Fr. Linus had the privilege and honor of being the First Priest for the new diocese of Badulla, Sri Lanka. He was ordained by Rt. Rev. Dr. Leo Nanayakkara, O.S.B., the First Bishop of the same diocese. The following is the write up that was published in the Ceylon Catholic “Messenger”, the official organ of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka in 1973, October 20: “Just nine days ago, on 11 October, Rev. Bro. Linus Mendis was ordained a Priest of God by the Bishop of Badulla, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Leo Nanayakkara, O.S.B. He is the first priest to be ordained in the new diocese. The son of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Mendis fo Thunmodera, Nattandiya, he was educated at St. Xavier’s College, Marawila. In 1965 he entered the National Seminary. He was a president of the Gonsalvez Sinhala Academy and Vice-President of the English Adademy. In 1970 he won the Best Preacher of the year award. As a Deacon he has been Youth Chaplain and Director of the Badulla Technical Institute under Fr. Paul Perera. He was a member of the Inter-Religious Association of Uva. He preached on several occasions in the Anglican and Methodist churches and organized choir classes for Inter-Christian Groups.” For fifty golden treasured years, Fr. Linus has served God’s beloved people well each day. He’s given guidance, help, and strength to them on their journey of faith. And for the faith that he has shared with them, for every deed and prayer, may God bless him now and each every day and keep him in always His care. Congratulations, Fr. Linus!