Ken THORSON, OMI
Provincial Superior, Lacombe
Bro. Collins MASINDE, OMI
Dear Oblates and Oblate Associates,
With a heavy heart, we convey the tragic news that unfolded today, January 12, at the start of the annual retreat for the Oblate Scholastics at the Capuchin Convent in Melville, South Africa.
In the quiet morning hours, Bro. Collins MASINDE, OMI, a scholastic brother from the Kenya Mission studying at St. Joseph’s Oblate Scholasticate in Cedara, South Africa, was at the beach near the retreat house. At approximately 11:00 am, a strong wave swept Bro. Masinde off a rock, leading to his untimely death at sea. Immediate responses from the police and sea rescue were set in motion. Despite exhaustive searches along the southern shores of Melville, Collins’ body has yet to be discovered, and the search continues.
Born on February 21, 1995, in Kenya – Lugari Sub County, Collins Wetosi Masinde was an outgoing yet reflective and joyful young man. He is the sixth of ten children of Eliud Masinde Mwangale and Florance Khakali. Collins completed his postulancy in Meru Town in 2017 and entered the Pre-Novitiate in 2018 in Karen, Nairobi. He was due to begin his second year of studies at St. Joseph’s Oblate Scholasticate in Cedara, South Africa, and was to make his first renewal of vows later this month.
In this somber moment, we humbly ask for your prayers for Bro. Collins, his grieving family, the Oblate Scholasticate community in South Africa, and all the members of the Kenya Mission.
May perpetual light shine upon Collins, and in the mercy of God, may he rest in peace!
In Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate,
Ken THORSON, OMI
Provincial Superior, Lacombe
