The solemn Prayer Service organised by Fr Alan Mohammed OP and Sr Catherine Bernard OP in thanksgiving for the priestly ministry of the late Fr Kevin de Loughry OP at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Maraval on Wednesday, November 30, was a glowing tribute to a well-beloved parish priest.

It was touching to see the hearse carrying Fr Kevin's casket preceded by an uncovered jeep with a banner depicting the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, making its way to the church of Our Lady of Lourdes .

Fr de Loughry's body was taken first to Paramin, where it was viewed by the Paraminians from 4.15 p.m. before its arrival, in Maraval, just before 6.00 p.m. Fr Alan received the body, and officiated at the prayer service.

Parishioners of Maraval and Paramin, as well as clergy, filled the church in which Fr Kevin had done such extensive work. Promptly at 6.00 p.m. , as the bells chimed for the Angelus, mourners stood in respect as the body of dearly beloved Fr Kevin was sprinkled with holy water, and prayers were offered.

The combined choirs, accompanied by Lester Sangster at the organ and other instrumentalists, then began their soul-stirring singing while the casket was wheeled to the front of the altar before a brightly burning Paschal candle.

Fr Kevin de Loughry, OP

Sr Catherine led the recitation of the rosary and meditational hymns were sung, while mourners viewed Fr Kevin's body in an orderly fashion.

Vespers (Evening Prayer) for the Dead began with the opening hymn Jerusalem , sung in patois.

In their tributes, the five speakers lauded Fr Kevin's work, spirituality, personality, and virtues. Condolences were extended to his family and religious order. “We celebrate not only a priest but a father,” began the first speaker.

The others encapsulated his life as one of unstinting service. “He did everything to promote the welfare of those he served,” said one. Another noted his work in encouraging adequate marriage preparation in the parish.

His impact on the youth did not go unnoticed; neither did the securing of the spot for the building of the church at Paramin. Each speaker added his or her touch of humour, so characteristic of Fr Kevin de Loughry.

After the singing of the Magnificat , offering of intercessions, the Our Father and Concluding Prayer, Vespers came to an end with the Blessing and the singing of the Salve Regina .

Many wept as the casket was solemnly wheeled down the aisle to the singing of the recessional Marian hymn and the tolling of the church bells. Reality had now hit home: Fr Kevin de Loughry would no longer return to Maraval and Paramin.

He has left behind a vibrant and dynamic community, an extensively renovated Maraval Church and a “Cathedral” at Paramin. His labours will bear fruit, for generations to come. Moreover, his spirit will live on forever in the hearts of his parishioners, whom he loved so dearly.

Fr Kevin, thank you for everything.

Though your smiles are gone forever, and your hands we cannot touch, still we have so many memories of the one we loved so much. Forever remembered by all the lives you touched.