Remembering Father Victor Laroche  

By Michael Muse, Contributing Writer  

Xavier University of Louisiana lost a key religious and familial presence when Father Victor Laroche died Jan. 23. Known as a true shepherd, Laroche was often seen making dad jokes, being a listening ear and passing out flowers throughout campus. 

“He was simply a good man,” Xavier University of Louisiana President Reynold Verrett said. 

As the presiding Catholic priest and keeper of the campus chapel, Laroche was known for his jubilant and consistent energy, especially regarding the Lord and the Bible. 

“It is with deep sorrow that I share the sudden passing of Father Victor Laroche, who faithfully served Xavier University of Louisiana as university chaplain and special assistant to the president for Catholic identity,” Vice President of Student Affairs Curtis Wright said in a campuswide email the day of Laroche’s passing. 

During his wake Jan. 28, multiple students and staff shared the same sentiment, noting that whether there was one person or 100 in attendance, Laroche would always celebrate Mass with the same enthusiasm. 

“He kind of just walked up to me one day and asked me how my studies were going,” said Warren Stevens II, the current Mister Xavier. Stevens smiled as he reminisced about their relationship. “From that moment, we grew closer together, constantly joking, laughing, but most importantly, uplifting.” 

From start to finish, this uplifting energy saturated the campus ministry office, where Laroche presided. His work included conducting Mass, participating in campus religious retreats and leading Xavier’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults classes, helping guide students in their journey of faith and Catholicism. 

Laroche had an essential role within Verrett’s cabinet as a Dominican priest, a member of a Catholic religious order that has long been part of Xavier’s campus and culture. 

“Since 1939, Dominican priests have been at Xavier, due to the nuns’ lack of access to teaching because of them being women,” said Father Herman Johnson, a fellow Dominican priest and associate professor of Spanish. 

For nearly 90 years, the teachings of St. Katharine Drexel and the Dominican order have intertwined philosophies and principles on Christian education and embedded them within Xavier. 

” Catholics served the people, not the religion, as God put them in control of His flock,” Johnson said. 

Many in the Xavier community, from colleagues to students, remembered Laroche for his giving heart. 

“That’s all I would hear from students. Even when he came into the office, he would give me flowers, and I still have all the cases he would give to me,” said the Rev. Mitchell J. Stevens, a former colleague. 

“On a tabling event after he passed, a Muslim student walked up to the table and spoke about how much she will miss Father Laroche and all the flowers he gave her. He would text students during their religious holidays and provide them with food regardless of their religion,” Stevens said of Laroche’s connection with students. 

Prior to Laroche’s passing, Father Peter Damien Harris, a new Dominican priest, was selected to replace Laroche, who had been scheduled for a sabbatical. Tasked with upholding Xavier’s Catholic values and traditions, Harris said he is eager to make a meaningful impact. 

“I’m excited to be here, amongst our [Black] people,” Harris said. “I am from the same order as Father Victor — in fact, I lived with him. My goal is to bring joy, a smile and hospitality, and be the visible reality of Christianity.”