Canon Henrique Fragelli (pictured center)

 

Dear Friends of the Institute,

 

On this first day of the month of March, dedicated to St. Joseph, patron saint of a good death, it is with great sadness that we inform you that Canon Henrique Fragelli passed away early this morning in Brazil at the age of 59 years after suffering from a pulmonary infection.

 

Ordained to the priesthood on July 3, 2008 by His Eminence Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, he exercised his priestly ministry in Wausau, in the diocese of La Crosse (United States), then in Oakland (United States) and finally in Mouila (Gabon).

 

Through his tireless work and great zeal, he was able to give new life to our mission in Mouila. He established a school, a dispensary and an orphanage.

 

Having contracted Covid in the spring of 2021, he had to be hospitalized for a long time. Many of you prayed for his recovery. After his miraculous recovery, his health became very fragile.

 

Deeply grateful for the spiritual support you have generously offered him, I now ask you to pray for the repose of his priestly soul. May he who gave his life in the service of Holy Mother Church within the family of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest now receive the eternal reward promised to those who labor in the vineyard of Our Blessed Lord.

 

I also entrust the family of Canon Fragelli to your prayers in this time of sorrow, as well as all those who are afflicted by his passing.

 

Throughout this holy season of Lent, may our Mother of Sorrows strengthen us all in the hope of the Resurrection of her divine Son and in the joyful expectation of the heavenly life to come.

 

Requiescat in pace.

 

In Christo Rege,

Msgr. Gilles Wach

Prior General