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We, the Oblate Province of Jaffna, with hearts full of sorrow yet with deep gratitude, bid farewell to a beloved son of the Church, Rev. Fr. Lucas Regini, OMI, who died under tragic circumstances on September 21st,2025. His life was a radiant testimony of God’s love,
lived out in all humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the mission of Christ Born on 12
January 1980 in Ilavalai, Jafna, the fourth of six children of Mr. Lucas and Mrs. Philomina
Reginamma, and was nurtured in a devout Catholic family whose faith became the foundation of his
vocation. He received his early education in llavalai and later studied at St. Henry’s College Illavalai,
Fatima Maha Vidyalayam Kilinochchi, and St. Patrick’s College, Jaffna.
Answering God’s call, he entered St. Joseph’s Juniorate in 1999, completing his formation in Mannar,
Bandarawela, Kandy, and Jaffna. He made his First Profession in 2006,professed his perpetual vows in
2014,and was ordained a deacon that same year. On 28h May 2015,he was ordained to the Sacred
Priesthood by Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundranayagam, at Jaffna Cathedral.
His priestly life was never about privilege or power, but about presence and service. Whether in
Kokkilai, Skandapuram, or as the Pioneering Director of Nesakarankal Iyyakachchi, he lived close to
his people; walking with the poor, encouraging children, reconciling broken families, and supporting
fishermen and youth. He had the gift of becoming all things to all people: a child with children, a
companion to the young, a brother among priests, and a true friend to all. His smile, gentle words, and
compassionate heart were the gems that adorned his ministry.
In 2020,he embraced the preaching apostolate with great zeal, traveling far and wide to share the Good
News. Most recently, he served as the first Oblate parish priest of Anthoniyarpuram, where he poured
out his life tirelessly for his flock. Even in sickness and frailty, his joy in priesthood remained unshaken,
for he believed that true joy comes not from clinging to life, but from surrendering it daily to Christ.
Like St. Paul, Fr. Avalin could truly say: “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” He lived,
ministered, and suffered for Christ; now we pray that he may share fully in Christ’s resurrection.
Though our hearts ask, “Why so soon?” we trust that the Heavenly Father has lovingly welcomed His
faithful servant into eternal rest May the Lord grant him the crown of glory, console his grieving family.
and strengthen all of us with the hope of eternal life.
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