“Change is the only constant in life”, said Rev. Fr William Menezes, Parish Priest. He was speaking during the formal farewell to Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha - after the 7.30 a.m. mass on 14th May 2023 - who is all set to move to the parish of St. Sebastian, Bendore on 18th May 2023.
Born to Mrs. Eugine Cutinha and Late Mr. Felix Cutinha, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha is a native of Mudipu. After being ordained as priest of Mangalore Diocese, he served as Assistant Parish Priest at Moodubelle and Cordel parishes. He took charge as the Assistant Parish Priest of Angelore on 2nd August 2021.
Young, energetic and dynamic, Rev. Fr Cutinha struck the emotional cord of the youth of the parish soon after arrival. He mingled with them like a friend, yet wielded authority when necessary. He guided Young Catholic Students and Angelore Youth Movement, and provided avenues for what the youth needed most to keep them together as a team – sports, games, cultural activities… along with spiritual activities like retreats and Taizé Prayer. He regularly attended the meetings of YCS and AYM, and guided them in laying the foundation of their future. The youth of Angelore will never forget two things he gave them frequently – ice cream and shawarma!
He was instrumental in motivating the altar servers to regularly attend daily mass. At times, the altar would be packed with altar servers, which indicates the impact Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha had on their young hearts.
Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha took keen interest in making liturgy on special occasions more meaningful, namely, Christmas, Holy Week, and Nativity. During Christmas, he involved himself actively with the youth and guided them in preparing the crib.
During the simple formal farewell programme, Rev. Fr William Menezes highlighted the virtues of Rev. Fr Cutinha and elaborated on the dedication he showed in discharging his pastoral responsibilities.
In his farewell speech, Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha thanked the Parish Priest for encouraging him in all his endeavours. He also thanked the parishioners and members of parish organisations for the cooperation extended to him in the past two years.
Rev. Fr William Menezes honoured Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha with a shawl. On behalf of the parish, Mr. Paul Rodrigues, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council and Mrs. Lolina D’Souza, Secretary, presented a bouquet and a memento. Mr. Paul Rodrigues thanked Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha for the pastoral service rendered in the past two years.
Angelore parish wishes Rev. Fr Lawrence Cutinha well in his future missions and will miss him; but as they say, “Change is the…”
