CBC Farewells Fr. Victor Roche, SVD
- Abigail Seta
CBC Office: General Secretary of Catholic Bishops Conference, Fr. Victor Roche, SVD was farewelled at an emotional gathering on Thursday, 26th September 2018.
“I plan to Reflect, Renew and Re-energise myself during the year ahead”, said Fr Victor. “I will spend six months in India, and six months overseas. My time will be spent with my family, friends and the SVD communities. I hope to listen to the birds, to smell the flowers and smell of the sheep. I plan to get trained and return to Papua New Guinea for a smaller ministry,” he said.
The farewell gathering was hosted by the staff of CBC at the ToRot Building conference hall and was graced with the presence of SVD Superior, Fr. Freddy Jehadin and Labour and Industrial Relations Secretary, Mary Morola.
In his speech, SVD Superior, Fr. Freddy Jehadin told the audience that he was happy to be present for the farewell of Fr. Victor.
“As a confrère, there’s a lot of joy in my heart. Fr Victor has achieved much for the Church during the past eight years. It is wonderful to hear your impressions and the way you have conveyed your gratitude and thanks to Fr. Victor,” Fr. Freddy said.
“For a long time, the CBC has been hoping to have a new building and now during his term, it has come into existence. I am proud of him.”
The program saw a prayer and scripture reading by Sr. Marilyn Akonoh, MSC, Secretary of New Evangelization followed by a 10-minute video that presented sincere thoughts and heartfelt reflections of the staff toward Fr. Victor. It was then followed by the presentation of gifts, a farewell song composed and sung by the staff of CBC and refreshments were then served.
Fr. Victor Roche who has spent 8 years as the General Secretary will be leaving the Catholic Bishops Conference at the end of September and will be on Sabbatical leave for a year. Fr. Giorgio Licini, PIME is the next General Secretary for the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.