How a life changed after getting two words mixed up

Father Camillus Fernando presents a copy of the book to Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

A young Catholic boy from Kalutara once went to a priest for his confession (religious exercise which Catholics use for acceptance and asking for forgiveness for one’s wrongdoings). The priest after hearing the boy’s confession invited him to attend a seminar on religious life organised by the church. The boy  promised that he would attend. Keeping his word, the boy came to meet the priest a few days with  his mother and said he is willing to enter into religious life.
This priest is none other than Fr. Camillus Fernando whose biography was launched recently at St. Peter’s College. This biographical work written by Ajith Mendis is titled ‘Winiwidimi Kendaweema’ (Making the vocation transparent).
Coming back to the story, the priest who gave confession to the boy was Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. He was the parish priest of a church in Kalutara during that time.
Cardinal Ranjith who related the story during the launch recalled how he took young  Camillus in his car for a seminar for youth. He recalled how the  boy got the two words seminar and seminary mixed up.  After attending the seminar,  young Camillus entered the seminary, according to Cardinal Ranjith. The cardinal also revealed how Fr. Camillus was asked to give up his singing career when he entered religious life. 
“We receive the call to enter into religious life and we don’t know what is going to become of us thereafter,” Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith emphasised.
Cardinal Ranjith then went on to explain that a priest has to dedicate his life to God, and work rather than seeking glory. He also recalled how Fr. Camillus worked as the archdiocese spokesman and edited the Sri Lankan Catholic weeklies such as The Catholic Messenger.
“It is God who designs the future of priests,” the cardinal added.
Prof.  Ajantha Chandrasiri, who studied under Fr. Camillus, talked about his association with the latter. “Fr. Camillus met challenges with success,” said Prof. Chandrasiri. “I can clearly recall how he saved St. Nicholas International School from closure. Also, he did a great service to Holy Cross College Kalutara.” 
He also recalled how Fr. Camillus was associated with vocalists such as Mervyn Perera and Rukantha Gunathileke.
“There are three principles which a priest should stand for. They are Obedience, accountability and good character,” he added.
Fr. Camillus who concluded the launch said his biography is not just about himself but about a group of people of whom similar stories could be written. “I don’t look at this book as a monument but as a testimony. A testimony of God, a testimony of the church’s mission,” he said.
“We priests go along our journey along with thousands of people.  You meet families, friends and many others. These are memorable events. One chapter of the book refers to some preachers of gospel in Colombo. One is a person whom I met at St. Peter’s College. If we priests dedicate ourselves to our missions we can prevent the emergence of such preachers,” he added. 
The book comprises 22 chapters and it was mentioned that author Ajith Mendis was assigned to write it as Fr. Camilus did not want to write about this journey himself.