South Africa – Twentieth death anniversary of Father Giorgio Stefani

Fr. Fabio Baldan – the Provincial Superior of Italy led a delegation of some close relatives of Fr. Giorgio. Fr. John Baptist Opargiw presided over the Holy Mass and Fr. Fabio delivered the homily. Fr. John Baptist, speaking on behalf of the Comboni Missionaries thanked the parishioners for organizing the memorial Mass in honour of Fr. Giorgio – a missionary with a very compassionate heart especially towards the poor and the suffering. He also gratefully acknowledged the presence of the relatives of Fr. Giorgio and he emphasized that this was indeed a great moment of communion and solidarity celebrated within the context of World Mission Sunday.

Meanwhile Fr. Fabio in his homily reiterated that our Christian and missionary life breathes with the two lungs of prayer (interconnectedness with God and subsequently with others and with Mother Earth) and love. He confirmed that the life and mission of Fr. Giorgio exemplified this fact, and he invited all to pray so that Fr. Giorgio may remain an inspiration to the youth, especially of the Parish of St. Augustine where he served for many years. Fr. Gordon Rees, Fr. Antony Mkhari and Angelo Stefani also gave moving testimonies about the late Fr. Giorgio. Fr. Antony then handed over a locally-made portrait of Fr. Giorgio Stefani to the youngest representative of the Stefani Family named after him, Giorgio Stefani Jr.

After Mass, all were invited to a luncheon where we enjoyed various dishes prepared by the multi-cultural parishioners of Silverton.

May the memory of Fr. Giorgio Stefani continue to live among us in our missionary service to the poorest and most abandoned people.