‘He came to Ghana to give everything and die empty’ – SVD Provincial pays heartfelt tribute to Fr. John Straathof

The Provincial Superior of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in Ghana, Very Rev. Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD, has paid an emotional tribute to the late Rev. Fr. John Straathof, SVD, describing him as a missionary who “came to Ghana to give everything and die empty.”

Preaching at the Requiem Mass for the Dutch-born missionary, Fr. Obeng recounted a conversation he had with Fr. Straathof nearly eight years ago about where he wished to spend his final days.

“I want to die in Ghana,” Fr. Straathof replied without hesitation. “I expect a lot of singing and dancing. My funeral ought to be a celebration.”

According to the Provincial Superior, that wish became a reality as Fr. Straathof spent the final years of his life in Ghana, intentionally choosing not to return to the Netherlands for fear of being kept there in retirement.

Fr. Obeng revealed that the late missionary remained deeply committed to the Ghana mission until his last breath, even declining requests to divert funds he had raised for missionary work in Ghana to support financial challenges in his home province.

“All the funds I have raised are for the mission in Ghana,” Fr. Straathof reportedly told his Provincial in the Netherlands.

Reflecting on the Gospel, Fr. Obeng challenged Christians to let their faith be visible through concrete acts of charity and service.

“A creed minus deed equals weed,” he said, stressing that professing Christ without living the Gospel is meaningless.

He described the late missionary as a man whose faith was expressed through action, pointing to the schools, churches and boreholes he helped build, the countless lives he touched, and the prudent stewardship with which he managed the province’s resources.

“But he was not merely a philanthropist or humanitarian,” the preacher emphasised. “His actions were rooted in the Word of God. The love of Christ impelled him to be committed to his mission.”

The homilist also highlighted Fr. Straathof’s profound spiritual life, recalling his unwavering commitment to community prayer, Scripture sharing and lifelong learning.

He revealed that the late priest donated about 600 books from his personal library before moving to the SVD retirement residence, describing him as a meticulous reader who continually sought knowledge to serve the People of God more effectively.

Turning his attention to the growing number of retired missionaries, Fr. Obeng appealed to Catholics, clergy and religious to work together in ensuring that those who have dedicated their lives to the Gospel are cared for in old age.

“This is not a task of SVD alone. It is not a task of the bishops alone. It is a collective task. We must do something about it,” he urged.

Addressing Fr. Straathof’s family in the Netherlands, the Provincial Superior thanked them for sharing “a beautiful soul” with the Church in Ghana.

He concluded by urging priests, religious and lay faithful to imitate the missionary’s example of prayer, sacrifice and missionary zeal.

“We have witnessed a shining example of what one lighted candle can do in the dark,” he said, praying that Fr. Straathof’s life would continue to inspire generations of faithful disciples.