Mr. Albert Crasta

Born: 14.09.1950

Died: 01.04.2009

It is my solemn duty, on behalf of the teaching, non-teaching and management of St. Joseph's College, to pay tribute to an honest, dedicated and extremely polite gentleman, Mr. Albert Crasta, who left us for his Heavenly abode yesterday (01.04.2009) at 11.20 am. Born into a simple though extremely religious family, on 14th September 1950 in the village of Kallugundi in Karnataka, Mr. Crasta was the second child of a family of 5 boys and 2 girls. From a very early age his religious upbringing invoked in him a desire to serve the Lord in the a capacity of a priest and this calling drew him to join St. Joseph's Regional Seminary here at Allahabad, but God had other plans for Mr. Crasta and sent him to become in . integral part of the Office Staff at St. Joseph's College, where he served a our cashier for the better part of 33 years.

How sudden and shocking was the end! How inconceivable was the sudden demise!! After his by-pass surgery a couple of years ago we all felt that God had granted Mr. Crasta a new lease of life, but that was not to be. What hopes, what dreams must the family have nurtured when, sacrificing all, Diana and Zeena were sent to Bangalore to seek 'bright' careers, but what man proposes God disposes.

We all agree that every Principal of St. Joseph's College, under whom Mr. Crasta served, would testify to that fact that he was totally dedicated to his work and was the epitome of humility and piety. He seemed to be a man possessed by his work and extremely concerned about his family. nothing else mattered!' All his efforts seemed to have been channelised in once direction - towards high- quality credibility and integrity.

Mrs. Crasta, knowing how religious and strong your faith in the Almighty is, I am sure that you will quickly reconcile yourself to the fact that. Mr. Crasta has entered his room, prepared by the Lord.

For Diana and Zeena, I would only say that don't ever feel that your daddy has abandoned you. NO! he has only gone closer to our Heavenly Father, where he will be able to intercede more strongly on your behalf. He will now constantly watch over you and will. be your strength and solace in every crisis that beckons. Please do not greive. Let every death teach us that the ultimate aspiration of man should be to be one with our Heavenly Father.

Right to the end, even though you were unwell, Mr. Crasta, running a fever, you never flinched in your performance of duty and was seen busy at your work place in the office of SJC upto the morning of 30th March. Goodbye, Mr. Crasta. We shall always salute you as one who died, as you lived, working ceaselessly for the Glory of God. Amen.

Mr. Owen Wright
English Teacher, Senior Section