ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ mourns the sudden passing of Father Victor Laroche, O.P., University Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity, a beloved pastoral presence whose ministry profoundly shaped the spiritual life of campus. 

"Our hearts are still breaking from the loss of our priest, pastor, friend, and colleague," said University President Reynold Verret.

Father Victor joined the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ community in 2022, bringing with him a deep commitment to holistic education and truth-seeking. A native of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he was a gifted linguist fluent in English, French, Haitian Creole, and Spanish, with the ability to read and speak Italian and Portuguese. He professed his Solemn Vows in 1999, was ordained a deacon in 2001, and a priest in 2002.  

From the moment he arrived at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, Father Victor hit the ground running, leading Mass, prayers, rituals, and moments of reflection that grounded our community in faith, compassion, and hope. He ministered with care to students, faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors, and visitors alike, meeting each person with a listening ear, a gentle spirit, and a profound respect for their lived experience. He also kept plenty of plants and flowers to share with everyone.  

Inspired by the mission of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the legacy of St. Katharine Drexel, Father Victor often spoke of faith not only as something proclaimed, but something lived. He challenged the community to “walk the talk” of Catholic Social Teaching, emphasizing the life and dignity of the human person, solidarity, care for creation, and a preferential option for the poor. His reflections consistently connected the Church’s teachings to ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s enduring commitment to creating a more just and humane society.  

As a Dominican preacher, Father Victor approached homilies as sacred dialogue shaped by the needs of the community. He believed deeply in the power of presence and listening, particularly for students wrestling with questions of faith. “I am not a judge,” he once shared. “God was, is, and will always be the judge.” Instead, he encouraged perseverance, reflection, and trust, often drawing inspiration from the lives of St. Katharine Drexel, St. Augustine, St. Monica, and Mother Teresa, whose own struggles offered hope to those facing doubt. 

“I have been blessed and honored to walk on holy ground at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ University,” Father Victor said in the 2023 issue of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Gold. “I have met so many Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ites, benefactors, and visitors, especially in the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel. I can feel St. Katharine’s prayers and presence as I celebrate the Eucharist daily during the academic year and walk the ground of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. Her piercing eyes challenge me to ‘press forward and fear nothing.’” 

In 2025, Father Victor helped shepherd ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ through its historic Centennial year, offering spiritual grounding during a pivotal season as the University honored its past, celebrated its present, and envisioned its future. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve a community so deeply connected to faith, purpose, and mission.  

Following an extraordinary year of service, Father Victor began a sabbatical earlier this month. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the life of the University, but his spirit, wisdom, and witness will remain woven into ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s story. As the University community grieves this profound loss, it gives thanks for Father Victor Laroche’s life and ministry, and for the ways he helped ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ deepen its faith and strengthen its compassion. 

Reflections on Father Victor by Daniel Rouzier, translated into English by Dr. Reynold Verret.