Birthday Celebration for Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes

A Year Wiser, A Year Sharper

SJC Hosts Birthday Celebration for Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes

“If you think positively, sound becomes music, movement becomes dance, smile becomes laughter, mind becomes meditation, and life becomes a celebration.”

– Anonymous

Birthdays are the most awaited days in one’s life, and for someone as important and revered as a priest who is known by many, how would this day live up to its name?  Well, it would, by everyone showing their goodwill and acknowledging the gift of that august personage.

To celebrate the 74^th birthday of Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, the Diocesan Educational Officer of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allahabad special programme was held on the 5^th  of August, 2024 at the famed Hogan Hall, at St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj.

The event kicked off with the Mistress of the ceremony, Mrs. Ancy Thomas, welcoming Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, being escorted by the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva, the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melwin Pais, the Middle-School Administrator, Rev. Fr. Gladwin Fernandes, the Additional Administrator, Mr. A. McGowan, and the Senior Staff Coordinator, Mr. J. Dube. No auspicious event can be held without the Almighty’s choicest blessings, and thus, the Bible reading and a special prayer was done by Mrs. Daisy Daniel.

The temptation of a sweet cake kept in front of our eyes is unparallel to any another, and so, the cake cutting ceremony took place with the gathering clapping away in joy. A birthday song was also sung by the gathering. The Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva, then presented a bouquet to Rev. Fr. Lawence Fernandes, after which a bouquet each was presented by the Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melwin Pais, the Middle-School Administrator, Mr. A. McGowan, and the Senior Staff Coordinator, Mr. J. Dube respectively. A song wishing Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes many happy returns of the day and praying for his future endeavours was sung by the teachers of the Primary Section.

It was then time for the Principal Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva to address the gathering. He praised the indefatigable Manager of St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes for his quiet unassuming ways and his dedication as seen in his three decades long career as Principal of different schools including St. Aloysius High School, Kanpur, and St. Francis School, Robertsganj, to name a few. Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes strikes one as a philosopher whose wit shines through his astute observations and his twelve books including one on origins of Konkani and of his family among 1500 families spanning 200 years across 9 generations. Several Orientation programmes for both Principals and Teachers are to his credit as is the ongoing process of compiling a huge digital library, despite any setbacks life had brought his way. After the Principal’s speech, the teachers of the Senior section sang a special song.

Filled with happiness and appreciation for the wonderful presentation, Rev. Fr. Lawernce Fernandes, addressed the audience. His ingenious and witty statements, brought smiles aplenty to all the staff, who were totally absorbed in the profundity of his words. He urged everyone to remember the mantra that faith in God will help one dispel all fears. A God-fearing person is always guided by the Almighty to create a positive vibe everywhere, he or she goes. He thanked Rev. Fr. Walter D’Silva for a beautifully organised birthday celebration. Along with Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, Ms. N. Aslam and Mrs. R. Gandhi also celebrated their birthday.

After Rev. Fr. Melwin Pais recited the Grace before the Fellowship meal, books written by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes were handed out to all the assembled staff.