The Loyola School of Theology (LST) at the Ateneo de Manila University announced the death of its esteemed emeritus professor, Father Joseph L. Roche, SJ, on November 29.
Father Roche taught Systematic and Pastoral Theology courses in LST from 1967 to 2010, offering courses on the Introduction to the Mystery of Faith, Trinity, Theological Anthropology, Theology Synthesis, Catechesis, and Religious Education.
He directed the masters thesis and doctoral dissertation of numerous students and successfully guided them toward the completion of their respective degrees.
Father Roche worked closely with the late Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP, in preparing the Catechism for Filipino Catholics, promulgated by the Holy See in 1997 and published by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
Father Roche held a doctorate from Louvain University in Belgium and did post-graduate studies at Fordham University, New York.
He founded the Formation Institute for Religion Educators in 1979 and has served as professor of the program.
The wake begins on the evening of Tuesday, November 29, in the Oratory of St. Ignatius, Loyola House of Studies, Loyola Heights, in Quezon City.
The funeral Mass is scheduled at 8 a.m. on Friday, December 2. Interment follows in the Province Cemetery at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Quezon City.
