The Church in Sierra Leone

The Catholic Diocese of Bo held a funeral Mass for Father John Joe Sandi at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral. The service brought together bishops, priests, religious leaders, government officials, and traditional authorities to honor the deceased priest.

Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles of Freetown presided over the Solemn Mass. Bishop Henry Aruna of Kenema concelebrated the liturgy alongside vicars general and priests from the four Catholic dioceses in Sierra Leone. During his homily, Father Paul M. Sandi described the deceased as a priest, a brother, a friend, and a spiritual father to many.

The congregation included members of the Sandi family, religious brothers and sisters, parliamentarians, and various community leaders. Mourners from across Sierra Leone attended the cathedral to pay their final respects to the priest.

The Catholic Diocese of Bo gathered at Fallah Village on Friday to receive the body of Father John Joe Sandi following its transport from Freetown. Altar servers and the Knights of St. John International Brass Band led a procession into Bo, accompanied by family members, sympathizers, and the lay faithful, to deliver the remains to St. Pius X Parish.

During the reception at the parish, Father Alphonso A. Carew of the Archdiocese of Freetown led prayers, and Father John Samking Yamba offered a reflection. Father Yamba noted that the bishop, the confraternity of priests, and the faithful did not expect or prepare for the sudden death of Father Sandi. He encouraged the community to serve with dedication because the future is uncertain. Speakers including the parish priest and the PPC Chairman also shared tributes regarding the priest's humility and service.

The remains were moved to the Bo Government Hospital Mortuary after the reception. A vigil service was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral at St. Francis Xavier Parish, presided over by Vicar General Very Rev. Moses Kawa and several other priests, including Very Rev. Joseph Tamba Kamanda, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Freetown.