Bishop Emeritus Hugh Patrick Slattery MSC:1934-2024

 

Bishop Hugh SLattery MSC passed away peacefully at Holy Cross Home, Pretoria on Sunday afternoon 6th of October 2024. May the Lord in his mercy grant him eternal peace in the holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Bishop Emeritus Hugh Parrick Slattery was born on the 10th of March 1934 in Nenagh in Co Tipperary, Ireland.

 Feeling the call to the priesthood he joined the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSCs) and was ordained a priest in 1958.

In 1984 he was appointed and ordained the Bishop of Louis-Trichardt- Tzaneen.
On the 28th of January 2010 he retired and went to live in a small community to continue pastoral work at Musina and later was based at Ave Maria Pastoral Centre.

He moved to Pretoria in December 2023 and passed away peacefully at Holy Cross Home, Pretoria on Sunday afternoon 6th of October 2024.

His missionary life was full and varied. 

When the Lumko Missiological Institute was set up the MSCs were approached to provide qualified staff and Fr Hugh Slattery was missioned there. The Institute developed and provided courses in local languages and social anthropology for new missionaries. Training was also provided for catechists, and other departments were added to deliver training in pastoral and biblical studies. The Institute produced many practical training materials for various lay ministries which have been widely used around the world. In 1978, Fr Hugh Slattery co-edited Pastoral Orientation in a Changing World.

Bishop Hugh was also instrumental in the writing of the book HIV/AIDS A Call to Action – Responding as Christians, was inspired by the positive response he received to a Pastoral Letter he wrote on the issue. The Pastoral Letter received praise from the then Archbishop of Durban, Wilfrid Napier. In the foreword to the book, he writes: “The Pastoral Letter by Bishop Hugh Slattery is a most valuable instrument in the battle not only to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS, but especially to ensure that the followers of Jesus reach out in love and compassion to those who are suffering from AIDS … Bishop Slattery’s approach will make it possible for many more Catholics to know the Church’s teaching and live it. In that way they will not only make a telling impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS, but also rebuild their marriages and family life on the values of the Gospel.”

He also played an important role in having other materials published but his crowning glory was the promotion of the cause resulting in the eventual beatification of Blessed Benedict Daswa on 13 September 2015. The now Bishop Emeritus, Hugh Slattery MSC, in his book on Benedict Daswa – South Africa’s First Martyr, writes “Nourished by prayer, the Word of God and the regular reception of the Sacraments, Benedict was deeply involved in the life of the parish. He was full of enthusiasm for the spread of the gospel through building up strong, local Catholic communities.”
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Like the seed buried in the ground, you have produced the harvest of eternal life for us; make us always dead to sin and alive to God. Benedict Daswa Pray for us. Amen.

William Banda (1986-2024)

 

William Banda was born on 31st May, 1986 in Lusaka, Zambia.He was baptised and confirmed at St Peter’s Parish in Garden Township in Lusaka, where St Patrick’s priests ministered. He was the firstborn in a family of seven. After completing primary and secondary school, young William applied to join St Patrick’s Missionary Society. After initial formation he continued to the society formation house Kwa Patrick in South Africa and studied philosophy at St Joseph’s Theological Institute, Cedara. Following his philosophical studies he undertook his First Missionary Assignment (FMA) in the Diocese of Tzaneen in South Africa. He moved to Kenya to pursue his theological studies at Tangaza College in Nairobi, William was ordained as a priest at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka, Zambia by Emeritus Archbishop George Telesphore Mpundu on 28 May 2016.

Thereafter he was appointed to work in South Africa in the Diocese of Tzaneen.

From 2016 to the time of his death William ministered with prayerful humility, diligence, wisdom and courage. He was a loving priest, approachable and friendly.

William was shot by an unknown man who entered the church during morning prayer and his wounds caused his death. He met his death in the line of duty, praying and about to celebrate the Holy Eucharist; indeed, his life was a sacrifice to others to the end.

 

 May William rest in peace.

THE GRAVE OF FR WILLIAM BANDA

 

THE FUNERAL OF FR WILLIAM BANDA SPS

 

THE FAREWELL FOR FR WILLIAM BANDA SPS

 

POLICE REPORT ON THE MURDER OF FR WILLIAM BANDA

 

Media Statement of South African Police Service

Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

POLOKWANE - The South African Police Service in Limpopo has launched an extensive manhunt following the appalling and deeply disturbing murder of a 38-year-old Roman Catholic Church priest in Tzaneen on Wednesday, 13 March 2024, at about 07:00.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed profound shock and dismay over this heinous act and has immediately ordered a thorough and swift investigation into the murder.

The identity of the deceased, who was fatally shot by an unidentified assailant inside the church in Aqua-Park, is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

Initial findings suggest that following a morning prayer session with members of the church, the victim proceeded to the changing room where he was followed by an unknown male suspect. Tragically, the suspect shot the priest twice in the head before fleeing the scene.

Upon receiving the distress call, both the Police and Emergency Medical Services responded promptly. The victim was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival.

In light of this shocking incident, the Provincial Commissioner has tasked the Murder and Robbery Unit to lead the investigation and apprehend the perpetrator responsible for this deplorable crime.

A case of murder has been opened, and at this stage, the motive behind this tragic incident remains unknown.

We appeal to members of the community who may possess any information related to the incident to come forward and assist the investigation.

 

You are urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5501 or Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola at 082 749 2233.

Alternatively, individuals can report to their nearest police station or reach out to the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Rest assured that all information provided will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

 

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Fr WILLIAM BANDA