Heaven Awaits: Reverend Deacon Paul Seageng Laid To Rest

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · Published November 12, 2023 · Updated November 12, 2023

In true fashion to his character, the funeral of the late Reverend Deacon Paul Seageng of the archdiocese of Pretoria was filled with humour and celebration of a well-lived and full life lived in service of his God and fellow human beings.

Deacon Seageng was laid to rest on Saturday at the Most Holy Redeemer Mission in Mmakau Village, north-west of Pretoria. In attendance were over a thousand people from all corners of the archdiocese, and as far as Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana and Lesotho.

A requiem Mass, led by Archbishop Anthony Mpako took place on Friday evening, followed by the funeral Mass service on Saturday.

Speaker after speaker made reference to the late deacon`s unique sense of humour, in particular when he presented his homilies at Mass and in his day-to-day life. “He made the Gospel to be entertaining. He evangelised through laughter, but also made it a point that the message was passed across to anybody listening to him,” a speaker said.

Beyond his God-given gift of humour, various speakers spoke of his depth of knowledge about his faith and the Church in general. “We have lost a treasure trove, a well of knowledge,” Laurika Nxumalo said.

Deacon Seageng was one of the longest-serving deacons in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, after serving a total of forty-one years as a deacon.

Here are some of the comments made on him by various individuals after the funeral:

“The unity in purpose of laying to rest our dearly beloved Deacon Paul Seageng, as demonstrated and implemented by the Garankuwa Pastoral District was what Deacon Seageng would have wanted to see taking place for his funeral. He was a man who was what you can consider poor in material wealth. But as it has been immensely demonstrated today, enormously rich in his faith. His eternal reward awaits him in vast proprtions.” Christopher Mpye, Parish Pastoral Council chairperson, Most Holy Redeemer Mission, Mmakau Village.

“We give praise, glory and humble thanks to God for having given us this gift in the form of Deacon Paul Seageng. Not only was he a deacon, he was a light that shined perpetually in any circumstance imaginable. He will be most certainly remembered, and without question for the teachings that he implanted in the hearts of the faithful.” Reverend Deacon Moeng Gregory Mogale, Soshanguve South Pastoral District.

“Deacon Seageng`s funeral befitted the Christian that he was, and the faithful servant that he was. He was extremely knowledgeable about our catechism. One other aspect about him is that he always ensured that he included the all-important subject of love in any sermon, speech or talk that he gave and to anyone who listened.” George Ntsweng, St Paul Church, Garankuwa.

“The way Deacon Seageng lived his life in a very simple way. However, the impact that his life had on everybody around him is clear for anybody to see today. I hope that us as the younger generation have learned a good lesson from his life. This is to work not for worldly glorification, but for our fellow human beings and for the kingdom of God.” Phaladi Moche, Catholic businessman and Mmakau Village descendant.

“This send-off is a well-deserved honour for a great man who lived for the Gospel. Deacon Seageng was one of a kind. We pray and hope that God extends his hand on us to have a deacon of his caliber in future.” Didintle Goitsione Mokgatle, St Teresa Church, Mothotlung.

Deacon Seageng became the first deacon to be laid to rest in the burial site of the Stigmatine Fathers congregation at the Most Holy Redeemer Mission.