Fr. Royce was a man of God. This summarises his whole life. God mattered all in his life. In spite of all the great works he was doing as Socius to the Provincial, principal and teacher, he never missed his spiritual duties. He was truly a man of the Society of Jesus. The Mother General of JMJ says that he was “A noble son of St. Ignatius to the spirit, with an exemplary life.” He loved his Jesuit brothers deeply and loved our community recreations. Fr. Royce was a good teacher. Besides being the Principal, he taught good and elegant English for many years in Campion High School, Trichy and Loyola Public School, Guntur. He spoke in idioms and similes, and taught English for eight years in SICJ Jesuit Juniorate at Beschi College, Dindigul. He had a special regard for the staff and had a loving way of correcting them. Fr. Royce loved sports and encouraged sports activities wherever he was. He was human to the core, would not talk ill of others, as he saw God in every one.
He had given retreats to many Religious and priests, was a spiritual director to many of them, and also known for his confidentiality. He was very fond of St. Paul – quoting the letters of St. Paul in almost every one of his talks.
We, the Jesuits of Andhra Province, miss a great personality. His body was laid to rest in Loyola Academy cemetery in the presence of his younger brother Mr. Jerry Macedo and about 30 Jesuits and Religious women. It was a fitting and a simple farewell to this great personality, Fr. Royce. Dear Fr. Royce you will certainly remain in our hearts for many more years.
A. Stanley, SJ
