We are all saddened to hear the very sad news of the passing away of the former Provincial Visitor, Very Rev. Bro. Dr. Baptist Croos FSC (Frates Scholarum Christianorum) on March 23rd in Colombo and his mortal remains was taken to his native Vankalai and then for Christian burial in Mannar on March 28th. Yes, some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while and leave some foot prints, in our hearts. I knew Bro. Baptist for nearly 3 decades and we kept alive, our long standing friendship, even after my family migrated to U.S.A. in January, 1995. In a letter dated March 15, 2005, beautifully and in elegant handwriting, (as he is a calligraphist) thus: The IIFWP (Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace) recognizing my humble services to the less fortunate ones, especially the victims of Tsunami-terror, through my organization - SUNFO, (Sri Lanka - United Nations Friendship Organization) invited me to Seoul, South Korea and honoured me with an Award, "Ambassador For Peace."

Usually human society recognizes the benevolent works done by people only at their death but I was happy, the Founder, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Co-Founder Dr. Hak JA Han of the (IIFWP) honoured and acknowledged, his exemplary ideal of living for the sake of others and his dedication for promoting universal moral values and the establishment of a culture of peace transcending, racial, national and religious barriers. Thank and Praise the Lord that Bro. Baptist was recognized as an ‘Ambassador for Peace’ while he was alive. He was the President of SUNFO for the last 10 years, (1999 - 2009) and it’s Patron is the Honourable Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara, Parliament of Sri Lanka and there are many Vice Patrons and one of them is Deshamanya Lalith Kotelawela and Secretary Dr. Mrs. Kariyawasam.

His generosity, perseverance, personal sacrifices, dint of hard work, sense of service, gift of his life for others, specially for under privileged and poor, attentiveness to those in suffering, determination to achieve projects and set of goals, tenacity of purpose and ability to rally other people are diverse qualities that made him an unique figure. He is a great Academic and a scholar too.

A man of indefatigable energy for long hours of work, conscientious, pleasant jovial and easy to get along with anyone, statesman and ordinary folks alike. He had a remarkable faithful and fruitful life and served God with humility and simplicity. He was religious, holy, inspiring and above all a Good Man. Everyday he never fails to praise, sing to his Creator for the gifts showered upon him. He strictly followed the code of rules of his founder, St. John Baptist De La Salle, helping and educating the sons of the poor and remained totally a committed loyal Brother till his demise and never ever changed his mind to enter the Priesthood. He has been steadfast in preserving the Lasallian Catholic heritage. A coincidence I noticed in the lives of his founder St. John Baptist De La Salle and Bro. Baptist is that the two joined their respective Seminaries at the age of 16 and both died at the age of 68. John Baptist De La Salle, born 30th April, 1651 in Reims, died 7th April 1719 in Saint-Yon, Rouen. They that instruct many unto justice, shall shine like stars for all eternity Daniel. 12:3,

He has authored several books i.e. ‘Values of Education’, ‘Lillies and Roses’, ‘Reading for stress’, ‘Laugh off’, if possible ‘Reflection’ etc, etc, the last book on reflections was presented to me at our last visit to Sri Lanka. In addition he has contributed several articles to the local and foreign papers and magazines. He was the editor of the Youth page in the weekly Catholic Messenger, Colombo.

I have also listened to his impressive homilies at the Novena, to the Infant Jesus, held weekly at the Holy Rosary Church, Slave Island. He is the most sought after dinner Speaker. I have also attended various working seminars he held during my long period in Sri Lanka. He is a gifted singer and sings in several languages, Hindi, Urdu, Latin, English, Sinhalese, Tamil etc. Gregorian music he is an expert. He was a Professor and a lecturer, too. He was the founder member and Director of higher studies of the Lalasian Institute, which is amalgamated to the University of Philippines.

He celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his Religious life, 50 years as a De La Salle Brother on 15th August, 2007, an he informed us to pray fervently for his spiritual well-being. He gave a quotation from the ‘Amazing Grace’.

Even though we were not able to be present, we were spiritually there, and prayed for all his intentions.

In concluding, hopefully, each of us, with (we expect) Bro. Baptist Croos FSC, will one day echo Saint Paul’s words, during this Pauline year: