Founder President of Sri Lanka-United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO)
Brother Dr. Baptist Croos FSC - A God's gift to mankind
It is with profound sorrow we announce the demise of Bro.Dr.Baptist Croos FSC ,the founder President of Sri Lanka-United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO) who led the organization for 10 years since its inaugaration on 22 May 1999.He was an Ambassdor of Peace and a beacon of light to many whose unparalleled enthusiasm and humanitarian gestures were an inspiration to everyone around him.
Brother Baptist Croos was a scholar of exceptional breadth and depth, a prolific writer, author of several books, musician, a wise and generous friend.
"As is a tale, so is life, not how long it is, but how good it is," wrote Seneca. One may grow old by the years that one has lived, but one keeps young by the events and achievements of enduring value that are packed into one's life.
His profound knowledge in English literature, his brilliance as Director of Lasallian English Academy and his significant service in the field of religion and above all his high moral character marks him out as one of the greater Lankans of modern times.
As a De La Salle Brother for the last 50 years he has discharged his responsibilities with unsurpassed distinction and unsullied honour. It is very often said that "great men whether great social or religious workers differ from common man only in one thing. They give life a meaning, a purpose and dedicate themselves to that purpose.
Indeed, Brother Baptist Croos is an exceptional human being with exemplary character who translates thoughts and intentions into action, passion with reality and every minute with valuable moments.
In fact, Brother Baptist Croos is a God's gift to mankind. Further, while being highly disciplined and remaining very religious, traditionally and culturally rich he has an open mind and is receptive to contemporary ideas for the sake of his cause.
He was born on June 1, 1939 at Vankalai in Mannar. On completion of his secondary education he followed a Diploma course in Journalism in Colombo on February 1965. Thereafter, he proceeded to France and obtained a Diploma in Catechesis on May 1969.
Thereafter he joined the University of Punjab, Pakistan and got a Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A) in English, French and German. He followed a special course in Lasallian spiritually in Rome, Italy and three months' course in Theology in Bangalore, India. In December 1991, he got a Master's Degree (MA) in Religious Education from ISFA, Colombo and Doctorate in Education on September 1993 from DLSU, Manila, Philippines.
We will all feel this loss deeply and the void he has left will be impossible to fill. Our members join hands to pray that God will bless his soul and console the Brothers and family members at their hour of grief.
Dr.Deshapriya S. Wijetunge
Director General
Sri Lanka-United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO)
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Last Journey of Dr.Baptist Croos
by Bro. Christy Croos (Nephew of Br. Baptist Croos)
Dear Friends,
Greetings!
In 2008 Bro. Baptist had to be brought back from Mannar Community to the Provincialate Community mainly to take better care of his health. From January 2009 his physical condition began to deteriorate quite rapidly. In spite of the medical attention that was given him, his health condition kept fluctuating. God seemed to have had His own plan of calling him for his final reward. On 23rd March 2009, he bid farewell to us at the National Hospital, Colombo, in the Emergency Unit.
The remains were brought to the Provincialate chapel on 24th and on 25th evening a special Holy Mass was celebrated to thank God for the life of Brother Baptist. A large gathering of Brothers, priests, other religious, relatives and Lasallian family members attended the ceremony. On the same night, the remains were taken to Mannar to facilitate his relatives and friends to pay their last respects. Though the arrangements had been made to have the funeral on the 28th, very sad to say, that the mortal remains began to deteriorate quite fast and Bro. Baptist was laid to rest at Mannar cemetery on 26th March after the Holy Mass which was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church attended by a very large gathering. His Lordship the Bishop of Mannar, Rt. Rev. Rayappu Joseph presided at the Holy Mass and Rev. Fr. Victor Sosai performed the last rites.
We owe a great debt of gratitude for the enduring values that he has left among us. He was one of the illustrious sons of St. John Baptist De La Salle. He was a holy Brother, a man of God strongly rooted in Faith, Zeal and Prayer, a simple charming personality, a prolific writer , an eloquent orator, a man who stood for justice, a person with a heart for the poor and the marginalized and a teacher par excellence. His personal humility and generosity were always evident. He suffered the limitations brought on by his health condition with the same spirit of faith and still made the best possible use of the circumstances to do good. In short he was a just and a righteous man. His contribution to the Congregation, to our country and to Pakistan was really remarkable. Let the love he has set aflame in the hearts of his fellow men and women be a sign of hope and solace to all of us right through our lifetime.
Thank you and God bless you,
brotherly yours,
Bro. Christy Croos
(Nephew of Br. Baptist Croos)