SOUTH AFRICA: MURDER OF FR. DECLAN COLLINS SDB CONFIRMED
JOHANNESBURG: November 18th -- Confreres of Southern Africa and of Ireland are today in deep mourning for Fr. Declan Collins SDB, found murdered near the front door of the Parish residence at Ennerdale, Johannesburg. Fr. Robert Gore, Provincial AFM, communicated the news and what details he knew to confreres today. The murder weapons, a brick and a knife, were found in the house. The only item stolen was Fr. Declan's wallet. Little else is known about who the perpetrator(s) might have been or what the motive was, other than theft.
Fr. Declan was born on 30th May 1952 in Termonfeckin, Co. Louth and ordained there on the 5th July 1990. Before coming to the Salesians he worked in the Irish Bank. Both his parents are in their nineties and he also has brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. His Salesian ministry with street children and the poor, especially those who are discriminated against by the social
and political system, is well known. More than likely his body will be returned to Ireland to be buried in the family plot. Please pray for the happy repose of Declan's soul, for comfort and consolation for his family, and for the confreres of AFM and Ireland.
and political system, is well known. More than likely his body will be returned to Ireland to be buried in the family plot. Please pray for the happy repose of Declan's soul, for comfort and consolation for his family, and for the confreres of AFM and Ireland.
