Fr Mokhalinyana Sixtus Moahloli OMI Rest in Peace

by asiel · March 5, 2020

By Fr Neil Frank OMI – Oblate Father Mokhalinyana Sixtus Moahloli died suddenly on February 11, aged 37.

Fr Moahloli was born in Kanana, Orkney, on September 17, 1982. He was the eldest of three brothers.

His death at such a young age has torn the hearts of his family, his Oblate confrères, and the people who knew him.

Fr Moahloli entered the Oblate pre-novitiate the year after completing his matric. He was admitted to the novitiate in 2003 and made his first profession on February 2, 2004.

He pursued his studies for the priesthood at St Joseph’s Theological Institute, Cedara, and at the Theologische Hochschule in Vallendar, Germany, graduating with a masters degree in theology. Fr Moahloli was an academically gifted student.

He was ordained to the priesthood on November 12, 2011, at his home parish in Kanana, Orkney.

His first appointment was as assistant at Sacred Heart cathedral in Bloemfontein. The people were enthralled with his powerful preaching, which inspired table discussions during the week in families and groups. They petitioned the archbishop and provincial to appoint him as the parish priest.

But as it goes for newly-ordained priests, he had to gain further experience and he was asked to serve other communities in the Bloemfontein-Botshabelo area.

Fr Moahloli’s last appointment was at the Our Lady, Tabernacle of the Most High Shrine at Ngome as an assistant rector.

His gift for languages and for theologically sound sermons was much appreciated—as the comments in Facebook testify.

Fr Ewen Swartz OMI, who was a student with Fr Moahloli in Germany, said: “He was a dedicated pastor who loved the Church and was always willing to serve the people. He was a compassionate brother who cared about others’ wellbeing. He was intelligent and able to expound on theology with ease and precision.”

Following the tradition of the Oblates, at his final vows Fr Moahloli asked for the oblation cross of Fr Karel Mariman OMI who had baptised him when he (Fr Moahloli) was only 11 days old.

Fr Moahloli had taken ill on February 11 while visiting friends, who immediately rushed him to hospital. He died that very evening. He is survived by his parents, Ntate Khofu and Mme Ncikazi, and his two younger brothers, Khotso and Ntai.