Lifetime Of Late Rev. Fr. Matthew Ambrose Mendy

 

                                                 Rev. Fr. Matthew A. Mendy 1984-2024

By Philip Saine

Late Rev. Fr. Matthew Ambrose Mendy was the son of Ambrose Mendy and Rose Mendy. He was born on 25 October 1984 in the village of Kitty, West Coast Region of The Gambia (the name meaning a gift of God). He received his education from St. James School- Brikama, Presentation of Mary - Brikama, St. Therese’s-Kanifing and St. Peter’s Senior Secondary-Lamin. During his High School Days Matthew exhibited truthfulness and holiness. Due to his peacemaking and preaching shills (sign of been filed with the Holy Spirit) his fellow students and comrades fondly called him ‘Father Matthew’. That name stayed with him all his lifetime. He always demonstrated willingness and dedication to serve the church.

Between 2005 and 2010, he took up the Catholic Priesthood career, had training at St. Paul’s Senior Seminary Sierra Leone, and was ordained a Priest, on 10 November 2012 by Bishop Emeritus Robert Patrick Ellison CSSp. and Late Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Ganda of Sierra Leone. He served at Bwiam as an Assistant to Fr. Sean, St. Martin (Kartong) PP, St. Michael’s (Njongoon) PP and at the Church of the Resurrection (Brikama) PP. He was a renowned priest of truth, justice and preaching unity. He did a specialized training at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome where he obtained Licentiate in Canon Law and a Diploma in Jurisprudence. Rev. Fr. Matthew served the mission with a life of simplicity, spirit of poverty and humility. Truth must-be-told, he was a respectable scholar known to be sociable and compassionate.  

The shocking and sudden death of Rev. Fr Matthew Mendy occurred on Monday 15 January 2024 while receiving medical treatment in Senegal. It was a devastating news and emotions were overwhelming. 

As a prelude to his funeral, there were a Nine Days Novena Mass and Rosary for God to grant him the fullness of eternal life in heaven. A book of condolences was provided and a Vigil Service at the Church of the Resurrection in Brikama where he served until his death. 

The sentiments raised at the Vigil Service were that:  

The sad news was heartbroken to his siblings. Fr. Matthew was a pillar of support to his community; he was a man of few words. Rev. Fr. Matthew was gentle and resolute and left an indelible mark on the canvas of the diocese of Banjul ministry. He enriched the lives of those he touched and inspired his fellow brothers in the Chalice treading the path of compassionate leadership. His homilies were an embodiment of theological discourses characterized by eloquent expressions of a compassionate soul. He desired the unity and development of the Parish of The Resurrection Church, (The Parish he served only for 3 months that culminated to his sudden death). Although dead, he remained alive in the hearts of his family members.

Funeral mass at the St. Therese’s Church Kanifing

The Diocese of Banjul, Diocese of Makeni and the Archdiocese of Freetown all mourned Rev. Fr. Matthew A. Mendy.

Present at the Funeral Mass were Bishop Banni Manga of the Methodist Mission, Rev. Cole representing Rt. Reverend St. Arist Kodjo Baiden, Anglican Bishop of The Gambia and Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. Priests, Religious, Lay Faithful, Believes in Christ, Muslim Brothers and Sisters, People of Other Faiths, and People of Goodwill all came for the funeral.

A Hard Sermon delivered by Fr. Joseph Carl Gomez, Parish Priest at St. Peter’s Parish and who  doubles as The Gambia Military Chaplain. The demise of Rev. Fr. Matthew was a very sudden event affecting a young, intelligent and highly motivated priest. It aroused much rumors and speculations as it became the death of four Gambian Catholic Priests in under 3 years. Many were asking questions while others were giving Thanks. Yet still, some regretting him not accomplishing one or two things before his death. Both the Laity and priests were guilty of such procrastinations.

The Laity – some individuals pushed and propagated thoughts that were mere character assassination. The Gambian Catholic Priests are equally mortal. Death comes to Priests and the religious whenever the time comes. In the eyes of humankind, it is unpleasant and never desired.

Faith becomes the most needed response when there is such a great lost. There should not be any accusation or blame of irresponsibility.  

Admonition to the Priests - There was jealousy as some of the priests were unhappy for his selection for higher studies and even remarked that the deceased was unqualified. It must be told that the criteria for selection of candidates is not always dependent on identifying ‘A’ Grades or ‘9’Grades but rather on the ‘need to be reformed’ and or for preparation as resourceful person. The need to improve on weaknesses may also determine selection of candidate(s).

The Priestly Ministry is a tough task and can be difficult. Avoid Interference between parishes especially if the unique environment of a particular parish is unknown or not taken into consideration. Priests have individual gifts and strength but these are gifts coming from the same source, God the Almighty. It is necessary to be sensitive to others and be prudent to allow each individual to use and develop his own capability at his own space. False accusations and character assassinations are evil. Rumors can be quite dangerous and can potentially cause stress, hypertension and accelerate underlying health issues. Indeed rumors often yield no good other than ‘adding fuel to the fire'. Always endeavor to find out the truth and circumstances of any grievances presented. Strive to get reliable information and index. 

Lead people to the right direction. Honest and brotherly advice to colleagues may have positive impact onto the individual and community. 

Priests’ relationship with the Bishop – Priests ae called to serve and not to be celebrities. Refrain from torture or betrayal to the Bishop. It is an ill advice to be defiant to him also.

The Burial and Condolences - burial was at the Banjul Christian Cemetery immediately after the funeral mass. Bishop Gabriel, priests and religious of the Diocese of Banjul received condolences at the Late Bishop Cleary Memorial Hall located at St. Augustine’s Senior Secondary School at Box Bar Road in Banjul.

Concluding Remark – A house untouched by death does not exist; death is everywhere including the priesthood. Death only succeeds in separating us from sin. Death exists but so too is the resurrection of the dead. Have faith and trust in God. Late Rev. Fr. Matthew was a gifted and dedicated servant of God. O Lord! Let his soul rest in peace and grant him eternal life.

About Author

 

Philip Saine is a Gambian social commentator, community leader and writer. 

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