Fr Victor Laroche, a Dominican priest and chaplain of Xavier University of Louisiana, died suddenly in New Orleans on Jan. 23. He was 66 years old and no cause of death has been released.
The nation’s Catholic HBCU announced the news the same day, remembering the Haitian-born cleric as a "beloved pastoral presence” who guided students and others well during his three-and-a-half-year tenure at the school.
“As the University community grieves this profound loss, it gives thanks for Father Victor Laroche’s life and ministry, and for the ways he helped Xavier deepen its faith and strengthen its compassion.”
Born in 1959, Laroche was a native of Haiti’s capital city of Port-au-Prince, where he was raised in the faith, attended Catholic schools, and became a polyglot at a young age. Before entering the Dominicans, he moved to the United States in 1991 to attend Barry University in Miami, where he earned a master’s degree in computer education and human resource development in 1993.
Laroche entered the Dominicans a few years later and made his first vows in 1996. He professed final vows in 1999 and was ordained a priest in 2002, after studies at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland and Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis.
Laroche then served in various chaplain roles, including at Our Lady of the Lake University and CHRISTUS Health in San Antonio, Duke University Health System in North Carolina, Signature Healthcare, and Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.
Laroche arrived in New Orleans in 2018, after being named socius and vicar provincial of the Dominican Province of St. Martin de Porres (also known as the Southern Dominicans). He was hired at XULA in 2022, taking on the dual roles of university chaplain and special assistant to the president for Catholic identity, under Dr. Reynold Verret.
“I have been blessed and honored to walk on holy ground at Xavier University,” Laroche said in the 2023 issue of Xavier Gold, the school’s annual alumni magazine.
“I have met so many Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavierites, benefactors, and visitors, especially in the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel. I can feel St. Katharine’s prayers and presence as I celebrate the Eucharist daily during the academic year and walk the ground of Xavier.”
Laroche’s final years at XULA included his work on the school’s 2025 centennial year, which included an opening Mass last January, a founder’s day convocation in October, and the centennial homecoming festivities in November. His death came shortly after students returned to campus for spring semester classes, and as Laroche was beginning a sabbatical that commenced earlier this month.
Laroche will be succeeded in the university chaplain role by a fellow Dominican in Fr Peter Damian Harris.
Following Laroche’s passing, tributes have poured in from around the country and beyond, describing him as a faithful priest and a kind presence at the university and in various community settings.
"He was an extraordinary faith leader who spread love, compassion, and hope through his role as chaplain at Xavier University,” said U.S. Rep. Troy Carter Sr. of Louisiana, a XULA grad who remains close to the university community.
He was my dear friend and a guiding light to many. Father Laroche's legacy of service and faith will continue to inspire generations. He will be deeply missed. My prayers are with his loved ones and our Xavier family.”
I am incredibly heartbroken by the passing of Father Victor Laroche. He was an extraordinary faith leader who spread love, compassion, and hope through his role as Chaplain at Xavier University. He was my dear friend and a guiding light to many. Father Laroche’s legacy of service… pic.twitter.com/CgrAku4Zwv
— Congressman Troy A. Carter (@RepTroyCarter) January 23, 2026
Laroche is predeceased by his parents, Alise and Dr. Panesteker Laroche, and is survived by his siblings Drs. Claire Lucienne Michaud, Vladimir Laroche, and Lucita Laroche Merger; Panelle Charlot, Paul Laroche, Pierre Paul Laroche, Ernst Perrin, and Stephan Thelusme.
A vigil service for Laroche will take place at XULA on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 1pm CT, followed by a wake and rosary at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Thursday at 7pm. A livestreamed Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Friday at 10am. Burial will follow in the Dominican Friars' Cemetery at Rosaryville in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
Flowers in Laroche’s memory can be sent to St. Anthony’s Church at 4640 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119.
Nate Tinner-Williams is co-founder and editor of Black Catholic Messenger.
