TO THE EDITOR:
I always look forward to reading Bishop Thomas J. Tobin’s columns in the Rhode Island Catholic, and the Sept. 19, issue, featuring Bishop Tobin’s great-great-grandmother, Mrs. Catherine Cooper, touched me so deeply and also brought back a flood of memories of so many humble, loving Catholic people who influenced me growing up in my parish, St. Paul’s of Edgewood.
I first recall my parents who were great witnesses of our faith to me, and also my grandparents who passed on their faith to us by their loving examples and Catholic devotions and attendance at Mass. So many came to mind when I read about our Bishop’s great- great- grandmother, but in the same issue of the Rhode Island Catholic, on the front page, was another great influencer upon me, and another St. Paul’s person, Bishop Francis X. Roque. Growing up in Edgewood, I had the privilege of knowing the Roque family and knowing some of the story of Bishop Roque’s life.
I must confess, Bishop Roque, along with my parents, was a true hero to me. And one of the most memorable moments of my life was dining with Bishop Roque and his niece, Sue Roque Corner, and Sue’s husband, Buzz Corner. I recall we covered so many topics as we ate, and when I asked the dear Bishop questions, he would answer briefly, and then bring the conversation back to me or Sue or Buzz. I knew I was in the presence of a great Bishop and Catholic, and yet, I saw something more amazing in our three-hour dinner: humility.
Although Bishop Roque risked his life in service to our country as a Chaplain, he would always quickly divert the conversation away from his achievements and life-risking moments and come back to us.
I also recall something else from that dinner: Bishop Roque’s presence and his tone of voice. As I am writing this, I can feel the Bishop’s presence and see his smiling, loving face listening so attentively to each of us at dinner and also hear his voice. As a speech professor and speech therapist, voices mean so much to me, and, the dear Bishop’s voice still lives in me. His voice was a patient, kind, loving and wise voice that always made me pause, and listen even more acutely.
I think Robert Frost was writing about Bishop Roque when he penned: “There are tones of voices that mean more than words.” Indeed, I want to “speak” more like Bishop Roque and his voice gives me something to aspire to. In Bishop Tobin’s column there is a moving and awesome tribute to his great- great- grandmother, and I would like to rewrite it now, as a tribute to Bishop Roque.
I hope dear Bishop Tobin, you would agree with this rewrite too: “The life of Bishop Francis X. Roque, deserves more than passing notice…Few have lived so universally beloved and respected as Bishop Roque, or died so lamented by all. His piety, charity and faithful devotion to duty will make his memory a blessing to those who mourn him, but who mourn only as they who hope for a blessed reunion hereafter.”
Thank you, Bishop Roque. May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Prof. Robert E. Burns, Cranston
