Reports: Vitori Karkal - pics - Sneha Studio
for Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (GA)

Karkala, Aug 24: The 70-year birthday celebrations of Fr Lawrence Gomes, parish priest of Christ the King Church here were held on Tuesday August 22 morning.

A thanksgiving mass was celebrated at 7 am and was offered by Fr Lawrence Gomes.  Fr Basil Vas, parish priest of Bela and dean of Kasargod deanery, Fr Norbert Lobo of Paladka and Fr Melwyn D'Souza, the assistant priest of Karkala church were the concelebrants on the occasion.

A small felicitation programme was held after the mass.  Fr Basil, Fr Melwyn and on behalf of the parishioners, parish council vice-president Philip Menezes wished all the best to Fr Lawrence Gomes.  Parish council secretary Gracia D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks while Vitori Karkal welcomed the gathering and compered the programme.

Fr Lawrence was born on August 22, 1937 at Modankap.  After being ordained a priest, he has served in Agrar, Bendore parishes as assistant parish priest and at Kadaba, Belman, Sastan, Shirva and Karkala as parish priest.  Throughout his sacerdotal life he is being recognized as the one who has spent his time and energy in building the parish community than raising buildings.