It is with great sadness that the Archdiocese of Southwark has announced the death of Fr Jake Dicto. He died after suffering a medical emergency in the presbytery of St Lawrence RC Church, Edenbridge, Near Tonbridge Wells on 1st October, the Feast of St Therese of the Child Jesus. He was 54.

Archbishop John Wilson of Southwark sent a moving message of condolence to his parishioners …

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It was with great sadness that I received the news of our brother, Fr Jake Dicto’s, unexpected death yesterday morning, the feast of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Although I am at present in Rome attending the Synod, I have received several messages of condolence from priests and lay faithful who share my sense of sorrow by the sudden nature of Jake’s death. His death at the age of 54 has left a profound void in our archdiocese, and the many messages I have received since the news of Jake’s death was first announced have revealed just how appreciated his ministry had been. Later this month, Jake was to have been inducted as Parish Priest of Edenbridge, and I know he was looking forward to this new ministry, following many years as a hospital chaplain.

Indeed, it is his many years of service as a hospital chaplain for which he will be most remembered, an apostolate he had shared with a close-knit team of volunteers. Those years were marked by the compassionate care and support which he had offered to those who found themselves in the most vulnerable and isolating moments of their lives. Bringing comfort and support to countless patients and their families, Jake revealed to them the love and mercy of the Lord Jesus.

In addition to his ministry as a hospital chaplain, Jake was instrumental in helping to establish the annual Santo Niño festival at our Cathedral, and this is still overseen by the Scalabrini Fathers. This vibrant celebration has become a cherished tradition in our archdiocese and beyond. The rich cultural heritage of the Filipino community is a living and active witness of our Catholic faith, and Jake’s enthusiasm and commitment to this celebration helped foster the sense of unity and joy which this festival still proclaims.

As we continue to grieve Jake’s sudden and untimely death, let us, nonetheless, remind ourselves of those comforting words from the Apostle Paul, “[Do] not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thess. 4:13-14). Our hope is in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with Christ. This is the hope Jake shared in his ministry with those who mourned, and it is the message of hope he would want us to hear today as we remember our brother who has himself now fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection.

Let us hold Jake in our prayers, especially at Holy Mass, where we celebrate the profound mystery and depth of God’s eternal love for us. As the late Pope Benedict XVI reminded us, “Our hope lies in the love of God that shines resplendent from the Cross of Christ who lets Jesus’ words to the good thief: ‘Today you will be with me in Paradise’ (Lk 23:43) resound in our heart.” (Homily, 3 Nov. 2012).

May the soul of our dear brother, Jake, rest in peace.

Yours devotedly in Christ

+John