Fr. Jerónimo da Rocha Monteiro SDB, 

former World Delegate for the Past Pupils passed away

By Bro. Crispim Hornay, SDB

Manique, Portugal, 31 August 2018 -- Fr. Jeronimo Rocha Monteiro (1938-2018) passed way in Manique – Portugal at the age of 80 years, 62 years of Salesian religious life and after 50 years of priesthood. Previously he was serving the World Confederation of Don Bosco Past Pupils for 6 years as World Delegate (2002-2008) and visited also various countries of the EAO Region (Regional Congress in Thailand, 2005 etc).

In the name of the Rector Major, his Vicar Fr. Cereda sent his condoleces to his family, to the Portugal province and to the World Confederation of Don Bosco Alumni as well appreciation of his strong and creative commitment in the Alumni animation for long years.

Bro. Crispim, SDB Timorese missionary in Portugal shares through the social media:

Today I have received the sad news, that Fr. Jerónimo Rocha Monteiro went to the house of the Father as good and faithful servant. He was indeed more known as Fr. Rocha both around the world among the Alumni, as well in our province of Portugal as Salesian Family delegate – in these roles was always very close and frienldy to all Salesian Family members. As Don Bosco’s son was also in love with Jesus in the Eucharist and Mary Help of Christians. It’s enough to recall his poetry and song compositions he left behind him. Indeed every Sunday he shared some of his spiritual notes. He was really a man with many talents, always at the service of others and before anything else a good friend. I was privilege to be invited by Fr. Jeronimo in Fatima for a reading at the ‘Altar do Mundo’ (World Altar). I would like to share his poetry published around his visit in Timor Leste in the Salesian Bulletin (Portuguese edition, N° 512):

"TIMOR... lufada duma maresia de gente nova, salpicada com as cores de Timor, diamantes de sorrisos, harmonizada com o rumo da juventude...povo acolhedor rico de alma e sem limites na sua generosidade." [TIMOR - breath of a sea of new people, dotted with the colors of Timor, diamonds of smiles, harmonized with the course of youth ... welcoming people rich in soul and without limits in their generosity.]

Obrigado pela tua vida na Congregação Salesiana! – Dear Fr. Jeronimo, thanks for your life in the Salesian Congregation! May you rest in peace!

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