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IN FOND MEMORY
Holy Cross Sisters
Gone from earth, but not forgotten, Today the clergy and laity of Tuticorin will
Never shall his memory fade. recall with pride and enthusiasm the auspicious day
Sweetest thoughts, shall ever linger, the 23rd of September 1923 when Revd. Gabriel
Round the spot, where he is laid. Francis Tiburtius Roche, s. J. was consecrated first
Bishop of Tuticorin. Ever since that day till
On this unique Centenary day, we scan the
December 17th 1955, We have known him only as a
horizon of the years gone by to recall with grateful
loving, affectionate Father, guide and tender
affection, the memory of a much loved Father,
shepherd of his flock. He had a very special corner
guide and friend who has gone before us to the
in his heart for the inmates of the Holy Cross, it
Better Land and who awaits our coming there.
being one of the oldest Congregations of Sisters
Today grief and sorrow for a departed loved one,
who had established their order in his home town.
has been lifted, for we realize the new happiness he
In fact, when at the request of the Bishop, the
is experiencing. It means much to us, to know that
Sisters were asked to take up work in this ancient
our Beloved Pastor is safe in a place of happiness
town, hallowed by the footsteps of the great
and peace. God who loves us all with an Infinite
Missionary St. Francis Xavier-it was in Roche
Love, has spread His tebernacle over our dear
mansion the house in which our good Bishop
departed one.
opened his eyes on the world that the first three
Today, when so many grateful hearts bring pioneers took up their residence.
back to mind the large-hearted charity and But this was only temporary. Later on the
solicitude for the flock committed to his care fain present site, measuring about 2 and half acres was
would they long for the touch of a vanished hand given to them by the Diocese.
and the sound of voice that is still.
These were critical times in the history of
Ah! Christ if it were possible this foundation. One such instance was when a
For one short hour to see. doubt arose regarding the ownership of the convent
The soul we loved that he might tell, and property. It was then that our good Bishop came
What and where he be. to our help by giving us the document proving
And we have the answer. "I am the beyond all doubt that the present Holy Cross
Resurrection and the Life." He who believes in Me Convent was the undisputed property of the
shall never die. Congregation.
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