By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, Aug 26, 2020: The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) has mourned the death of Jesuit Father Gaston Roberge, one of the pioneers of media education in India.
The 85-year-old Canadian missionary died in the morning of August 26 in Kolkata, an eastern Indian city. He was 85.
The ICPA “joins his countless students and admirers in India and abroad in mourning his death,” says a condolence message from Ignatius Gonsalves, president of the association.
The press body hailed Father Roberge as “a versatile genius in the field of communication” and noted that although cinema was the Jesuit’s m”preferred choice, he was equally adept in writing and preaching too. His love for India, its culture and potential were legendary.”
The ICPA note cites the book, “To View Movies The India Way,” where the Jesuit argues for the need to develop an Indian theory of films. “His passion for communicating Truth and Beauty is worthy of emulation, especially by those in the Media. So was his social commitment.”
In 1996 Father Roberge launched “Chetan,” a program for adult education through Radio, mainly targeting women in villages.
“He died the way he lived — simple, peaceful and a bit dramatic! It is reported that he received Holy Communion in the morning, jovially had breakfast and just passed away after a while. His death has created a big void. We hope and pray that those who have learned from him would be challenged now to fill up the vacuum, worthy of their Guru,” Gonsalves says.