A Barkurian on his way to Sainthood, a step closer..
With immense happiness and gratitude’s to Almighty Lord, this is to announce that the Barkurian born, Rev. Fr. Alfred Roche, OFM Cap. (03-01-1924 – 31-12-1996) popularly known as ‘Amcho Padryab’ has been declared by the authorities in Roman Catholic Church in Vatican Rome as ‘The Servant of God’, by their official declaration, which was also proclaimed by Rev. Fr. Alwyn Dais, The provincial Minister of the Karnataka Province.
It’s a proud moment to the infant Diocese of Udupi, in general as Fr. Roche to be the first holy man to be raised to this distinct honor and the St. Peter’s Parish of Barkur, and all of us Barkurians, in particular, to rejoice, as a simple, humble and devout Capuchin Priest, served in Farangipet, Brahmmvar, Kasarcod, Binaga etc. now on his way to sainthood….
Prayers were granted, people are healed, family complications resolved and witnesses to authenticate these good things in common man’s life and many more miracles taken place were reported through the intercession of this holy man from Almighty Lord.
We hope and pray saintly life of Fr. Alfred Roche, inspires many to be peacemakers of Jesus, our lord, may his great and noble soul intercede for all of us so that his labor of love as a shepherd bears abundance fruit in our faith community.
It may please be noted that in the Catholic Church, Servant of God designates an individual being investigated, both his life and works by the Church for possible canonization as saint. It is the first of the four steps in this process, followed by Venerable, upon a decree of heroism or martyrdom by the honored, next one Beatification with title Blessed and finally the canonization with the honor of Saint.
Fr Alfred Roche was my mother's (Cecilia Picardo from Balkudru, Sasthan Parish) classmate having studied in Sasthan school in his early days. I met him when he last came to Mumbai during Seventies at Chakala church and he recognised me very easily saying «you are cici's son, right « for which i said "yes father" as i used to meet him occassionally when he was the parish priest of Brahmavar church for many many years. Yes, he is from Barkur church, but since he was born in Pandeshwar which is equi distance to both Barkur & Sasthan Churches, almost half of Pandeshwarians like Picardo families of Pandeshwar, used to mostly come to Sasthan Church & Sasthan school in those days to avoid crossing the river. He was indeed one of the best human beings of this world i have ever seen and he certainly deserves to be a Saint. -Harry Picardo, Mumbai.