Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference: Archbishop announces the finding of the Body of Missing Priest

(Southern African Catholic Press Releases)

Introduction by Marc Aupiais

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Contents of forwarded message :

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Fr Chris Townsend 
Date: 2009/3/8
Subject: SAPA PR: Archbishop announces the finding of the Body of Missing Priest
To: (list excluded on publication)

Time: 16:52 (2 hours ago)

Forwarded message:

Immediate

Johannesburg

Sunday 8 March 2009

STARTS

Archbishop Announces the finding of the Body of Missing Priest.

Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, Catholic Archbishop of Johannesburg, regrets to announce that the SAPS have found the Body of Fr Lionel Sham. Fr Sham, Parish Priest of Mohlakeng, had been missing since Friday night. The SAPS has recovered the missing car at an accident scene in Denysville in the Free State this morning. Suspects were apprehended and questioned.

Archbishop Buti spoke of the great Love Father Lionel shared with those he came into contact with. He was a friend and mentor to many people. He had worked at Boys Town, in various Parish Assignments, as Administrator of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg, Rector of the Orientation Seminary in Welkom, Secretary of the Seminary Department of the Bishops Conference, Vocation Director and Vicar General.

“All we can do now is pray with the family, the parish of Mohlakeng and the many people who loved and knew Lionel” said the Archbishop. “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.”

Further details will be released when they are available .

Ends

Released By Fr Chris Townsend on behalf of Archbishop Tlhagale.

Fr Chris Townsend

Information Officer

Office for Communication and Media.

Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC)

P.O.Box 941 Pretoria 0001 South Africa

Khanya House - 399 Paul Kruger Street, Pretoria, 0001

Tel: +27 (0)12 323 6458

Fax: +27 (0) 12 326 6218

Mobile: +27(0)82 783 4729

www.sacbc.org.za

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