hidden image

Fr Alfred Roche OFM Cap: He was ‘Our Father’ to All

Alexander Crasta Alexander Crasta
17 Apr 2023
On account of his simplicity of life and dedicated pastoral ministry, solidly founded on the spirit of faith in God as well as his deep concern towards his flock entrusted to his care, he could mingle with every category of people, irrespective of ca

The SERVANT OF GOD, Fr. Alfred Roche, was born in a small island called Pandeshwar belonging to St. Peter’s Parish at Barkur in the Diocese of Mangalore (presently Diocese of Udupi) in 1924. His parents, late Mr. Isaac Roche and late Mrs. Carmine Monteiro, were farmers. But, Mr. Isaac Roche could find time to go to his parish church every morning and render his service as the sacristan for nearly 50 years, having daily crossed the Sita River on a small boat. 

The baptismal name of Fr. Alfred Roche was Peter John. He was commonly known as Piti. He was the leader of the altar boys while he was in the elementary school. He joined the Capuchin Order in 1944, and in the novitiate he received the new name Alfred. Then, having finished his initial formation (seminary studies), he received the Sacerdotal Ordination in 1951.

Fr. Alfred Roche OFM Cap rendered his precious service in 4 places: 10 years at Monte Mariano Novitiate, Farangipet (Diocese of Mangalore) as a formator to the novices; 18 years at Holy Family Church, Brahmavar, Diocese of Mangalore (presently Diocese of Udupi); 3 years at St. Anne’s Church, Binaga, and 12 years at St. Joseph’s Church, at Lower Kasarkod, Diocese of Karwar.  

At this juncture, one may ask: How and where did Fr. Alfred Roche acquire this new name, “Our Father”? Normally, if not the family members who are priests (by the grace of God I have two brothers who are priests, whom we call “Our Father/s”), we do not call the parish priest “Our Father”.  But, the case of Fr. Alfred Roche is quite different. His pastoral ministry was unique. On account of his simplicity of life and dedicated pastoral ministry, solidly founded on the spirit of faith in God as well as his deep concern towards his flock entrusted to his care, he could mingle with every category of people, irrespective of caste and creed, age and stage. 

His prime concern towards the faith-formation of his flock in and through catechism, down-to-earth sermons based on the Word of God and liturgical music; his special attention towards the education of the children and the youth even by helping them economically through friends and benefactors; his constant efforts to find adequate jobs to the youth and the jobless; his regular visits to the sick and the aged; his accompanying some of them even to the hospitals since he had personal contact with some of the doctors and nurses; his gentle and patient approach in repairing the wounded relationships within the family-circles and with others; his yeomen service in bringing back the sheep scattered owing to schisms and ruptures. All these evangelical virtues that he imbibed, spending time in the company of the Divine Master, the Supreme Pastor, enabled him to be not only a loving and compassionate pastor of the faithful and good shepherd of the flock entrusted to his care but also to be a loved and respected member of every family. That is how he gained this beautiful and meaningful name “Our Father”. For, he became the Father of all. 
 

Recent Posts

Pope Francis is bowing out in this special jubilee year of hope, which he has been leading from the front even as he has braved prolonged health concerns. As he passes on and the world bids goodbye to
apicture George Plathottam
28 Apr 2025
Francis' legacy can be summarised in four keywords that reflect powerfully and prominently in his writings, discourses, actions, and life: joy, hope, mercy, and peace.
apicture Bp Gerald John Mathias
28 Apr 2025
Pope Francis redefined leadership through humility, inclusion, and service. He stood with the marginalised, prioritised mercy over judgment, championed ecological justice, and called for reform rooted
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
28 Apr 2025
By mocking Muslims as 'puncture repairers', the Prime Minister reduces a vibrant community to a stereotype. This isn't rhetoric—it's a calculated attempt to stigmatise identity, distract from real iss
apicture A. J. Philip
28 Apr 2025
We hear people saying that the President of India is there to sign on the dotted line prepared by the ruling party. We refuse to believe it because the President is the Constitutional head of the nati
apicture P. A. Chacko
28 Apr 2025
Tamil Nadu's autonomy resolution is yet another spark in the recent federalism debates, challenging central authority over education, finance, and representation. As BJP seeks to tighten its claws, th
apicture Dr John Singarayar
28 Apr 2025
In Manipur, once-united communities now bleed at each other's hands, their bonds severed by narratives crafted far away. As homes burn and futures vanish, the real victors are those who profit from di
apicture Estelle Kipgen & Leishilembi Terem
28 Apr 2025
At a time when India seeks to attract global investment and project itself as a transparent business destination, such incidents chip away at investor confidence. International investors are already w
apicture Jaswant Kaur
28 Apr 2025
Many big children who accompany their parents to their workplaces also join the labour. But until they migrate, they roam around in the village or go to plantations. They become child labourers.
apicture F. M. Britto
28 Apr 2025
Police assaulted children and priests with lathis and beat and molested women belonging to the tribal community as they barged into Juba Catholic Church in the Gajapati district, Odisha, on March 22,
apicture Sujata Jena
28 Apr 2025