-News and Pics : Antony Barkur
Click here to read about Fr. Alfred Roche
Click here to watch a documentary on Fr. Roche
Barkur, Karnataka- In a momentous occasion that marks both a tribute to the legacy of a revered figure and a significant step towards his potential sainthood, the foundation stone for the Fr. Alfred Roche Memorial was laid at Kudru ward on Jan 28th. Fr. Alfred Roche, affectionately known as the "Servant of God," is remembered for his unwavering dedication and profound impact on the community. Born on April 3rd, 1924, in Moodahadu Kudru, his baptismal name was Peter John, baptized at Barkur church by Rev. Fr. Denis J. D’Souza. His roots in Kudru, where his father Mr. Isaac Roche was a farmer and his mother Carmen Monteiro a housewife, deeply connect him to the community.
The initiative to honor Fr. Alfred Roche's memory was spearheaded by the Kudru ward members, driven by pride in their shared heritage. In 2023, they established the "Fr. Alfred Roche Trust," with Fr. Santa Lopez as President, Fr. Rohan as Secretary, and Mrs. Leera Furtado as Treasurer. The trust's mission extends beyond memorializing Fr. Alfred Roche; it aims to foster social betterment in his name.
Following the trust's formation, the search for a suitable location for the memorial began. A parcel of land adjacent to the Barkur Sasthan Link Road, owned by Mr. Moses Mendonsa, was identified as an ideal site. Spanning 9 cents, the land overlooks Fr. Alfred Roche's childhood home. Through the generous contributions of Kudru ward members, the land was acquired and formally registered on Sep 30th at the Brahmavara registrar office.
With the land secured, the community rallied together to prepare the site for the memorial. Ward members joined forces to clean and level the land, laying the groundwork for the tribute to Fr. Alfred Roche's enduring legacy.
The culmination of these efforts came on Jan 28th, as Fr. Santa Lopez blessed the land and ceremoniously laid the foundation stone for the Fr. Alfred Roche Memorial. The event was attended by esteemed Kudru ward members, including Ms. Margaret D’Souza, Mr. Praveen Dsouza, Mr. Patrick (Feddy) D’Souza, Mr. Rocky Barnes, Mr. Joseph Fernandes, Mrs. Leera Furtado (treasurer), and Mrs. Jennifer Martis.
Notably, all funding for this noble endeavor has been generously provided by Kudru ward members, both in India and abroad. As work progresses on the memorial, efforts are underway to ensure its completion coincides with the Birth centenary celebrations of Fr. Alfred Roche in April. In honoring his memory, the Kudru community reaffirms its commitment to preserving his legacy and continuing his mission of service and compassion.
Click here to read about Fr. Alfred Roche
Click here to watch a documentary on Fr. Roche