Church mourns murdered priests
Monday, 09 March 2009 18:11
Fr Lionel Sham, Parish Priest of Mohlakeng (Johannesburg Archdiocese) was killed on Saturday 7th March 2009, after being abducted from his home in Mohlakeng. He was the second catholic priest to be murdered in one week in South Africa. Father Daniel Matsela Mahula, from Klerksdorp Diocese, was killed on 27th February.
The body of Fr Lionel Sham , 66 years old, has been recovered by the Police on Sunday, few hours after the priest disappeared from his parish. Fr Lionel Sham was well known to be open to all and generous with people in the need.
“All we can do now is pray with the family, the parish of Mohlakeng and the many people who loved and knew Lionel” said Archbishop Buti Thlhgale of Johannesburg, on the 7th March. “I wish to express my own gratitude to the countless people who have looked for Fr Lionel and who have prayed for his safe return.”
On Friday 27th February 2009, Father Daniel Matsela Mahula was killed will driving his car, by four hitch-hikers, near Bloemhof. Father Matsela was a young priest, born on the 6th of June 1975 and ordained to the Priesthood on 22 December 2002. He ministered at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jouberton at the time of his death.
Father Daniel Mahula
In October 2007, Oblate of Mary Immaculate Father Allard Mmako, 42 years old, died in Nelspruit after being shot by carjackers.
“All we can do now is pray with the family, the parish of Mohlakeng and the many people who loved and knew Lionel” said Archbishop Buti Thlhgale of Johannesburg, on the 7th March. “I wish to express my own gratitude to the countless people who have looked for Fr Lionel and who have prayed for his safe return.”
On Friday 27th February 2009, Father Daniel Matsela Mahula was killed will driving his car, by four hitch-hikers, near Bloemhof. Father Matsela was a young priest, born on the 6th of June 1975 and ordained to the Priesthood on 22 December 2002. He ministered at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jouberton at the time of his death.
Father Daniel Mahula
In October 2007, Oblate of Mary Immaculate Father Allard Mmako, 42 years old, died in Nelspruit after being shot by carjackers.
| Very Rev. Fr Lionel John Sham (1943 to 2009) Memorial Services: Wednesday 11 March 2009 St John Vianney Seminary 17.30 179 Main Street Waterkloof Sunday 15 March 2009 Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church 14.00 Mohlakeng Monday 16 March 2009 Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King 18.00 cnr Saratoga & End street. Doornfontein Monday 16 March 2009 Maronite Catholic Church 18.30 Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Western Service Rd Wendywood Funeral Service: Tuesday 17 March 2009 Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King 09.30 (Office for the Dead) cnr. Saratoga and End Street 10.00 (Requiem Mass) Doornfontein Prior to Private Cremation Clergy Instructions The Office of the Dead will start at 9.30am. All priests are invited to concelebrate. The Requiem Vestments will be Purple. Please try to share transport as parking at the Cathedral is severely restricted due to Construction. 22 March 2009 Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon One week Mass: 9.30 |
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Comments (5)
Uncle Lionel we will miss your gentle smile and hearty laugh that toughed all
written by Rhona Sham Meier, March 18, 2009
written by Rhona Sham Meier, March 18, 2009
You were not only the brother of my father, you were the Lion of our family, the strong one that held all the pieces together. You loved us all equally and cared for all and your presence was always wanted, welcomed and appreciated, I am proud to have been your niece, your friend and your family, if more could be like you the world would be a better place. I love you and will always remember your hugs, smile and heartful joy no matter where your were or what was going on. You are my inspiration
ms
written by Jenny, March 16, 2009
written by Jenny, March 16, 2009
Father Sham was a special messenger of G-d. He had the ability to make you feel that in this troubled hectic world we live in - we were special to him - he made us feel that we are special to Our Lord. Everyone's lives he touched and path he crossed felt the benefit of his absolute devotion to The Church and his absolute love for his fellow human beings. I am determined that he did not die in vain - I want us all to carry on his work and I ask everyone who knew him - who was touched by his love to make an effort to do something good - no matter how small or how big - whether it is just a kind word, a smile or a charitable deed for some one less fortunate, to do small things to make a big difference in peoples lives - and to do these things in memory of Father Sham so that his legacy of kindness may live on by each of us taking a hand in spreading true Christianity. May his dear soul rest in peace.
...
written by John Stanford, March 16, 2009
written by John Stanford, March 16, 2009
Will always remeber your caring advise, your warm and loving smile during my time spent at Boys'Town.
God Bless you.
Rest in peace
John Stanford
Fr Lionel will be sorely missed
written by deon bekker, March 15, 2009
written by deon bekker, March 15, 2009
I was deeply shocked to learn about Fr. Lionel's passing away. When I was a seminarian at St Paul's In Welkom, Fr. Lionel was our Rector. He was an inspiration to all the students and hundreds of lives have been affected by his untimely passing. I continue to pray for the repose of his soul - may he rest in peace in the loving arms of God.
Director - Breadline Africa
written by Tim Smith, March 11, 2009
written by Tim Smith, March 11, 2009
I have known Lionel for nearly forty years - firstly when he was a seminarian at Pretoria, then as a priest in various roles, then as a friend and colleague. He was always the same - open, warm, kind and loving to everyone. I thank God for his wonderful ministry, and for the many people he touched, and will be touched through his death.
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