Requiem Mass for Fr. Patrick Soreng at Khartoum By Fr. Shyjan CJ, SDBKolkata, Sep. 18. . Khartoum, Tuesday, 17th September: There was a requiem Mass celebrated for Rev. Fr. Patrick Soreng, SDB in St. Mathew's Cathedral, Khartoum at 5.30 pm on 17th September.
Fr. Patrick Soreng, who passed away on Monday 16th Sept. morning in Juba was remembered by the Archdiocese of Khartoum, his confreres, priests, religious, sisters, lay collaborators, young people and parish community in a very fitting manner.
The Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Mathew Remijo MCCJ (Vicar General of the Archdiocese), began at 5.30 pm. H.E. Cardinal Gabriel Subair Wako was also present for the celebration but due to health reasons he was able only to concelebrate at the Mass.
There were over 10 priests, many sisters, young people and lay faithful for the celebration, even though it was normal working day.
At the start of the Mass Fr. George Kainikunnel gave a short life sketch of Fr. Patrick and also shared the expressions of few friends about him. During the homily Fr. Mathew (V.G) also shared his own experience with Fr. Patrick and acknowledged his great dedication and commitment for the people of Sudan.
At the end of the Mass Fr. George Kainikunnel expressed his gratitude in the name of the Salesian family to all those who came to pray for Fr. Patrick.
It was a celebration of a life well lived, a person who did not hesitate to give himself completely to the mission which was entrusted to him. Even though he suffered a lot with his poor health and apparent handicap, he never shied away from his responsibility. He was in fact too much dedicated and passionate about his responsibility.
We miss his contagious smile, friendly presence and brotherly jokes.
God be with you till we meet again...!