Mangaluru, Aug 19: The fifth death anniversary of late Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ on Tuesday August 18 marked a significant event: the release of a book 'I'll Die Smiling', which consists of memoirs of the late Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ, by family, Jesuit companions, friends and well-wishers. The function was held at the Fatima Retreat House, here, which belongs to the Jesuits.
The programme commenced with a recorded invocation.
Steevan D'Douza the compere also welcomed the gathering.
At the initiative of Steevan, who was given a start in life by Fr Ronnie, a few well-wishers, namely Rosemarie Pais, David Pais, Charles Pais and Olga Noronha, came together and planned to collect memoirs of Fr Ronnie, which finally amounted to 38 articles from people who belong to all walks of life: bishops, priests, nuns, philanthropists, social workers educators, housewives, businessmen, students, teachers and religious leaders, family and friends! These articles were compiled into a book, 'I'll Die Smiling'.
Following the introduction, Olga B Noronha conducted an inter-religious prayer service along with Edith D'Souza, Santosh Kumar Kadri and Patrick D'Souza.
Reminiscing their experiences with Fr Ronnie, Fr Clarence D'Souza SJ and Fr Maxim Rasquinha SJ shared their thoughts.
It was then time for the release of the book of memoirs done by none other than Fr Maxim Misquith SJ, director of Fatima Retreat House. His message on the occasion followed. He recalled what the two S's of Fr Ronnie namely- he was a man of deep spirituality and a man with a smile! Both were very apt qualities!! The books were then distributed among the gathering.
Charles Pais extended the vote of thanks, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all who helped to bring out 'I'll Die Smiling'. Indeed, Fr Ronnie was present in spirit!