In Memorium

Fr. Antony Robert
10.07.1957 - 19.06.1998

Fr. Antony Robert flower of All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the the grass. The gra withers, and the flower falls away. ut the word of the Lord endures for ever" (1Pet 1:24) St. Peter, the prince of the Apostles thus compares human life to the grass and the flower that withers. However the word of God will last for ever. The priestly life of Fr.Antony Robert of our diocese also had a short duration like the grass and the flower of the field. While returning to his parish from Tuticorin, he met with an accident, and died, when the motor cycle dashed against a banyan tree on the Tiruchendur Kanyakumary road near Kallamozhy.

His earthly life came to a sudden end & withered like the grass. He had met with the accident on 18th June night, but only on 19th morning, his body was found by some persons, reported to the parish priest of Alanthalai. It was a shocking news to everyone- the sudden and untimely death of this young priest. His body was aid to rest in Chettivilai, his native place on 20th June 98 in the presence of large number of priests, sisters and many lay people from many parishes. Antony Robert was born on 10.07.'53 to devout parents of Cruz Rayappan and at at child and substation to the Periathalai. He was the first parents when parish of Master, his in willingly answere the call of the divine primary studies o ered their first fruit. After his received his he joined the Seminary, Tuticorin. He received his formation in Philosophy and Theology in the Sacred Hean Seminary Poonamali, and was ordained a priest in his native place on 15.05.79 by Bishop Ambrose.

After having served as Assistant Pastor for two years at Our Lady off snows, Tuticorin and St.James, Manapad he was ap pointed in the mission parish of Kombady. He served a full term in Kombady, Thalamuthunagar and Azhagappapuram. He had served two years at Sokkankudiyruppu when the call came suddenly to meet the Divine Master. He was known for his cordial relation with the people of the various parishes he served. He constructed the parish church and the presbytery in Thalamuthunagar. In Azagappapuram, he constructed the presbytery and ascience Laboratory for the Higher Secondary School. He gave the of pride to the Word of God in his apostolate. He encouraged to buy and read the Bible. He helped the people people personal to buy the Bible, giving a subsidy out of his own a Bible funds. In all the substations, he made it a point to conduct in the study session before mass. He formed a peace committee and parishes and tried to bring about reconciliation where enmity differences of views divided people.

But His tragic death brought his fine efforts to a sudden end. the seed that he has own will surely bring in the course of years rich harvest, thirty, sixty and hundred fold. faithful May the Divine Lord grant eternal rest to the soul of His servant. -Fr. M.S. Antony