The Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil Mourns the Death of Fr. Francis Sher

Precious in the sight of the Lord
    is the death of his saints. (Psalms 116:15)

Fr. Francis Sher returned to the Father’s House on June 4, 2023, in Ankawa – Erbil. He entered the minor seminary of St. John the Beloved (Mar Youhana Al-Habeeb) in Mosul in 1946. He received his priestly ordination on June 17, 1956, at the Cathedral of Miskenta in Mosul. He served in his hometown Shaqlawa and in Mosul. He was assigned as a vice rector for St. John the Beloved seminary for one year initially; then remained there for 10 years. In 1993 he was sent to Baghdad to serve as a parish priest where he remained until his resignation. He served at St. Peter’s seminary both in Baghdad and Erbil; he was a member in the ecclesiastical court and confessor and spiritual director for the Chaldean Daughters of Mary Immaculate for almost two decades. After his resignation in 2007 he returned to his hometown in Shalqawa. He wrote many articles and translated many books; he was known for his humble and simple personality. In his testament he wrote:

“I surrender myself to the Lord and to our Lady, whom I loved since my early childhood. Lord, in your hands I commit my spirit.”

Homily of Archbishop Warda:

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

During his imprisonment in Rome, St. Paul wrote to the Philippians to strengthen them in the faith and preach to them about the joy of meeting Christ, hence he repeats the word “Joy” 14 times, in spite of being jailed and persecuted. He was not ashamed of his situation, or afraid for his life, and what seemed to be shameful and disgraceful to people, he was proud of, for it was for Christ Jesus, rather his fear lay in doing anything that might offend this holy name. His goal was that the name of Christ may be honoured in him, following Mary’s words when she said, “my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour” (Luke 1:46-47)

“For me to live is Christ”, is how St. Paul declared that he gives up his life for Jesus Christ. For He is the Lord, the teacher, and the friend. He is the consoler in times of hardship, and the source of joy in time of domination. His faith was not practiced once a week, but his entire week was centred around Christ. And whomever knew St. Paul noted that his thoughts, deeds, and actions were reflecting the truth that: Christ is the center of his life.

After years of ministry, St. Paul was convinced that the purpose of his life was to spread the gospel of Christ throughout the testimony of his life; to carry the good news to all people, even if it costs him his life; for to him, to live is Christ, and death is a gain because he will meet Christ. He did not reject this life nor hurry his death, but he wanted to get out of prison and continue his work.

This is the spirituality through which Fr. Francis lived his priesthood, consecrating his life to Christ, who chose him to be a witness for the faith. He accompanied the people of his hometown (Shaqlawa) amidst difficulties, as it is obvious to all people how his ministry started and the hardships this village went through. Hence, staying in this place and serving its people, meant that he was ready to meet the Risen Christ, and ready to hear Christ’s call when he says “Well done, good and faithful servant”; Most of us forget this, the reality of death in our lives, we live as if we are immortal, as if we are not going to meet the Lord.

Fr. Francis had a reason to die for, that is meeting Christ the Lord, and because he knew why he would die, he also knew how to live this life with humility and generosity, serving and loving others, and being prepared to meet Christ and receive Him joyfully; He lived his life with an interior peace because he has given his life to Christ and Christ gave him everything. The first of these being peace of heart, something we lack today, rather we are constantly worried and anxious over the smallest things, whilst the service of Christ made him patient and kind, making room for the Holy Spirit to work through him.

Thank you, God, for the life of Fr. Francis.