Oh! that beautiful yet tragic day when Fr Augustine Rodrigues was with us then all too suddenly left us.
The five of us SVDs, namely, Bro Mike Wachira (Kenya), Fr Shaji Michael Areeparampil (India), Fr Arata Sato (Japan), Fr Jose Eudes dos Santos (Brazil) and I (Philippines) were cycling and Fr Augustine was driving our escort vehicle. Upon reaching the Gorge in Naivasha, he joined us in hiking at the place. It was there that he went through a massive heart attack and within a minute or two succumbed to it. He died right in front of us, and we, despite our best efforts, were helpless right in front of him.
Rest in peace, Fr. Augustine. We shall always fondly remember you for your missionary zeal, simplicity and gentleness. You were a dear friend to many of us. Thanks for the kind memories you gave us on the day you passed on to eternal life. May God reward you for your service and sacrifices.
Arata Sato, José Eudes, Dos Santos, Shaji Michael, Mervin Svd, Leo Fernando, Peddy Castelino, Peter Arusha, Jeff Kamau, Lorenzo Muthee, James Mburugu, Eusebio Manangbao, Francisco Gonzalez, Manuel Omay