The Viatorian Community in France is mourning the loss of Fr. Jean-Marie Roux, CSV. He passed away Oct. 10, at the Ehpad of Rulhe Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Fr. Roux was 95.

Fr. Jean-Marie Roux, CSV

Fr. Roux was born April 9, 1924 in Pyrenees region of Southern France. He entered the Viatorian novitiate in 1939 and professed his first vows on Sept. 8, 1940, before making his perpetual profession Sept. 8, 1947. He was ordained a priest in 1954.

Some of his important responsibilities include serving as a novice master in 1964, and serving as Provincial Superior of the Province of Rodez, from 1985-1991.

His French confreres say Fr. Roux participated actively in the evolution of the Congregation of the Clerics of St. Viator and the Viatorian Community.

All his life, Fr. Roux was a teacher in a field close to his heart: catechesis and theology. Having obtained his doctorate in theology, Fr. Roux was appointed to the Center for the Training of Catholic Teachers in Toulouse, where he taught theology. He remained there from 1985 until 2002. For several years, he was also in charge of catechesis in Catholic high schools in the surrounding departments of Aveyron, Lot and Cantal.

In addition to his teaching career, Fr. Roux was a talented organist. He had obtained high-level diplomas in organ music, instrumental music and musical composition.

Since 2008, Fr. Roux has been part of the Community of Notre-Dame de Treize-Pierres. After his health declined, he was admitted to the Ehpad de Rulhe in Villefranche-de-Rouergue where he died.

A funeral Mass took place Oct. 12 in the chapel of Notre-Dame de Treize-Pierres, followed by burial with his religious brothers at the Villefranche-de-Rouergue cemetery.