Media Release

Bengaluru, Oct 10: St Peters Association Barkur – Bengaluru, organised a special programme to remember their son of the soil, native Barkurian Capuchin priest on October 7 at ‘Sacchitananda’, Capuchins Provincialate at Dr Rajkumar Road, Rajaji Nagar.

Thanks giving High Mass was celebrated by Fr Albert Lewis, dean, Institute of Theology, Kengeri, and in his meaningful homily paid rich tributes to Fr Roche with his personal three simple but distinct experiences. He also emphasized on the family life, its values and how it influence vocation. Capuchins Friars Fr Patrick Crasta, Shanti Sadhana FISI, Fr Robin Victor D’Souza, superior in the provincialate, Fr Deepak Fernandes, secretary to Capuchin Provincial, Karnataka concelebrated.

Immediately after the Holy Mass, a get-together was organized. Presidentof SPA Peter Pinto, warmly welcomed the guests and briefed the purpose and need of such meetings to respect and recognize our own holy man, who is on his way to sainthood.

Fr Patrick Crasta explained the process of beatification and efforts of Capuchins and laity alike in this direction. There was an exhibition of books written by Fr Roche, himself in 1952 Niskolpon, and few others by various people like Fr Patrick Crasta, Fr Santa Lopez, and John Crasta with other prayer leaflets etc. were distributed. He also lauded the recent publication Amcho Padryab edited by Archibald Furtado, Barkur, a treasure of almost 150 pages, highlighting the life and living, with various witnesses, narrativesof Fr. Alfred and historical milestonesof the region etc.A short documentary on Fr Alfred Roche is under production and requested the gathering to share and send copies of photographs, any special experiences,involvement by way of financial contributions with the organizers and invited all to attend a special celebration in Brahmmavar, Holy Family Church on December 28, marking 22nd death anniversary of this holy servant of God and his men.

It has been reported from far and near, as various favors were received,deceases cured by Almighty Lord through the intercession of Fr Roche and Bengaluru too is not an exception an Augustine D’Lima, Lawrence Sequeira, Stephen Lewis, James Sequeira and Alice Roche shared their personal experiences of miraculous cure of deceases and evoked emotions of the people.

Archibald Furtado shared his experiences with Barkurians and how an invisible hand of Fr Roche is working through various people, especially James Fernandes, USA, and the SPA Mumbai and appreciated the unique initiatives of SPA Bengaluru as a team to promote the cause of holy Barkurian.

Superior and in-charge of the Karnataka regional provincialate Fr Robin Victor D’Souza, in his message, expressed his satisfaction and contentment in the involvement and participation in the divine missionand ensured Capuchins co-operation at all times.

Janet D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and James Sequeira, the man who worked behind the screens, aptly compered the whole event. A fellowship buffet Lunch was served and the programme come to a close. Around 75 people, especially Barkurians, from different parts of Bengaluru, attended the event had a broad smile and satisfaction while returning to their respective home.