(Paddy
Kearney)
Paddy Kearney, (born August 28, 1942) a
well-known figure in Durban, died suddenly from a heart attack. The following
report was issued by Raymond Perrier, director of the Denis Hurley Centre:
“We were shocked to hear of the news of the
sudden death of Paddy Kearney this afternoon (November 23, 2018) of a heart
attack.
Paddy had been in Johannesburg for the
launch of his book of Hurley's letters on Wednesday: a hugely successful event
at which he was reunited with many old friends. He returned to Durban, and,
thinking he might have pneumonia, he was taken to hospital by his brother Brian
this morning. To our great shock, he suffered a heart attack and died.
Paddy Kearney was born in 1942. He went to
St Charles Marist College in Pietermaritzburg and for some years was a brother
in the Marist order. He worked closely alongside Archbishop Denis Hurley and in
recent years has written biographies and edited Hurley's letters. He was Chair
and Founder of the Denis Hurley Centre, Founding Director of Diakonia Council
of Churches, Chair of the Gandhi Development Trust and advisor to KZN Christian
Council, among many other important positions.
In his 76 years he was a tireless activist
for the poor, the marginalised, for inter-faith partnership, social cohesion
and peace.
The 17h30 Mass today (November 24, 2018) at
Emmanuel Cathedral will be a memorial mass in his honour. All his friends in
Durban are welcome to join us; those not in Durban can join us in prayer. Already this evening, prayers were offered
for him in mosques across Durban by his Muslim friends, and the prayer of
Kiddush offered at the synagogue at the Durban Jewish Centre. This evening
outside Diakonia a vigil of prayers and candles is being offered.
Our deepest sympathy is with his family and
the wider family of all those who were inspired by him.
Information about his funeral and an
inter-faith memorial service will follow in due course.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and
may perpetual light shine upon him. May
he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
For more information contact Raymond
Perrier on email: raymond@denishurleycentre.org
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