Murder of Fr Louis Blondel in Diepsloot, Pretoria
Monday, 07 December 2009 13:22
Father Louis Blondel was shot dead in his presbytery in Diepsloot during the night 6th/7th December 2009. Four people had allegedly broken into Presbytery. Father Louis, 70, was member of the Missionaries of Africa, a french society of Catholic missionaries dedicated to serving the people of Africa.
Three of the intruders were boys who got in through a window, which they had forced open, while an older man waited outside. Father Guido Bourgeois, who lived in the house with Father Louis was the first to wake up. He was robbed of 50 rand and his cellular phone. The intruders then went to Father Louis' bedroom and shot him when he opened his bedroom door. Father Guido ran into the kitchen and managed to block the door with the fridge. He started screaming to wake the neighbours. Some neighbours came out but were forced back inside as there was more shooting. After the intruders fled, Father Guido came out and discovered Father Louis Blondel lying dead in his room. The police arrived quickly as did Father Sean O'Leary, the superior of the Missionaries of Africa in South Africa.
Father Louis Blondel and Father Guido Bourgeois, in Diepsloot
Louis Blondel was born in the north of France. He spent the early years of his missionary life in Tanzania. In 1987 he moved to South Africa and began to work in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. He took up residence in Zondi Parish in Soweto. He also taught Philosophy at St Peter’s Seminary, Hammanskraal. Six years later he took a keen interest in the development of the Orange Farm area. In this he was a true pioneer. He found the first plot, built a community house, a church and a trade school. Over the years he built another eight outstations. Along with the buildings was the establishment of vibrant communities that have expanded over the years. In 2008 ago he moved to Diepsloot in the Archdiocese of Pretoria where had he built a church and community house.
According to Father Sean O'Leary, Father Louis Blondel had big plans for the area. "Alas, these plans were not to be" he said. "Louis returns to his maker as a true pioneering missionary who dedicated all his life to the poorest of the poor. He remains one of our unsung heroes."
Father Louis Blondel is the fourth Catholic priest to be murdered in South Africa this year.
The funerals will be on Saturday at 11am in Diepsloot.
We ask for your prayers for Father Louis, his family and confreres and the many communities whose life he touched.
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Comments (46)
Fr.
written by Teddy Lennon ofm, January 04, 2010
written by Teddy Lennon ofm, January 04, 2010
I have been away and I have just read about Louis Blondel,s death. My prayers are with him, his family and the missionaries of Africa. I remember Louis from the time he was in Orange Farm. He was big in many ways, in stature, in heart, in concern for God,s people and in particular those in great need. His senseless death is a great loss. May he rest in peace.
A great loss
written by Phiwo xulu, December 29, 2009
written by Phiwo xulu, December 29, 2009
To the Archdiocese of Pretoria i convey my heartfelt condolences for their loss. This tragedy calls for unity among catholic community and prayerful moments at all time. This can no longer go on, we are tired of burying our priests due to such nature of their death. Fr Blondel is one of the priests who in the Church in Africa had done a lot to have it know and understand God. may his confrers and all clergy be strong at such time and pray unseizingly... RIP Fr Blondel, Inkosi imuphe amagrasiya.
What is wrong???
written by Sifiso Mchunu, OSM., December 18, 2009
written by Sifiso Mchunu, OSM., December 18, 2009
What is wrong with South African society? How many priests were killed in this very year (2009)? This shows that something is not going well in the country. Let us all stand against crime and let us also pray for its 'remedy'. May the soul of Fr. Louis rests in the peace of God.
My condolences!
written by Sifiso Mchunu, OSM., December 15, 2009
written by Sifiso Mchunu, OSM., December 15, 2009
I would like to express my deepest sorrow to the Missionaries of Africa and the Church for the death of Fr. Louis. It was very shocking indeed but God knows what is happening in South Africa. Let us just pray for his soul and the souls of all the other priests who were killed this very year. May his soul and their souls through the mercy of God rest in peace.
condolences
written by Daughters of St. Francis de Sales, December 13, 2009
written by Daughters of St. Francis de Sales, December 13, 2009
Rest in peace Fr.Louis. Our deepest sympathy goes to his congregation and family
May the life and death of Fr. Louis bring further fruits for the people of South Africa
written by Deacon Matthias, missionary of Fidei Donum in Kazakhstan, December 11, 2009
written by Deacon Matthias, missionary of Fidei Donum in Kazakhstan, December 11, 2009
I haven't known Fr. Louis personally, but I feel sad having just read about his murder. Living actually in a country with a couple of martyrs of faith while the Stalinistic and communistic regime, I would like to recommend God all those who gave their lives entirely to serve God in serving the poorest. We'll remember Fr. Louis and the other murdered missionaries, brothers and sisters in Christ, in our humble prayers of our Catholic community in Northern Kazakstan. May Fr. Louis rest in peace in God and may the communities of faithful in South Africa grow by the grace and blessing of our merciful God!
Cry Our Beloved Country
written by Anthony Ambrose, December 10, 2009
written by Anthony Ambrose, December 10, 2009
Cry our Beloved Country, Another Missionary shot dead whilst building up the kingdom of God.
Why, why, why.
May the Spirit of Fr Louis Blondel continue to inspire us to be fervent servants of the Lord, no matter what conditions we are faced with.
May his soul rest in peace.
Why, why, why.
May the Spirit of Fr Louis Blondel continue to inspire us to be fervent servants of the Lord, no matter what conditions we are faced with.
May his soul rest in peace.
Sr.
written by Colleen Moore, December 10, 2009
written by Colleen Moore, December 10, 2009
With gratitude I remember Fr. Louis. With deepest symapthy and prayer I join all who mourn his loss and the pain of our society.
Deepest condolences
written by José M. Fernandes, December 10, 2009
written by José M. Fernandes, December 10, 2009
the Consolata Missionaries have received the news of Fr Louis Blondel's brutal death with with immense pain and sorrow at the lost of such an active and dedicated missionary.
We are remembering him in our prayers asking the Lord to grant him His gift of eternal life, and we do pray that the South African Province of the Missionaries of Africa will keep on being an example of dedication to the Lord's work!
On this Year of the Priest here's another priest - Fr Louis Blondel - who gives his life in faithfulness to his vocation and mission: may his example be of strength to all the priests in this country.
Our deepest condolences and our unity in Prayer!
We are remembering him in our prayers asking the Lord to grant him His gift of eternal life, and we do pray that the South African Province of the Missionaries of Africa will keep on being an example of dedication to the Lord's work!
On this Year of the Priest here's another priest - Fr Louis Blondel - who gives his life in faithfulness to his vocation and mission: may his example be of strength to all the priests in this country.
Our deepest condolences and our unity in Prayer!
Priest
written by Malcolm Smith, December 10, 2009
written by Malcolm Smith, December 10, 2009
I send my prayers and sacrifices to all the Missionaries of Africa in SA...Guido, Michel, Rene, Matty. I feel overwhelmed at your sorrow, having to undergo this tragedy at this time. I pray that Louis' death will not be in vain, but as in the case of Jesus, fresh flowing grace will pour out upon the gracious soil He (Jesus+Louis)laid is life down for. Blessings Saturday, Malcolm Smith
Father Louis
written by Johannes, December 09, 2009
written by Johannes, December 09, 2009
Let us hope that father Louis' death will be the seed for something beautiful. Four priests in one year is like a persecution.
R.I.P.
R.I.P.
Ms
written by Ellah, December 09, 2009
written by Ellah, December 09, 2009
It is so sad that our religuios have to die in this manner. I beg all Catholics to unite and pray against this inhumane act. Condolences to his family and the Arch Diocese of PTA. May God's word triumph as always. God give him eternal rest. Amen
Cardinal
written by Wilfrid Napier, December 09, 2009
written by Wilfrid Napier, December 09, 2009
Heartfelt sympathies to the Family of Fr Louis Blondel, to Missionaries of Africa and to the Archbishop and Clergy of Pretoria on this senseless killing of a dedicated Missionary. A day after this murder the priest and congregation celebrating the Immaculate Conception Featday Mass at Newlands West were robbed at gun point. Please God the saying: The blood of Martyrs is the seed of Christians will prove true, and we will soon experience a change of heart.
May Fr Louis rest in peace.
May Fr Louis rest in peace.
Mr.
written by Mwansa Pintu, December 09, 2009
written by Mwansa Pintu, December 09, 2009
Sad indeed that a man who dedicated so much to making SA better could be killed in cold blood., and sad just how SA has become synonymous with death - what a country! Fr. Brondel is a hero indeed. May Fr.'s soul rest in peace Pintu, Lusaka, Zambia.
...
written by Thomas Wertheim, December 09, 2009
written by Thomas Wertheim, December 09, 2009
Now that says a lot about the new South Africa,the so called Rainbow nation.A man gave his life for the people he served,as a servant of his Creator. a big loss to the poor that he served Rest in peace Father Louis
Fr. Louis Blondel
written by Sr. Madge Karecki, SSJ-TOSF, December 09, 2009
written by Sr. Madge Karecki, SSJ-TOSF, December 09, 2009
My sympathies go to all the Missionaries of Africa. I first met Fr. Louis during my years of working in Johannesburg. He was a dedicated missionary-pastor.
May he rest in peace.
May he rest in peace.
Condolences
written by Mark, December 09, 2009
written by Mark, December 09, 2009
My deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and to the White Fathers (as most of us know the Misionaries of Africa). I was very saddened by what happened. I also want to stress that Louis did not belong to a French Catholic order but to a truly international missionary society of which he was an outstanding member.
Rev Fr
written by Sipho Titus Gamede, December 09, 2009
written by Sipho Titus Gamede, December 09, 2009
Sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to his parishioners, the Superior and the community of the Missionaries of Africa.
SSPX District Superior of Africa
written by Fr. Marc Vernoy, December 08, 2009
written by Fr. Marc Vernoy, December 08, 2009
We received with great sorrow the news of the tragic death of Father Louis Blondel and would like to convey our most sincere condolences to the Bishop's Conference.
Certainly a great and cruel loss for the Catholic Church his congregation and his dear parish.
Be assured of our prayers for the repose of his soul and for all those affected by his sudden death.
As a fellow French Catholic priest his death touches me even more personally.
We pray for Fr. Blondel, as we prayed for the four other priests who were murdered this year in South Africa. I fear that Fr. Eldred Leslie from the archdiocese of Durban is forgotten in this sad list.
Fr. Marc Vernoy
Certainly a great and cruel loss for the Catholic Church his congregation and his dear parish.
Be assured of our prayers for the repose of his soul and for all those affected by his sudden death.
As a fellow French Catholic priest his death touches me even more personally.
We pray for Fr. Blondel, as we prayed for the four other priests who were murdered this year in South Africa. I fear that Fr. Eldred Leslie from the archdiocese of Durban is forgotten in this sad list.
Fr. Marc Vernoy
Long walk to Freedom
written by Fr Johan Strydom, December 08, 2009
written by Fr Johan Strydom, December 08, 2009
The Israelites were only truly free after they were liberated from slavery when they received the Ten Commandments at Sinai. It is still a long walk to Freedom from Egypt for most in South Africa after 1994! No true freedom without moral responsibility. May our murdered priests show the way as they enjoy the beauty of God.
Père Blondel
written by E. ABRAHAM, December 08, 2009
written by E. ABRAHAM, December 08, 2009
I met for the first time Father Blondel in Orange Farm in 2002, then on several occasions : a great figure, a magnificent humanist ; I was really shocked by these news and I wanted to present my condoleances to his relatives and his community.
Eric (paris, France)
Eric (paris, France)
MURDER OF FR. LOUIS BLONDEL
written by Ntsako Motiang, December 08, 2009
written by Ntsako Motiang, December 08, 2009
We have lost our morals and values. How could we make use of young boys to do such crimes? What kind of society are we breeding? Sad story! May His family find comfort in God's hands, and may the soul of our Priest and Father rest in peace.
I feel really sorry for this to happen just like that...
written by Fr. Boaventura . OP, December 08, 2009
But why???
Is this the way of going to God while we are preparing to reciever him??
Let us Pray together and may his work and spiritual endevour inspire those people wh«om he dad touched.
My condolences to the congregation, the community and to his family
May his priesthood in heaven be the sign of hope.
REST IN PEACE.
written by Fr. Boaventura . OP, December 08, 2009
But why??? Is this the way of going to God while we are preparing to reciever him??
Let us Pray together and may his work and spiritual endevour inspire those people wh«om he dad touched.
My condolences to the congregation, the community and to his family
May his priesthood in heaven be the sign of hope.
REST IN PEACE.
Fr. Louis
written by Penny Buthelezi, December 08, 2009
written by Penny Buthelezi, December 08, 2009
I am so sadden by the news. Fr Louis was such a great priest and man of God. He had
groomed to be a good business executive that I am today.I used to volunteer in his project CORDIS while was I was a student.
May his soul rest in peace.
groomed to be a good business executive that I am today.I used to volunteer in his project CORDIS while was I was a student.
May his soul rest in peace.
Fr Louis Blondel a matyr!
written by Gordon Jackson, December 08, 2009
written by Gordon Jackson, December 08, 2009
Fr Lou,
They did the same to the prophets!your wonderful work in Orange Farm & elsewhere SA is truly an inspiration. May all the angels & saints welcome you with open arms. I always relished your lovely sense of humor. Nothing will separate us from the love of GOD! RIP Gordon Jackson - St Thomas' - Lenasia
They did the same to the prophets!your wonderful work in Orange Farm & elsewhere SA is truly an inspiration. May all the angels & saints welcome you with open arms. I always relished your lovely sense of humor. Nothing will separate us from the love of GOD! RIP Gordon Jackson - St Thomas' - Lenasia
...
written by jeanette, December 08, 2009
written by jeanette, December 08, 2009
Let father Louis soul rest in peace i send my condolences to his family and his family in christ those who done this job to kill him the law must take action rest in peace
Mrs
written by Jenny Charlesworth, December 08, 2009
written by Jenny Charlesworth, December 08, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the murder
of Fr. Louis. He was a wonderful priest and may
he rest in peace.
of Fr. Louis. He was a wonderful priest and may
he rest in peace.
mrs
written by jeanette, December 08, 2009
written by jeanette, December 08, 2009
Lets father Louis soul rest in peace i realy fill sorry for the priest that are trying to help the community that cant see our childrens that done the evil job and spoil the gift of the lord priest are not doing this for thier family but done this for the community they have been send by God to us to reach those who need him rest in peace my priest
HE SERVED
written by Thomas Wertheim, December 08, 2009
written by Thomas Wertheim, December 08, 2009
This is indeed sad to think,that he devouted his life to serve and better the conditions for the poor and oppressed people of the harm done to them during the years of segregation and apartheid,and so unthinkable that this is now the case in the new Rainbow Nation.So I ask myself, why this never happened before the ANC became the government. Rest in peace Fr Louis Blondon.You gave your life so that others may have a better life
Rev. Fr
written by Terrence Barnard OMI, December 08, 2009
written by Terrence Barnard OMI, December 08, 2009
On behalf of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate of the Northern Province of South Africa, our deepest sympathies and assurance of prayerful and caring support to the Missionaries of Africa and the family of Fr Louis. We share your pain at this time of tragedy.
Fr. Luis Blondel
written by Guenter E. Thie, December 08, 2009
written by Guenter E. Thie, December 08, 2009
May Fr. Blondel soul rest in peace. It is so sad to realize the criminal tendency not respecting life at all. My heartfelt sympathy to his family and the Missionaries of Africa who lost a prominent member.
Fr. Louis Blondel
written by STEPHEN SIBANDA, December 08, 2009
written by STEPHEN SIBANDA, December 08, 2009
Something is not working well in the rainbou nation, yet the man incharge of the world cup says the issue of crime closed and done with, Fr Louis RESTS IN THE LORD, But what has his death to say about the society which he tried to save. If Madiba stood up against discrimination which reduced people into servitude, why cant we all stand up against crime?
...
written by Antoinette, December 08, 2009
written by Antoinette, December 08, 2009
Why is news of this nature not surprising anymore? May his soul rest in peace.
Fr Louis Blondel
written by Karabo, December 08, 2009
written by Karabo, December 08, 2009
What is this world coming into? The man upstairs has planned our lives but not to die like this. may his soul rest in peace. Sincere condolences on a great lost.
Fr. Louis Blondel
written by Gwen Linden, December 08, 2009
written by Gwen Linden, December 08, 2009
We need to pray earnestly for the conversion of these perpetrators' hearts. May Fr. Louis rest in peace
Sympathy and prayers
written by Sue Rakoczy IHM, December 08, 2009
written by Sue Rakoczy IHM, December 08, 2009
I extend my sympathy and prayers to the Missionaries of Africa at this time of great sorrow. May Fr Louis know the fullness of God's peace.
...
written by Queen Kekana, December 08, 2009
written by Queen Kekana, December 08, 2009
My prayers and thought are with you Fr Seán O'Leary and all the Missionaries of Africa. This is sad to lose someone who dedicated his life to help people in such a horrific manner. God Bless you and give you strength. May His soul rest in Peace
Fr Louis Blondel
written by Val Tangney, December 08, 2009
written by Val Tangney, December 08, 2009
He is blessed with a pilgrimage to the heavenly Jerusalem.
...
written by flo, December 08, 2009
written by flo, December 08, 2009
what a great loss for the community and for all of us. I pray for all who are working, living in the poor communities that find strengh to carry on the tasks which are so difficult.
Louis we will miss you
Louis we will miss you
...
written by stephen nale, December 08, 2009
written by stephen nale, December 08, 2009
It is a very sad day indeed to loose a man that dedicated his life to the upliftment and care of
of the poorest of the poor in sa. i met fr
louis whilst on a fundraising drive for the
orange farm project, what a tragic loss,
may his soul rest in peace
of the poorest of the poor in sa. i met fr
louis whilst on a fundraising drive for the
orange farm project, what a tragic loss,
may his soul rest in peace
Defenceless in the face of crime
written by Edward Rakgokong, December 07, 2009
written by Edward Rakgokong, December 07, 2009
Fr.Louis Blondel (for him let us resolve)
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nations wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle,and for his widow, and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and lasting peace among ourselves. . ." Abraham Lincoln FENYA BOSULA KA MOLEMO
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nations wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle,and for his widow, and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and lasting peace among ourselves. . ." Abraham Lincoln FENYA BOSULA KA MOLEMO
First Assistant General of the Missionaries of Africa
written by Fr. Richard Baawobr, m.afr., December 07, 2009
written by Fr. Richard Baawobr, m.afr., December 07, 2009
Fr. Louis Blondel untimely murder is a great loss to all of us. Accept our condolences. Our prayers accomopany him, his friends, family and parishioners. I worked quite a lot with him on different issues and I always appreciated his availability and passion for the poor. We thank God for his life. Louis, we will miss you. Pray for us.
Fr. Richard
Fr. Richard
Fr. Louis Blondel
written by Cathy Barnard, December 07, 2009
written by Cathy Barnard, December 07, 2009
What a shame to loose such a special man who dedicated his life to the ones who murdered him. My condolences to his parish and all those affected by this tragedy.
Rest in Peace Fr. Blondel
Rest in Peace Fr. Blondel
Fr. Louis Blondel
written by Sheehan Diarmuid, December 07, 2009
written by Sheehan Diarmuid, December 07, 2009
I had the pleasure of taking Louis fishing when he came to Ireland. He always spoke of his mission in South Africa with great affection.
I wish you and all the people in South Africa sincere condolences on your great lost.
May Louis rest in peace
I wish you and all the people in South Africa sincere condolences on your great lost.
May Louis rest in peace
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I met Fr. Louis at the Vatican II Institute, in Menlo Park, California on our sabbatical from January 1998 thru April 1998. We quickly became the best of friends going on daily walks together , sharing stories of our ministries in poor communities, going on retreat together at the Trappist Monastery in Vina, California.
I cherished listening to his stories of ministry in Tanzania and especially at Orange Farm Township.
We kept in touch via mail for several years continuing to update me on his marvelous work building community and programs in Orange Farm Township.
I have lost a marvelous friend as have the people of South Africa and the Missionaries of Africa.
Fr. Raymond Lecher
Sacred Heart Church
337 So. Ottawa Street
Joliet, Illinois 60436