The 30th death anniversary of Rev. Fr. John Lorret, the first priest of St. Philip Neri’s Church, Chempiyanpattru, was commemorated on January 22 at the same church. The event was organized under the guidance of Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Aather Justin and included a Holy Mass, followed by tribute and memorial ceremonies.
The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Sylvesterthas, Parish Priest of St. James’ Church, Ilavalai, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Vimalasekaran Vasanthan, Parish Priest of Kattaikadu -Vettilaikeni, and Rev. Fr. Ravichandran. Students of the Rev. Fr. John Lorret Memorial Education Centre actively participated in the liturgy.
At the conclusion of the Mass, learning materials were distributed to students advancing to Grade One from the education centre.
Floral garlands were placed at the statue of Rev. Fr. John Lorret, followed by a moment of silent tribute.
The faithful then proceeded to the cemetery of St. Philip Neri Church, where Rev. Fr. John Lorret is buried, and conducted memorial rites in his honour.
Ordained in 1995, Rev. Fr. John Lorret served displaced families in the Kodikamam – Kachchai area during the massive displacement in the Jaffna Peninsula. While engaged in this pastoral mission, he contracted septicaemia and passed away on January 1, 1996.
