A Tribute to a Lamplighter: Finding Hope and Comfort in Grief
FUNERAL OF THE Revd Canon Dr MONGEZI GUMA
Holy Cross Anglican Church, Orlando West
ARCHBISHOP THABO MAKGOBA
14th NOVEMBER 2025
Readings: Wisdom 13:1-9; Psalm 23 ; Luke 17: 26 - 37
May I speak in the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our comforter and sustainer whom Canon Guma so dearly loved and faithfully served. Amen
Sisters and brothers in Christ; dear Mrs Nomawethu Guma, your children, your grandchildren, Canon Guma’s siblings and the entire Guma and Somhlahlo families and friends, dear colleagues and guests from far and near:
It is heart-rending that we are here today to offer our condolences to you for the passing of a highly valued and distinguished veteran of our church, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a colleague and a friend.
When I received the news of Canon Mongezi's passing whilst away from home, I was deeply distressed, but at the same time moved in a special way. Distressed because like you, I always find it difficult to accept the loss of a loved one. But also moved because of the singularly prominent role that he played in our church Province of Southern Africa, in Botswana and in the United States, in both the church communities which he so dearly loved and in communities beyond the church. And, I have to say, I was also sad because even in his senior years, there was still more that he could offer the church and our nation.
