-News : Aaron Chris DSouza, Pics: Stephan Andrade
Kudru, Barkur (26th May 2024): In a resplendent ceremony held on 25th May 2024, the residents of Kudru ward in Barkur Parish paid a heartwarming tribute to the esteemed 'Servant of God' Fr. Alfred Roche (OFM CAP) by unveiling a monument in his honor. The eventful day commenced with a Holy Eucharistic Celebration at St. Peter's Church in Barkur, where Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda presided as the main celebrant.
The second phase of the event unfolded at the site of the memorial in Kudru ward, where the ceremony was inaugurated with a prayer and a mesmerizing welcome dance performed by the children of the ward, choreographed by the talented Mrs. Prafulla Fernandes. The monument was unveiled by three esteemed elders of the ward, Mr. Urban D'Souza, Mrs. Nelly Martis, and Mrs. Teresa Fernandes, in the presence of Fr. Ronald Miranda, who unveiled a photograph of Fr. Alfred Roche. Accompanying Fr. Miranda were Joseph (Jossy) Fernanders, Vice President of the Barkur Parish, Fr. Rohan Lobo, Fr. Joachim D'Souza, and Fr. Roshan Menezes. Following the unveiling, Fr. Ronald Miranda blessed the monument, consecrating it as a lasting tribute to Fr. Alfred Roche's legacy.
The third part of the event featured a stage program, commencing with a welcome speech by Mrs. Margaret D'souza, the gurkarn of Kudru ward. Mr. Antony D'souza presented a comprehensive report chronicling the events that led to the construction of the monument, detailing the motivation behind the initiative in 2022, the formation of the trust, the acquisition of land in 2023, and the conceptualization and construction of the monument in 2024.
In a gesture of appreciation, the treasurer, Mrs. Leera Furtado, announced the names of the donors who contributed to this noble cause, and they were felicitated by Fr. Rohan Lobo. As a symbolic act, the organizing committee members, Mr. Praveen D'Souza, Mr.Rony Rocky Barnes and Mr. Henry Patrick D'Souza, along with other trust members, handed over the documents of the land to Fr. Rohan Lobo, the president of the Fr. Alfred Roche Trust. Fr. Rohan Lobo expressed his gratitude to the Kudru ward members and all the donors for their generosity, which made this tribute possible.
Fr. Roshan Menezes, the President of the event, shared fond memories of Fr. Alfred Roche and offered suggestions for future initiatives around the monument. Mrs. Jenifer Martis proposed a vote of thanks, and Fr. Joakim D'souza concluded the ceremony with a grace, followed by a bountiful lunch for all attendees.
The event, which drew around 200 guests, was a grand success, with Joseph (Juje) Fernandes serving as the master of ceremonies. The unveiling of the monument in honor of Fr. Alfred Roche stands as a testament to the enduring impact he had on the lives of the people of Barkur and the surrounding areas, and serves as a lasting tribute to his life and work.
