, Colombo. The seminary opened its doors to the first cohort of Sri Lankan candidates to the Oblate religious life.
The seminary expanded its formation programme to include a full philosophy curriculum, enabling seminarians to receive their philosophical studies on-site in preparation for theology. New residential and academic facilities were constructed during this period.
St. Joseph's Seminary established a formal affiliation with the Pontifical Faculty of Theology, enabling seminarians to pursue degrees in Sacred Theology recognised by the Holy See. This milestone elevated the academic standards of Oblate formation in Sri Lanka.
The heart of the seminary — its chapel — underwent a significant renovation, reflecting the community's commitment to making liturgical life beautiful and central. The renewed sacred space has since been a place of daily Eucharist, communal prayer, and personal encounter with God.
The seminary joyfully commemorated 65 years of Oblate formation in Sri Lanka with a series of spiritual and cultural events. Alumni priests from across the country and from international missions gathered to give thanks for the gift of vocation and formation received at Kohuwala.
Today, St. Joseph's Seminary continues to form the next generation of Oblate missionaries for Sri Lanka and beyond. With a renewed focus on integral human formation, intercultural mission, and service to the poor, the seminary remains a beacon of hope and a school of holiness.
The Oblates of Mary Immaculate were founded in 1816 in Aix-en-Provence, France, by Charles Joseph Eugene de Mazenod — later canonised by Pope John Paul II in 1995. Moved with compassion for the spiritual abandonment of the poor, he gathered a group of missionary priests to preach the Gospel to those most neglected by society.
St. Eugene's vision was bold and simple: that the Church must go to the poor, to the abandoned, to those at the margins. This missionary zeal is the beating heart of Oblate life, and it animates every dimension of formation at St. Joseph's Seminary.
Seminarians are formed not only in doctrine and prayer, but in a deep solidarity with the suffering and the outcast — learning to see in every human face the face of Christ who calls them onward.
"He sent me to bring the good news to the poor."— Luke 4:18, the OMI motto
Formed in the tradition of St. Eugene, Oblates are sent to the most abandoned — crossing borders of culture, language, and circumstance to bring the Good News.
Fraternal community is not a footnote but the foundation of Oblate life. Seminarians learn to live, pray, and grow together as a foretaste of the communion they will build in mission.
Under the patronage of Mary Immaculate, Oblates are formed in a filial devotion that shapes their apostolic identity and their total offering to God and the poor.
Rigorous academic study in philosophy and theology equips Oblate missionaries to engage thoughtfully with the modern world and to articulate the faith with clarity and depth.
Our formation staff are experienced Oblate priests and brothers who walk alongside seminarians through every stage of their journey toward religious life and priestly ordination.
The Rector oversees the overall governance and spiritual direction of the seminary, ensuring the Oblate charism is lived and transmitted in its fullness.
LeadershipThe Novice Master guides candidates through their year of canonical novitiate, accompanying them in deep prayer, discernment, and initiation into Oblate religious life.
NovitiateAvailable to each seminarian for personal accompaniment, the Spiritual Director fosters growth in prayer, self-knowledge, and discernment of the call to missionary life.
SpiritualityThe Academic Dean coordinates the programme of philosophical and theological studies, ensuring formation meets pontifical standards and shapes men of deep faith and clear minds.
AcademicsGuides aspirants in their first year of formation, helping them to discern their vocation and to encounter the Oblate way of life before making further commitments.
Pre-NovitiateCoordinates apostolic placements, Regency assignments, and pastoral experiences that ground seminarians in the realities of mission and service to the people of God.
MissionSituated in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Kohuwala, just 10 kilometres south of central Colombo, St. Joseph's Seminary occupies a spacious and serene campus that provides the ideal environment for formation in prayer and study.
The campus includes a beautifully appointed chapel at its centre, a well-stocked theological library, residential quarters for seminarians and staff, lecture halls, and lush garden grounds that offer spaces for quiet reflection and communal recreation.
The liturgical heart of community life, where the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, and personal prayer are celebrated daily.
An extensive collection of theological, philosophical, and spiritual volumes supporting the academic formation of seminarians.
Located in the Western Province, easily accessible from central Colombo and well-connected to Sri Lanka's road and transport network.
A warm, multinational community of seminarians, formators, and staff who together embody the Oblate spirit of fraternal charity.
St. Joseph's Seminary belongs to the worldwide network of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate — a congregation with over 3,700 members operating in more than 60 countries. As part of the OMI Province of Sri Lanka, the seminary is in communion with the broader Church and the international Oblate family.
Our theological formation is aligned with pontifical standards, and our graduates serve in a wide range of apostolates — from parishes and schools to hospitals, prisons, and remote mission territories across Asia and beyond.
Founded 1816 · Present in 60+ countries · 3,700+ members worldwide
In communion with the local Church and the Archbishop of Colombo
Theological studies aligned with pontifical standards recognised by the Holy See
Connected to Oblate formation houses and missions across Asia and the Pacific
If you feel a stirring in your heart towards missionary life, we invite you to visit us, speak with our formation team, and take the first step in discernment. The door of St. Joseph's is open.