We were all saddened by the passing away of the former Provincial Visitor, the Very Rev. Brother Dr. Baptist Croos, FSC (Frates Scholarum Christianorum), who died on March 23, in Colombo. His mortal remains were taken to his native Vankalai, and then for Christian burial in Mannar on March 28.
Some people come into our lives and quickly leave. Others stay a while and leave an indelible mark in our hearts.
I knew Brother Baptist for almost three decades, and we continued our friendship after my family moved to the US in 1995. In a letter dated March 15, 2005, Brother Baptist wrote, in his elegant hand (he was a calligraphist): “The Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP) – recognising my humble services to the less fortunate, especially the victims of the tsunami terror, through my organisation, the Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO) – invited me to Seoul, South Korea and honoured me with an award, Ambassador For Peace.”
We thank the Lord that Brother Baptist was recognised as an Ambassador for Peace during his lifetime. He was president of SUNFO for the last 10 years (1999-2009).
He was a unique man with a number of fine qualities. He will be remembered for his generosity, perseverance, personal sacrifice, hard work and sense of service. He worked especially hard for the underprivileged and the poor. He was sensitive to those who were suffering, and he was determined to achieve his goals. He also had a talent for rallying people for a good cause.
He was also a great scholar.
He was a man of indefatigable energy who worked long hours. He was conscientious. He was jovial and easy to get along with. He served God with humility. He was inspiring. Above all, he was a good man.
He would daily sing the praises of the Lord and thank Him for the gifts showered upon him. He strictly followed the code of conduct laid down by the founder of the Lasallian order, St. John Baptist De La Salle. He was steadfast in preserving the Lasallian Catholic heritage.
Considering the lives of St. John Baptist De La Salle and Brother Baptist, I noticed a fascinating coincidence: Both men joined their respective seminaries at the age of 16 and both died at the age of 68. John Baptist de la Salle was born on April 30, 1651, at Rheims, and died on April 7, 1719, in Saint-Yon, Rouen. “They that instruct many unto justice shall shine like stars for all eternity.” – Daniel, 12:3. Brother Baptist was the author of several books, including “Values of Education”, “Lilies and Roses”, “Reading for Stress”, “Laugh Off, If Possible”, and “Reflections”.
He contributed articles to local and foreign newspapers and magazines. He was the editor of the “Youth” page in the weekly Catholic Messenger.
I heard many impressive homilies given by Brother Baptist at the weekly Novena to the Infant Jesus, at the Holy Rosary Church in Slave Island. He was an eloquent speaker and was much sought after for special occasions, such as felicitation dinners.
I also attended a number of seminars he organised.
Brother Baptist was a gifted singer, and he could sing in several languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Sinhalese, Tamil, English and Latin. He was an expert on Gregorian music. He was also a lecturer and a professor, as the founder member and Director of Higher Studies of the Lasallian Institute, which is amalgamated with the University of Philippines.
Brother Baptist celebrated the golden jubilee of his religious life – 50 years as a De La Salle Brother – on August 15, 2007. At the celebration he quoted from the song “Amazing Grace”:
“Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come,
‘Tis grace that hath me safe thus far,
And Grace will lead me home.”
Not all of us who knew him were able to be present at the celebration, but we were spiritually present.
Hopefully, all of us, just like Brother Baptist Croos FSC, will one day be able to say, as Saint Paul did: “I have competed well, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith. From now on the Crown of Righteousness awaits Me, which the Lord, the just Judge, will award to Me, on that day, and not only to Me, but to all who have longed for His appearance”.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear,
Joe Bonjean Thampoe,
Secretary, Old Bens,
OBU, New York, USA
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