Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Brahmavar (JD)
Brahmavar, Apr 3: The closing ceremony of the birth centenary of Servant of God Fr Alfred Roche was held on Thursday April 3 in Holy Family Church, Brahmavar.
Fr John Alwyn Dias, OFM Cap, provincial of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka celebrated the Eucharistic celebrations along with other priests.
In his homily Fr John Alwyn Dias, OFM Cap, provincial of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka said, "We thank almighty during every birthday of ours. The Almighty loves mankind; he is never disappointed by it. We try to give a new meaning for life with a purpose. Servant of God Fr Alfred Roche born 100 years ago with a purpose of his life to be helpful to others and to lead a life of sacrifice and spirit. The gift of life was turned into a treasure. Faith and love gave him strength. His faith was rooted in God. He was connected to Christ and led a life as per the roadmap of Christ. He never left Christ behind even though he faced ill health and tribulations. He was a compassionate pastor. His life is a testimony. Many times, we fail to follow Christ and dispraise through our actions and words. Fr Alfred Roche was a prophet like Moses, a priest like Jesus. Let us try every day to make a good Christian life."
A short prayer service was held at the tomb of Fr Alfred Roche in Brahmavar parish. All attendees received a memento and prayer book to continue seeking intercession through Servant of God Fr Alfred Roche. The event concluded with a fellowship meal that fostered a spirit of unity among followers.
Fr John Fernandes, parish priest Hoy Family Church Brahmavar conveyed the vote of thanks.
The Friars of the Holy Trinity Capuchin Province, Karnataka along with Fr Santa Lopez, vice postulator; Fr Mark Saldanha, assistant parish priest ; members of the Fr Alfred Roche trust; devotees from Karwar, Binaga, Lower Kasarkod, Sasthan, Brahmavar, Barkur and other places participated in the Eucharistic celebration.
Born as Peter John on April 3, 1924, in the hamlet of Moodahadu in Barkur parish, Fr Roche was the fifth child of Isaac and Carmine Roche. After completing his education at various institutions including St Anthony School Moodahadu, Sastan, and Milagres High School Kallianpur, he joined the Capuchin Seminary in 1944. On April 11, 1951, he was ordained as a priest in Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu, taking the name Fr. Alfred.
Fr Roche's most notable service came as the first Capuchin Vicar of Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, where he served for a record 16 years from 1956 to 1972. His subsequent assignments included St. Anne's Church Binaga, St Joseph's Church in Lower Kasarkod, and Farangipet Monastery, before returning to his beloved Brahmavar in 1994.
Often described as a 'living saint', Fr Roche passed away at the age of 72 on December 31, 1996. As a special case, his mortal remains were buried in the Brahmavar Cemetery, where his tomb has become a place of solace for many seeking comfort and peace.
Watch Video: