Obituary of John Bosco Arockiam, S.J (63/43)

Died in Apollo Hospital Patna on 27.06.2025

During my almost 13 years of living in three different communities with Fr. Bosco, I have come to know and love Bosco a lot. But I have been always intrigued by his mysterious, enchanting, endearing… smile, so akin to that of Mona Lisa, a classical painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. Like her, was he hiding a deep pain, or, was he amused by something about life privy to him alone, or, was it an expression of true ‘joy of the gospel’ (which Pope Francis spoke of) he experienced as a committed religious?

May be, what Fr. Rajendran told us in his eulogy would throw some light on the person, Bosco. He was a rare vegetarian Jesuit, teetotaler by choice, a man with few needs, soft spoken, unassuming, not seeking power, position or limelight. He had some difficult people to live with, but he held grudge against none. His was a quiet presence. He was a loving companion.

Bosco’s pains were very personal which he bore gallantly all by himself. Even when his family was crumbling around him, he held on. Consider this: he lost his dear father in 1998 (who passed away quietly during a bus journey), youngest and eldest brothers passed away in 2018, his nun sister (Sr. Mary Flora, a Benedictine nun) was struck down by a rare moto-neuro debilitating illness in 2019. His mother passed away in early 2024 and just after a month his only remaining brother. In addition, he himself has been having a weak stomach and chronic bronchitis for over last 30 years.

Such a long string of tragedies and personal ailments could easily lead one to a faith crisis or even mental breakdown or diminishing enthusiasm for life or bitterness, but not Fr. Bosco. He never lost his balance and composure. I know that he did struggle with the question of a just man’s suffering. But his faith was strong enough to live with it. All these were no deterrent for him to give a hearty smile or crack a joke, even in the sermons he preached.

Does what he shared with Fr. Richard recently gives a clue to that smile? “What is life? When we are alive, we fight, hate, crave for comfort, scheme for control, chase after power, position, name and fame driven by our ego. But when the time comes, when life draws to a close, all of it become meaningless. Isn’t Richard? In the end, is not the lives we touched and the love we shared and joy we spread that would really count? Will anything else matter?” A mystic who understood the essence of life.

Our hearts are filled with deep sorrow and disbelief at the sudden demise of Fr. Bosco. It is hard to accept that Fr. Bosco is no longer among us. In just two days, after being admitted in Apollo Hospital in Patna, his organs failed, he was put on life support, and within 24 hours he passed into the arms of God.

Wherever Fr. Bosco served, whether as Principal, Vice Principal, Teacher, Director of Candidates or Socius to the Master of Novices, he was not just an administrator — he was a father, a guide, a friend, a philosopher and a true servant of God. His life was a model of simplicity, love and devotion.

He was so humble that anyone could approach him freely.

He was so loving that he found a place in every heart.

He was so spiritual and dedicated that his life itself was an inspiration.

He was so personal and warm that everyone felt Fr. Bosco was theirs alone.

He was the most beloved teacher of his students.

His words were always gentle, his presence always calm and gracious.

An extraordinary person… a beautiful soul…

It is truly difficult for us to believe that Bosco is gone…

He touched the lives of countless children, left an indelible mark on the hearts of teachers, inspired his companions and brought everyone closer to God.

We thank God for the gift of his life.

May God grant him eternal peace.

Rest in peace, dear Fr. Bosco.

You will live forever in our hearts.

Fr. Francis Palliparambil, SJ


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