Fr. Peter Kelly MAfr died on Wednesday 8th April 2020 at West Middlesex Hospital in London (Great Britain) at the age of 87 years, of which 63 years of missionary life in Uganda and UK.
Fr. Chris Wallbank MAfr wrote, “The last months had been very difficult for Peter as he was moved here and there by the NHS and by ourselves in an effort to find him the best nursing care we could.
After a long spell in Charing Cross Hospital we were able to move him to the peace and tranquillity of Maryville Nursing Home run by the Poor Servants of the Mother of God. There he became increasingly unwell and last Saturday was admitted to the hospital where he was diagnosed with Covid 19.
At first he appeared to be making some progress but in the last three days his condition deteriorated rapidly. Last night the doctor telephoned to inform me that there was nothing further they could do for him and he was in the care of the Palliative Team who were making him comfortable.
Visiting was forbidden and it proved difficult even to contact the Chaplaincy Team in these unsettling times. However, last night I was able to make contact with one of the priests on the chaplaincy list of the hospital. He immediately went to the hospital to anoint Peter and pray with him.
For Peter, after all his suffering, this is a blessed release. He has truly shared in the Lord’s Passion and surely now he shares in His Resurrection.
It has been a difficult time too for Peter’s family, who have not been able to visit him for several weeks. Let us pray for them that their faith will be strong. “
Fr. Chris Wallbank MAfr Superior of Little Ealing Lane community.
On the occasion of his 60th anniversary of ordination Peter himself testified, “Looking back over my life on the occasion of my Jubilee, one important thing stands out: It is God’s loving care and providence throughout my life. Perhaps I was not always aware of it at the time it was happening, but looking back, as I grow older, it becomes ever clearer, it has been God’s loving providence at work.
So many experiences of God’s providence have given me greater trust in God’s loving care and providence, helping me to trust Him, especially when things get difficult or seem to go wrong. As Psalm 90 puts it:
‘For you has He commanded His angels
To keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you upon their hands
Lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”
Fr. Peter was laid to rest on 1st May 2020.