History

Vicariate of Kandy was erected on 17 th August 1883

Vicariate of Kandy was erected into a Bishopric in January 1887

Most.Rev.Dr.D.Clement Pagnani O.S.B. — 1 st Bishop of Kandy.

1

  • Born in Fabriano, Italy on 24 th June, 1834. Ordained Priest by Cardinal Brunelli in December, 1857.
  • Arrived in Ceylon in June 1851.
  • On 12-9-1879 received appointment to the Vicariate of Colombo with the title of Bishop of Hephestium.
  • In 1883 was transferred to kandy to take change of the new Vicariate.
  • The Vicariate of Kandy was erected into a Bishopric at kandy in January 1887.
  • Died at Kandy on 27 th June. 1911.

Most.Rev. D. Bede Beckmeyer O.S.B. — 1 st Sri Lankan Bishop of Kandy.

2

  • Bishop of Kandy from 30 th June, 1912 to 22 nd May, 1935.
  • Born on 11-10-1873.
  • Ordained Priest on 23-6-1899.
  • Elected Bishop on 19 th April, 1912.
  • Consecrated Bishop at Kandy on 30 th June, 1912.
  • Died at Kandy on 22 nd May, 1935.

Most.Rev. Dr. Bernard Regno, O.S.B. — 3 rd Bishop of Kandy.

3

  • Born on 18 th August, 1886.
  • Ordained Priest on 18 th December, 1909 by Bishop Pagnani, O.S.B.
  • 1 st 10 Years at Dimbulla. 7 months in Gampola. 2 years and 6 months in Badulla.
  • Prior from 1921-1925 . Went to Italy in 1925.
  • On his return appointed Parish Priest Hatton.
  • Died at Kandy on 22 nd May, 1935.
  • Elected Bishop on 27 th January, 1936.
  • Consecrated Bishop in India.
  • Took possession of the Diocese on 17 th March, 1936.
  • Retired owing to ill health in October, 1958, as Titular Bishop of Bagai.
  • Died on 22-8-1977 at Kandy

Most.Rev. Dr. D. Leo Nanayakkara, O.S.B. — 4 th Bishop of Kandy.

4

  • Born on 27 th November, 1917.
  • Professed on 23 rd December, 1942.
  • Ordained Priest on 10 th February 1950.
  • Elected Bishop on 27 th Jul, 1959.
  • Consecrated Bishop at Katugastota on 3 rd October, 1959.
  • Appointed Bishop of the new Diocese of Badulla on 27 th. December, 1972.
  • Took over the new Diocese on 24-2-1973.
  • Died on 28-5-1982 at Kandy and buried in Badulla.

Most.Rev. Dr. A. Paul Perera — 5 th Bishop of Kandy.

5

  • Born: 26 th November, 1913.
  • Ordained Priest: 24 th July, 1939.
  • Assistant Parish Priest, Gampola – 1939 – 1941.
  • Assistant Parish Priest, Bandarawella – 1942 -1945.
  • Parish Priest, Badulla – 1946 – 1950.
  • Parish Priest, Matale – 1950 – 1961.
  • Parish Priest, Talawakelle – 1961 – 1970.
  • Parish Priest, Badulla and Eqiscopal Vicar of Uva District – 1970 – 1973.
  • Elected Bishop – 13 th May, 1973.
  • Ordained Bishop – 29 th June, 1973, Rome by His Holiness Pope Paul VI.
  • Accession to the Sea – 13 th July, 1973.
  • Retired – 31 st March, 1983.
  • Administrator untill 29 th June, 1983.