R.I.P. Father Patrick McMahon O.M.I.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Fr McMahon on 18 September 2009.

Fr McMahon was on holiday in Ireland at the time prior to returning to South Africa to continue his work at the Sukumawenze Community Centre - which he established together with Sr. Mary Anne Mkhize in 1992.

The Centre - which included a hospice for people dying of HIV/AIDS - won an award in 2007 from the Ethekwini Municipality as the best community development project in the Durban Metro region. 

Fr McMahon was born on 23 April 1912 in County Meath Ireland and entered the Oblate Novitiate in Cahermoyle in 1938. He was ordained on 29 June 1944 and consequently celebrated his 65th anniversary of his Priestly Ordination last year.

He arrived in South Africa on 15 August 1946. After various appointments as assistant priest in Seven Oaks; Oakford; Dundee; and Ladysmith - he was appointed parish priest in Besters.

From 1963 onwards he worked exclusively in the Inanda Valley area just outside Durban.

Fr McMahon was buried in the OMI community grave at Inchicore on 21 September 2009 and a memorial service was held for him here in Matikwe on 27 September. Many people attended the service and spoke very highly of him. May his soul rest in peace.