Tribute to a Man with a Big Heart, a Ready Smile and Severe Illness
Magnets by their very nature attract. Magnetic fields display a certain aura of strength all around without crossing paths. Without hurting the other, a magnet draws it to itself. A human magnet draws people through goodness, love and a joyful spirit. Such was a dear friend who died recently.
Not too often would the passing away of a priest make such an impact on family and friends. Fr. Lloyd Rodrigues SDB passed away peacefully on 15th May 2018 at the Karuna Hospital, Borivili, Mumbai. He was a human magnet that drew others to God through his charismatic personality and by his very cheerful demeanour.
I have often contributed articles to Magnet citing examples of personalities that made a difference in society. This time, I feel the need of paying tribute to Fr. Lloyd and draw life-skill lessons from his simple yet profound journey.
An Early Connect
Lloyd and I were second cousins, and as family, we met on various occasions. He often came across as a fun-filled lad who brought a smile on every face. His sense of humour was a gift he freely shared. We connected again at Don Bosco School, Lonavala, moving ahead now from family to the wider Salesian Family. Our paths in life diverted when I opted as a young priest for the missions of Africa and he went to the rural missions of Ahmednagar.
Our paths intertwined twenty-two years later when I donated my right kidney to him on 26th July 2011. Prior to the surgery, a youngster interviewed me with this question, “How painful would the surgery and post-operative time be?” I responded very candidly…
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Fr Glenford Lowe SDB
