RIP Archbishop Abel Gabuza - Death of Coadjutor Catholic Archbishop from South Africa due to COVID at Age 65
- It is with the greatest sorrow that we announce the death of our Coadjutor Archbishop Abel Gabuza.
Archbishop Abel died at Hillcrest Hospital at 11.35am on the 17th January 2021.
The Archbishop had not been with us in Durban long- just short of two years- but in that time we came to recognize him as a gentle, caring and warm-hearted pastor. Through his gentleness, caring and warmth he made an immediate impact on everyone who was privileged to make his acquaintance. That’s an added reason why his passing is such a tremendous loss to us and to the entire church in Southern Africa.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Archbishop Abel’s sister, Hildegarde, to his cousin and best friend, Khomotso and extended family as well as the Archbishop and people of Pretoria, his home city and home diocese until he came to Durban via Kimberly. We also feel very much for the Church and People of Kimberly who suffer a double loss, first with their beloved Bishop being transferred to Durban and now his permanent transfer to the Lord’s kingdom.
On behalf of the priests, deacons and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Durban, we commend his soul to the hands of God and pray that he may now enjoy eternal rest.
The Pope’s Ambassador to Southern Africa , Archbishop Peter Wells, has been informed. He in turn will inform the Holy See and ultimately Pope Francis.
To all we express sincere thanks for the many prayers and sacrifices offered up on behalf of our beloved Brother and Coadjutor Archbishop Abel Gabuza.
May he rest in peace.
Well done good and faithful servant, enter the Kingdom of your Father.
+Wilfrid Cardinal Napier OFM
The Archbishop had not been with us in Durban long- just short of two years- but in that time we came to recognize him as a gentle, caring and warm-hearted pastor. Through his gentleness, caring and warmth he made an immediate impact on everyone who was privileged to make his acquaintance. That’s an added reason why his passing is such a tremendous loss to us and to the entire church in Southern Africa.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Archbishop Abel’s sister, Hildegarde, to his cousin and best friend, Khomotso and extended family as well as the Archbishop and people of Pretoria, his home city and home diocese until he came to Durban via Kimberly. We also feel very much for the Church and People of Kimberly who suffer a double loss, first with their beloved Bishop being transferred to Durban and now his permanent transfer to the Lord’s kingdom.
On behalf of the priests, deacons and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Durban, we commend his soul to the hands of God and pray that he may now enjoy eternal rest.
The Pope’s Ambassador to Southern Africa , Archbishop Peter Wells, has been informed. He in turn will inform the Holy See and ultimately Pope Francis.
To all we express sincere thanks for the many prayers and sacrifices offered up on behalf of our beloved Brother and Coadjutor Archbishop Abel Gabuza.
May he rest in peace.
Well done good and faithful servant, enter the Kingdom of your Father.
+Wilfrid Cardinal Napier OFM
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