An instrument of love, laughter and learning

Rev. Brother Baptist Croos, FSC:

A heart of gold, stopped beating and a gentle voice was stilled when Brother Baptist Croos of the De La Salle Brothers passed away on the evening of March 21, 2009. Writing about Bro. Baptist is an awe-inspiring task. I therefore humbly endeavour to confine myself to writing about Bro. Baptist the human being.

I first met Bro. Baptist in 1961 and for 48 years that friendship blossomed and strengthened. He was a sincere and true friend who could be trusted implicitly. Here was a man who radiated love and inspired all those around him. It was his inimitable ability to forge everlasting friendships based on the bedrock of mutual respect that endeared him to people of all ages and walks of life.

But for the many people he helped, his magnanimous benevolence will never be forgotten and his revered memory will always be etched in their hearts. Even today the majority of the De La Salle Brothers are unaware of the fact that for the past 25 years Bro. Baptist had funded a pre-school in Mannar, paid the salaries of its teachers and provided the poorest of the poor not only with an education but books, clothes and shoes free of charge. This, Bro Baptist was able to achieve because donors believed in his integrity and vision. In October 1993 Bro. Baptist invited me to set up an institute to train teachers of English and provide them with effective English courses. Bro. Baptist and I were the founder Directors of the La Sallian English Academy which commenced operations in January 1994, in Mutwal.

However, in August 2004, after much pressure and acrimony this vital educational institute which had operated successfully and self-sufficiently was forced into closure.

One of Bro. Baptist's many admirable qualities was to stand up fearlessly against injustice. When I established the St. La Salle English Academy in September 2002, he continued in partnership as Co-Director until his untimely death.

When Bro. Baptist commenced his third term as the Provincial of the La Salle Brothers in 1997, he set about the task of completely overhauling an appallingly disorganized and creaky administrative system. He began an internal spring cleaning exercise sweeping away the existing cobwebs and mustiness while ensuring effective financial controls.

One did not require a mask to speak to Bro. Baptist. He could discuss topics as diverse as religion, cricket, culture, poetry or any experience of human endeavour for that matter. For him the word `Brother' was always held sacred. More importantly he believed that a white heart was profoundly more eminent than a white robe. Here was a humble man of the cloth, a seemingly ordinary man who led an extraordinarily exemplary life. His solid spiritual grounding constrained him to adhere conscientiously to his commitments of religious consecration which included the vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.

In spite of being a former head of the religious fraternity he was an exceedingly humble cleric. Indeed, soon after his term as Provincial ended in 1999, despite suffering from diabetes, he served an `obedience' in the Philippines from 2001 to 2004 without a murmur of dissent. Soon after his return to Sri Lanka he was constrained to serve in what was considered the worst of scenarios - in war-torn Mannar. Again without a modicum of discord he faithfully carried out his humanitarian mission in these horrendous surroundings for four years.

Conditions in the conflict zone in Mannar were chaotic. But he remained without complaint while his sickness worsened. Medical facilities were non-existent and one had to travel to Colombo even for a simple tooth extraction. He was forced to return to Colombo for medical treatment. But by then it was a case of too little, too late. Bro. Baptist's kidney had suffered irreparable damage. He died while undergoing painful dialysis treatment.

Bro. Baptist's literary greatness was but one of his incredible endowments. His creative talents included a mellow singing voice, the intellect of an articulate public speaker and the deft hand of a calligraphist, artist and painter.

But above all, those who knew him will never forget his radiant, unobtrusive yet inspiring presence. He cheered the jaded spirits of all those around him with his charm, compassion and light banter.

Bro.Baptist was also imbued with those great gifts of humour and humanitarianism.Bro. Baptist, for the many people who really loved and admired you, the Cross is difficult to bear. You were part of the family to all those who had the good fortune to know you. We cherish the time we were in your company.

The people whose lives you touched will be forever grateful. To us all you were simultaneously the instrument of love, laughter and learning. We are proud to call you our teacher, mentor and friend.

Denis de Rosayro

(The writer is the Director of the St. La Salle English Academy. He is an international English teacher trainer, author and editor.)