On 14th Jan 2010, due to a colon cancer, he passed away in Korea leaving his loved ones behind in South Sudan. He shared his love with the people of Tonj through his skills as a doctor, a teacher and a musician. Because of that he changed the face of Tonj with his contagious joy and optimism. His legacy will be remembered by all.
On 14th Jan 2017 in Tonj, the Memorial Day was something different from other events. The parishioners of the Sacred Heart parish in Tonj including youth, mothers, Don Bosco Brass Band and street children came together to celebrate the day.
They began with the procession from Don Bosco clinic to the main church where the Eucharistic celebration followed at 8:00am. After mass, Don Bosco Brass Band marched along the street of Tonj in his honor, carrying the picture of their beloved friend Fr. John Lee.
At 1:00 pm the street kids in Tonj were brought together into the Mission campus where they had some games in the honor of Fr. Lee. At 4:00 pm, there were delicious snacks prepared and served for them and afterwards a football match among the street kids; they enjoyed it very much because they lacked love and care from the community who normally believed street children always smoke, fight, steal and so forth.
“Our experience with them on that day made us rethink our attitude towards them. It is possible to change them if you accept them the way they are, with love and respect. We were very much impressed when they narrated their situations in our sharing with them. Some time our condemnation towards them worsens their situation. Fr. John Lee, who came from a developed nation, was able to accept them as they were. He was able to fit in with any situation. We thank God for his short and valuable presence in our country” said the Salesians in Tonj.
After games at 7:00 pm the eventful day was concluded with a word of prayer.
