VASCO: Most Reverend Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, said that the diocese lost one of the most devoted priests which has sent shock waves across the state. The sudden death of Fr. Lourenco Mascarenhas has taken everyone by surprise as he was very closely related to the people of various strata. Fr. Lourenco was always a helping hand for the poor and needy and was available 24X7 to anyone who knocked at his door.
The Archbishop was the main celebrant for the funeral mass, at Our Lady of Candelaria Church, Baina on Sunday evening. The funeral was also attended by host of priests from various parishes besides nuns and other religious groups.
Fr Lourenco breathed his last in the wee hours of April 12 at Old Goa.
Parishioners from various parishes across the state came to pay their last respect for Fr Lourenco, who was the rector of the Cruz dos Milagres Spiritual Centre at Old Goa.
“Fr Mascarenhas always used to reach to the poor and the needy and used to extend his helping hand to them. He worked with full dedication and enthusiasm to proclaim the word of god and was always involved in consoling people during their time of difficulties. The number of people we serve as a priest is not important but what work we do during our priesthood is crucial. Fr Mascarenhas lived his priestly life in loving, caring, preaching the word of god and consoling others. Though Fr Mascarenhas has left us and gone to his heavenly abode we are sure that he will continue to pray for us from above,” said the Archbishop.
The people, who thronged for his funeral from all over the Goa, were seen shedding tears and trying to touch his coffin before he was laid to rest.
The parish priest of Our Lady of Candelaria Church, Fr. Vital Miranda and Deacon Myron Dias helped in the funeral services while members of Parish Pastoral Council, the confraria and the youth helped in managing the traffic along with the Vasco traffic and town police.
