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- Archbishop Abel Gabuza died of Covid-19 on Sunday after being in the ICU for a week.
- Archbishop Cardinal Wilfrid Napier has thanked the doctors who treated and cared for Gabuza.
- Gabuza moved to Durban from Kimberley two years ago after leaving his home diocese in Pretoria.
Archbishop Coadjutor of the Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Durban, Abel Gabuza, has died of Covid-19, Archbishop Cardinal Wilfrid Napier announced on Sunday.
Gabuza died at Hillcrest Hospital at 11:35 a.m. after being in the Intensive Care Unit for a week fighting the virus.
Napier said that Gabuza had been in Durban for two years and was recognized as a kind, loving and kind-hearted pastor. He added that through his kindness, affection and warmth, Gabuza had an immediate impact on all who had the privilege of having worked and met with him.
“That is an additional reason why his passing is such a tremendous loss to us and to the entire church in South Africa.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Archbishop Abel’s sister, Hildegarde, to her cousin and best friend, Khomotso and her extended family, as well as to the Archbishop and the people of Pretoria, her hometown, and her diocese until she arrived in Durban at through Kimberley. ”
On behalf of the priests, deacons and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Durban, Napier said the church entrusted Gabuza’s soul to the hands of God and prayed that he can enjoy eternal rest.
“The Pope’s ambassador to South Africa, Archbishop Peter Wells, has been briefed. He, in turn, will report to the Holy See and finally to Pope Francis.
“We express our most sincere thanks to all of them for the many prayers and sacrifices offered on behalf of our dear brother and curate, Archbishop Abel Gabuza. May he rest in peace!
“Well done, good and faithful servant, enter the Kingdom of your Father!”
