Servant of God – Fr Alfred Roche, Barkur:Closing ceremony of Birth Centenary Celebrations

By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Additional Pics by Alphonse Mendonca
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Brahamavar: The Capuchins of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, organized the Closing Ceremony of the Birth Centenary of Servant of God Fr. Alfred Roche, OFM Cap. at Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, on April 3, 2025. The solemn occasion was attended by friars, clergy, religious, and faithful from different parishes, paying tribute to the life and legacy of Fr. Alfred Roche.

 

The Holy Eucharistic Celebration was the highlight of the event, presided over by Very Rev. Fr. John Alwyn Dias, OFM Cap., Provincial of the Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka. The Eucharistic celebration was marked by deep devotion, with special prayers offered for the cause of sainthood of Fr. Alfred Roche. While breaking the word of God he reminded of two significant dates in one’s life – “birth date and secondly the day one realised the purpose of life…and today we are celebrating in the purposeful life of Amcho Padryab, Fr Alfred Roche…” The liturgy beautifully reflected the virtues and selfless service of the beloved Capuchin priest.

 

In brief, it was on 3rd April, 1924; 100 years ago Peter John was born as the 5th child of late Isaac and Carmine Roche in an island - hamlet Moodahadu in Barkur parish. After primary studies in St Anthony School Moodahadu and in Sastan passed his SSLC in Milagres High School Kallianpur. Soon he joined Capuchin Seminary in 1944 and on 11th April, 1951, ordained as priest for lifetime in Kotagiri in Tamil Nadu and changed his name as Fr Alfred. He celebrated first Holy mass at his hometown St Peter Church, Barkur on 14th April 1951. After serving in Farangipet as Assistant Novice on 6th April, 1956 took charge of Brahmmavar Holy Family Church as its first Capuchin Vicar, with a very special mission and proved to be so in his service till 18th July, 1972 – a record of 16 long years. 

Fr Alfred served in St Anne’s Church Binaga near Karwar till 1975 and on 30th April, 1975 took charge as parish priest of St Joseph’s Church in Lower Kasarkod till 1981 and his services continued in Farangipet as Guardian of the Monastery till 987. Again he was recalled by the parishioners of Casarkod and Vicar over here – 1st June 1987 till 1993. After retirement comes back to his most loved place Brahmmava in 1994 and celebrate his Golden Jubilee of Priestly life 30th April, 1995.

 

 A living saint breathed his last at his 72 on 31st December, 1996 and then Bishop of Mangalore Rt Rev Dr Aloysius Paul DSouza leads the funeral service and his mortal remains buried in the Brahmmavar Cemetery, as a very special case. Amcho Padryab rests in peace and intercede for all of us and his Tomb become a rallying point for lost, last and least in the society to find solace, comfort and peace of mind…. People receives favours and their prayers granted and most of them remain with beneficiaries, as most of these comprise of people were nameless, faceless, poor and anonymous. Something good and divine never be hidden for long, some witnesses and faithful prompt Capuchins to recognise the goodwill and holiness of Man of God Fr Alfred and Holy See deservedly recognise him as Servant of God.

 

Now coming to the Birth Centenary Celebrations, today, following the Eucharistic celebration, a short prayer service was held in honour of Fr. Alfred Roche, where reflections on his exemplary life of humility, charity, and unwavering faith were shared. Parishioners and devotees expressed their gratitude for his pastoral contributions, particularly in the Brahmavar region and other places Fr Roche was born, studied and served – Barkur, Sastan, Kallianpur, Farangipet, Binaga, Honnavar – Lower Casarkod etc

 

Earlier in the day, the Parish priest of Holy Family Church Fr John Fernandes extended a warm welcome to all and thanked everyone for making the event not only grand but also very meaningful. All were served with memento and prayer book to take home pray through Servant of God through the intercession of Fr Alfred Roche. Vice postulator Fr Santa Lopez recalled the names of donors who helped in a big way to make the Centenary Celebrations a success.

The event concluded with a fellowship meal, fostering a spirit of unity and shared reverence for Fr. Alfred Roche’s enduring spiritual presence among his followers.

 

The Friars of the Holy Trinity Capuchin Province, Karnataka, along with Fr. Santa Lopes, Vice-Postulator, Fr. John Fernandes, Parish Priest of Holy Family Church, and the Parishioners of Brahmavar, Barkur, Lower Kasarkod, and Binaga, played an instrumental role in organizing this memorable occasion.

 

The faithful left the venue inspired by the life of Fr. Alfred Roche and with renewed hope for the progress of his canonization process. The event was a fitting tribute to a shepherd who dedicated his life to serving God and His people.