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St. Theresa’s Church, Sanathnagar: It was in the year 1975, when Fr.John Lens took over as the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Church, Sanathnagar, the parish then consisted of over 2000 families. The Parish was mixture of people from different walks of life. Having him was a great honor since we could see him handling everything and every person in a unique way. He began the Vincent De Paul society, the educational society for the children, the Legion of Mary and the Salesian Co-operators, all of which were smoothly handled.
He valued every second of life that was given by God. He’d never rest during the day, instead he would spend his time reaching out to the sick and needy. He trusted the people who worked with him.He led a simple life, So simple that he’d be off to all the hospitals in the neighborhood carrying biscuits for the sick riding his TVS. He’d not only visit them but spend time with them assuring them that God was taking care of them. His smile was a ray of hope to the weakest of hearts, soothing and warm. His actions reflected his dedication towards his vocation to God, His words radiated love for all around him.
He had immense love for the poor children around him who were deprived of their childhood.He played with them, made them smile and gave them moments that they could cherish all their lives. There was never a person who wasn’t helped by him when they needed his help.He drew many souls close to God by his words and deeds, imparting to them the importance of God, prayer and reconciliation.
His simple yet generous gestures of love like visiting the sick and the poor, carrying food for them, giving them hope and courage are just small examples of how great a soul he was. A saintly figure who was never at rest but deeply engrossed in instilling love and faith in God in the people around him.A humble soul, obedient to his call, persevered in his day to day life and completed his journey in perfection, simplicity, humility, love and in every way pleasing to God.
No amount of words would actually suffice to express how blessed we are to have had a saintly figure like Fr.John Lens amongst us. Though he is no longer present with us physically he has left behind his mark of being an exemplary priest, a dedicated messanger of god, a healer of souls that will reside in our memories till the end of time.We thank God for having planted one of his most beautiful creations in our lives….
