From Bishop Michael Paschal Rowland OFM SIR – I have always associated Sir Harold Hood with The Catholic Herald and it is through his great kindness that I receive the paper regularly here in South Africa. For many years he has paid a subscription for me to the Herald, which I so enjoy reading and which keeps me in touch with the Church in Britain.
Sir Harold has also been a long-term and most highly appreciated benefactor. For many years, through his Sir Harold Hood Trust, he has donated significant sums of money to our diocese, specifically for the upkeep and support of our poor orphaned children in our St Anthony’s Children’s Home at Blaauwbosch Mission.
He was particularly concerned about the welfare of the children, and especially the increasing numbers of Aids orphans and those orphaned by the disease. He has always been well remembered in my Masses and prayers and the prayers of our poor children.
I would like to express our deep condolences to his children. He was always a great and compassionate Catholic and a tremendous example to all. I’m sure that he is relishing his place in heaven and the regaining of the Ashes by the England team – even if it took a South African batsman to seal the victory.
Yours faithfully, +MICHAEL PASCHAL ROWLAND Dundee, South Africa