Media Release

Beltangady, Jun 6: Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas who had been the parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Madanthyar for the last seven years was given a warm farewell on Sunday, June 4 after the morning Mass.

Fr Lawrence was recently  transferred to St Thomas Church Ammembal as the parish priest there.

After Mass, in a brief send-off programme, Ronald Sequeira, vice president of Pastoral Council welcomed the gathering. Professor Leo Noronha, principal of St Philomena College, and Mohan Nayak highlighted his achievements, his service to the institutions and church and expressed their gratitude for his selfless service.  "Fr Lawrence has touched the hearts of many Sacredites during his tenure as a parish priest, and it will be cherished by all those who had a very close encounter with him," he said.

Fr Jerome D’Souza, principal of Sacred Heart P U College read the citation. Parish priest Fr Basil Vas felicitated Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas. He and Fr Jerome presented a memento to the latter on occasion.

Fr Basil Vas on behalf of the congregation wished him well for his future endeavours. As a throwback into Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas' seven-years amazing journey, a short video clip ‘Divya Shakthi’ was played by youth on the LED screen.

Parishioners, educational institutions and locals expressed their gratitude with garlands and floral bouquets.

In his address, Fr Lawrence with a joyful heart thanked all parishoners and well wishers,  as the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, for their support and co-operation for the last seven years.

Former asst parish priest Fr Rohith D’ Costa, Fr Clifford Pinto and Fr Praveen D’souza and asst parish priest Fr Alwyn D’Souza  were  present on occasion. Leo Rodrigues, secretary of PPC proposed the vote of thanks. The function was compered by Vivek Pais. In the evening more than 800 parishioners accompanied Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas to Ammembal Church.