Parish News

By Gordon DAlmeida

Fr Lancy DSouza a humble and meek, loving and jovial priest who took charge 1year 9months back as the Asst Parish Priest right after his ordination, which was his first assignment at Valencia. And now the time has come for him to bid adios to the parish and say hello to St Lawerence Church Bondel.

As a token of love and gratitude, a small farewell program was organised on 15 May 2022 after 8.00AM mass.

Fr Roque in his message, described his relationship with Fr Lancy. "In the New Testament we get to hear about St Paul and Barnabas. In the same way Myself and Fr Lancy shared the same bond. Being like an Assistant he was more like a Friend of mine. Prior to being a friend he was my student from his days in the seminary. When he first took charge at Valencia people used to say he looked like an angel. Indeed he was like an angel. He had all the qualities of an angel. There are around 120 sick people in our church and Fr Lancy was dear to them because he was the one who used to distribute communion to them since I used to be busy with my classes in the seminary. If you see the campus of our church you will find so many flowers and vegetables planted and the credit goes to him as he took the initiative of planting and took care of them. He is a man of simplicity, a soft-spoken and down to earth. Today I am also sad that he has to leave, but in a priestly life we have to move on when we are due for our new assignment. I wish him all the best in his priesthood and the days to come".

Fr Lancy addressing the gathering thanked Fr Roque for encouraging, motivating and guiding him at every step that he took in his priestly life. He also mentioned that Fr Dsa not only has been his teacher in the seminary but also he has taught him the importance of how to lead a priestly life. He wholeheartedly thanked the parish priest for the love and affection he gave him during the last two years. He also thanked Fr William Barracas, Vice-president David Pais, Secretary Rita Menezes, members of the parish council, all the office bearers and the members of various associations, religious of the parish and all the parishioners.

Parish Priest Roque DSa, Fr William Barracas and Parish Council Secretary Rita Menezes were present during the occasion. Patrick Dsouza compered the program.