We have received word that Fr. Vernon Regis, a retired priest of our Archdiocese, died yesterday, August 22, 2024, in Sri Lanka.\
Fr. Vernon was born on July 27, 1936, in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka. He was an avid cricket and soccer fan his entire life, which he also played in school and college. Fr. Vernon was ordained as a Jesuit Priest on March 25, 1969, at St. Mary Cathedral in Kaluwella, Galle, for the Diocese of Galle by Most Rev. Anthony de Saram, and this year marked his 55th anniversary of ordination.
Fr. Vernon served in the Diocese of Calgary from 1990 to 1995.
He arrived to serve the Archdiocese of Edmonton on January 15, 1995. Fr. Vernon was Incardinated into the Archdiocese of Edmonton on February 20, 1997. He retired on January 19, 2004, and returned to Sri Lanka on May 31, 2012.
Here is a list of his pastoral assignments:
- Associate Pastor: Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sherwood Park from January 1995–August 1997
- Pastor: Sacred Heart in Gibbons and St. Clare in Redwater from 1997–1999
- Pastor: St. Andrew in Edmonton from 1999-2000
- Chaplain: Providence Centre from 2000–2001
- Associate Pastor: St. Joseph’s Basilica from 2001–2002
- Dominical Vicar: St. Agnes in Edmonton from 2002–2003
- Retired from May–October 2003
- Served as Dominical Vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe (Spanish) Parish in Edmonton from October–December 2003
- Served as Dominical Vicar at Nativity of Mary (Croatian) Parish from October–January 2003
- Retired permanently in January 2004
We sincerely thank his family and friends who have cared for Fr. Vernon these past years.
As is our tradition, please pray for the soul of Fr. Vernon and offer the customary three masses for the repose of his soul.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him.