NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Catholic community is mourning the loss of 79-year-old Monsignor Preston Moss, who died on Monday at his Lakeview Drive residence after losing his battle with stomach cancer.
Monsignor Moss was ordained to the priesthood at the age of 25, serving more than 38 years as Vicar General of the local Archdiocese, and ministering as a priest in The Bahamas for more than 50 years.
His final pastoral appointment was pastor of St. Anselm Parish in Fox Hill, from which he retired in 2016, after 24 years of faithful service.
Catholic Archbishop Patrick Pinder shared with Eyewitness News Online that Monsignor Moss had been battling stomach cancer for some time.
“Monsignor Preston A. Moss, former Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Nassau died today [Monday] just before 4 p.m. He was being treated for stomach cancer, he was 79 years old,” Archbishop Pinder revealed.
“He served the Archdiocese as a priest for more than 50 years prior to his retirement.
“Funeral plans will be announced shortly.”
Last night, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis also offered condolences to Monsignor Moss’ family.
The prime minister said he was fortunate to be inspired by the life and ministry of Moss, a saintly pastor, who counselled scores of Bahamians, including prisoners.
“He was especially committed to the poor and immigrants,” the prime minister said, adding that he cared for the sick and dying, and those often neglected and abandoned by society,” the prime minister said.
According to the prime minister, Monsignor Moss saw in others the figure of Christ, always demonstrating his respect and defence of the dignity of all regardless of circumstance of birth.
“His is a profound loss for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and the people of the Bahamas and the region. Monsignor Preston Moss’s stellar life serves as an example for those committed to the spiritual life and the common good. His charisma was one of love and gentleness,” the prime minister said.
A statement also released last night Progressive Liberal Party leader Philip Brave Davis said Monsignor Preston Moss has faithfully pastored over his spiritual flock for many decades with a sense of humility, kindness, compassion and concern.
“His wise counsel, community outreach and evangelism have left an indelible impact on the moral and social fabric of our country and its people, well beyond the Fox Hill community,” Davis said.
“He has been a source of support to those in need, and encouragement to those in despair. His life was one of service.”
According to Davis, The Bahamas is a better place because of Monsignor Moss’ many contributions to his Faith Community, to his brothers and sisters in the Ecumenical movement and to the wider Community.
“His many attributes and teachings will live on in the hearts and minds of many for generations to come. His passing brings to an end an era in pastoral and servant leadership,” Davis said.
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This article was written by Matthew Moxey and Tamara McKenzie
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