Patrick (Pat) Roche

Died on January 27, 2021

The death has taken place of Patrick (Pat) Roche, Clossgregg, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny at his home 27th January 2021. Sadly missed by his sister Maura, brother-in-law Bernard, nieces Christina and Jenni, aunts and uncles, many cousins, Good neighbours and friends.

In keeping with Government guidelines regarding social distancing a private family funeral will take place on Saturday (30th January) at 11am in the Church of the Assumption Thomastown, followed by burial in St Mary’s New cemetery Thomastown, Co Kilkenny. A stop will take place outside Pat’s residence (approx 10.40). Route ( via Dangan/Clossgregg/Kilfane).

Pat’s requiem Mass can be viewed online at https://thomastownparish.ie/webcam/

MAY PAT REST IN PEACE

See full deaths list

Reflection

Jesus tells his disciples to look at him and touch him. Then he asks them for something to eat. What does Pope Francis say we can learn from these three actions of Jesus?
The second verb is to touch. By inviting the disciples to touch him, to verify that he is not a ghost—touch me!— Jesus indicates to them and to us that the relationship with him and with our brothers and sisters cannot remain “at a distance.” Christianity does not exist at a distance; Christianity does not exist only at the level of looking. Love requires looking and it also requires closeness; it requires contact, the sharing of life. The Good Samaritan did not limit himself to looking at that man whom he found half dead along the road: he stopped, he bent down, he treated his wounds, he touched him, he loaded him onto his mount and took him to the inn. And it is the same with Jesus himself: loving him means entering into a communion of life, a communion with him.
Being Christian is not first a doctrine or a moral ideal; it is a living relationship with him, with the Risen Lord: we look at him, we touch him, we are nourished by him and, transformed by his Love; we look at, touch and nourish others as brothers and sisters.
Pope Francis,