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Roman Catholic priest and founder of Silveira House, Father John Dove was buried in Chishawasha yesterday.
Fr Dove (92) — who died after a short illness at the Avenues Clinic — was buried after a funeral mass was held at Chishawasha Mission.Speaking at the burial, Father Fidelis Mukonori described Fr Dove as a hardworker who founded an institution that assisted people in various aspects of life.
“He was mature in life and knew how to make social analysis,” he said. “He had an ear to listen and a good heart. He was a jovial man who had virtual courage to withstand scepticism and controversial issues.
“It made him understand the needs of African people who were about to break social life by repression and colonial oppression. He managed to listen to nationalists on political issues and ordinary African workers whom he gave advice on industrial relations and farming.”
Fr David Harold Barry said Fr Dove was inspired in his works by what he saw during his exploration in African townships.
“He started visiting townships during the colonial era and that is when his eyes were opened and he decided to do something and formed a study group based on the social teaching of the church,” he said.
“He was pleased with President Mugabe’s vision of Christian socialism in 1975.”
John Dove was born on July 22 1922 at Mayme, Burma (now Myanmar) and fought in the British army during the Second World War.
He then entered the Society of Jesus on September 7 1949 at Manresa, Roehampton, UK, and was ordained priest nine years later on July 31 1958 at Heythrop, UK.
Online Reporter