Br. Mandlenkosi Wilbert Dhlamini, TOR a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order of St. Francis belonging to the Vice Province of St. Joseph, South Africa, died on June 7, 2023 at KwaPhemba Friary (Hlokozi) South Africa.
Born November 7, 1948, the son of Henry and Catharine. After completing his Standard V, he joined the FFJ in 1970, at that time, a diocesan congregation of the Marrianhill Diocese in South Africa.
Brother Wilbert professed temporary vows on January 16,1973 and final vows on January 18, 1980. After his first profession, he assumed his first obedience to serve in the Franciscan Friary at Emabheleni, where he spent his time and energy improving the existing farm and contributed greatly to the Vice Province.
In July 1987 Brother Wilbert went to the United States to study English. He participated in a special language course for foreign students at St. John’s University in Philadelphia and was also a student at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania.
During his many years as a friar, he served in the Oetting Mission, at KwaPhemba Friary, at St. Joseph’s Friary, at St. Albert’s in Esigodini, and at St. Anthony’s Friary. He was a good and simple religious.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Br. Wilbert was celebrated on June 14, 2023 at St. Joseph Friary, Emabheleni with the Minister Provincial, the Very Rev. Fr. Mxolisi Paulus Ndlovu, as the main celebrant. Following the Mass, Br. Wilbert was buried at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.