South Africa: Bishop Michael O'Shea of Ingwavuma has died

Source: CISA

Bishop Michael O'Shea, Vicar Apostolic of Ingwavuma Vicariate, has died. Bishop O'Shea, a member of the Friar Servants of Mary (Servites), died yesterday, May 30, at the Garden Clinic, Empangeni. He was 75. The Irish-born bishop had tendered his resignation to the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, having reached the age of 75, but was asked to stay on until an administrator could be appointed. He had planned to travel to Ireland this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Bishop O'Shea was described by Fr Declan Doherty, his Vicar General, as a well beloved bishop, full of wisdom and good advice. He was well respected by everyone. Victor Gallinge of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference, who had worked with Bishop O'Shea on the Finance Committee, described him as an astute administrator and a good listener. Bishop O'Shea's brother, Brendan is a Marist brother who works with the Catholic Institute of Education in Kwa Zulu Natal. Bishop O'Shea is survived by Br Brendan and his sisters, nieces, nephews and their families in Ireland and a large spiritual family in Ingwavuma. Born in Curraheen in the Diocese of Kerry, Ireland on August 27, 1930, Father O'Shea arrived in Zululand as a newly ordained priest in 1956. After a number of assignments in Zululand, he was appointed the Provincial of the Servites in Zululand from 1965 to 1976. In 1976, Pope Paul VI appointed Fr O'Shea as Prefect Apostolic of Ingwavuma Prefecture, which includes the districts of Ingwavuma, Ubombo and Hlabisa. On November 19, 1990, Pope John Paul II raised the Prefecture Apostolic to a Vicariate Apostolic and named Fr O'Shea bishop. Jesus the Good Shepherd, welcome him home and reward him for his ministry. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, pray for him.