Mauke loses favourite son

Mauke has lost one of its favourite adopted sons on Thursday with the passing of Father John Rovers. The Catholic priest served the people of Mauke for more than 50 years. He was in his late 80s. Originally from the Netherlands, Father Rovers arrived in the Cook Islands aged in his 20s. He had also served in Atiu and on Rarotonga. Father Rovers baptised many children of Mauke, married many couples, and presided over many funerals throughout his spiritual service to the people of the Cook Islands. As a celibate priest, he was devoted to each and every one of his de-facto children, remembering each of their names although he had not seen many of them for many years as they have moved away from Mauke for both educational a

Mauke has lost one of its favourite adopted sons on Thursday with the passing of Father John Rovers. The Catholic priest served the people of Mauke for more than 50 years. He was in his late 80s. Originally from the Netherlands, Father Rovers arrived in the Cook Islands aged in his 20s. He had also served in Atiu and on Rarotonga. Father Rovers baptised many children of Mauke, married many couples, and presided over many funerals throughout his spiritual service to the people of the Cook Islands. As a celibate priest, he was devoted to each and every one of his de-facto children, remembering each of their names although he had not seen many of them for many years as they have moved away from Mauke for both educational a