U.S.-born Jesuit who founded Catholic college in Nepal dies at 84

Published: 2004-03-01

KATMANDU, Nepal (CNS) -- Jesuit Father Eugene Watrin, 84, who founded Nepal's first and only Catholic college and worked in the Hindu kingdom for nearly 50 years, died Feb. 29 in Katmandu. Father Watrin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year during a home visit in the United States. After treatment, he insisted on returning to Nepal, where he continued a busy schedule, reported UCA News, an Asian church news service based in Thailand. Following his death, his body was taken to Assumption Church to await cremation March 1. His ashes are to be kept at the church along with the ashes of other Catholics. In Nepal, where Hindus and Buddhists cremate their dead, there are no Catholic cemeteries. The Jesuit founded the first and only Catholic college in Nepal, St. Xavier's College in Katmandu, inaugurated by the late King Birendra. The college was closed March 1 in honor of Father Watrin.

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