Rev. Fr. Shamindra Jayawardena OSB, a Catholic Priest and Monk of the Order of St. Benedict hold several degrees including a BA in Psychology (BA. Hons) from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2nd class upper) and a 4-year Licentiate (L.Psy) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (magna cum laude) apart from the Baccalaureate degrees in Theology and Philosophy received from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He served as a Psychology Lecturer at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. An active APA member, he's pursuing his doctoral studies in Psychology at the American Girne University in Turkey. As a priest, he has served in Wahacotte, Puttalam, and Thoduwawa parishes. The Benedictine Order, renowned for its sacred music, particularly the Gregorian chant, dates back to the 6th century under the guidance of Saint Benedict of Nursia. As a member of this ancient monastic tradition, Fr. Shamindra is committed to preserving and advancing this legacy of sacred music by infusing it with a traditional Sri Lankan style. He's an accomplished musician and composer of liturgical hymns. Currently, he is the Head of his religious Order in Sri Lanka.