By Olivia Obijiaku
The National Promoter of the Association of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Prof Edward O. Uyovbisere has described Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence Bakut as someone of inestimable value to the Association. He made the revelation in an interview with Trinitas Newspaper, intimating that their deceased Assistant National Chaplain, served in that capacity for over two decades, during which he initiated the translation and production of the Association’s Hausa Prayer Book.
Prof. Uyovbisere observed that, “Rev. Fr. Lawrence Bakut gave a listening ear to all things that had to do with the Association. In fact, he was a priceless treasure to the Association. His unwavering guidance and deep pastoral care, left an indelible mark in our hearts. He consistently nurtured our faith for steadfast commitment to the devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He died with the Rosary around his neck.”
Revealing that devotees would miss him dearly, he detailed, “His legacies are numerous as the Assistant Chaplain. He ensured periodic review of the Association’s Prayer Book as well as the National Constitution as approved by the National Council of the Association. He ensured that guidelines are respected, thereby ensuring a smooth, amicable and successful conduct of events, making sure that all are happy, but must have fully complied with the Rules, Regulations and Constitution. To him, there was no compromise. We will dearly miss him at the yearly conference and the National Convention which holds every four years.”
Fr. Bukut was the Assistant National Chaplain/Spiritual Director from 2001 to 2026. Aside instituting and translating the ‘Association Prayer Book in English version to Hausa on 1st March 1985, he wrote ‘Sacred Hearts devotional talks, and many other ‘Hearts Pierce Bridge Spiritual Complications’ for all members of the Association.
