Rev. Father Lusena celebrates Golden Jubilee

“Lotus Pond” was the ancient name for Thambarawila. Hewaweerage Joseph Cyril Michael Lusena was born into the family of H. Antony Lusena and B. Jane Perera on September 9, 1936.

He celebrated the golden Jubilee of his priesthood on September 1, 2012. Rev. Fr. Joe Paul Fernando joined him on this joyous occasion.

A special mass of thanksgiving was held by both of them at St. Sebastians’ Church, Katuneriya to mark this very special event.

Fr. Michael Lusena’s preliminary education started at the Thambarawila Parish School. After attending Maris Stella College, Negombo for his secondary education, he entered St. Paul’s Minor Seminary, and later the National Seminary, Kandy to study for the priesthood.

On September 1, 1962, Fathers Swaris, Antony Tissera, Michael Lusena, Joe Paul Fernando received the gift of the priesthood at the hands of the late Bishop Edmund Peiris at St. Joseph’s Church, Wennappuwa.

He served in the capacity

He was deeply involved an all matters that had to do with marriage cases. For 15 long years he dealt with difficult marriage cases in the diocese of Chilaw

of an associate at the Chilaw Cathedral for 3 years, before assuming duties as the Parish Priest of the Church of St. Peter and Paul at Irahadagama for 2 years. His next assignment was as the Parish Priest of Our Lady’s Church, Bandarawatta.

As his priestly ministry continued, he served in the parishes of Kattimahana for 2 years and at St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuneriya for 6 years. He was sent to Rome for higher studies in Cannon Law for two years. After completing his higher studies, he came back to Sri Lanka and spent 6 years as the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Kuliyapitiya and St. Sebastian’s Madampe.

He went back to America for further studies and completed his Doctorate in Canon Law. When he came back, he was appointed to the position of Judicial Vicar in the diocese of Chilaw. He was deeply involved in all matters that had to do with marriage cases. For 15 long years he dealt with difficult marriage cases in the diocese of Chilaw. That was not all. His ministry continued further and his priestly work in the parish situation brought him again into the centre of parish life at Boralessa. At this stage of his life he found a place of rest and retirement at St. Joseph’s House for retired priests where he currently resides.

Our wish and prayer is that you continue your ministry especially of prayer, now for the increase in vocations and the presentation of all vocations serving the church at this time in Sri Lanka. Merista Lusena (Niece) “Celes Cot” Katuneriya