80 Years for Deacon Lawrence Augustine!

by Admin · June 21, 2024

Deacon Lawrence Augustine

By Wendy Van Leeve – The 6th of June 2024 marked a very special day in the life of Deacon Lawrence Augustine. By grace, he celebrated 80 years of life. At Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Kabega, Port Elizabeth, a special celebratory Thanksgiving mass was concelebrated by 13 priests. Invited guests as well as clergy came together to honour Deacon Lawrence on this incredible milestone in his life.

During the service, he wore special gold-coloured vestments made in Nigeria which were gifted to him by Fr Coleman Nwokorie SDV. During the delivery of his homily, Deacon Lawrence recounted his early memories growing up. He was baptised at St Augustine’s Cathedral as an infant. He met his lovely wife Imelda in St Monica’s primary school. He was immediately enamoured however would recapture their connection when they met a few years later in St Thomas High School. They went on to marry at Blessed Oliver Plunkett parish in 1971 and out of their union 4 offspring were produced, 2 girls Lisa and Tamara and 2 boys David and Larry. They also have 2 grandsons Tanith and Akita. He maintains that his family is his greatest achievement.

In 1999 after much discernment and in agreement with his wife and family, Deacon Lawrence entered the diaconate. He was ordained at Sacred Heart Parish in 2003. He has served as a deacon at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish and at Holy Spirit Parish where he retired from at the age of 75. As a member of the Sacred Heart community, he now continues to serve the parish as deacon in retirement.

After Mass, guests enjoyed fellowship in the church hall with refreshments and eats provided by the family and set out and served by the ladies of the Catholic Women’s League. It was a blessed afternoon celebrating this very special occasion.

Deacon Lawrence is well-loved and known for his gentle and steadfast dedication to his Catholic faith both in the diaconate and as a committed family man. His unassuming nature and humble disposition is an inspiration to all who come to know him as well as those who are blessed to witness his service in the diaconate.

At 80 years of age he shows no signs of slowing down and this is testimony to his unquestionable faith.