BAHAMAS
The Rite of Christian Burial for Monsignor Preston Moss takes place Thursday, March 21 at St Francis Xavier Cathedral at 11.00 a.m.
His vigil was held 7 p.m. Tuesday, 19 at St Anselm Church with viewing of the body at noon prior to the vigil.
Msgr Moss will lie in repose at the Cathedral, Wednesday, 20 and interment will be at St Anselm Church Cemetery.
The Nassau Guardian reported Msgr Moss died March 11 following ongoing treatment for stomach cancer. He was 79.
He was ordained to the priesthood at the age of 25, serving more than 38 years as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Nassau, Bahamas, and ministering as a priest in The Bahamas for more than 50 years. Local media news source Eyewitness News mentioned that his final pastoral appointment was priest of St Anselm from which he retired in 2016, after 24 years of faithful service.
As the news of his death spread, tributes from people close to him poured in. Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau said that over the last couple of years, Msgr Moss, though formally retired, was still of service to the Archdiocese.
“His passing certainly is a very, very sad moment for the Archdiocese because he represents so much for us. He was an exquisite pastor. He was a man who certainly gave so much of his life to the Archdiocese, and for that he will be greatly remembered,” the Archbishop said.
Archbishop Pinder said that Msgr Moss had “many, many friends” whose lives he touched both within the Catholic community and beyond it, within the Bahamian community and externally as well. “So certainly, it is a great loss to so many at this time.”
The Archbishop shared that the last time he saw Msgr Moss was the day before at his home, but he was unable to speak.
Meanwhile, Bishop Clyde Harvey of St George’s-in-Grenada said Msgr Moss was always a source of great encouragement in the unfolding of his priestly vocation. “May he live in God’s peace. May the seeds he sowed flourish abundantly for the Church in the Bahamas and the Antilles,” he said, in a letter on his passing. The full text can be viewed here: http://aecbishops.org/bishop-clyde-harveys-letter-on-the-passing-of-msgr-preston-moss/
Former Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, who was one of Moss’ close friends, called him a “truly noble prince of the Church”. He said Moss’ death has left the country bereft of one of its finest citizens.
“I was privileged to have him as a friend for many decades and to have been a witness to the flowering of his long and wonderful spiritual pilgrimage,” Sir Arthur added.
In a post on his Facebook page, Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd, who was a deacon in the Catholic church, referred to Moss as his, “beloved brother, spiritual director and friend” of 54 years.
Lloyd remembered him as “a man of measureless grace and compassion; humility personified”.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said that Msgr Moss played an essential role in the country’s development, and the indigenisation of the local Church.
“He was known for his holiness and pastoral care. His ministry of love, mercy and reconciliation touched many Bahamians over a number of generations. He walked with grace and dedication in the footsteps of Christ.”