Page 41 - Bishop-Roch-Jubli-Malar

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The parents welcomed his vocation to the This happy combination of natural qualities

Jesuit order as later they did that of his younger would have won him success in any secular sphere
brothers Gaspar and Joseph to the diocesan clergy he might have chosen. But God who had other
and that of two of their daughters to the designs on him 'had also lavished on him gifts of
greater value, precious graces, that fitted him for
congregation of Our Lady of Dolours. They saw in
the higher mission to which God had called him.
this a fruit of their prayers and sacrifices and
Thanks to his sound home training and to his
thanked God.
subsequent schooling under religious masters, he
What prompted our young candidate to join had acquired a strong faith, a habit of prayer, a child

the Jesuit Order? He had seen the Fathers at work like trust in God and readiness to do God's will, not
both at Tuticorin and Trichy and he admired their from fear but from love fostered by devotion to the
dedicated life just as he admired the selfless life of Sacred Heart.

the Brothers de la Salle. It was the advice of Fr. Under Jesuit guidance in the school of the
Herandean that determined his option for the Spiritual Exercises and the practical asceticism of
priestly calling. the constitutions those good dispositions could not
fail to grow and mature.
What fitted him for the career he embraced

and contributed to the outstanding achievements Brother Roche, as he came to be called felt
quite at home in his new surroundings and moved
that crowned his long and fruitful ministry as a
easily with is companions from the West. He had no
priest and as a bishop? The answer lies in the gifts of
difficulty in conforming to the many little
nature and of grace with which God had liberally
regulations of the Novitiate; but what he wanted
endowed him.
was to find out some simple device, some basic

Nature had blessed him with excellent principle which might serve as an integrating
health, with an alert mind quick at learning and at element, a sort of beacon to light up the way he was
to tread. So he made bold to ask his Novice Master,
profiting by the opportunities offered him, with a
then Father Augustine Faisandier and later Bishop
retentive memory which enabled him to store up
of Trichy diocese, to suggest to him a short maxim
what he learned and to use it when required. On the
by which he might regulate all his actions. After a
moral side he was of a remarkably cheerful
moment's reflection, the Novice Master pointed to
disposition that made him always look at the bright
"obedience" as the distinct mark of the companion
side of things; his winning manners and a childlike
of Jesus, "who became obedient even unto death".
simplicity and candour endeared him to those with
This satisfied the eager youngster and "submission
whom he came in contact, not to mention "the gift
to God's holy will" became hence forth the leit-
of the gab", which made him a pleasant companion motif or lodestar that guided his steps in the ways of
and welcome in any company. God.

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