Br. Arockiasamy Sebastian left us quite unexpectedly on January 19, 2020. He died in a tragic road accident in Madurai city. His body was brought to his IDEAS community before being shifted to St. Mary’s, Madurai. On January 21, the funeral mass was presided over by Fr. Danis Ponniah, the Provincial, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. About 50 priests concelebrated and a large number of Jesuit brothers, relatives, friends and well-wishers of Br, Arock, and our co-workers were present.
Br. Arock was from a devout Catholic family from Valayampatti, Sivagangai Diocese. He was the first one to respond to God’s call from his village. Two of his nephews, Fr. Lawrence, MSFS, and Fr. Shekhar Manickam of the Jesuit Gujarat Province, followed in his footsteps.
Br. Arock spent his life in the Society serving as a farm manager and administrator in many institutions. He also supervised big construction works. He was a hardworking man with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. He inspired his fellow Jesuits by being faithful to his spiritual duties. Two outstanding manifestations of his charity were his generous and warm hospitality, and his regular visits to the sick and the elderly, both lay and religious.
Way back in 1979 Br. Arock had met with a very bad road accident and his right leg had to be amputated. Despite this handicap he led a normal life interacting with all with his customary energy and enthusiasm. He was a lover of plants and animals.
Br. Arock has left us suddenly but we will cherish his memory. May his soul magnify the Lord and his spirit rejoice in God his Saviour.
- Santhanam Arockiasamy, SJ
