Rev Fr Raymond Ambroise, a stalwart in the field of social communications and former executive secretary of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) Office of Social Communications and consultant to Radio Veritas Asia, passed away after a heart attack at the Home for the Disabled in Secundarabad in the state of Telengana on Tuesday. He celebrated his 75th birthday a few days ago.
Father Raymond’s elder brother, Bishop Emeritus Yvon Ambroise will lead the funeral services at 8 am on July 8 (Wednesday) at the Home for the Disabled. He will be assisted by Bishops Vijaya Kumar Rayarala of Srikakulam, Jaya Rao Polimera Eluru, Anthony Poola kurnool, and Prince Panengaden of Adilabad. On Tuesday, Archbishop Tumma Bala of Hyderabad had celebrated the requiem Mass at 11 am at the Home for the Disabled.
A colossus in the field of social communication, social development, innovative educational programs and numerous other forms of pastoral ministry, Fr Raymond was a man quiet demeanour and calm missionary priest with deep love for the Church. He devoted all his energies to serve the Lord and was a trail blazer and luminary.
In a condolence message, the president of FABC Myanmar’s Cardinal Charles Maung Bo expressed deep anguish and said, “On behalf of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences, I express our grief and sorrow at the sudden demise of Rev Fr Raymond Ambroise, former Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communications and consultant to Radio Veritas Asia. We express our deepest sympathies and condolences to his dear ones, particularly to his elder brother Bishop Yvon Ambroise, Chairman, FABC Office of Human Development.”
An able administrator and meticulous planner, Fr Raymond Ambroise was calm, unassuming, gentle and above all deeply spiritual in all that he did. He handled lots of funds and projects but lived a very frugal and austere life. His deep insights and progressive thinking helped Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) migrate from Short Wave to an online service. He guided the process of transition with diligence. He was a visionary and his efforts have borne abundant fruit.
Fr Raymond Ambroise loved the poor as is evident in his painstaking work to found and nurture the Andhra Pradesh Social Service Society (APSS) which ensured sustainable livelihood and economic development for thousands of families. He loved to live and be at the Home for the Disabled together with hundreds of people who had no homes or relatives of their own. For the inmates of the Home, he was their Father.
Cardinal Charles went on to add, “In March 2019, when he completed his assignment with the FABC-OSC in a letter he addressed to many of us, he wrote these words in which we can recognize the man of God and the Church, truly and fully committed to his mission: As I returned to India after completing my assignment at FABC-OSC, my heart was exuberant with Joy for what God has done in my life and particularly in the last nine and half years in the field of Social Communication and Radio Veritas Asia; further with a heart filled gratitude to God for having fulfilled my desire through RVA to be a missionary in my life to bring Jesus to the teeming millions of Asians all over the world; with gratitude for the commitment that gave me a sense of fulfillment in facing all the challenges, the work entailed not only to keep up what was being done earlier but to scale it up to new heights like digitalization and migrating from SW Broadcast to Online services involving also Social Networks.”
The Cardinal also recalled Fr Raymond’s words that back in India, he would continue with his assignments to provide alternative ‘home’ to over 420 who lost their ‘own home’ by no fault of theirs. He was also keen to work towards empowering 250,000 rural landless women spread over 2000 villages in the state of Telengana.
“As we thank the Lord for the gift of Fr Raymond to the Church, particularly to the FABC, we commend him to the Lord who has called him to the eternal banquet He has prepared for his faithful. May He Rest in Peace,” Cardinal Charles Bo added.
Fr Raymond played a great role in supporting ‘Karunamayudu’ film of Vijay Chander and script director of Dayasagar TV serial of 100 episodes.
Bishop M D Prakasam, President-TCBC and Bishop of Nellore said, “I deeply regret at the shocking news of the sudden passing away of our beloved Rev. Fr. Raymond Ambroise. He had served our Telugu region for a very long period. We owe him our deep appreciation and gratitude. May his soul rest in peace.”
Fr Raymond was Telugu Communications regional director and the film maker of Karunamurthi, which was dubbed into various Indian languages.
Father George Plathottam, executive secretary, FABC Office of Social Communication, said, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden death of Fr Raymond Ambroise, my immediate predecessor, and a mentor. We were constantly in communication with each other over phone or e-mail and I sought his wise counsel and advice on many matters. We pray the Lord to grant Fr Raymond eternal rest.”
The Regional, National and the Asian church has lost a great and memorable missionary Late Rev.Fr.Raymond Ambroise
He is indeed an apostle sent from Pondicherry to Telugu states who rendered exemplary mission work and lived as a visionary.
His Pastoral spirit will remain alive and be a source of inspiration and unique model to many servants of God.
My long association and working closely with him is a rich resource, which I value as a reward and spiritual treasure.
My humble appeal to the Bishops/Church of Telugu states is kindly plan a fitting memorial in honor of Fr.Raymond Ambrose ,He deserves it .May his great soul rest in peace.
Mr D.Abraham, Former Executive Director of APSSS,Eluru.