Page 98 - Bishop-Roch-Jubli-Malar

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Though our Congregation was not a loud clapping and cheering to the great
diocesan one, yet our good Bishop acting as embarrasment of our dear Mothers, who always
"Cardinal Protector" took a very keen interest in the liked to be hidden (like our Mother Foundress).

affairs of the Convent. In time of difficulty or crises,
We remember well some of his oft- repeated
the S. O. S. message at once brought our good
sayings "The shortest road to Sanctity is to do the
pastor to our aid. He by his paternal love and
will of God under all circumstances and Happiness
solicitude eased the situation.
consists in giving happiness to others". "No cross,
His love and concern for the inmates of the no crown". "Forewarned is being forearmed. This
Holy Cross prompted him to make frequent visits to must have surely been the rule of his life and there is
the convent. With what joy and delight we used to no doubt that he has achieved Sanctity only through
flock around him-to listen to his words of advice this means.
and encouragement. His loving arms were always
In the year 1950 Bishop Roche who was
outstretched to take the whole crowd in his paternal
now advancing in years found an assistant in the
embrace. On these occasions Good 'Papa' that he
person of Revd. Thomas Fernando who was
was, he would never come empty handed. Just
before his departure, he would call the youngest consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Tuticorin. But our
child and tell her "Go to my car and bring what you dear Pastor still continued to lead his flock to
find there." And what could it be but a basket of "green pastures" beside the still waters, until his
fruits, or a packet of sweets or cakes and some times retirement in the year 1953.
he would offer a cover to Mother and sure we knew
Even in the remote hills of Kodaikanal in
its contents.
the Jesuit house of Shembaganur he found a
There was special days in the year when we peaceful abode. Yet his ardour and zeal for souls did
would have our Bishop all to ourselves. One such not permit him to rest. He preached retreats
day was the 23rd. of September, the Anniversary welcoming and receiving all those who came to him
day of his Episcopal Consecration. That was a gala for advice and guidance.
day for the children and sisters of the Holy Cross. It
was celebrated with a Solemn High Mass of It was in this peaceful retreat of
Thanksgiving and ended with a variety Shembaganur that he heard the call of the Divine
entertainment prepared months ahead. How he Master "Come beloved of my soul, come take your
would enjoy every item on the programme and rest."
invariably at the end of it he would make this
It was a happy co-incidence that brought
announcement.... "On the 23rd of September a little
our beloved Pastor for the last time to the Holy
baby was born in France and now, do you know
Cross Convent. 1955 marked half a Century since
who? She is in your midst today." Of course the
reference was to our Mother Aline who was our the opening of the house in Tuticorin. It was also the
Superior for many years, and then there would be Diamond Jubilee of Mother Sophie who was then

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