'Batti Brother,' Br. Baptist Rodrigues, passes away at 79

Br. Baptist Rodrigues, fondly known as ‘Batti Brother’ and revered by people from all walks of life regardless of age, religion, or gender, has peacefully departed to join the Lord at the age of 79. His final moments were at 1 pm on Tuesday, October 3, within the compassionate walls of KMC Hospital, Mangaluru.

He hails from St Michael’s Parish, Bellore, belonging to the diocese of Mangalore. He was born to the late John Rodrigues and Cocess Rodrigues among seven children. Among them, two daughters found their religious calling in the congregation of Apostolic Carmel (AC).

Born on June 22, 1944, Br Baptist joined the Carmelite Order in 1963 at Alwaye, Kerala. He made his first profession on March 19, 1969, in Podanur, Tamil Nadu, and his Solemn Profession in 1974. Throughout his life, he has rendered selfless and generous service, especially at Pushpashrama, Mysuru, St Joseph’s Monastery, Mangaluru, Asha Deepa, Madanthyar, and Carmel Ashram, Koteshwar.

The funeral of Br Baptist is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 6 at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Carmel Hill, Mangaluru, at 3:30 pm.