After more than four decades of dedicated missionary work, Fr. Victor Roche, SVD, is set to return to India, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter in his life. Known for his unwavering commitment to the Catholic faith and his profound impact on the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands (SI), Fr. Roche's journey has left a mark on both the Church and the communities he served.
Born on February 16, 1952, in Palayam, Kurumbalur, Tamil Nadu, India. Fr.Victor’s journey to PNG began in 1981 when he arrived as a missionary in Port Moresby. His passion for spreading the word of God and helping communities through evangelization and religious programs shaped his work over the years. Fr. Roche quickly immersed himself in various pastoral and missionary roles across the country.
In his early years in PNG, Fr. Victor served as the Parish Priest of Yangoru in East Sepik Province (1982–1986) and later as the Parish Priest of Christ the King Cathedral in Wirui, Wewak (1986–1991). These years were foundational to his understanding of the diverse needs of the people he served.
Fr. Victor continued his theological and academic pursuits with a Master of Arts in Scriptural Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, USA (1991–1993), followed by the Dei Verbum Bible Course in Rome. He returned to PNG in 1994, where he was appointed as the Mission Secretary for Divine Word Missionaries and Assistant Director of the National Biblical Apostolate.
His years in this role were marked by his dedication to organizing seminars and retreats for clergy, religious, and laypeople throughout PNG. He has been giving retreats and seminars in all the dioceses of PNG. He took on a key role in educating future generations of religious leaders, providing week-long seminars on “Mission Trends and Church History of PNGSI” at Xavier Institute in Port Moresby for both men and women religious.
In 1998, Fr. Victor relocated to the SVD House in Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province, where he would continue his mission until the end of his time in PNG.
Fr. Victor’s passion for communication and media was also evident in his time as the Director of Catholic Radio TRINITI FM from 2003 to 2010, where he used the airwaves to share the gospel and promote faith-based programming across the Western Highlands. His contributions to radio ministry were vital to the spread of Catholic values and teachings, particularly in remote areas of PNG.
From 2010 to 2018, Fr. Victor also served as the General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC-PNGSI). In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in coordinating and supporting the work of the Catholic Church in both nations, fostering unity and strengthening the faith community. He represented the CBC-PNGSI and spoke up fearlessly through the media on many social issues affecting the people of Papua New Guinea.
In 2019, Fr. Victor took a sabbatical year, spending time in India, Europe, and the United States. He represented Oceania at an international meeting in the Vatican on the theme “Knowing God: Is it possible? Ways for a New Evangelization.” He also represented PNGSI at another Vatican event on New Evangelization, further cementing his international influence.
Upon his return to Mount Hagen in December 2019, Fr Victor resumed his work as Secretary of the CBC-PNGSI’s Commission for New Evangelization and Director of Pontifical Mission Societies for Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. His leadership in these roles furthered the Church's mission and expanded the reach of the Pontifical Mission Societies across the region.
As Fr. Victor prepares for his departure in December 2024, after 43 years of selfless service, his legacy remains woven into the fabric of the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. His dedication to the Gospel, his tireless missionary efforts, and his personal investment in the lives of countless individuals will be remembered for generations to come.
Fr. Victor’s departure marks the end of a remarkable journey, but his influence will continue to inspire the Church’s future work in the region. His return to India will bring him closer to his roots, but the people of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands will forever hold him in their hearts.
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