KAWAI, Father Thomas

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 >> Father Thomas Kawai << >> Nov. 26, 1960 — June 23, 2013 << Father Thomas was born on Nov. 26, 1960, and died Sunday. Moments before he passed, he prayed “Jesus, I Love you. Have mercy on me and forgive me all my sins.” He was 52 years old. He was ordained to the priesthood June 22, 1991, for the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, which, at that time, included Zaria. The Diocese of Zaria was created in December 2000 and inaugurated in March 2001. Since Father Thomas served as rector of St. Joseph Minor Seminary in Zaria, he became a priest of that diocese upon its inauguration. He served in various capacities during his priesthood, including vocation director and seminary rector for almost 10 years, as well as pastor of various parishes. Father Thomas arrived in the United States in 2008 and served St. Edward the Confessor, Holy Family and Saint Martin de Porres parishes within the Diocese of Phoenix, as well as Mary’s Ministries. At the time of his death he was serving as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Lake Havasu City. During his 3 years of ministry here, the pastor and parishioners of Our Lady of the Lake have been blessed by his kind and gentle manner, and his unwavering faith in the goodness of Jesus Christ. Father Thomas was a dedicated servant of God who loved priesthood and the people he was called to serve. Viewing will be today from 5 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be Thursday morning at 10 a.m. followed by a reception. All services will be at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, 1975 Daytona Ave., Lake Havasu City. He will be buried in his home country of Nigeria. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory