Beyond Rituals: Embracing a Deeper Spirituality at Mazenod College, Anuradhapura

In today’s world, many people are looking to transcend mere religiosity and embrace a deeper, more personal spirituality. It’s important to understand that affirming one’s spirituality doesn’t mean rejecting meaningful religious rituals and practices. We often see individuals, including politicians, who diligently participate in external religious activities while engaging in unjust and unethical behaviour. This contradiction is evident even in places like Sri Lanka.

Trying to make a meaningful impact

Amid this backdrop, the Oblate educators at Mazenod College, Anuradhapura are trying to make a meaningful impact. Located in a predominantly Buddhist area, they are dedicated to fostering spirituality among students, teachers and parents, while also respecting and practising meaningful rituals from various faith traditions. In Buddhism, teachings like metta (loving - kindness to all living beings) and karuna (compassion for those in pain) are central. Similarly, Islam emphasises peace which is achieved through the affirmation of human dignity, equality and inclusion while excluding violence.

“Servire in amore”

The motto of Mazenod College, “servire in amore” (to serve with love), reflects its mission and vision. This embodies the service and compassion taught by Jesus Christ, which h is believed to bring salvation (John 13:34-35; Matthew 25:36-41; Luke 10:29-34). According to this belief, even those who are not baptized but practise compassionate love towards those in pain can attain salvation.

Practising genuine spirituality

The Oblates at Mazenod College strive to go beyond mere religiosity by practising genuine spirituality. Their mission promotes meaningful dialogue with people of different faiths, creating a community that values love, compassion and mutual respect. This approach not only enriches their own spiritual lives but also build bridges between diverse religious traditions, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious world.