Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference
Together in Faith, Serving Southern Africa: Explore, Connect, and Be Empowered.
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For a spiritual focus: Inspiring faith and serving communities across the Southern Africa, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference welcome you.
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“Pope Francis Belonged to All of Us,” said Cardinal Brislin during the Memorial Mass
In a heartfelt homily delivered during the Memorial Mass for Pope Francis held at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg, Cardinal Stephen Brislin offered a powerful tribute to a Pope who transcended borders, divisions, and institutions. “Pope Francis...
Pope Francis Remembered as Humble Disciple and Voice for the Marginalized
The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has released a heartfelt statement mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully on Easter Monday. In the Wednesday, April 23 statement, Bishops in Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa praised the...
PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE (SACBC) ON THE PASSING OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE (SACBC) ON THE PASSING OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS Date: 21 April 2025 With deep sorrow and profound gratitude, the South African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) joins the universal Church in...
Cardinal Brislin at Easter Vigil: “The Resurrection of Jesus is the prime source of our hope”
At the Easter Vigil Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of Christ the King, the Local Ordinary of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg reaffirmed the core of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Speaking to a full cathedral on Holy Saturday night,...
On Good Friday, Cardinal Brislin invites the faithful to see themselves in the Passion of Christ
In his Good Friday homily, the Local Ordinary of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg reflected on the Passion through the eyes of Peter and the Good Thief—challenging s to see Jesus not only in glory, but in suffering. Cardinal Stephen Brislin invited the...
“Do This in Memory of Me”: Cardinal Brislin Reflects on the Eucharist as Living Presence and Call to Service
In his first Holy Thursday liturgy as Archbishop of Johannesburg, Cardinal Stephen Brislin delivered a profound homily at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Christ the King Cathedral, urging Catholics to understand the Eucharist not only as a sacramental ritual but as a...
“Going Outside the Camp”: Cardinal Brislin’s Chrism Mass Homily Challenges Priests to Embrace the Margins
In a deeply moving and theologically rich homily delivered during the Chrism Mass at Christ the King Cathedral in Johannesburg, the Local Ordinary of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg called on priests and the Church to remain faithful to their mission by...
SACBC Justice and Peace Calls for People-Centred Alcohol Reform
As South Africa observes Alcohol Awareness Month, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC)—in collaboration with the DG Murray Trust’s Rethink Your Drink campaign—has issued a renewed and urgent call for a...
From Prophetic Voice to Policy Impact: The Church’s Strategy for Transformative Change
The Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA), in a statement issued at the end of a four-day meeting, outlined a bold strategic direction for the Church: transforming its prophetic witness into meaningful policy engagement to bring lasting...
National Catholic Board of Education / Catholic Board of Education Meeting with Minister Gwarube
Cullen MackenzieCommunications Lead - Catholic Institute of Education A delegation of the National Catholic Board of Education (NCBE) and Catholic Institute of Education (CIE) met with Minister Gwarube on 9 April to introduce the Catholic education network and discuss...
‘We Are Pilgrims of Hope’: Bishop Rodrigues Inspires Youth at Annual Blessed Daswa Pilgrimage
The Local Ordinary of the Diocese of Tzaneen joined thousands of young people at the third annual Blessed Benedict Daswa Youth & Young Adults Pilgrimage. Held at the Ave Maria Pastoral Centre in Tzaneen, the 29 to 30 March event was organized by the Southern...
Thousands of Young People Gather in Mooketsi for Blessed Benedict Daswa Youth Pilgrimage
Fr Mathibela Sebothoma -Communication officer, Pretoria Archdiocese The small town of Mooketsi in the Diocese of Tzaneen became a beacon of faith and inspiration as thousands of young people gathered for the third annual Blessed Benedict Daswa Youth & Young Adults...
Pope Francis Discharged from Hospital: SACBC Spokesperson Calls for Continued Prayers
In a video message, the spokesperson of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), expressed deep gratitude following Pope Francis’s discharge from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, March 23 after a five-week stay due to a severe and life-threatening...
Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg Unveils New Coat of Arms
The Archdiocese of Johannesburg has officially adopted a new Coat of Arms, as decreed by His Eminence Archbishop Stephen Cardinal Brislin. The new design is now in official use and symbolizes the identity and mission of the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese of...
Kokstad concludes cathedral’s centenary anniversary and unveils diocesan coat of arms
The Diocese of Kokstad marked the conclusion of the St. Patrick's Cathedral Centenary Celebrations on March 21, 2025. The celebrations, which began on March 17, 2024, included a Music Festival featuring choirs, groups, and solo performances. As part of the centenary,...
Holy Mass in Pretoria Celebrates Pope Francis’ 12th Anniversary Amid Prayers for His Recovery
By Father Mathibela Sebothoma Communication officer, Pretoria Archdiocese A special Holy Mass was celebrated at Saint John Vianney Seminary in Waterkloof, Pretoria, on Thursday, March 13, to commemorate the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as Supreme Pontiff...
Cape Town Archdiocese bids Cardinal Stephen Brislin farewell
By Kati Dijane - Far East Rand Catholic News On Saturday, 8 March 2025, more than 500 people in the Archdiocese of Cape Town gathered at Our Lady Help of Christians in Landsdowne to celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass for Cardinal Stephen Brislin. The celebration was...
At Special Mass Cardinal Brislin describes Pope Francis as a “remarkable and strong leader”
In his homily during a special mass of prayer for Pope Francis, the Local Ordinary of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg described the 88-year-old Pontiff as a “remarkable and strong leader” whose voice has “transcended religious boundaries, reaching people...
In an interview, Fr O’Connor highlights Pope Francis’s steadfast service to the universal church
The Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has described Pope Francis as a leader who has embraced the physical challenges of his role with remarkable determination. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika about Pope Francis's...
Fr Muyebe unpacks land reforms and calls for ‘racial reconciliation” in SA
In a wide-ranging interview about racial divides aggravated by the recent “breakdown in the relationship between the United States and South Africa,” the director of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission (JP) calls for...
African Church Leaders praying for Pope Francis
African Church Leaders praying for Pope FrancisIn a statement shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Communications Office, the President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) expressed closeness to...
Bishop Selemela: SA Fallen Soldiers are “martyrs” who gave their lives to ensure “peace on the Continent”
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pretoria has described South African fallen soldiers as “martyrs who had given their own life in ensuring peace on the continent.” In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC)...
Fr Muyebe OP affirms Church closeness to “listeriosis victims”
The Justice and Peace Commission coordinator of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) affirms church closeness to “listeriosis victims.” In a conversation with the SACBC Communication Office, member of the Dominican Order of Preachers (OP) Fr Stan...
Cardinal Brislin: Jubilee Year, “a time to turn once again to God’s mercy”
The Jubilee Year “should be a time of renewal, a time of liberation and a time to turn once again to God's mercy,” said the Local Ordinary of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg. In his Saturday, February 01 homily during the inauguration of the Jubilee Year...
Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference conclude January Plenary Session
Members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) met at Khanya House, Pretoria for the 2025 January plenary session. Themed “Synodality and the Jubilee Year,” the session focused on the Church’s mission, challenges, and future vision as it enters a...
Johannesburg Archbishop reflects on significance of taking possession of Cathedral
The joyous celebration of the installation of the new Archbishop of Johannesburg culminated on Sunday, 26 January 2025, at the Cathedral of Christ the King. The momentous occasion was marked by the symbolic act of “taking possession” of the Cathedral. The Symbolism of...
In the Plenary opening address, Bishop Sipuka pays tribute to retired bishops
In his opening address to members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) gathered at Khanya House for the January 2025 Plenary Session, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka paid tribute to the recently retired Bishops and addressed pastoral challenges...
Bishop Zungu during Opening Votive Mass reflects on the Holy Spirit, Synodality, and Jubilee Year
The Local Ordinary of Port Elisabeth Diocese in his homily during the Opening Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit for the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) 2025 first Annual Plenary Session, reflected on the Holy Spirit's active role in salvation...
Jubilee Year: an occasion “for all Catholics to renew their faith,” says Archbishop Emeritus Tlhagale
The Apostolic Administrator of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg says the 2025 Jubilee Year is an occasion “for all Catholics to renew their faith.” In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) communication Office,...
Apostolic Nuncio thanks the 1 st Archbishop of Johannesburg for his “unwavering commitment to the Church”
The Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa in a tribute to the first Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg, conveyed Pope Francis message of gratitude and blessings to Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI for his “unwavering commitment to the Church” in...
At farewell mass, SACBC President lauds Archbishop Tlhagale OMI for decades of “faithful” service
At farewell mass, SACBC President lauds Archbishop Tlhagale OMI for decades of “faithful” service In his homily at the Farewell Mass of Thanksgiving for the outgoing Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg, the President of the Southern African...
Bishop Sipuka: Illegal mining is “complex and requires research to assign responsibility for it”
Bishop Sipuka: Illegal mining is “complex and requires research to assign responsibility for it” Illegal mining in South Africa is quite “complex and requires research to assign responsibility for it,” said the Local Ordinary of Mthatha Diocese. In a statement shared...
Southern African Catholic Bishops call for a “renewed humanity” amid global and local challenges
Southern African Catholic Bishops call for a “renewed humanity” amid global and local challenges Ahead of the Christmas celebration, the members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) have called on the people of God to embrace Christ's values and...
Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa lauds SACBC Christian-Muslim interfaithdialogue
Apostolic Nuncio in South Africa lauds SACBC Christian-Muslim interfaithdialogue. The Papal representative in South Africa has lauded the Christian-Muslim interfaithdialogue organised by the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC)Department of...
Bishop Sipuka elected the first Catholic to head the Southern African Councilof Churches
The member churches of the Southern African Council of Churches (SACC) duringtheir Triennial Conference held in October 2024, elected Bishop Sithembele AntonSipuka of Mthatha Diocese as the new president, making him the first Catholic tohead the ecumenical body in...
Bishop Sipuka: Solidarity visit emphasised church’s call for dialogue inMozambique
Bishop Sipuka: Solidarity visit emphasised church’s call for dialogue inMozambique The president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) saysthe recently concluded solidarity visit to Mozambique emphasised the church’s call for dialogue in the...
SACBC Reiterate call for authorities to address election “disgruntlement” in Mozambique
SACBC Reiterate call for authorities to address election “disgruntlement” in Mozambique Catholic Bishops in South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini have sent a letter to members of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM), expressing solidarity and prayers with the...
Pope Francis Appoints Cardinal Brislin Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg
Pope Francis Appoints Cardinal Brislin Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg In a communique shared with the Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa Archbishop Henryk Jagodzinski says,...
A Call for Continued Advocacy: Dr. Thabo Makgoba’s Farewell Address
In his farewell address as President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), Dr. Thabo Makgoba delivered a powerful call for continued advocacy and social justice. Reflecting on the SACC's role during apartheid and its ongoing mission, Makgoba urged the...
27th Sunday: Year B
Today, we delve into the profound meaning of the sacrament of marriage, a divine institution rooted in God's original plan. As we explore the biblical narratives and teachings of Jesus, we'll uncover the essential qualities and challenges faced by married couples...
Christian Reflection from Jerusalem
After a year of constant war, as the cycle of death continues unabated, we feel the need as Christians and as citizens to seek out the hope that comes from our faith. First, we must admit that we are exhausted, paralyzed by grief and fear. We are staring into the...
A Year of Mourning and a Call to Action
On the somber anniversary of a horrific event that shook the world, His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Cape Town, offers a poignant message to the Catholic faithful. As we remember the victims and the ongoing conflict, Cardinal Brislin urges us to...
Bishops and Religious Leaders Triennial Conference focuses on Synodality
Members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) together with religious leaders serving in South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini are gathered in eMseni Retreat and Conference Centre for the triennial Joint Witness Conference....
Christian Leaders Pay Tribute to Veteran Minister Pravin Gordhan
The members of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) have in a statement expressed condolences following the passing of South Africa’s Veteran Minister Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan in the early hours of Friday, September 13 after "a short, courageous battle with...
Catholic Priest calls on religious fraternities to pray for Palestine as attacks intensify
A Catholic Priest serving in the Diocese of Bethlehem, South Africa is calling on religious fraternities to observe moments of prayer as Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip intensify. In a communiqué shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC)...
Archbishop Tlhagale calls for a “green and clean” Archdiocese
The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg has planted 100 trees to mark the start of the Season of Creation observed annually in the Catholic calendar from September 1 to October 4. In a message shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC)...
SACBC members thank Pope Francis for the appointment of new Apostolic Nuncio
At the end of the bi-annual Plenary Session of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), Catholic bishops in Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa issued a communique expressing gratitude to Pope Francis “for the appointment of Archbishop Henryk...
Three Metropolitan Archbishops elected to new SACBC Executive
Members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) have elected three Archbishops to head the conference from the end of January 2025. The Wednesday, August 7 voting process began with nominations of Bishops eligible to be elected, followed by the...
New Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa asks for collaboration and assistance
The newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa has asked the members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) for “collaboration and assistance” in his new mission. In his first address to the Catholic Bishops in Botswana, Eswatini, and...
SACBC Plenary: Bishop Sipuka welcomes new Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa
In his welcome address to members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) gathered in Mariannhill Diocese for the August 5 to 9 Plenary Session, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka welcomed the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa. “We...
Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa looks forward to meeting Bishops in Person
The new Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa says he looks forward to meeting the Bishops of Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa. Invited by Bishop Anton Sipuka the president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) to attend the August 5 to 9...
1st SACBC Mental Health Conference draws hundreds of Catholic health ministers
Catholic Mental Health Ministers in the SACBC region gathered at the eMseni Christian Conference Centre in Benoni, South Africa for the first-ever SABC workshop dedicated to mental health and pastoral care. The conference organised by the Catholic Health Care...
Catholics in Southern Africa Celebrate the 4th World Day for Grandparents
“Do not cast me off in my old age” (cf. Psalm 71:9) is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the Fourth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. In the message published on 25 April 2024, Pope Francis assures grandparents and the elderly that “God never abandons his...
Fr Mashata MAfr to faith leaders in Africa; Together we can advocate for debt cancellation
The Coordinating Secretary of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Department of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Dialogue with the Secular World says a joint call by faith leaders in Africa carries more weight in advocating for debt...
Bishop Mbuyisa to diocesan pastoral council; be missionary disciples
At the end of the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) under the theme Synod on Synodality’, the Local Ordinary of Kokstad called on the members of the diocesan pastoral council to be missionary disciples and co-responsible. Held in a synodal assembly style, the 2024...
Pope appoints Archbishop Jagodziński as Apostolic Nuncio to Eswatini and Namibia
Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński as Apostolic Nuncio to Eswatini and Namibia. Archbishop Jagodziński's latest appointment was made public by the Holy See Press Office on Thursday, July 18. As of Thursday, July 18, Archbishop...
Archbishop Jagodziński offers prayers for the people of God in Southern Africa
The recently appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Lesotho and South Africa has dedicated his first mass in Pretoria to the people of God. The secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria Monsignor Dario Paviša together with representatives from the Department of...
Newly Ordained Bishops in Southern Africa grateful for workshop on psycho-spiritual counselling
The first workshop on psycho-spiritual counselling for newly ordained bishops in Southern Africa has been hailed as a success by participants. In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC)...
Uganda Archbishop says Martyrs Day Celebration in SA is a manifestation of “Sainthood”
The Uganda–South Africa Martyrs Day Celebration held for the first time at the Our Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesburg is a manifestation of “Sainthood” says the former Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja said he “really loved...
Archbishop Thlagale OMI calls on religious leaders to help end statelessness in Southern Africa
Multi-religious leaders, Diplomats, and Civil Society Organisations from countries in Southern Africa met at ANEW Hotel Parktonian, in Johannesburg to explore ways to “accelerate efforts towards the eradication of statelessness” in the region. In his opening remarks,...
SACBC/IMBISA call on Catholic communicators to promote ongoing Synod on Synodality
The communication office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) in collaboration with the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) held a virtual meeting for Diocesan communicators and Catholic media practitioners in...
Catholic Institute of Education calls on schools to prioritise the safeguarding of children
The Catholic Institute of Education (CIE) has called on Catholic schools “to continue to make child safeguarding a priority,” and “to ensure adequate resources are in place and that the requirements of the policy are ensured.” In a statement in observance of Child...
SACC CLASSIFIES 7TH GENERAL ELECTIONS AS A MATURING OF SA’S DEMOCRACY
On 5 May 2024, the South African Council of Churches (SACC) gathered religious leaders, members of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and political parties and independent candidates for a National Prayer Day ahead of...
Fr Afagbegee SVD appointed Apostolic Administrator of Francistown Diocese
Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Father Gabriel Lionel Afagbegee SVD Apostolic Administrator of Francistown Diocese. In a Wednesday, June 5 statement, the Apostolic Nunciature in Southern Africa says Fr. Afagbegee was appointed on May 22 to temporarily administer...
Catholic Bishops to political parties: “Work together for the good of the country”
The members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) say political parties in South Africa should “work together for the good of the country.” In their 'National Elections Results' joint statement signed by the SACBC President, the Catholic bishops...
Archbishop Mpako at Funeral Mass: “Bishop Anthony was a person of deep spirituality”
Archbishop Dabula Anthony Mpako recalls the late Bishop of Francistown Diocese as “a person of a deep spirituality,” and of prayer. “We are consoled by the knowledge that Bishop Anthony was a person of a deep spirituality. He was a man of prayer. He loved the Blessed...
SACBC President: Bishop Rebello was an “unassuming, humble man of God”
In his homily during the Vigil Mass for the Funeral of Bishop Anthony Paschal Rebello SVD, the president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) said the late Bishop was an “unassuming, humble man of God” just like the Apostle Matthias who was...
Archbishop Nashenda OMI says IMBISA Jubilee is a “testimony of Collegiality”
The President of the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) says the 50th anniversary of the regional body is “a testimony of Collegiality emphasized by the Second Vatican Council, which affirms that Collegial union also appears in the...
Funeral of Bishop Rebello SVD to be held on May 15
The Vicar General of the Diocese of Francistown announced on Tuesday that the funeral Mass of Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello SVD will be celebrated in Francistown Old Stadium on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Bishop Rebello SVD will be buried within the premises of Our Lady...
Bishop Selemela to Synodal Priests: “Excel in collaborative ministry”
The promotion of a Synodal Church also depends on the formation of priests because “If we are promoting a synodal church, It also means the priests that we form today have to be men who can also excel in collaborative ministry,” suggests the Auxiliary Bishop of...
Love of God and neighbour at heart of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
“You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbour as yourself” (Lk 10:27) is the theme chosen for this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WCPU). The international Christian ecumenical initiative which is observed in countries in the Southern Hemisphere...
Bishop Sipuka: “We are shocked and sad” about the sudden passing of Bishop Rebello SVD
The members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) extend “heartfelt condolences to the Diocese of Francistown, the Society of Divine Word, and the biological family” following the sudden passing of Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello SVD. “The news of...
SACBC laments the killing of yet another Priest in South Africa
In a Monday, April 29 statement, members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) lament the tragic death of another Catholic priest in South Africa. In the statement signed by SACBC President, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the Bishops express...
Archbishop Tlhagale OMI: Mother of Mercy Shrine “will become a place of reconciliation”
Addressing pilgrims at the official opening and blessing of the Mother of Mercy Shrine, the Archbishop of Johannesburg said the Magaliesburg Marian Shrine “will become a place of reconciliation,” where one can experience the “unconditional love” of Mother Mary. “For...
African Synod Delegates Gather in Nairobi in Preparation for Synod 2024
Synod delegates from the eight regional conferences of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) are in Nairobi, Kenya for a workshop in preparation for the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops scheduled to...
Bishop Kizito: Eastern Cape youth call for a more “welcoming and inclusive” Church
The Catholic youth in the Eastern Cape have called for a more “welcoming and inclusive” church says the Local Ordinary of Aliwal Diocese following the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Pastoral Conference of the Xhosa Region biannual plenary...
Archbishop Mpambani: The Department for Formation must be “at the service of the local dioceses”
The Department for Formation, Life and Apostolate of the Laity of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) must be “at the service of the local dioceses” says the Liaison Bishop. In his address to the members of the Department during their biannual...
The Church Focuses on “human dignity” says Bishop Kizito in response to SA Immigration White Paper
The Migrants and Refugees Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has held a three-day conference for pastoral care coordinators to share reports on the response to the plight of migration in their respective Dioceses and to familiarise...
Pope appoints Polish Msgr. Henryk Jagodziński as nuncio to South Africa and Lesotho
Pope Francis has appointed Msgr. Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, a native of Poland who has been serving as Apostolic Nuncio in Ghana and Titular Archbishop of Limosano, as his representative in South Africa and Lesotho. The Pretoria-based Apostolic Nunciature has been...
Pope Francis Congratulates Archbishop Tlhagale for his 25th Anniversary of Episcopal Service
April 10 marks the 25th anniversary of the episcopal Ordination of Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI. On Chrism Mass, March 28, the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in South Africa Mgr. Dario Paviša surprised Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI...
Bishop Sipuka at Requiem Mass: Fr. Menatsi was a “Man of excellence and hard work”
Fr Richard Menatsi was a “man of excellence and hard work” who throughout his service to the Catholic Church in Southern Africa “disproved the racist prejudice that anything a black person touches collapses,” said the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops...
Limpopo bus tragedy: “One human life lost is one too many,” says Bishop Sipuka
The loss of one human life “is one too many,’ says the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) following the horror crash on the R518 Mmamatlakala Pass in Limpopo that claimed the lives of 45 people on Holy Thursday. In a message shared...
Bishop Sipuka: Easter is a” time to think and pray about God’s power and presence in our lives”
In his Easter message, the Local Ordinary of Mthatha Diocese highlights the six weeks of Easter as a “time to think and pray about God's power and presence in our lives.” In the Sunday, March 30 message Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka says, “The Easter season is...
Passion of the Lord: Archbishop Tlhagale highlights the “strong bond between mother and son”
In his homily during the celebration of the ‘Passion of the Lord’ at the Cathedral of Christ the King, the Archbishop of Johannesburg highlights the “strong bond between mother and son.” “On this day of the death of Jesus, perhaps we are invited then, to move from one...
Mgr Paviša at Chrism Mass: “Priests are spiritual fathers”
During Chrism Mass in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg, the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in South Africa reminds priests that they are called by God to do his work and to spend more time in prayer. “We are here to remind ourselves of...
Bishop Selemela at Chrism Mass: “Be effective ministers of the gospel”
At the Mass of the blessing of the oils and the renewal of commitment to priestly service, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pretoria thanks priests for their ministry and urges them to be “effective ministers of the gospel.” “Dear friends in...
SACBC Justice and Peace Commission embarks on “voter education” workshops in SA
The Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) in collaboration with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has embarked on a series of “voter education” workshops ahead of what has been dubbed South Africa’s...
Archbishop Emeritus urges religious and clergy to prioritise families and young people
The Archbishop emeritus of Pretoria Archdiocese has urged religious and clergy to prioritise families and young people in Kokstad Diocese. In his homily during the centenary anniversary of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Archbishop William Matthew Slattery OFM who served as...
Kokstad Diocese Celebrates 100 Years of ‘Community Serving Humanity’
‘Community Serving Humanity’ was the theme chosen for the centenary anniversary of Kokstad Diocese Cathedral. Thousands of faithful dressed in green joined the parade on Sunday, March 17, the Solemnity of St Patrick to celebrate the one hundred years of ‘community...
Vatican message for the Month Of Ramadan and ‘ID Al-FITR
In the annual message for the Islamic month of Ramadan, the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue releases is urging all religious believers to extinguish "the fires of hatred, violence, and war, and instead light the gentle candle of peace." In a separate...
Archbishop Mpambani to Men at Daswa Pilgrimage: “God is a loving Father”
In his homily during the annual pilgrimage in memory of South African Martyr Blessed Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa, Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani focused on God the “loving father.” The Liaison Bishop for Formation, Life, and Apostolate of The Laity of the...
The Spiritual Beauty in March and April
An Ecumenical Reflection by Bonaventure MASHATA MAfr - Coordinating SACBC Secretary for the Department of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Dialogue with the Secular World I have been meditating on the spiritual beauty in these two months: March and April. They...
Sr Moyo FIC: The “quality of community life depends largely on the quality of the catechesis that is received”
The administrator of Lumko Institute and Conference Centre in Benoni says the ongoing formation of catechists is very important as the “quality of community life depends largely on the quality of the catechesis that is received.” In an interview with the Southern...
Sr Munzhedzi OP:” Pilgrimages are meant to promote devotion to Blessed Daswa”
The annual pilgrimages to Tshitanini in Tzaneen Diocese are meant to “promote devotion” to South African Martyr Blessed Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa, says the promoter for the cause of sainthood. In a conversation with the Southern African Catholic Bishops...
Fr Small Commends Church in Southern Africa for “commitment” to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
The secretary for the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has commended the Catholic Church in Southern Africa for its commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. In an interview with Vatican News on the sidelines of the recently...
Bishop Rucastle Calls for Greater ‘Co-Responsibility’ in Church
The exercise of co-responsibility is essential for the growth of the Church, the vice chairperson of the Department for Formation, Life, and Apostolate of The Laity of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has said. In a recent interview with...
2024 Lenten Reflection – Zulu
I-Nkathi yokuHlawula isinika lelithuba lomkhuleko nempenduko; lokhu esingakubizangokuzilungiselela ukhetho ngokomoya. Amaqembu ezepolitiki nabantu nje banendlelayabo yokulungiselela ukhetho. Thina, njengamakholwa, sizilungiselela ngokomoya. Sicela amaKhatholika...
Bishop Vanqa to young people: “Our God is the God of second chances”
Bishop Siphiwo Paul Vanqa has encouraged young people to return to the Lord as “our God is the God of second chances.” In his address to hundreds of youths and young adults from Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa gathered in Tshitanini, Tazeen Diocese for the second...
Synod on Synodality to be Addressed at Planned Catholic Council for Laity AGM
The planned annual general meeting of the Southern African Catholic Council for Laity (SACCL) will dedicate a session for a report on the Synod on Synodality, the Chairperson has said. In a communiqué shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference...
SACBC Peace Institute: New wave of Attacks in Cabo Delgado “has a stronger religious character”
The new wave of attacks in Mozambique’s northernmost province of Cabo Delgado “has a stronger religious character,” says the director of Dennis Hurly Peace Institute (DHPI). In an interview with the Communication office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops...
Vatican Dicastery for Communication Seeking “Young Communicators”
The Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See is seeking 16 “Young Communicators” to communicate the faith through digital media.After the fruitful three-year project “Faith Communication in the Digital World”, the Dicastery is renewing its commitment to...
2024 Lenten Reflections – Xhosa
Ixesha leNzila lisinika ithuba lokuthandaza nokuguquka. Ikwalithuba lokuzilungiselela ngokwasemoyeni ngelixesha lonyulo. Amaqela ezoPolitiko kunye nabantu jikelele anendlela eyodwa yokulungiselela unyulo. Nathi njengamakholwa ngokwethu kufanele sizilungiselele...
2024 Lenten Reflections – Afrikaans
Ons land is nou besig om gereed te maak vir die 2024 nasionale en provinsiale verkiesings. Ons het goeie rede om dankbaar te wees dat ons nog oor ons demokratiese reg beskik om na die stembus te gaan en vrylik ons leiers te kies. Ons gee erkenning aan die uitstekende...
Bishop Kizito Calls on the Faithful to be the “voice of the voiceless” To Combat Human Trafficking
The Liaison Bishop for Migrants and Refugees office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has called on the faithful to be the “voice of the voiceless” to combat human trafficking in the region. In a message shared with the SACBC Communication...
In Pastoral Letter, SACBC Call on Eligible Voters to “Keep working for a better future”
Catholic Bishops in South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini have, in a Pastoral Letter, called on eligible voters “to keep working for a better future.” In their February 8 Pastoral Letter For 2024 National and Provincial Elections the members of the Southern African...
2024 Lenten Reflections – English
The Lenten Season offers us an opportunity for prayer and repentance, what others call spiritual preparation for the elections. Political parties and secular people have their way of preparing for elections. As believers, what we have is spiritual...
Bishop Rodrigues: On Feast Day, Church Remembers Blessed Daswa the “Farmer”
The Bishop of Tzaneen Diocese says the theme for the Feast Day of Blessed Tshimangadzo Samuel Benedict Daswa is ‘Blessed Daswa the Farmer.’ The theme “of the feast day this year is Blessed Daswa the farmer. We know that he was a teacher, he was a principal of a...
COMMUNIQUE OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE JANUARY 2024 PLENARY SESSION
The bishops of the Catholic Church in Southern Africa gathered for their plenary session under the theme “Synodality” at Khanya House (SACBC national headquarters) in Pretoria from the 23rd to the 30th of January 2024. Having prayerfully reflected in a synodal way on...
Mgr. Paviša Thanks SACBC for “Support shown to the Apostolic Nunciature”
In his address to members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in South Africa expressed gratitude for the “support shown to the Apostolic Nunciature.” “First of all, I would like to thank...
SACBC President Welcomes Bishops to Plenary Assembly on Synodality
In his opening address, the SACBC President extended condolences to fellow confrères who lost loved ones over the past year. He then proceeded to welcome and congratulate Stephen Cardinal Brislin who was created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the...
At morning Mass Bishop Duncan Highlights the “Sacrament of reconciliation”
The parable of the Sower invites the people of God “to embrace a life of frequent reception of the Sacrament of reconciliation,” said Bishop Duncan Tsoke during morning Mass held at St John Vianney Seminary, Pretoria Archdiocese. In the Wednesday, January 24 homily...
Invoke the Holy Spirit “to guide us as we begin our plenary session”: Archbishop Mpambabi
In his homily at the Opening Mass of the Holy Spirit held at St John Vianney Seminary, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bloemfontein called on members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) to invoke the Holy Spirit to guide them as they begin the...
Bishop Sipuka: Plenary Agenda to include “consolidation of Catholic institutions” and “fiducia supplicans”
The Catholic Archdiocese of Pretoria is set to host the first 2024 plenary session of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). In an interview with Vatican News, SACBC President Bishop Sithemebele Anton Sipuka highlighted the consolation of Catholic...
Catholic Bishops Reprimand SA Chief Rabbi’s Social Media Attack on the Pope and Catholic Church
In an open letter addressed to the Chief Rabbi of The Union of Orthodox Synagogues of South Africa, members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) reprimand Rabbi Goldstein for accusing Pope Francis of “colluding with the forces of evil who seek...
SACBC Response to Fiducia Supplicans: Marriage Remains exclusive between a man and a woman
“Marriage remains exclusive between a man and a woman,” said the Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa in their response to the December 18 Fiducia Supplicans, a document concerning the blessing of people in irregular situations issued by the Vatican Dicastery of...
Bishop Sipuka: Christmas, “A much-needed season of hope for peace”
In his Christmas message, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) says that the birth of Jesus Christ is “a much-needed season of hope for peace,” in a world marred by war and by “a lack of peace with varying degrees.” “As we enter...
Fr O’Connor Lauds Justice and Peace Commission Support Program for Victims of Violence
The Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has lauded the Justice and Peace Commission (JP) for assisting women and girls victims of violence in South Africa. In a conversation with the SACBC Communication Office, Fr Hugh...
Archbishop Tlhagale Delivers Religious Leaders Pledge to Support and Welcome Refugees
The immediate former Liaison Bishop of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Migrants and Refugees Office has joined religious leaders in their pledge to support and welcome refugees. Speaking on behalf of religious leaders from around 40...
Archbishop Mpambani on SCJ Centenary Celebration: “Look to the future with hope”
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Bloemfontein Archdiocese has called on the members of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SCJ) to “look to the future with hope.” In his homily during Mass held at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Aliwal Diocese to mark the SCJ...
Justice and Peace Commission Publishes Voter Education Manual Ahead of 2024 Elections in SA
The Justice and Peace Commission (JP) has published a Voter Education Manual ahead of the general elections to be held in South Africa in 2024. According to the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) JP Commission, the purpose of the manual is to...
Synod Secretariat Releases Guidelines for Work Ahead of the 2024 Assembly
The Synod Secretariat has written a letter to bishops across the world explaining the next stages of the synodal process ahead of next year's second and final session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality. In the December 12 news release shared with the Southern...
President of Caritas South Africa Calls for a “more meaningful” World Day of the Poor
The President of Caritas South Africa has called on the people of God to make the seventh annual World Day of the Poor “more meaningful, personal, and enduring,” considering the economic challenges in South Africa. “Approximately 55.5 percent (30.3 million people) of...
SACBC Synod Delegates to present “elaborative report” during January Plenary Session
The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Synod Delegates are expected to present an “elaborative report” during the annual January Plenary Session of the Catholic Bishops of Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa. According to the SACBC spokesperson...
Southern African Bishops Call on Parishes to Pray for Peace on Feast of Christ the King
The Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa have called on the people of God to pray for peace in the Holy Land and other war-torn areas. In a Monday, November 13 statement signed by Bishop Sithembele Sipuka the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops...
Bishop Mbuyisa: Fundraiser for seminarians a “wonderful” experience for Kokstad Diocese
The ‘fundraising bazaar’ towards the formation of seminarians from Kokstad Diocese was a “wonderful and beautiful" experience for the Diocese, says the Local Ordinary. In a communiqué shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) communications...
SACBC Joins Vatican In Extending Festive Greetings to all Hindus
The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue has joined the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in extending festive greetings to all Hindus, ahead of the feast of Deepavali (or Diwali), which...
Pope to Synod: the Holy Spirit is the protagonist
Pope Francis reminds the Synodal Assembly that the Holy Spirit is the gathering's protagonist, and offers his heartfelt thanks to all, as he addressed the closing session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality, which concludes with the Holy...
SACBC Justice and Peace and Richard Spoor Attorneys launch class action against global mining company
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has launched “a class action against global mining company Anglo American Group.” In a statement shared with the SACBC communications office, the Director of the Justice and...
Southern African Catholic Bishops Call for “ceasefire” in the Holy Land
The Catholic Bishops of South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini have in a collective statement called “for a ceasefire” in the Holy Land. “The number of people dying since the escalation of violent conflict between Israel and Palestine, precipitated by Hamas' killing of...
Cardinal Brislin joins Holy See in calling for prayers for peace in the Holy Land
In a communiqué shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) communications office, Cardinal Stephen Brislin calls on all parishes in Cape Town Archdiocese to pray for peace in the Holy Land. “I ask all our parishes to hold in prayer the very...
Bishop Mbuyisa says synod is a “Kairos moment” for the church
The Synod on Synodality is a “Kairos moment” for all the baptized, says the Local Ordinary of Kokstad Diocese. In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) communications office prior to his departure to Rome, Bishop Thulani Mbuyisa...
Archbishop Mpambani: Meeting for recently ordained priests is “an opportunity to share experiences”
The Annual Gathering of Recently Ordained Priests (AGROP) is an opportunity for priests to grow in their ministry and to “share experiences,” says the Archbishop of Bloemfontein Metropolitan Archdiocese. The AGROP meeting “is meant for recently ordained priests, less...
World Day of Migrants and Refugees Sunday 24 September 2023.
109TH WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES“Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay” "Let us keep the migrants, refugees, forcibly displaced people, asylum seekers and hostcommunities in our prayers. We also pray and acknowledge all who are making adifference in the...
SACBC Bishops Say, encounter with Pope Francis was the highlight of the training course for new Bishops
Some 110 newly ordained bishops from Africa and Madagascar, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania met in Rome for the training course for new bishops under the theme “Living the Episcopal Mission in a Synodal Church.” During the September 4-13 seminar organised by the...
Bishop Ponce de León Says “Communications is at the heart” of IMBISA
Addressing participants at the end of a communications seminar held at Lumko retreat and conference centre in Benoni, South Africa, Bishop José Luis Gerardo Ponce de León said “Communications is at the heart” of the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern...
Archbishop Jwara: AmaZulu Prime Minister was a “principled man”
The Local Ordinary of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Durban in KwaZulu Natal has offered the Church’s condolences on the death of the founder and President Emeritus of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). In the message of condolences addressed to the “Buthelezi family, the...
International Movement of Catholic Students 2023 World Assembly
Catholic tertiary students met in Thailand for the 2023 International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) World Assembly. Among those present were delegates from South Africa led by the Youth Chaplain of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Fr....
SACBC decries exploitation of “homeless and the poor” following tragic fire in Johannesburg
The Catholic Bishops of South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini have in a collective statement expressed “deepest condolences” to the victims of the Thursday, August 31 tragic fire that claimed the lives of at least 74 people. “Our hearts go out to those who lost their...
SACBC expresses “gratitude and support” to whistleblowers
In an open letter to the people of God in South Africa, the members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) say they stand in solidarity with whistleblowers. “We, bishops of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, gathered in plenary...
SACBC Calls on “Citizens to reawaken and reclaim the dream” amid a “spiritual and moral crisis”
In a pastoral letter addressed to the people of God in South Africa, the Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa (SACBC) call on citizens to “reawaken and reclaim the dream,” amid the “spiritual and moral crisis” in the country almost 30 years post-democracy. “We humbly...
Bishop Ponce de Leon to Communicators in Southern Africa: “We are called to share our stories”
Catholic communications officers from Southern Africa have been called to share stories and “experiences of the risen Lord in Southern Africa.” Addressing participants during the opening mass of a communications workshop underway at Lumko Retreat and Conference Centre...
Cape Town Archbishop calls for a weekend of prayer for persecuted Christians
Cape Town Archbishop Calls for a weekend of prayer for persecuted Christians Considering growing Christian persecution worldwide, the Archbishop of Cape Town has asked for intercessory prayers for those who are persecuted for their faith. In a communiqué shared with...
South African Council of Churches Says Phala Phala Investigative Report is “Confusing”
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) says it has found the media release of the South Africa Reserve Bank (SARB) on its investigation into the Phala Phala matter “confusing and inspiring more questions than answers, as several points remained unclear at its...
SACBC Contemplating writing a “Kairos document” amid calamity in South Africa
The members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) say it is contemplating writing a “Kairos document” amid calamity in South Africa. During the SACBC second plenary held at Mariannhill retreat centre from August 14-18, the Catholic Bishops of...
SECAM President: “Synod on Synodality is a historic and special synod” for the Church in Africa
The President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) says the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is “a historic and special synod in many ways.” Addressing African delegates at the SECAM Synod preparatory meeting...
SACBC Seeks Justice for Coal Miners with Black Lung Disease
The Commission for Justice and Peace of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) in collaboration with the South African human rights lawyers Richard Spoor have filed an action against global mining company South32. The application for certification of...
Archbishop Mpambani Says “The Magnificat is the most revolutionary document in the world”
“The Magnificat is the most revolutionary document in the world” as it “speaks of three revolutionary things that God has done,” said the Liaison Bishop for the Department for Formation, Life, and Apostolate of the Laity of the Southern African Catholic Bishops...
SACBC President At Plenary Highlights Ad Limina Visit and Calls for Prophetic Witness
In his welcome address during the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) August plenary, the SACBC President highlighted the June 12-17 Ad Limina Visit and called on his confrères to be “prophetic witnesses” amid socio-political challenges facing the...
Archbishop Brislin condemns violence associated with taxi strike in Cape Town
The Archbishop of Cape Town has condemned the “violence associated with the taxi strike,” which “caused untold hardship and destabilisation for many communities across the city and its environs.” In the statement shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops...
Dennis Hurley Peace Institute 2nd International Symposium underway in Nacala Diocese
The Denis Hurley Peace Institute of South Africa (DHPI), in cooperation with the Technical University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS), and other Catholic and civil society organisations is holding an international symposium in Nacala diocese, Nampula province, north of...
On 5th Anniversary Caritas SA President Calls for Establishment of “Diocesan Chaplains”
The President of Caritas South Africa has called for the establishment of Caritas “Diocesan Chaplains” to assist coordinators and the local priests in their respective dioceses. In his address during an online event to mark the fifth anniversary of Caritas South...
Bishop Selemela; Military Ordinariates have the responsibility of “safeguarding and guaranteeing human rights”
In a report shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) communications office, the Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria Archdiocese underscores the role of Military Ordinariates in “safeguarding and guaranteeing human rights.” Bishop Masilo John...
Archbishop Tlhagale to Young People: World Youth Day is an opportunity to strengthen “your faith”
As pilgrims from the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) head to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day (WYD), the Archbishop of Johannesburg has called on young people to see the youth pilgrimage as an opportunity to strengthen their “faith.” Speaking...
Chaplain: Recognition of sign language has been “hoped for and anticipated for a long time”
The Chaplain to the Deaf Community of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has welcomed the recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language as it “has been hoped for and anticipated for a long time.” The recognition...
Bishop Ponce de León: Catholic Social Action Commissions should “journey together”
The Liaison Bishop for the Dennis Hurley Peace Institute (DHPI) has called on social action commissions of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) to “journey together” in assisting the social works of the Catholic church in the region. In an...
Archbishop Mpambani: SACBC Men’s Conference is “about journeying together” in the Spirit of Synodality
The participation of men in the life of the Church and family - “journeying together’ were among the main topics of discussion during the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference’s (SACBC) first meeting for men held at Lumko Retreat Centre in Benoni. In an...
President Ramaphosa to Cardinal-Elect: “His nomination is cause for pride among South Africans”
In a media statement issued by the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulates Cardinal-elect Stephen Brislin of Cape Town Archdiocese for his nomination. “Archbishop Brislin’s elevation is an exceptional personal honour and...
Archbishop Stephen Brislin Appointed Cardinal
Pope Francis at the end of his Sunday Angelus address, announced the creation of 21 new cardinals. “I am happy to announce that on 30 September I will hold a Consistory for the appointment of new Cardinals,” said Pope Francis towards the end of the Sunday Angelus on...
Bishop Sipuka on Ad Limina Visit: Conference must strengthen “self-sustenance drive”
In his reflection on the recently concluded Ad Limina Visit, the Local Ordinary of Mthatha Diocese highlights the strengthening of the “self-sustenance” drives for the Catholic Church in the Southern region. Members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference...
Archbishop Tlhagale at Meeting of Families: “Prepare couples to encounter Christ himself”
At the Annual Archdiocesan Meeting of Families (AMOF), the Local Ordinary of Johannesburg Archdiocese reflected on good marriage preparation to prevent “an increase of invalid or inconsistent marriage celebrations.” “We should raise the level of awareness of the need...
South African Church Leaders call for collective “Ownership of the fight against corruption”
Members of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) have called on South Africans to "take ownership of the fight against corruption.” In the statement to mark the first anniversary of the Zondo Commission Report, the SACC members who include representatives of...
Mons McAleer: Going Back to Ireland “feels great”
“It feels great. I'm very, very content. I'm very happy,” says Monsignor (Mons) Barney McAleer as he prepares to go back to his home country Ireland after 59 years of service to the people of God in South Africa. Religious and colleagues gathered at the Southern...
Archbishop Mpako: Establishing a “Caritas office at the Parish level is not an optional extra”
The President of Caritas Pretoria has called for the establishment of Caritas offices at every parish within the Archdiocese. “Every Priest must make sure that there is a Caritas office in his parish, it is not an optional extra, it is an integral part of what we are...
On Refugee Day: SACBC and JRS Strengthen Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees
The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Office for Migrants and Refugees held a recollection day for the staff and volunteers of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) to reflect on pastoral care for migrants and refugees in South Africa and to strengthen...
Archbishop Mpako: “Mary shows us how to respond to God’s call”
The First Vice President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has called on the Bishops of Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa to “keep the shining example of Mary ever in mind and to respond to God’s call as she did.” In his homily at the...
Archbishop Nubuasah: “All churches lead to Rome, to the Lateran Cathedral”
The centrality of the Archbasilica Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome “gives a focus that all Churches lead to Rome,”, the Archbishop of Gabarone Diocese, Botswana has said. Addressing fellow Bishops during a mass celebrated at St John Lateran Basilica, Archbishop Frank...
Bishop Rose: Ad Limina Visit Opening Reflection
In his reflection during mass at the start of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Ad Limina visit, the Second Vice President of the SACBC focused on “the Sermon on the Mount” from the day’s Gospel reading Matthew 5:1-12. “Today we read about the...
Archbishop Tlhagale: “Our moral authority derives from our ordination”
The moral authority of Bishops and priests derives from one’s ordination, the Archbishop of Johannesburg Metropolitan Archdiocese has said. In his homily at a mass celebrated at the Papal Basilica St. Paul Outside the Walls, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale reflected on “the...
SACBC President at Votive Mass of St Peter: Be holistic in the “task of shepherding”
The President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has called on his brother Bishops and Clergy to be holistic in the “task of shepherding.” In his Tuesday, June 13 homily at the votive mass of St Peter, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka reflected on St...
Bishop Mphiwe: Ongoing Formation Retreats are an “opportunity for growth” and integration
The renewal programs offered to Diocesan and Religious Priests by the Clergy Department of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) are meant to help Priests integrate and it’s an opportunity for growth, the Southern African Council of Priests (SACOP)...
The Concomitant Celebration of the Week of Christian Unity and the Laudato Si Week
When asked if I could bring together the Week of Christian Unity and the Laudato Si Week which are concomitantly happening in the South African Church this year. I was wondering how I could put these two weeks together. As a priest working at the Department of...
Bishop Sipuka: Ad Limina Visit a “symbolic expression of the unity of Bishops with the Pope”
The planned Ad Limina Visit of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) is a “symbolic expression of the unity of bishops with the Pope,” the President of the SACBC has said. In a message shared with the SACBC communications office, Bishop Sithembele...
Bishop Sipuka At St Lucia Catholic Church: Like the Holy Trinity May “We become one”
The model of the Most Holy Trinity “that exemplifies unity in diversity” should inspire people of all races to “emulate this unity in diversity” to promote coexistence in South Africa, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference has said....
The 6th annual Namugongo in Johannesburg Uganda Martyrs Celebration
By Johannesburg AdNews The Archdiocese of Johannesburg has for the past 6 years hosted the annual Uganda Martyrs celebration. Dubbed ‘Namugongo in Johannesburg’ in reference to the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine where a big celebration is always held on the feast of the...
Archbishop Mpambani: “Be a shepherd who unites his flock”
The newly ordained Bishop of Ingwavuma Vicariate has been urged to be a “Shepherd who unites his flock” to build unity in the Church. “One of the duties of the bishop is to build unity in his church. That means that Father Mazibuko, the Lord has sent you to be a...
At Solemn Vespers Mons. Paviša Highlights “unity” Between the Apostolic Vicar and the Universal Church
In his reflection during the solemn vespers on the eve of the Episcopal consecration of the Right Reverend Vusumuzi Francis Mazibuko as Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of Ingwavuma, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in South Africa underscored...
Bishop Kizito: “Like St Scalabrini let us welcome, integrate, protect, and promote migrants and refugees”
The Liaison Bishop for Migrants and Refugees Office of the South African Catholic Bishop Conference (SACBC), has called on the people of God to follow in the footsteps of the Patron Saint of Migrants Giovanni Battista Scalabrini in welcoming, integrating, protecting,...
MESSAGE FROM SECAM ON THE OCCASION OF PENTECOST
In his message on the occasion of Pentecost, the President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has called on the people of God to work towards the establishment of “a new world where peace, justice, and brotherhood between...
Newly Ordained Auxiliary Bishop to Prioritise “Church Structures” in Durban Archdiocese
The newly ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Durban has said that one of his priorities will be to ensure that all “Church structures” are fully established and functioning. In a brief interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops...
Bishop Selemela to Catholic Women: “Your mission as Catholic women is that of discipling the girl child”
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pretoria has called on Catholic women to “mentor and animate the girl child.” Addressing Catholic women gathered at the Catholic Church of the Beatitudes in Zwavelpoort, Pretoria, Bishop Masilo John Selemela...
Archbishop Jwara to New Auxiliary Bishop: “A Bishop must always be the Centre of unity”
The newly consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Durban has been urged to foster “unity, to bring the clergy, religious and the laity together without any prejudice.” In his homily during the Episcopal ordination of Bishop Elias Kwenzakufani...
Mons Dario to Bishop Elect: “Be steadfast in your love for God and His people”
“Be steadfast in your love for God and His people,” said the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in South Africa. In his reflection during the solemn vespers on the eve of the Episcopal ordination of Right Reverend Elias Kwensakufani Zondi as the...
Fr. Muyebe OP: Ecological Conversion Should Include Changes in The Way We See and Treat the Poor
The director of the Justice and Peace Commission has called on the people of God to be at the forefront of fighting for the social inclusion of waste pickers in South Africa. In a statement to mark Laudato Si Week, the director of the Associate body of the Southern...
Marian Prayer In Preparation for the Synod of Bishops
On 31 May 2023, the People of God are called to hold a moment of prayer for the Synod Assembly of Bishops, which is set to coincide with the memorial of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the conclusion of the Marian month. The prayer is an awareness...
Bishop Mphiwe: Fazenda da Esperança “is a ministry of healing”
The Fazenda da Esperança (Farm of Hope) has recently inaugurated two community centres in South Africa’s Western Cape and North West provinces to assist people from any religion or belief to recover from destructive behaviors such as alcoholism and drug addiction....
St Augustine College of SA: The Meaning of ‘Political Theology’
St Augustine College of South Africa will run a short course about the meaning of ‘Political Theology.’ The short course will look at the concept of political theology, and how it is a guiding force behind liberation and contextual theologies, especially Black...
Archbishop Tlhagale at South Deanery Mass: Pray for the Hyams Beatification and Canonization
The Archdiocese of Johannesburg campaign committee of the cause of beatification of the founders of Little Eden Society visited St Patrick Catholic Church in La Rochelle to pray and to promote Domitilla and Danny Hyams journey to holiness. In his address to...
CIE on World Catholic Education Day: “Help little ones read”
The deputy director of the Catholic Institute of Education (CIE) has called on Catholics to help children read. A 2021 survey titled Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study (PIRLS) summarised by Professor and author Nick Spaull has shown that the majority...
SACOP Calls on Priests to attend “ongoing formation programs”
The Chairperson of the Southern African Council of Priests (SACOP), has called on Priests to attend “ongoing formation programs,” offered by the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC). In his address to delegates during the SACOP annual general meeting...
Bishop Rebello; Synodality is the DNA of Caritas
The president of Caritas Francis Town Diocese in Botswana has said that Synodality is the DNA of the Catholic relief agency. From May 11-16, presidents of Caritas Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa together with their respective coordinators attended the 22nd...
Pope Francis Adds 21 Coptic Orthodox Martyrs to Catholic List of Saints
Pope Francis together with Pope Tawadros II announced the addition of 21 Coptic Orthodox martyrs to be inserted into the Roman Martyrology of the Catholic Church as a sign of the spiritual communion of the two Christian Churches. According to Vatican News, Pope...
Pope’s Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees Highlights Freedom to Choose to Migrate or to Stay
Pope Francis’s message for the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees published by the Vatican Press Office on Thursday, May 11, highlights the freedom to choose whether to migrate or to stay in one’s native land. In his message titled "Free to choose whether to...
Bishop Frank: “Every priest is a promoter of the priesthood vocations”
The promotion of vocations to the Priesthood needs to be correctly branded, says the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Liaison Bishop for vocations. From May 8-10, the SACBC Department for Formation, Life, and Ministry of Clergy held the biannual...
Bishop Mbuyisa to Young People; “We need to make more use of the Sacraments for healing”
Dialogue, reconciliation, and healing of relations between the youth, the clergy, and parents are needed in Kokstad Diocese, says Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa. Over 500 youth from Kokstad Diocese and neighbouring Dioceses gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral on the...
Bishop Selemela; Synodal Process Calls for a “Missionary conversion”
The Synod on Synodality called for by Pope Francis is “intended to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be, to make people’s hopes flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds, to weave new and deeper relationships, to learn from one another,...
SACBC Working Towards Establishing an Institute of Higher Learning
The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) in collaboration with St John Vianney Seminary, St Joseph’s Theological Institute, and St Augustine College of South Africa are investigating various models and structures to maximize the synergy between the...
Bishop David: Feast of Joseph the worker “Imbues our work and rest cycle with meaning”
Normally when public holidays in South Africa follow each other in rapid succession we celebrate long weekends, just as we celebrated one last week with Freedom Day occurring on Thursday. These long weekends can certainly take time away from our productive lives. And...
Pope Francis: Laymen and laywomen eligible to vote at Synod General Assembly
The Secretariat for the Synod has announced that 70 “non-bishop members” appointed by Pope Francis will be able to vote at the October Synod General Assembly scheduled to take place in Rome. According to the Secretariat for the Synod, the 70 individuals will include...
Bishop Sipuka on ‘Freedom Day’ calls for an effective education system
In his reflection on ‘Freedom Day’, observed annually on April 27 since 1994, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Mthatha Diocese calls for an effective education system as well as for the “creation of industries or sectors in rural areas”, to create “employment and begin to...
Archbishop Tlhagale; Conflicts, seasonal migrants, and human trafficking contribute to statelessness in Africa
Conflicts, seasonal migrants, and human trafficking are some of the reasons why there is an increase in stateless children in Africa, Archbishop Joseph Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg Archdiocese has said. Addressing participants during an online conference on...
Annual Conference on Immigration Highlights Migration in Africa
The annual conference on immigration under the theme ‘Migration in Africa’ held at St Joseph’s Theological Institute (SJTI) in Cedara, Hilton, KwaZulu Natal, from April 14-15, aimed to address the global phenomenon of migration on the continent to contribute for a...
SACC President Urges Young People to “Take up a new struggle” to transform SA
The President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) has urged young people “to dig deep into the radical roots of the old struggle against apartheid and to take up the New Struggle”, to transform South Africa. In his 2023 Easter message Archbishop Thabo...
Bishop Sipuka: Reflection on the Relevance and Power of Easter
More than Christmas, Easter enjoys much attention and participation from Christians, including nominal Christians who do not frequent Sunday services during the year. This is because the narrative of the suffering and death of Christ talks to the human experience of...
Archbishop Mpako at Chrism Mass; the Church is Synodal
The Synodal process speaks about “communion, participation, and mission. When we understand Synodality at this level, it becomes abundantly clear that the Church is Synodal by its very nature”, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pretoria has said. In...
Fr. Legodi: He wanted us to share in His joy and happiness
His prayer for us to the Father was always that all may be one as you Father are in me and I in you. It is true that we are united to Christ as sons and daughters of the Father in baptism, but that union is only beginning, a fundamental type of oneness. Our union with...
Fr. Gabela: He takes his battles to God in prayer
An attentive disciple who listens to the word of the Lord daily. He does not just listen to the word of the Lord by also allows it to permeate and transform his life. Because of the word of the Lord he no longer depends on his strength to fight his enemies, but on God...
Pastoral Care Agents Call for Introduction of Migration Catechesis in Parishes
Pastoral care agents from the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) have called on the Catholic Church in the Southern region countries to introduce migration catechesis to educate children and young people about Pope Francis four verbs of migration; to...
Fr. Ndlovu: It is always night when we move away from He who is light
Fortunately, after night comes day. Fortunately, sin is not the last word; the last word is God’s mercy. This means however a change on our part. A reverse of a situation consisting in detachment from creatures and attachment to God and find again true freedom. This...
Bishop Sipuka on Pope’s 10th Anniversary: Pope Francis, One of Us
In his April newsletter Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Mthatha Diocese reflects on Pope Francis’s 10th anniversary observed on March 13th, reminding the people of God of Pope Francis’s humility, simplicity, and accessibility. The Local Ordinary of Mthatha Diocese...
Bishop David: It will be a pity if we don’t become renewed in the Holy Week
“A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing.” ― Oscar Wilde. And so Judas fixed the price on the ointment as he would later fix the price on the Lord, selling Him for a price of a slave. In the Holy Week in Jerusalem oil took on a new...
Fr. Siwundla: As Christians we need to be decisive
The crowds after welcoming Jesus happily a few days later they were saying crucify him. They had now been convinced otherwise that he was not the Messiah. When we Christians have made a choice we need to stick to it, and not be persuaded by others. The enthusiasm with...
Bishop Frank: We are not gathered together as people of South Africa
“I will take the sons of Israel from the nations and will gather them, and will bring them to their own land.” Since King Solomon the nation was divided into two kingdoms. The first step in the new covenant by the Lord was bringing people together and their own land....
Fr Moeti: God is in charge
Just like in the time of Jeremiah and Jesus, God is in control. People who have survived horrible car accidents can also testify that when God is not ready to take you nothing can be ready. People have survived gunshots on their heads. If it is not the will of God...
SACBC Migration Workshop Highlights Integration and Civil Registration
In his welcoming address to pastoral care agents gathered at Lumko Institute and Conference Centre for a five-days workshop on migration, the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Liaison Bishop for Migrants and Refugees Office, Bishop Joseph Mary...
Fr. Rasello: God has given us the means to enter into the joy and glory of eternal life
Through Christ the Lord will reconcile with us. During this time of Lent this comes as a reminder to us that we are to reconcile with God as He is offering us an opportunity to return to him. https://youtu.be/m9pGic9SEcI
Bishop Phalana: When you stand you become visible
Refuse to bow down like these three young men. Refuse to compromise values, beliefs, and convictions. It is important especially for young men and women today in South Africa to stand against evil, corruption, or wrong doing. In Botswana, South Africa and Eswatini, it...
Bishop Kumalo: Like the people of the Old Testament we are on a journey
We have a long journey and in this journey we are not alone; God is walking with us, giving us hope. Let us keep our eyes fixed on the cross knowing that through it Jesus continues to save us. He is asking us to look at him with the eyes of trust. “Wait for the Lord;...
Bishop Ponce de Leon: Tragically not much has changed
There’s something really wrong in the way we understand the Gospel - Women continue to be treated as objects, they are the main victims of gender-based violence. Amazingly this happens in countries where people will soon be flocking to their Christian churches to...
Fr. Mphela: Only the spirit of God can deliver one from a spiritual exile
People may not be in physical exile, living in their own country, but still be very far from God. This type of separation from God is a spiritual exile or death and it is only the spirit of God that can deliver one from such an exile or death. “Give me justice, O God,...
Archbishop Slattery: The Annunciation is a day of hope and intense joy
God enters our world as one of us, as the son of Mary. The coming of the divine son also places Mary under the shadow of the cross; Simeon told Mary a sword shall pierce your own soul too. There is in the world much suffering today. We learn from Mary to day close to...
Archbishop Nubuasah: Open your heart to Jesus and receive His Message
Jesus did not go to the Feast of the Tabernacles with his brothers but went undercover. Those who met him were not show it was him or not. Midway through the week he speaks to them as the new Moses who leads them to the promised land of heaven. “O God, save me by your...
Some mining companies deny historic justice for sick and dying mine workers
Fr. Stan Muyebe - SACBC Justice and Peace CommissionHumans Rights Day in South Africa is commemorated annually on 21 March in remembrance of the 69 people protesting against apartheid “pass” laws who were shot dead by the police in Sharpeville on this fateful day in...
Fr. Pollitt: God is waiting for us to make a move
We might learn to bargain effectively. The diplomacy of Moses pays off as he convinces God to relent. So, the Lord relented. Our readiness to admit that we’ve often got it wrong and our willingness to return to the Lord mark the beginning of something new. Do we...
Fr. Radine: Sometimes we confuse our distance from God as God’s distance from us
God is at work all the time: seeing the plight of his suffering people. Sometimes, we may confuse our distance from God, on account of our sins, as God’s distance from us. But God is very near to us. In this favourable time of Lent, we can receive that longed-for...
Bishop Selemela: The Lenten journey is a pool of mercy
The Lenten journey is a pool of mercy where we are invited to Jesus to purify our intentions, to part ways with our own sins, and do away with many things that disqualify us as disciples. There is a complainer, blamer, sinner, disloyal and unrepentant in some of us....
Pope Francis appoints Vicar Apostolic of the Apostolic Vicariate of Ingwavuma
The Holy Father has appointed as vicar apostolic of Ingwavuma (South Africa) the Rev. Fr. Vusumuzi Francis Mazibuko, O.M.I, until now parish priest of St. Mary's in Pietermaritzburg, archdiocese of Durban. Curriculum vitae Rev. Fr. Vusumuzi Francis Mazibuko, O.M.I.,...
Bishop Rodrigues: In a real way Joseph is inspired by God
Bishop Rodrigues: In a real way Joseph is inspired by God Joseph loved Mary and had a profound respect for her. Being a just man, he was always open to doing God’s will, and it was in that willingness to do God’s will that Joseph received a message from God to take...
Archbishop Mpako: as Christian believers our calling is to “see” in a different way, in a way that includes God
An important part of the spiritual renewal we are invited to embark upon during the season of Lent is to purify our spiritual lenses, as it were, so that we may come to “see” as God “sees.” We are reminded that as Christian believers our calling is to “see” in a...
Archbishop-Emeritus Daniel: They believed they were better than others
Today, 18 March, is the Memorial of Sat Cyril of Jerusalem, but according to the norms of theLiturgical Calendar of the Catholic Church, during the Period of Lent, the readings must be those ofthe Saturday of the Third Week of Lent, the Saints whose Memorials occur on...
SECAM’s Ten years congratulatory message to Pope Francis
Your Holiness On behalf of the Church in Africa and the Islands, I offer you my congratulations and best wishes for the celebration of the 10th anniversary of your Petrine mission. During the period from 11 March 2023 to 19 March 2023, various liturgical and...
Bishop-Emeritus de Guoveia: Even devout and holy people will fall short of their ideals everyday
St. Francis de Sales said to his people instead of being judgemental and angry with oneself as a worthless sinner penitents should say, “Alas my poor heart! Here we are fallen into the pit we were so firmly resolved to avoid. Well, we must get up again and leave it...
Fr. O’Connor: No matter how dark the day, there is always something to be grateful for
To recognise God’s reign is to recognise that God created us and sustains us. God is worthy of our praise. Our praise is more than just words lifted heavenward, it also includes listening to God. After praise and gratitude, we God a chance to talk. “You have laid down...
Bishop Tsoke: Jesus reminds us God has not abolished the 10 commandments
The Lord still says to us “You shall not steal.” Why do I see nothing wrong with bribery, nepotism and corruption? The Lord still says, “You shall not commit adultery.” So, why do I see nothing wrong in cheating on my husband or wife? Why do we see nothing wrong with...
Bishop Risi: We do forgive, but sometimes we don’t
Our simple prayer is that God may give us the grace to forgive others as he forgives us. Jesus said we must ask and we will receive. We ask for all kinds of things, but we will receive those very important things when we ask Him, when we knock, and when we seek. “To...
Bishop De Groef: They thought they knew, and yet they failed to see
The word of God is sometimes contrary to what social media make us believe. Naaman had his own idea about getting healed from his leprosy. In Nazareth the whole village found it difficult to welcome the message of Jesus which challenged them in their thinking. They...
Archbishop Mpambani: Because of her the whole town comes to meet Jesus
Many believe in Jesus because of the Samaritan woman’s story. She is a summary of how people come to understand Jesus, first as a Jew, then a prophet, then as a Messiah, and as the Saviour of the World. Her past does not hinder her from being a messenger of good news....
Bishop Sipuka: The inhuman, lawless and thuggish NEHAWU strike
Let me be clear, health workers in this country are not appreciated for their value of keeping poor people who cannot afford to go to private hospitals healthy and alive. They care for the poor with great sacrifice, most of the time with inadequate provision of means...
Bishop Emeritus Slattery: God rejoices in showing his mercy to us sinners
The wayward and lost son returning to his forgiving father, is a good image of the sacrament of confession The first words of the Entrance Antiphon sets the tone for the message of today’s Mass: “The Lord is kind and full of compassion”. This is the image of God...
Bishop Sipuka: Let us listen to the voice inside of us that is inviting us to reduce our evil
During this time of Lent, we are invited to move from badness to goodness, to move from sin to holiness. But being used to our sins, it is perhaps not likely that we will abandon our sin completely and immediately, but in the light of today’s first reading, let us...
Pope Francis appoints the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Durban
The Holy Father has appointed as auxiliary bishop of the metropolitan Archdiocese of Durban (South Africa) the Rev. Elias Kwenzakufani Zondi, of the clergy of the same archdiocese, currently vicar general and parish priest of St. James in Lamontville, assigning him...
Fr. Addinall: When is enough, enough?
Yet another example that God does not think the way you and I think. If we are honest most of us live pretty comfortable lives and yet we are still not happy. When is enough, enough? Let us put God first in our lives by spending time in prayer and serving others in...
Cardinal Napier: When people turn against you pray for them
When people turn against you do not hit back, instead pray for them and redouble your efforts to do what will be good for them. “Forsake me not, O Lord! My God, be not far from me! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my strong salvation” (Cf. Ps 37:22-23)...
AFRICA SYNODAL CONTINENTAL ASSEMBLY Final Communiqué: IN AFRICA, THE SYNOD IS ON!
IntroductionIn union with the universal Church, the Church in Africa celebrated the Synodal ContinentalAssembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1st to 6th of March 2023. This Synodal ContinentalAssembly was organised by the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa...
Explore the contents of Pope Francis’s message for Lent
On this year’s Lenten journey, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development wishes to explore the contents of Pope Francis’s message for Lent, in order to offer the Churches around the world an aid to live their Transfiguration in a practical way. This...
Bishop Mbuyisa: We are called to a complete and radical change of heart
Isaiah warns us of the grave repercussions of our actions in our relationship with God and neighbour. Even though it is delivered in a tone of anger it still comes from the place of love, from the God who wants to see us at right with Him and with one another. “Give...
Archbishop Nubuasah: God seeks nothing but our liberation
Sin is ugly as it takes us away from God and our neighbour. Mercy is a two way street; you cannot receive mercy unless it is offered. You cannot offer mercy unless there is someone to receive it, therefore, God waits for us to be ready to receive his mercy. “Redeem...
Archbishop Jwara: I cried as I was driving out of the city
At that instant it was as if the voice was saying to me “Trust in God, He will never deceive you.” It is when we have deep faith that we will obedient to his word. Is when are obedient to his word that we will find it easy to move out of our comfort zones and be where...
Bishop Dlungwane: our conscientious participation in prayer and fasting helps us receive life and love
The reader of these two texts (Deut. 26:16-19 and Matt. 5:43-48), is immediately struck by the familiarity of the language used, and the seriousness of the relationship between the Lord Yahweh and the people of Israel. It is not about familiar earthly rules. God...
Bishop Vanqa: If injury changes then forgiveness transforms
We cannot blame our parents or society for the good we fail to do. Each of us is held to account for our own life. Many of us would prefer penitential rituals than approach a person and say, “look we cannot go on like this”. It is far easier to seek reconciliation...
Bishop Rucastle: showing respecting is not doing someone a favour
We must be respectful because it is the right thing to do. We shouldn’t only be nice to other people just so we can expect a reward or expect them to be good to us; we should do it because it is the right thing to do. We are enriched by the experience of respecting...
UN and SACBC Nation-wide Survey: To end violence against women go out to meet men in taverns and challenge them to return to God
By: SACBC Justice and Peace CommissionThe UN and SACBC nation-wide survey with men in taverns highlight the importance of family in ending violence against women. In the previous years, SACBC Justice and Peace has been working with United Nations in implementing a...
Bishop Zungu: Conversion is directed to God’s faithful and people of goodwill
The perfect response to this call of conversion is faith. The people of Nineveh are a good example to us. In our context is the turning of our minds and hearts to the truth revealed by Jesus Christ. This faith in Jesus moves us to compassion in opening our eyes to the...
Bishop Musialek: In our times too God reveals Himself
His word is not an empty word; it is a life-giving word. Reading the Bible and listening to the word of God can draw us deeper into union with God Himself. When we read the Bible we pray with the words of God, because the Bible is the book in which God Himself is...
CONTINENTAL SYNOD ASSEMBLY FOR THE CHURCH IN AFRICA
The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) wishes to inform you of the gathering of delegates from across the continent and its islands for a Continental Synod Assembly which takes place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from the 1st to...
Bishop Kizito: Be holy, be detached from the wealth and the goods of this world
The gospel gives us the ways of being holy. By you reaching out to other people, the hungry, strangers, the naked, those on the streets, the Lord blesses you and you become holy. Let us use our resources in helping us to be holy. Like the eyes of slaves on the hand of...
Archbishop Brislin: We need to strengthen ourselves spiritually
We have a tendency of blaming others. We too should say to the devil, “Be gone,” get out of our lives, but we can’t blame the devil for our sins; it is we who give in to temptations. We need to strengthen ourselves spiritually in order to be able to fight against the...
Bishop Emeritus Dowling: Where does the Lord want to lead me during this time of Lent?
Instead of cause hurt to others we take the cause of helping and supporting others. Then God promises your light will rise in the darkness. We can ask, “Is there any darkness in me which needs conversion? Like bitterness after being let down by someone I trusted....
Bishop Masela: We can become true witnesses to the faith we profess
Our praying, almsgiving and fasting must not become like external rituals that do not express an honest and genuine relation with God and other people. The practice of social justice and the need to reach out to others remain a challenge that we all face.The Lord...
Khanya House spirit-filled Ash Wednesday recollection
The Day of a recollection for Khanya House staff, the administrative office of the SACBC in Pretoria, went well, and was a spirit-filled moment for every member of the house. The recollection was led prayerfully by Fr. Dikotsi Mofokeng, a staff and formator at St....
Bishop Rose: We have a privilege of living out our freedom
Lent is the time when we are given this wonderful opportunity to become people who live ever better with our freedom. Small is beautiful; we need not always to be bigger, faster and richer, even in small things there is great beauty. When I cried to the Lord, he heard...
Bishop Duncan Tsoke: Promise the Lord you will return to the Sacrament of Penance
In our generation we are failing to discover the power of God's mercy because we have lost a sense of sin. There are a lot of things our society is doing which are sins but we no longer see them of sins. We even celebrate sins as if it's something positive, a human...
SACBC appoints new Associate Secretary General
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference welcomes Sr Dominica Mkhize FSF as the newAssociate Secretary General. She is replacing Sr Phuthunywa Siyali HC who has been elected asthe Provincial Leader of the Southern Province of the Holy Cross Sisters. Sr...
Apostolic Nuncio Says Church in Southern Africa is “young” and “very alive”
By Sheila PiresThe outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa, Archbishop Peter Brian Wells, has lauded the Catholic Church in Southern Africa for being a “young” and “very alive” Church. https://youtu.be/t2AbGS2g31o In a recent interview with Radio Veritas about his...
Caritas pleads for floods relief in Eastern Cape
Caritas South Africa is the helping hand of the church reaching out with love to the poor, vulnerableand excluded ones, regardless of their race or religion. We can accompany through the media manyparts of South Africa where the heavy rains and floods have affected...
Pope Francis appoints Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Peter Wells, to Asia
On the 08 February 2023 noon, in the Vatican City State, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed The Most Reverent Peter Bryan Wells, Titular Archbishop of Marcianopolis, Apostolic Nuncio of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini, as Apostolic Nuncio...
SECAM on the visit of Pope Francis: “Joy and deep gratitude are the feelings of the African people”
“Joy and deep gratitude are the feelings of the African people after the historic visit of the Holy Father, Pope Francis,” are the words expressed by the Secretary General of SECAM Fr. Rafael Simbine. Pope Francis travelled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo...
Bishop Kizito: May February be dedicated to Human Trafficking Awareness
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ The Feast of St Bakhita, brings to mind the plight of those who have been trafficked, stripped of their dignity and their fundamental human rights. We continue to ask that the month of February be dedicated to Human Trafficking...
COMMUNIQUE OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN CATHOLIC BISHOPS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR JANUARY 2023 PLENARY SESSION
“We, the bishops of the Catholic Church in Southern Africa, gathered for our plenary session in Pretoria from the 17th to the 24th of January 2023, give thanks to God for the opportunity ofmeeting to reflect on several issues facing us in our Conference area. We are...
Archbishop Peter Wells: “We are celebrating a milestone”
Sunday 22nd January was chosen by the SACBC to celebrate the 75 years of the establishment of the bishops’ conference of Southern Africa and the 100 of the apostolic representation in Southern Africa. The first appointee as a Papal Representative to South Africa was...
Archbishop Slattery on 75 and 100 Years: “let us continue to enrich the world-wide Church as African Christians”
In the homily on the occasion of the celebration of 75 years anniversary of the SACBC, and 100 years of the Apostolic representation, Archbishop Willian Slattery said Matthew in the Gospel today invites those present to see, to discern the light, because Jesus invites...
SACBC Plenary Day 4
Rev. Sy Mamabolo and Mr. Mosotho Moepya from the Electoral Commission Mr. Shaka Dzebu and Fr. Stan Muyebe, O.P. of Justice and Peace On the Friday, 20th January, the 4th day of the SACBC Plenary Session, it was a turn for the Department for the Formation, Life and...
SACBC Plenary Day 3
The third day of the plenary of the SACBC, 19 January, started with a report by Archbishop Stephen Brislin from the Vision Committee which was tasked in the August Plenary session to research the possibility of establishing a Pontifical Academic Institution in the...
SACBC President Plenary Address says Jesus loves the poor but they must be responsible citizens
In the Opening Address of the plenary the President of the SACBC, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, welcomed all to the first plenary of 2023, with a special mention of the Holy Father's representative, Archbishop Peter Wells, of whom he said expresses visible unity between...
SACBC Plenary Opening Mass: “We too have to constantly stave off many temptations”
The Plenary Session of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) started on 17 January 2023 in Pretoria on the Feast Day of St. Anthony of Egypt, where the Mass was presided over by the President of the Conference Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, attended...
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 31st World Day of the Sick
The World Day of the Sick in 2023 will be on the 11th of February, and the theme the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has given to this day is ‘“Take care of him” Compassion as a synodal exercise of healing’. The Pope starts his message by saying illness is part of our...
Pope Francis: Someone’s life and future cannot be entrusted to an algorithm
Participants at the "Rome Call" meeting promoted by the Pontifical Academy of Life and the RenAIssance Foundation where the audience of Pope Francis on the 10 January 2023. Among them were Eliezer Simha Weisz and Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah, Mr Brad Smith, President of...
Local Schedule of Events for the Death of Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus
South Africa: Mass – Wednesday, 11 January at 17:00, Pius X, PretoriaCondolence Book, Nunciature, 4 -6 January 9:00 to 11:00 Botswana: Mass – Monday, 9 January at 17:30, Christ the King Cathedral, GaboroneA Condolence Book will be opened at the Cathedral from 17:00 on...
DEATH OF POPE EMERITUS BENEDICT XVI: CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FROM SECAM
The Church Family of God in Africa and Madagascar welcomed with great sadness and deep emotion the news of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Saturday, December 31, 2022. This great servant of God who returns to the Father’s house in all serenity during the...
Indications regarding the Exposition and the Funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
The remains of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will rest at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery until the early morning of Monday 2 January; no official visits or public prayers are foreseen. On the same day, starting at 9am, the body will be exposed for the visit of the...
Statement on the passing away of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
We learnt with sadness from the Apostolic Nuncio in Southern Africa this morning about the passing on of Pope Benedict the XVI. While he was inactive as Pope by the time of his death, his silent and prayerfulsupport for the Church was a source of strength for Pope...
Bishop Sipuka: “Christmas is a reminder that ‘Man does not live by bread alone'”
Christmas Message 2022 Last year’s Christmas was described by one article as “not so jolly” because while there was a bit of a reprieve and lesser stringent measures, the Omicron variant of the virus was still looming large and wearing masks and sanitisation was still...
New St. John Vianney Seminary rector appointed
On the 20th of December the Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation announced that Rev. Fr. Wellington Ncedo Siwundla, till now the Liturgy Father and the Head of Pastoral Department at St JohnVianney Seminary, has been appointed as the New Rector of St John...
The Holy Father has accepted the resignation of Bishop Peter John Holiday
The Holy Father has accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Kroonstad, Bishop Peter John Holiday. Bishop Emeritus Holiday is very grateful for the time spent in Kroonstad and appreciative of all the prayers and help that he has received over the years during...
Bishop Vanqa with Catholic young people walking together in communion
“Catholic young people walking together in communion, participating in life and mission of the Church” is the theme of the 5th Youth and Young Adults conference of the SACBC taking place from 7 to 11 December 2022 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bloemfontein. The...
Former South African ambassador to the Holy See, George Johannes, has died.
Ambassador George Johannes died on 30 November 2022 at the Generalate House of the Missionaries of Mariannhill in Rome, where he had been staying with the community of Mariannhill priests and brothers from November 2021. Further information on the repatriation of the...
IMBISA SUMMARY ON THE SYNODAL PROCESS
INTRODUCTIONIt was with great joy that the IMBISA region received the summons of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, to take part in the preparation of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops on synodality. The invitation was greeted with enthusiasm. However, some were pessimistic,...
DHPI visit to Nampula: “the situation on the
ground flatly contradicts official statistics”
The Denis Hurley Peace Institute of the SACBC had an extensive travel through out Nampula Province, 15-24 November 2022, to assess the situation on the ground regarding the internally displaced persons. The DHPI reports that despite the ongoing attacks in Cabo...
16 days of Activism: How can we help to end violence in Catholic families?
Opening Prayer: God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, and always just: You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind,...
Form Chapter 9 Anti-Corruption Institution: Civil Society applauds Catholic Bishops
Civil society organizations have applauded the Catholic Bishops for the call that they recently made on the government to establish chapter anti-corruption institution. In their statement released by Bishop Sipuka on 3rd November, the bishops raised...
SACBC Justice and Peace Commission, and civil societies raise concerns about electoral reforms
SACBC Justice and Peace Commission has been working with other civil society organizations, under the umbrella of Defend Democracy Campaign, making sure that the electoral reforms meet the constitutional muster and the need for greater accountability of elected...
The legacy of an Irish missionary in South Africa
On 16 November, the Diocese of Tzaneen in South Africa celebrates the 50th anniversary of its establishment by decree of Pope Paul VI with Irish-born, John Durkin, as its first bishop. This is a typical story of how Irish and other missionaries built the Catholic...
IMBISA Theological Reflections on Synodal Process to be Published in New Book
From webinars to book publishing: editorial policy and process in a Synodal Church Catholic Theologians from the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) met at the Europrime Hotel Conference centre in Boksburg, South Africa for the concluding...
Bakhita Project workshop on human-trafficking
Due to the civil unrest that recently erupted in Manzini with the killing of two policemen and following the advice of the Bishop of Manzini, bishop José Ponce de Leon, the Bakhita Project Workshop planned to take place in eSwatini was transferred to Lumko Retreat...
STATEMENT OF SACBC IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ON STATE CAPTURE COMMISSION
We, the bishops of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, have noted the President’s implementation plan for the State Capture Report. We welcome the broad reforms that the president has proposed to remedy the gaps in the country’s system of...
Pope Francis to African youth: “when young people stop dreaming countries come to an end.”
On the 1st November 2022 the Holy Father spoke to the university students of Africa about building bridges across Africa. Nine young people from nine different countries representing more than 30 universities had a chance to each comment and ask a question to Pope...
Building bridges across Africa: African University Students to speak to the Pope
In the Message on the occasion of the synodal encounter between Pope Francis and University Students from Across Africa, prepared by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the Cardinal said in spite of several remarkable achievements registered over decades of evangelization,...
2022 St. John Vianney Seminary Graduations: “The moral fibre of our society is facing huge challenges”
The 2022 graduation ceremony for the SACBC national seminary, St. John Vianney Seminary, took place on Friday, 21 October 2022, at the seminary in Pretoria. These graduations were for the academic year 2021-2022 and this time 32 students were conferred with their...
Bishop Ponce de Leon laments yet another killing of members of police
In his pastoral letter to the People of God in the Diocese of Manzini, eSwatini, Bishop Jośe Luis Ponce de León said it is unfortunate that, “In eSwatini it is becoming more and more that our choice is death”. This he said in reference to his quoting of the Book of...
Bishop Sipuka on the late Fr. Nolan: “A beacon of hope for the poor and oppressed”
A beacon of hope for the poor and oppressed In his letter of condolences to the Provincial Superior of the Dominicans, Fr. Myke Mwale, the President of the SACBC, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, said the news of the passing on of Fr. Albert Nolan OP reached them with a mix...
Pope: Synod Assembly of Bishops to be held in 2023 and 2024
“In order to provide more time for extended discernment, I have established that this Synodal Assembly will take place in two sessions: The first on 4-29 October 2023 and the second in October 2024." said Pope Francis. The Synod Secretariat said the extension fits in...
60 Years ago Archbishop McCann left for Rome and the Second Vatican Council
Tuesday, 11 October 2022, marked the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. The Council took place from 1962 to 1965 and ended up producing 16 documents after the oversight of three Popes. It was the 21 Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church...
Veritas Vincit: A 175 years milestone for St. Augustine Primary
The St. Augustine’s Primary School in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), turned 175 years in the year 2022 since it was founded by Father Corcoran in 1847, who served as parish priest and principal of the school. Back then it was a two-storey building where the McSherry Hall...
Season of Creation: reflect on Francis’ legacy, faith, and his significance today
The Archdiocese of Johannesburg marked the end of its season of creation on the 4th of October with a Mass celebrated at the parish of St. Francis of Assisi, Vanderbijlpark. The Mass was celebrated by the Dean of the Deanery of Vaal, Fr. Solomon Mphela, preceded by...
Bishop Sipuka at IMBISA: “There will always be a Lazarus at our gate, in need”
The 13th IMBISA Plenary Session in Windhoek Namibia started on the 22nd of September and will end 27th September. Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the President of the SACBC, gave a homily at the Mass celebrated on Sunday, 25th September. Giving caution...
25 September: Day of prayer for migrants and refugees
In his August 2022 letter to the cardinal, archbishops, bishops, monsignors, priests, religious, deacons and all people of God, the SACBC Liaison Bishop, Bishop Joseph Kizito, concerning the commemoration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees to be celebrated on...
Update on the human rights crisis in Cabo Delgado
The Denis Hurley Peace institute Director, Johan Viljoen, and Mickaël Repellin, the African Program Coordinator of the Franciscans International, are to moderate an online briefing of the human rights crisis in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. The briefing is to take place...
SACBC Solidarity Visit to Jagersfontein dam collapse victims
On Monday, 12 September 2022, Archbishop Zolile Mpambani, the Archbishop of Bloemfontein, conducted a pastoral visit to the parish and communities affected by the mine dam collapse at Jagersfontein. As a follow up to his visit, the Justice and Peace of the...
Archbishop Inacio Saure: “I spontaneously felt the desire to say frankly to the killers: You are insensitive and truly ungrateful”
“Our sincerest gratitude for your message of condolences and fraternal solidarity of yesterday,” said Archbishop Inacio Saure, the President of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique to Bishop Sipuka, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference...
Pope Francis mourns death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II
Pope Francis sends his condolences to King Charles III and the people of the United Kingdom for the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and praises her “life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth”. “I assure Your Majesty of my prayers that...
SACBC submitted a Synod Synthesis Report
The SACBC in August 2022 submitted its synthesis report on the synodal process which took place in various dioceses of the conference. The synthesis was presented at the Plenary Meeting of the bishops in August 2022 in Mariannhill, and was formatted according to the...
Pope John Paul I is now a Blessed
Pope Francis presided over the beatification Mass of Pope John Paul I, recalling how his smile communicated the goodness of the Lord. He encouraged everyone to learn from the Lord on how to love without limits and be a Church with a happy, serene and smiling face,...
Archbishop Mpako: “outgrow the approach of seeing the Church as some kind of a spiritual supermarket”
The episcopal ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria, Bishop Masilo John Selemela took place on the Saturday 03 September 2022 at Moreletapark, Pretoria, presided over by the Archbishop of Pretoria, Archbishop Dabula Mpako as the main consecrator, and Bishop...
Catholic Schools Office: “Children don’t have to have money to sing”
“Children don’t have to have to have money to sing”, said Dr. Evona Rebelo of the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) referring to the Catholic Schools Choir Festival in Cape Town which was held on the 14th and 28th August 2022. The festival has been running for 20 years...
Archbishop Tlhagale: “If you change the text of the Mass as you wish, then clearly you are in the wrong place.”
“If you change the text of the Mass as you wish, then clearly you are in the wrong place,” said Archbishop Buti Tlhagale in his address to the permanent deacons of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg dated 19th August 2022. The Archbishop addressed a series of issues...
Kidnapped Sisters of Jesus the Saviour released
The Generalate of The Sisters of Jesus the Saviour in Nigeria send out a communication on the 23 August 2022 to announce that the sisters, who were kidnapped on their way to Mass on the 21 August, have been safely released. "With heart full of joy, the Sisters of...
We stand with the poor when multinational corporations violate their human rights
Inspired by the Catholic Social Teaching, the SACBC Justice and Peace Commission continues to stand in solidarity with the poor in South Africa who are victims of massive human rights violations perpetrated by powerful multinational corporations and domestic...
Safe relinquishment: Finding solutions to South Africa’s child abandonment and late-term abortion crisis
High levels of crisis pregnancies in South Africa and limited options lead large numbers of desperategirls and women to abandon their babies in unsafe circumstances, or seek out late-term abortions. Thiscan result in death or injury to the child and the mother. The...
There is going to be a lot of need for exorcisms in the near future
“The greatest sin is that people have lost a sense of sin… There is going to be a lot of need for exorcisms in the near future,” said some of the priest participants at the SACBC Exorcism Workshop that took place from 15 – 18 August 2022, at the Lumko Institute,...
Archbishop Mpanbani: Church in South Africa called to become a wounded healer
From 10th to 12th August, the SACBC Justice and Peace Commission and the Institute for the Healing of Memories organized a healing of memories workshop for the priests in the Archdiocese of Bloemfontein. During the workshop, Archbishop Zolile Mpambani reminded the...
Prayer campaign for Southern Africa
At the back of the Statement on the Economy, High Levels of Unemployment, and Cost of Living the bishops of the SACBC are inviting their faithful brothers and sisters to join with them in reciting the below prayer daily in homes, schools, at gatherings and at the end...
The African Continent Catholic Family: SECAM – IMBISA – SACBC – Diocese – Parish
Although you can be a temple of the Holy Spirit by yourself, you cannot be Church by yourself. So, as a Catholic in Eswatini, Botswana and South Africa, you belong to a parish, then possibly a deanary, then a Diocese or Vicariate, then SACBC, the IMBISA then SECAM as...
The SACBC Statement on the Economy, High Levels of Unemployment, and Cost of Living
The bishops of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference say they are concerned about “the current high levels of unemployment and the rising cost of living and how they disproportionately impact the lives of those at the margins of the economy.” The bishops...
Bishop Cawcutt to be buried on 17 August
Bishop Reginald Michael Cawcutt, Emeritus Auxiliary Bishop, will be buried on 17 August 2022 at Maitland Cemetary. He will be buried among some of the deceased bishops and priests of the Arcdiocese. His Requiem Mass will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians parish,...
SACBC Plenary: Seminary, ministry of the clergy, apostolate of the laity
Thursday morning 4th of August, the outgoing St. John Vianney Seminary, and now the Auxiliary Bishop-Elect, Mgr John Selemela gave a report on the state of the seminary which has commenced its second semester on the 19th of July 2022. The rector noted that due to the...
SACBC Plenary: Mission, Seminary, socio-political situation, and professional conduct
On Wednesday morning, 05 August 2022, the bishops of the SACBC discussed a possible establishment of a body that might be called the SACBC Missionary Commission which would fall under the SACBC Council for Evangelisation.This commission would represent the missionary...
SACBC Plenary: Property rates, boundaries, synod and catechists
The SACBC plenary meeting is underway at the Mariannhill Monastery in Pinetown. The meeting started the afternoon on Monday the 1st of August with the Admin Board meeting as usual, and it will also end with the admin board meeting of Friday Morning. Compared will the...
Message of the 19th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)
The 19th Plenary Assembly of the SYMPOSIUM OF EPISCOPAL CONFERENCES OF AFRICA AND MADAGASCAR (SECAM) took place from July 25 to August 1, 2022 in Accra, Ghana on the theme: “Ownership of SECAM: Security and Migration in Africa and the Islands.”At the end of this...
Thembi Kgatlana: “I am a Catholic, and I’m very strong in my faith”
“I am very happy, full of jubilation, everything you would want to feel”, said Thembi Kgahlana, the Banyana Banyana striker on the 27th July in an interview with the SACBC. She said she is thinking especially about every person who made sure that the way is paved for...
Msgr Anton Borras: The fruits of the apostolic work of Opus Dei will continue to benefit the local church
For the protection of the charism of Opus Dei By the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium, published on 19 March 2022, Pope Francis reorganised the Roman Curia. The Article 117 establishes that the Dicastery for the Clergy will oversee personal prelatures,...
More needs to be done to protect South Africa’s democracy
The SACBC Justice and Peace Commission, through its chairperson Bishop Joao Rodriques, has joined more than 100 civil society organizations in the country in signing the declaration to defend democracy in South Africa. The declaration was issued at...
Holy See: Germany’s synodal path cannot make doctrinal decisions
"In order to protect the freedom of the People of God and the exercise of the episcopal ministry, it seems necessary to clarify that the 'Synodal Path' in Germany does not have the faculty to oblige bishops and the faithful to assume new forms of governance and new...
5th General Caritas SA Assembly: the crisis revealed the heroic service of Caritas and its vulnerabilities
The 5th General Assembly of Caritas South Africa (Caritas SA) which started with an opening prayer by its President Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba of Umzimkulu took place virtually on the 20th July 2022. The participants, who are representatives of different diocese within...
Pope Francis appoints Rev. Fr. John Selemela Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pretoria (South Africa) the Rev. Fr. Masilo John Selemela, of the clergy of Tzaneen, currently Rector of the National Major Seminary of St. John Vianney, assigning him...
On fatal gun shootings in Soweto, Katlehong and Pietermaritzburg
In an interview with ACIAfrica the spokesperson of the SACBC Archbishop Stephen Brislin of Cape Town said they are calling on the government to protect its citizens because the people in South Africa have a right to be protected. “It seems to me that there is a...
Pope Francis: “I have no intention of resigning, not for the moment.”
In an interview with Televisa Univision’s streaming service ViX, Pope Francis discusses his health and the possibility of resigning, as well as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the fight against abuse of minors. He also talks about abortion and politics, saying...
Bishop Sipuka’s diocesan pastoral letter touches on Eskom and Enyobeni tavern tragedy
In his July pastoral letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Mthatha, Bishop Sithembele Siphuka started by aiming his focus on “Reflection on life” with a reminder of the famous saying“An unexamined life is not worth living”. He says as he approaches the 7th decade...
The touching remarks and message of Bishop Rebello on his experience with migrants and refugees
Bishop Anthony Rebello said it was in 1989, when he was in Angola during the peak of the war where he experienced a lot of people migrating from their homes to safe places in other parts of the country. He said they were walking for many kilometers. Making this remark...
DHPI and partners ask President Ramaphosa to remind G7 Leaders to not ignore crises in Africa
Due to growing concern about the way crises in Africa (and elsewhere in the world) are being ignored because of the war in Ukraine the DHPI (Denis Hurley Peace Institute) worked with its partner organization Crisis Action (they received a request for this from the...
Unborn Lives Matter: U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe vs Wade
The U.S. Supreme court has over-ruled a landmark ruling which made abortion up to birth a constitutional right. The decision does not abolish access to abortion but hands the power to individual American states to decide what their abortion laws might be. Elyssa Koren...
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale: World Refugee Day – “Everyone has the right to seek safety”
STATEMENT WORLD REFUGEE DAY – 20 JUNE 2022 Every person on this planet has a right to seek safety – whoever they are, wherever they come from and whenever they are forced to flee. Each year on June 20, the world celebrates World Refugee Day. This year, the UNHCR chose...
Bishop Thulani Mbuyisa ordained the new Bishop of Kokstad
The episcopal ordination of Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa C.M.M as the 5th Bishop of Kokstad since it was elevated to a diocese in 1951 took place on the 11th June 2022. The ordination was graced by the presence of 23 bishops, among them three bishops from Lesotho and...
Summer School on “Migration and Social Transformation” an unqualified success
Over the period 23 May to 5 June, DHPI in collaboration with the Faculty of International Social Work of the University of Applied Sciences Wurzburg-Schweinfurt (FHWS) in Germany and the Scalabrini Centre for Migration Studies (CSEM) in Brazil, and supported by...
SACC Statement on Ramaphosa revelations and allegations
7 June 2022 Statement From the desk of the General Secretary, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana SACC WILL NOT BE RUSHED INTO A PUBLIC STATEMENT The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has heard the challenge made by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) today, and...
SACBC Statement on Church attack in Nigeria
6 June 2022 It is with shock and distress that we learned about the massacre of more than 50 Catholics during the Pentecost Day Mass on Sunday, 5 June 2022, in Ondo Diocese, Nigeria It is most disheartening and contradictory that when we celebrate a model of unity of...
SACBC Migrants and Refugees: People of Hope
SACBC's Response to the Plight of Migrants and Refugees https://youtu.be/A9qps_Oe3Wc
REV FRANK CHIKANE & SACC DELEGATION RETURN FROM PASTORAL AND SOLIDARITY
VISIT TO THE HOLY LAND
By: SACC JOHANNESBURG: 2 June 2022 - From 24-27 May 2022, a South African Council of Churches (SACC) delegation joined former SACC General Secretary and Vice-President, the Rev Frank Chikane on his pastoral visit to Palestine/Israel, fulfilling his commitment to...
Strengthening South-South Dialogue on Global Migration
By: Sheila Pires Religious Sisters, Representatives from Catholic Charity Organisations, Professors from different countries in Africa, Europe and Latin America, Social workers and students from the German University of Wurzburg gathered at Padre Pio Conference Centre...
Pope Francis to lead the Rosary for Peace
As it was noted on the press release on the 26 March 2022 by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of New Evangelisation the Holy Father will lead the rosary prayer for peace as “a sign of hope to the world, suffering from the conflict in Ukraine, and deeply...
Bishop Kizito on Migrantion: For me one of my aims is to work with the Home Affairs
At the beginning of the second day of the workshop on Migration on the Diocese of Bethlehem and Cross-Borders, Bishop Joseph Kizito of the SACBC Migrants and Refugees Office thanked the organizers for having invited the brothers and sisters from Lesotho. Speaking in...
Strengthening Justice and Peace through Laudato si’ goals
At the SACBC Justice and Peace Department had a workshop on Laudato Si Fr. Stan Muyebe, appealed to the participants to make sure they are at the center of implementation of SACBC Pastoral plan in their diocese, particularly the sections on care of creation. The...
Food parcels donation by Caritas Durban to flood victims
On Saturday, 14 May 2022, Caritas Durban led by its President Archbishop Mandla Jwara accompanied His Excellence, Archbishop Peter Wells, the Nuncio to Southern Africa together with his First Secretary, Monsignor Dario Paviša, to visit 3 of the areas that were...
Establishing Caritas Kimberley and Migrants and Refugees Office
Sr. Maria with parish representatives of the Diocese of Kimberley “Caritas is reality of the Church in many parts of the world and must still seek a greater expansion in the different parishes and communities to renew what took place in the early days of the Church,”...
Pope Francis: “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.”
In his message of the 9th May titled “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees” for the 108 World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2022, the Holy Father sends a reminder that the ultimate meaning of our “journey” in this world is the search for our true homeland,...
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale: Causes of forced migration, challenges posed by forced migration, the way out, and the pastoral vision
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale on behalf of the The SACBC Migrants and Refugees Office made a presentation to the Multi-Religious Council of Leaders on the 09 May 2022. The online meeting was attended by various leaders of various religious from different parts of the...
A Coordinated and Sustainable Response to Migrants and Refugees
"I learned that you can be migrant even within your own community, in our parish we are not that concerned about reaching out to migrants and refugees, I will try hard to create a group/ committee to look at working with migrants and refugees in our parish," said...
Caritas Africa: Crisis in Ukraine? Attention to the suffering of people in sub-Saharan Africa has dropped
On Tuesday 26th April, diplomats from governments and UN agencies meet in Geneva to take stock of aid efforts on the drought across the Horn of Africa region. In its statement regarding the dire situation in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa regions Caritas Africa...
Caritas Mthatha responds to the flood victims
By: Thembekile Kanise The Catholic Diocese of Mthatha is one of the areas affected by floods that engulfed South Africa. The area affected the most is Port St John's where an estimated 420 families were left destitute after heavy rains swept their homes. These rains...
Pope Francis: May there be peace for the entire African continent
The Holy Father Pope Francis expressed his prayerful solidarity with the people of South Africa who have been affected by the devastating floods in his annual Easter blessing of "Urbi et Orbi" on the 17 April 2022, Easter Sunday. He expressed also his hope for peace...
To the Priests of Southern Africa
Dear Brother Priests,“I call you friends” (John 15:15)We rejoice together with you in the very special grace we have received in our calling to share inthe priestly ministry of Our Lord Jesus Christ.In addressing this letter to you, dear brothers, we are also...
Love as Jesus loved
We must learn to serve others in the way Jesus serves them, and to love as Jesus loves them. We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered. Cf. Gal 6.14...
Vatican Migrants and Refugees: Migrant workers discrimination and inequalities
The Vatican Migrants and Refugees third bulletin deals with Migrant workers discrimination and inequalities. It states that the reality shows cases of unfair access to the labour market for migrant workers and differences in standards between local and migrant...
A call to renew our connectedness to Jesus
Have you traded your integrity for power, riches, fame or immoral relationships? Jesus’ message is always that of love, forgiveness and helping the needy. The period of Lent is challenging us to renew our connectedness with Him. In the name of Jesus, every knee should...
Most of human life is a mixture of joy and sorrow
Wonderful good, salvation, comes out of this tragic happenings. Joyous elation and suffering walk side by side. While recall the suffering and death of Jesus we know also that He has risen. Similarly during Eastertide we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection while we also...
Jesus is preparing for us a new life
During Holy Week it is easy for us to lose sight of the Father. Jesus is preparing for us a new life. This new life is given to us even during our earthly days through the gifts, the fruits, and the grace of the Holy Spirit. God the Father longs for each of us to...
God knows are suffering
It is wonderful to know that God knows are suffering. Prayers of the poor and the suffering do not fall on deaf ears, they are heard. Jesus in his suffering absorbs our pain, and makes pain an instrument of salvation. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed are you, who have...
Archbishop Brislin: “Mob justice, no justice at all”
In an interview with ACI Africa, Archbishop Stephen Brislin condemned attacks that have reportedly targeted undocumented foreign nationals. He described them as dehumanizing and said mob violence “is no justice at all”. “Let's respect the laws and let's stop the...
Getting back to Easter is our ultimate goal
Ultimately, we should ask ourselves what we would have done if we were part of the meeting with the high priest. Would you stand with Jesus even if others were hostile or would you back down? So let us reflect today on how we treat each other. We should always...
He gives us life each day
We fail to see the good works God does in our lives. He gives us life each day. We are always questioning the works of God. We become blind when we fail to see the marvels that God does in our lives. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in distress. Deliver me from the...
We too can obtain the fruit the Word promises
Whoever keeps my word will never see death. If we keep the word of God in our hearts, and reflect on it, and pray about it, we too can obtain the fruit that it promises, internal life. Christ is mediator of a New Covenant, so that by means of his death, those...
Pope Francis appoints a new bishop of Kokstad
His Holiness, Pope Francis, has appointed Rev. Fr. Thulani Victor Mbuyisa, CMM, till now the Superior General of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Marrianhill, as the Bishop of the Diocese of Kokstad. Curriculum vitae His Excellency, Monsignor Thulani Victor...
Make the words of Jesus a reality
Isn’t this true of the society today? That we believe in Christ, but we are still sinful. Belief is one thing, acting on that believe is very different, and probably more important. Faith without works is dead. My deliverer from angry nations, you set me above my...
The LCCL SA new executive and resolutions
In its annual general meeting which took place from the 28th to 31st March 2022 the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life of Southern Africa elected the following members to the new Executive Committee: Fr Siphelele Gwanisheni OFM – President, Sr Stephany Thiel OP...
It is possible that God wants more from you
We must realise that Father has sent us; we each have a mission in life. We know that God has a very specific mission and calling for us. Our lives are filled with ordinary activities that make up the will of God. It is possible that God wants more from you. Wait for...
God’s light brings healing and freedom
Jesus is saying that He is the one true light which no one can extinguish. The light Jesus came to give is the light of God’s revelation. This light of God exposes the darkness of sin that is in our lives. Which is sometimes hidden and unknown to us. God’s light...
Christ’s forgiveness is immediate and total if we are truly sorry
Many of us have been in compromising situations that we are not proud of and tend to condemn ourselves for our foolishness. No matter how bad we sin, Christ’s forgiveness is immediate and total if we are truly sorry for our sinfulness. Give me justice, O God, and...
Many are the trials of the just man
We need to grow closer to God, not just as individuals but as a community of believers. The world does not like to see a righteous man doing what is right. Let us ask God that through our individual effort we may see the community of believers also becoming righteous....
“There is no conflict between science and religion”: Bishop Sipuka to the High School
“There is no conflict between science and religion because science informs us about the fact of God’s creation and our faith or religion tells us about the meaning of that creation,” said Bishop Sithembele Sipuka in his homily at the grand opening of the science lab...
Seek Him ten times more
As we continue our Lenten journey, an opportune time for our inner conversion, we are invited to seek Christ who is the truth, the way, and the life. Seek Him ten times more. Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek...
LCCL SA to launch Talita Kum, to end human trafficking
On the 9th April 2022, the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life – Southern Africa (LCCLSA) will launch the Talitha Kum Project. The launching event will be carried live on Radio Veritas between 2pm and 3pm. Talitha Kum is an international coalition of Networks of...
All Lenten penance has a purpose
All Lenten penance has a purpose, to love God more. Like Jesus, when we serve the Lord, people out there seek ways of either doing us harm or putting us down. We continue to make a self-introspection, and trying to be more like Christ. I pray to you, O Lord, for a...
We are called upon to stand and walk.
As human beings we a flawed, we are wounded, forever in need of a healing from God. The readings point us to He who will bring us healing, Christ Jesus. We may be in paralysis, finding ourselves unable to do anything for ourselves but in Christ there is...
The Word of God brings us hope
The Word of God has the power to transform our lives. Let the word of Christ be the focus of your prayer, fasting and almsgiving, for the Word of God brings us health, healing and hope. Let us allow Christ to transform our lives during this Lenten Season. As for me, I...
A new ACTS Mpumalanga University launched in Nelspruit
On the 26th of March 2022, the ACTS (Association of Catholic Tertiary Students) National Chaplain Fr Mthembeni Dlamini CMM, together with the Executive members, Mr Onnalenna Kenosi (ACTS President) and Ms Boipelo Dladla (Secretary for Media and Publicity) and Ms...
We need to rejoice with the Father
The love and mercy of God towards sinners. We need to rejoice with the Father at the return of his prodigal sons of his sons and daughters to the Church. We need to learn to be merciful towards the weaknesses and failings of others. We who are strong ought to put up...
Humility leads us to ask for mercy
Humility is nothing more, nothing less that truth. To know who I am, nothing more, nothing less before God. To see myself rightly. And when we see ourselves rightly in the presence of God we do not lay claim to what we have done to our many merits. We ask the one...
Joining the Holy Father in the consecration of Russia and Ukraine
The prayer for the Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate of Heart of Mary will basically take place throughout the region of SACBC in different prayer settings, with some bishops having already indicated how it will take place in their dioceses. In the...
God is with us
Everyday, Christians strive to follow the path of holiness and charity traced out for us by the Lord, and exemplified in such an excellent way in our Lady. This Lenten Season, in obedience to God’s will, we intensify our prayer and acts of mercy, with faith and...
Man’s wisdom and privilege is to listen to God
The teaching Jesus Christ is the real voice of God Himself. A chance of eternal life does not mean certainty of salvation. A proud heart leads to an attitude that is opposed to God. In our hearts we are making decisions. I am the salvation of the people, says the...
Bishop Joao Rodrigues: Rosary in solidarity with Pope Francis
Dear People of God, Due to the tragic war unfolding in Ukraine, Pope Francis will lead an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Feast of the Annunciation this Friday March 25. The Pope will make the prayer in St Peter’s...
The fruits of the Lenten discipline must be safeguarded
Let my steps be guided by your promise; may evil never rule me. Cf. Ps 118.133 Even ourselves in the period of Lent, the period of repentance, as it frees us from the slavery of sin, this freedom must be safeguarded. The fruits of the Lenten discipline must be...
God is very close to us
My soul is longing and yearning for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out to the living God. Ps 83.3 We cannot presume simply that God will look after us if we almost neglect God. We are invited once more to pay attention to God. Lent is giving us a...
The greatest misfortune is mortal illness of sin
My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues my feet from the snare. Turn to me and have mercy on me, for I am alone and poor. Cf Ps 24.15-16 The greatest evil and misfortune that can befall us is not to suffer some sort of accident or setback or illness, but to...
St. Joseph, a silent but strong presence
Behold, a faithful and prudent steward, whom the Lord set over his household. Cf. Lk 12.42 In the Scripture he is a silent man but nevertheless a presence that is strong, a presence that is faithful. He says yes to God and God’s will for his own life, just as Mary...
Lent is time for honesty
In you, O Lord, I put my trust, let me never be put to shame; release me from the snare the have hidden for me, for you indeed are my refuge. Cf Ps. 30.2,5 A reminder to us to reflect, to pause and to consider what kind of disciples we are becoming in Jesus Christ. We...
Vatican Secretary of State: Blessed are the peacemakers
Following the announcement from the Holy See that the Holy Father will consecrate both Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Holy Mass for Peace in Ukraine was celebrated by His Excellency Cardinal Pietro Parolin the evening of the 16 March 2022. In...
When is enough, enough?
Test me, O God, and know my thoughts. See that my path is not wicked, and lead me in the way everlasting. Cf Ps. 138: 23-24 Yet another example that God does not think the way you and I think. If we are honest most of us live pretty comfortable lives and yet we are...
Integrating people on the move into the synodal process
In the afternoon of 16 March 2022 the Deputy President of South Africa David Mabuza will be answering questions from the members of parliament. Among the question he will have to answer is a question from Mohammed Dangor concerning undocumented foreign nationals....
Let us have soft, teachable, hearts.
Forsake me not, O Lord! My God, be not far from me! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my strong salvation! Cf. Ps 37.22-23 Confronted with the beauty and purity of truth, human sinfulness rises in opposition. Sin has infected the human soul with disorder and...
COHERENCE or CONVENIENCE?
SA’s Foreign Policy and the Invasion of Ukraine
South Africa’s refusal to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been widely criticised, at home and abroad. The government argues that the situation should be addressed through mediation and negotiation, and that condemning Russia would be one-sided and serve no...
In short, we are called to do the right thing
To you I call, for you will surely heed me, O God; turn your ear to me; hear my words. Guard me as the apple of your eye; in the shadow of your wings protect me. Cf. Ps 16.6,8 We can always try our level best to make things right at the later time in the event that we...
A call to be nothing less than Godlike
Redeem me, O Lord, and have mercy on me. My foot stands on level ground; I will bless the Lord in the assembly. Cf. Ps 25.11-12 This public act of confession on the part of the people of Israel is one that we the Church can easily make our own. We that we too have...
Our attention is on God, and that is prayer
Of you my heart has spoken, Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me. Cf. Ps 26.8-9 The church reminds us of the most effective method we have for drinking in all the graces God wants to give us during this Lenten season, prayer....
We are called into a space where we are growing closer to God
The law of the Lord is perfect; it revives the soul. The decrees of the Lord are steadfast; they give wisdom to the simple. Cf. Ps 18.8 Our lent is supposed to be a very positive thing, something that helps us grow closer to God, to others, and to ourselves. We have...
Forgiveness: something many of us find difficult to practice on occasions
Set me free from my distress, O Lord. See my lowliness and suffering, and take away all my sins. Cf. Ps 24.17-18 Forgiveness, something many of us find difficult to practice on occasions. It is a challenge indeed to forgive but if we wish to live with peace in our...
Italy recognises the extraordinary work in South Africa
The president of the Republic, President of The Order of the Star of Italy, having heard the council of the order on the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conferred the honour of Distinguished Knight to Sr. Maria De Lourdes Lodi Rissini. Those are the...
Repentance from our old ways
To my words give ear, O Lord, give heed to my sighs. Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God. Cf. Ps 5.2-3 Lent is time for repentance from our old ways. Lent invites us through prayer, fasting and almsgiving to renew our faith in God and in his Church....
Our phones can be like a ship to Jonah
Remember your compassion, O Lord, and your merciful love, for they are from of old. Let not our enemies exult over us. Redeem us, O God of Israel, from all our distress. Cf. Ps 24:6,2,22 Do we get time to be curious about Jesus and his message of love and mercy? Jonah...
Human life is a mixture of joy and sorrow
O Lord, you have been our refuge, from generation to generation; from age to age, you are. Cf. Ps 89.1-2 Most of human life is a mixture of joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure. Even the worry and sorrow brought on by serious illness in a family member is often balanced...
Pope Francis sends two Cardinals to Ukraine
On Sunday 6th March 2022 at the Angelus in St Peter’s Square Pope Francis announced that he has dispatched two Cardinals, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski and Cardinal Michael Czerny, as an expression of the Church’s solidarity with the suffering Ukrainian people. On the 7th...
Turn our eyes to the least of our brothers
Like the eyes of slaves on the hand of their lords, so our eyes are on the Lord our God, till he show us his mercy. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. Cf. Ps 122.2-3 Our Lord thinks of us as children and not as servants. As much as our eyes are on the Lord, maybe we...
Archbishop Slattery: All our life, our faith and blessings are gifts of God.
When he calls on me, I will answer him; I will deliver him and give him glory, I will grant him length of days. Cf. Ps.90: 15-16 A journey home to God is a journey through desert, through temptations, sin and forgetfulness of God. Jesus in the Gospel today is tempted...
Lent: a call for us to become a new creation in Christ
Answer us, Lord, for your mercy is kind; in the abundance of your mercies, look upon us. Cf. Ps68.17 Jesus calls the people who seem so unworthy. Our Lenten period has offered us times for repentance, forgiveness, times of reflection on our lives. And in a sense it is...
Archbishop Brislin: Fasting is meant to have a practical effect in our lives
The Lord heard and had mercy on me; the Lord became my helper. Ps 29.11 Fasting is meant to have a practical effect in our lives, it's meant to change us. To make us deeper, committed, more faithful Christians, better followers of Jesus Christ. Repentance means...
Bishop Peter Holiday: Following Jesus is the way of the Cross
“When I cried to the Lord, he heard my voice; he rescued me from those who attack me. Entrust your cares to the Lord, and he will support you.” Cf. Ps 54:17-20,23 “Lent offers us an opportunity to reflect and review whether we are on the right road that leads to the...
Bishop Duncan: Lenten season an opportunity to return to God’s mercy
"You are merciful to all, O Lord, and despise nothing that you have made. You overlook people's sins, to bring them to repentance, and you spare them, for you are Lord our God." https://youtu.be/muanhBF-1Oc A Lenten Appeal Message from the National Director of the...
SACC SUPPORTS CALL FOR POPE FRANCIS
TO MEDIATE WITH RUSSIA AND UKRAINE
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) heartily supports the prospect ofPope Francis providing mediation for lasting peace and security between Russia andUkraine. As the talks between the two countries ended with no breakthroughs exceptthe good intention to keep...
Father Michael Lapsley to be awarded the Niwano Peace Prize
In its press release the Niwano Peace foundation says the 39th Niwano Peace Prize will be awarded to Father Michael Lapsley, SSM of South Africa in recognition of his relentless struggle against apartheid and social discriminations, his support for the liberation...
Bishop Frank: “I am coming in humility and obedience to God who called me,”
“There is a need to restore the confidence of the faithful in the integrity and honour of the priesthood,” said Archbishop Buti Tlhagale in the homily at the ordination of Bishop Neil Frank as the Coadjutor Bishop of Mariannhill Diocese. The ordination took place on...
Pope announces 2 March a day of fasting for peace in Ukraine
Speaking at the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis invited everyone to make 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace. “I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace...
Message of the Holy Father for Lent 2022
“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10), is the subheading of the message of Pope Francis for Lent 2022. In is typical method of...
Bishop Joseph Kizito: “Turn the Migrants and Refugees structures into life”
In his closing remarks of the IMBISA (Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa) workshop on Migrants and Refugees in Pretoria Bishop Joseph Kizito, the Liaison Bishop of the Migrants and Refugees Office of the SACBC, challenged the participants to give...
Launching of Parish Mental Health Ministry: Reducing stigma and discrimination
In collaboration with the Catholic Health Care Association (CATHCA) of Southern Africa two Catholic Parishes in the archdiocese of Johannesburg (All Saints in Ennerdale and Our Lady of Mercy in Emdeni) embark on the implementation of Parish Mental Health Ministry. The...
SACBC Parliamentary Liaison Office: Response to the State of the Nation Address
Last night’s State of the Nation Address contained one of the longest ‘shopping lists’ of economicmeasures that we have heard for some time from a President. In one way this is fitting, since thesolutions to so many of the problems that beset our nation – poverty,...
POPE FRANCIS: “I was sick and you visited me”.
The Thirtieth World day of the Sick is celebrated on 11 February 2022. In his message for this world day of the sick the Holy Father acknowledged that many advances have been made, yet there is still a long way to go in ensuring that all the sick, also those living in...
Statement on the Death of Mariatrost Junior Primary School Principal and his wife
The Catholic Institute of Education is deeply concerned about the increasing violent attacks on schools, principals, teachers and learners. The Catholic Education community mourns the death of the Principal of Mariatrost Junior Primary and his wife who were...
St. Bakhita Day: “Human trafficking is the fastest growing crime, the second biggest after drugs,”
There are millions enslaved in the world today and only 1% of victims are ever rescued, according to International Labour Organisation. The Counter Trafficking In Persons (CTIP) of the SACBC celebrated the Mass for St. Bakhita Day on 8 February 2022 at St. Augustine...
Misereor and SACBC response to HIV in Southern Africa
With what we have come to know as the Covid-19 pandemic one cannot be blamed for having been mistaken into thinking that other serious bodily ailments have gone into oblivion since the majority of focus in the health sector has been placed on combating the covid...
Feast of Blessed Benedict Daswa: “Dad was a man who was never afraid to uphold the teachings of Christ”
“I do not have words to express enough how special my Dad was to all of us as a family. I am glad he gave us a firm Christian foundation and teachings of the Church from a very young age". Those were there word of the daughter of Benedict Daswa quoted by Bishop...
LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO MARRIED COUPLES
“The present situation has made me want to accompany with humility, affection and openness each individual, married couple and family in all those situations in which you find yourselves,” said Pope Francis in his letter to married couples for the “Amoris Laetitia...
Last Day of Plenary: Elections
The following are bishops responsible for various departments, offices and bodies within the SACBC. Responsible-Bishops-for-Departments-Office-and-Bodies_UpdatedDownload
SACBC Plenary day five
Reports on Saturday 22 January 2022 in the Plenary Meeting of the SACBC were given by the SACBC department of finance, communication office as well as the department of Christian formation and the department of formation, life, and apostolate of the laity. The report...
On Seminaries, SACOP and South African Economy
On Friday, 21 January 2022 the plenary’s attention turned to the seminaries, South African Council of Priests, and Justice and peace. Fr. Thomas Plastow SJ and Fr John Selemela gave reports for the Orientation Seminary, St. Francis Xavier in Cape Town and St. John...
SACBC Plenary: More on the synod and the troika
On the afternoon of the third day of the plenary the SACBC had elections for the troika, the president and the two vice-presidents. The outcome of the elections were the same as the one in the previous elections meaning Bishop Sithembele Sipuka remains the President...
SACBC Plenary 2022: Nuncio and President’s address
On the second day of the Pleanary in the morning session there were addresses from the president of the Conference, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka; an address from the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Peter Wells; and report from the secretary general of SACBC, Fr Hugh...
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 18 to 25, 2022 are days dedicated to an octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme for 2022 is “We Saw the Star in the East, and We Came To Worship Him.” In the SACBC region by design or coincidence the week of prayer for Christian unity happens exactly...
Bishop Sipuka: Archbishop Tutu saw, heard and proclaimed
“The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people of this age, especially those who arepoor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers ofChrist. Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an...
Rest in Peace Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
The SACBC would like to convey a fraternal message of condolences to Mrs Leah Tutu, the family and the Anglican Church over the death of the Late Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, Desmond Mpilo Tutu. The Archbishop will be remembered for his immense spiritual...
Pope Francis appoints Co-Adjutor Bishop of Mariannhill Diocese
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Fr Neil Augustine Frank OMI, the Coadjutor Bishop ofMariannhill, with special faculties. Mgr. Neil Frank was the Provincial of the OMI Province of Southern Africa until his appointment by the Holy Father. Curriculum vitae...
SACBC Statement on Gas and Oil Exploration
Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference is deeply concerned about the planned exploration of oil and gas reserves in the Eastern Cape off the coast between Morgan Bay and Port St Johns.We are deeply disappointed that the government has decided to turn a blind...
Census 2022, South Africa
Statistics South Africa has reached out to SACBC and other faith-based organizations to help in the drive to get people in South Africa to participate in the 2022 census, the fourth population count which will take place in February. “Stats SA will recruit about 165...
Create Migrant, Refugee Offices in Parishes, South African Catholic Archbishop Proposes
The plight of refugees and migrants as far as documentation is concerned can be addressed by the creation of an office that specifically deals with this vulnerable group in each Catholic Parish, a Catholic Archbishop in South Africa has proposed. In a Wednesday,...
On Covid 19 and Vaccines
CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITHDownload here Note on the morality of using some anti-Covid-19 vaccines The question of the use of vaccines, in general, is often at the center of controversy in the forum of public opinion. In recent months, this Congregation...
16 days of Activism: How can we help to end violence in Catholic families?
A-RESOURCE-FOR-16-DAYS-OF-ACTIVISM-TO-END-VIOLENCE-AGAINST-WOMENDownload
SACBC Conversation with SANEF
The role of SANEF (South African National Editors Forum) and its benefit to the people of faith
Building an ethical vision of a South African economy: perspectives from Catholic Social Teaching
By Bishop Emeritus Kevin Dowling On the Day of Reflection on South African economy, on the 19th November 2021, Bishop Kevin Dowling gave the below talk. The 3 issues we hear of so often in South Africa are poverty, inequality and unemployment, and I am very aware that...
Archbishop Tlhagale: Migrants and Refugees – A new missionary territory
On the 23rd November 2021, in his homily to the diocesan coordinators at a workshop on Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale who is the Liaison Bishop for Migrants and Refugees of the SACBC, suggested that pastoral work to Migrants and...
A Brand new docudrama on the apparitions of Our Lady in Kibeho, Rwanda
If you are old enough to understand what are crimes against humanity you have probably heard about the genocide that ravaged the people of Rwanda during the civil war in 1994. Many accounts of what happened in that horrible period of about 100 days have been told. You...
Church to reflects on South African Economy
A DAY OF DISCERNMENT AND REFLECTION ON SOUTH AFRICAN ECONOMY FROM THE VIEW POINT OF THE CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING - 19th NOVEMBER 2021. (Update) Live on SACBC Justice and Peace Facebook and Radio Veritas from 3pm SACBC Justice and Peace Commission invites you to...
The aim of the Synod: Rediscover own baptism rights and duties
Catholic regions in Africa had a meeting with the Communications Manager of the Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops, Thierry Bonaventura, on the 13th of November 2021 to create an opportunity to hear about the opening of the synod in different countries in Africa. It...
A right to bury foetuses: Constitutional Court reserves judgment
On Thursday 4 November 2021 the Constitutional Court in South Africa sat to decide on the ratification of the high court's declaration that the legislation that prevents the burying of foetuses under 26 weeks is unconstitutional. In April the High Court in Pretoria...
Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office: Migrants, Refugees and Displaced persons
The Pope’s Message: ‘Towards an Ever Wider We’ The Pope’s message is a fundamental call for inclusivity, revealing a deep understanding that the institutions that shape our society, such as the economy, our political culture, and our lifestyle choices, must be more...
St. John Vianney Seminary Graduation Ceremony 2021
The 2021 graduation ceremony of the national seminary of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, St. John Vianney, took place on the Friday, 22nd October. A more festive ceremony this year compared to last year where they had a very subdued celebration due...
A Reflection on the World Day of the Poor (14 November 2021)
Dear Fellow Caritas Friends,The Poor will always be among you. Of course we know it’s a citation from Jesus, that is related in thebible, in the Gospel of Mark, with a parallel in Matthew. Yet as Caritas we feel a bit uneasy – didn’t wemake the eradication of poverty...
A Letter to Seminarians
In this time of renewal and pastoral conversion when the Church faces the scandal and wounds of the sexual abuse inflicted on so many of God's children everywhere, our Holy Father has received a courageous witness offered to all priests by a survivor. By sharing this...
SACBC Statement following a Solidarity Visit to eSwatini
We greet you in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of eSwatini is known as a peaceful country with a culture of courtesy, humanness,and hospitality. We remember its hospitality and solidarity when it received the South Africanrefugees and...
PASTORAL LETTER ON THE 2021 ELECTION
The 2021 South African municipal elections will be held on Monday, 1 November 2021, to elect councils for all district, metropolitan and local municipalities in each of the country's nine provinces. The following is the message from the Southern African Catholic...
Pope John Paul I cleared for beatification
Pope Francis on Wednesday received in audience Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorized his dicastery to promulgate the decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Albino Luciani or Pope...
Catholic leaders in G20 Countries Demand Consignment of Fossil Fuels to History
“The big polluters, the G20 countries – need to heed this call and end their addiction to fossil fuels immediately” - Albert Mashika of Caritas Africa 78 Catholic leaders from G20 countries, including seven bishops from SACBC, have sent a petition to world leaders...
Bishop Sipuka addresses the Prime Minister of eSwatini
The President of SACBC Bishop Sithembele Sipuka is on a solidarity visit to eSwatini to get the feel of the situation first hand. He is accompanied by the Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference, Fr. Hugh O’Connor, together with the Associate, Sr. Phuthunywa...
South African Electoral Commission Chief: “Church must help to clarify the role of the electoral commission”
Back in 2019 given the prevailing electoral environment of the time the SACBC had made an appeal that each citizen has a “grave responsibility to create the environment of tolerance and acceptance which enables every South African to support and vote for the party...
The World Youth Day Lisbon: August 01-06 2023
The Press Release of the World Youth Day for Lisbon 2023 reads as follows: The World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023, a youth meeting with people from all over the world with the Pope, will take place from August 01-06 2023. The date is announced this Monday, 4th October,...
ACTS University of Pretoria cultural Mass
By: M.K Masemola On the 24th of September 1828, as legend would have it, the prominent Zulu king, Shaka, was laid to rest and since then every year on the day, the Zulu nation would celebrate the man who is known for both triumph in battle and most importantly,...
Fr. Mthembeni Dlamini appointed to the Catholic Pan African body
As a result of a need for all continents to have a team that is organizing the training of their chaplains and animators five names were brought forward to head and organize the African continent; Fr. Mthembeni Dlamini CMM, Fr. Sixte Hakiziman, Sr. Brigitte Mali, Ms....
Fulanization of Nigeria by genocide?
Johan Viljoen, the Director of Denis Harley Peace Institute, said he was happy to hear Bishop Wilfrid Anagbe and Father Remigius Ihyula, both of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi in Benue State, referring to what is happening in Nigeria as a genocide. In an online...
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 36th WORLD YOUTH DAY: 21 November 2021
“Stand up. I appoint you as a witness of what you have seen." (cf. Acts 26:16) Dear young people, Once again I would like to take you by the hand and walk with you on the spiritual pilgrimage that leads to the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon. Last year’s Message, which...
The Southern Cross is 101 Years Old!
The Southern Cross is alive and kicking at 101 years old, despite the many challenges of the last year, and the new monthly magazine has been very well received. This was the message coming out of a catch-up session between those directors who were able to meet face...
Protocol, Professional Conduct and “Deliver us from evil”
On Tuesday the 21st September 2021, in the second week of the orientation programme for new missionaries the morning session started with a viewing of a documentary that Fr. Hugh O’Connor, the Secretary General of SACBC, said will be gut-wrenching for some. Since it...
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale: Major obstacles of conversion in South Africa
Speaking to a group of new missionaries at the orientation programme in Benoni on Thursday, 16 September 2021, the Archbishop of Johannesburg, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, said though challenges facing the Catholic Church in South Africa are many the major challenge to...
SACBC Orientation Programme for New Missionaries
The SACBC orientation programme for new missionaries started on Monday, 13 September 2021, and it will run until 24th September. The aim of the programme is to give a missionaries the opportunity to be exposed and reflect on some key mission or missionary documents of...
Bishop Joe Kizito: Being Missionary Today in the SACBC region
Bishop Joseph Kizito of the Diocese of Aliwal made a presentation to the missionaries on the second day of the orientation program, 14 September 2021, and among them were missionaries who work in his own diocese. His focus was on “The Church’s Mission and being...
International Eucharistic Congress: Pope Francis says “Let’s make time for adoration”
His Holiness, Pope Francis, celebrated the closing Mass at the International Eucharistic Congress which took place in Budapest, Hungary, from the 5th to 12th September 2021. "Eucharistic Congresses are gatherings of ecclesiastics and laymen for the purpose of...
MESSAGE OF THE IMBISA STANDING COMMITTEE TO THE BISHOPS, CLERGY AND ALL PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL IN THE IMBISA REGION
Conscious of the a difficult period a number of countries are going though the Standing Committee of IMBISA met in Pretoria to on the situation in its region. They noted also the plight on young people who are not sidelined and not participating meaningfully in the...
Marriage: a man and a woman
At the helm of the third session of marriage awareness weeks on the 09th of September were Mrs Lilly Mbatha, married for 39 years, and Bishop Noel Rucastle, the Bishop of Oudtshoorn. They facilitated a session with the theme, “Marriage as between a man and a woman”. A...
A successful Joint Witness Meeting between Bishops and Religious Congregation Leaders
On the 7th and 8th of September 2021 there was a Joint Witness meeting between the Bishops of the SACBC and the Leaders of Religious Congregations in the SACBC territory. Due to now ubiquitous covid limitations this meeting which was facilitated by Brother Michael...
The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Anthony Rebello
Owing to Covid-19 restrictions just a handful of bishops attended the episcopal ordination of Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello in Francistown, Botswana, on the 4th September 2021. Among them was the Principal Consecrator Archbishop Frank Nubuasah; the Bishop of Gaborone,...
Choosing the right partner: “It all starts with prayer”
The faith journey of the Marriage Awareness Weeks organized by the Marriage and Family Office of the SACBC is in progress. The second evening of Thursday evenings’ reflections took place on the 02 September 2021 online, shared live on SACBC Facebook. After introducing...
DHPI to EU: “It is too early to scale down humanitarian assistance” to Mozambique
On the afternoon of 01 September 2021, Johan Viljoen, the Director of Denis Hurley Peace Institute (DHPI), was among a panel of four speakers addressing the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) as well as the European Parliament Development Committee...
It’s time to act on discrimination and violation of women
By: Bishop Sithembele Sipuka I would be remiss to let the month of August pass without referring to women who, in the light of the prevailing patriarchal culture of our society have ended the month of August dedicated to them for heightened appreciation of their...
Regional Meeting of Major Superiors Southern Africa
By: Sr. Nkhensani Shibambu On 17 August 2021, six conferences of Major Superiors in the Southern African region met together on Zoom for the first time in their history heeding the call of the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM) for the...
CIE: Statement on Teenage Pregnancy and Rape
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Marriage: We are in this for the long haul
The evening sessions to reflect on marriage during the Marriage Awareness Weeks started on Thursday night of 26 August 2021. Started right on time, 7pm as was anticipated. The session was facilitated by Sr. Dumisile Sibisi, the Coordinator of the Department for...
Thanks for your kindness and generosity
The collection in 2021 for the Bishops' Lenten Appeal is about 49% of what was collected 2019. However with only 4 weeks of the Bishops’ Lenten Appeal collection and only a 50% capacity in parish attendance, the total sum of R 4 833 492, 94 was raised. (Please refer...
Pastoral Letter on Season of Creation
My dear brothers and sisters, Perhaps some of you may wonder: why does the Bishop write a pastoral letter on the safeguarding of creation? Are there no more important issues to address? It may sound as something new to many of us but the present reality, many people...
Pope lends support to fight against Covid-19 in Eswatini
The Vatican News has reported that, "Pope Francis has made a donation of two portable ventilators with stands, ten boxes of surgical masks, 10 boxes of N95 masks and pulse monitors to Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital in Siteki, Eswatini, to support ongoing efforts in...
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale – SACBC Spokesperson
The SACBC in the recent August Plenary appointed Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, the Archbishop of Johannesburg, as its spokesperson until the elections in January 2022. Archbishop Tlhagale was the President of SACBC from 2007 to 2013, having served before as the Secretary...
Bishop Edward Risi on “Traditionis Custodes”
You may recall that last year, at the same time as the April lock-down, there was an enquiry addressed to us in regard to the celebration of the extra-ordinary form of the Roman Rite. This Motu Propio concludes that survey. Pope Francis has issued an urgent call to...
The Episcopal Ordination of Msgr. Anthony Pascal Rebello
The Episcopal Ordination of Msgr. Anthony Pascal Rebello, the Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Francistown, will take place on the 4th September 2021 at Our Lady of the Desert Cathedral, Francistown, Botswana. Msgr. Rebello was appointed the Bishop of Francistown on the...
Archbishop Jwara appointed Apostolic Adminstrator of Ingwavuma
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Archbishop Siegfried Mandla Jwara CMM, Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Apostolic Vicariate of Ingwavuma. The appointment will be in effect on today, the 8th of August 2021, from the...
The Holy Father appoints Professor Pearl Sithole
The Holy Father has appointed the distinguished Professor Mpilenhe Pearl Sithole, lecturer at the University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus in Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa, as ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Curriculum vitae Professor...
PMS: A network of prayer, formation and charity
Quoting the SACBC Vision Statement “Evangelising Community, Serving God, Humanity and all Creation,” Fr Jerry Browne, the Director of The Pontifical Mission Societies, said there is a great opportunity for interplay between the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) and...
Bishop Mpumlwana presents LEAN to SACBC
On Wednesday, 04 August 2021, at the SACBC Plenary Meeting, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, the South African Council of Churches Secretary General, gave a presentation to the Bishops on Ecumenism and inter-church collaboration, especially the concept of LEAN (Local...
SACBC Plenary: Amoris Laetitia, eSwatini and South Africa
Amoris Laetitia In presenting a summary of Amoris Laetitia to the Bishops, Bishop Noel Rucastle of the Diocese of Oudtshoorn said, Pope Francis with the Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, wanted to provide reassurance, hope, trust, and confidence. He said Pope...
Bishop Sipuka’s Address: Plenary, August 2021
On the first day of the Plenary meeting the president of SACBC Bishop Sipuka thanked the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Peter Wells for conveying to the Holy Father the disturbing and life-threatening situations in the two Conference countries, eSwatini and South...
CIE: An estimated 500 000 learners have left the schooling system
In its statement the CIE (Catholic Institute of Education) is calling on parents to be partners in Education as we work with the Department of Basic Education to reverse the loss in teaching time and to lead schools in the recovery efforts of the nation. It also made...
SACBC Bishops go for a Plenary Meeting
The bishops of the SACBC will have their second Plenary Session of 2021 starting on Monday the 2nd of August. Among the items to be discussed is the socio-political situations in eSwatini and South Africa. The SACBC had previously voiced their support for the Bishop...
Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Bethlehem, Hubert Bucher, passes away
On Friday evening in Schönhofen near Regensburg, the bishop emeritus of Bethlehem (South Africa), Hubert Bucher, was well prepared at the age of 90 and passed away strengthened by the holy sacraments.Bucher was born in Regensburg in 1931 and grew up in the parish of...
Caritas South Africa held a 4th General Assembly
Caritas South Africa held its 4th General Assembly on the 21st July 2021 in a meeting that was held online due to current covid-19 restrictions. Present at the assembly were various participants including the president of Caritas South Africa, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier,...
Conversation with the president of the Healing of Memories Global Network
Kindly, join us tomorrow for SACBC webinar conversation with Father Michael Lapsley, the president of the Healing of Memories Global Network Topic: How do we find God's hope and healing as a nation after recent unrest and political turmoil? Date:...
WORLD DAY FOR THE GRANDPARENTS AND ELDERLY FAMILY PRAYERS SERVICE
Sunday the 25th July 2021 marks the First World Day for the Grandparents and Elderly as promulgated by His Holiness, Pope Francis, on the 22nd June 2021. In his message to grandparents and the elderly title “I am with you always”, the Pope Francis said, "Even at the...
#UnrestSA: Pope Francis makes an appeal to all the leaders involved
In his Angelus Address on Sunday 18 July 2021, the Holy Father, Pope Francis acknowledged the receipt of the unfortunate news about the violence and looting that plagued some parts of South Africa in the past few days. He made an appeal for building peace and...
New norms regarding use of 1962 Roman Missal: Bishops given greater responsibility
Pope Francis publishes a motu proprio on Friday to redefine the use of the pre-Vatican missal granting the decision to allow its use the local bishops. Groups attending the pre-Vatican liturgy must not deny the validity of the liturgical reform dictated by the Second...
CIE: Statement on the Destruction of Schools in KwaZulu-Natal
The Catholic Institute of Education has released the following statement regarding the destruction of schools in Kwazulu-Natal. [embeddoc url="https://sacbc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Statement-on-the-Destruction-of-Schools-in-KwaZulu-16.7.21_.pdf"...
Opt for peace – Urges the Kwazulu-Natal Christian Council
Kwazulu-Natal Church Leaders Group urges citizens to opt for peace in the midst of all chaotic violence. “We condemn, in the strongest possible terms the violence that has wreaked havoc across ourprovince: destroying property, infrastructure and businesses,...
The Catholic Bishops call for an end to violence and looting
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eSwatini protests: Imbisa condemns extrajudicial killings, indiscriminate arrests, abductions and torture
On the 5th of July in it’s statement the IMBISA (The Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa) has expressed its sadness and concern on the ongoing events in the Kingdom of Eswatini which have resulted in the loss of lives and livelihoods. The bishops went...
New Bishop for the Diocese of Francistown, Botswana
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Reverend Father Anthony Pascal Rebello as the new Bishop of Francistown. The diocese has been without a bishop since Bishop Franklyn Nubuasah was transferred to the Diocese of Gaborone on the 6th of June 2019. The SACBC...
Bishop Sipuka: Our youth still matters
Now at the back of the month of June which is dedicated to appreciating and encouraging young people, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the Bishop of Mthatha, wishes to share some thoughts about the situation of young people today.Bishop Sipuka said although being young is...
Bishop Jose Luis statement on eSwatini protests
Bishop Jose Luis Ponce de Leon, the Bishop of the Diocese of Manzini, continues to call for calm and dialogue as was the earlier appeal of the Council of Swaziland Churches. "An all inclusive and open dialogue without excluding anystakeholder is the only possible way...
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The 25th July 2021 is the day set aside for celebrating the First World Day for Grandparents and the elderly. In his message on the 22nd June 2021 to the elderly His Holiness Pope Francis said, "I am well aware that this Message comes to you at a difficult time: the...
SACBC & UNHCR HIGHLIGHT ‘THE POWER OF INCLUSION’ ON WORLD REFUGEE DAY
By Sheila Pires – Johannesburg The Migrants and Refugees Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) in partnership with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), celebrated World Refugee Day on Sunday June 20th, with a special...
World Refugee Day – 20th June 2021
On World Refugee Day – Sunday 20 June 2021 – join Mr. Valentin Tapsoba, Director of the UNHCR Regional Bureau for Southern Africa, and Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, o.m.i. of the Southern African Catholic Bishop’s Conference, in a service dedicated to honouring the...
BISHOP PHALANA TO THE YOUTH ON THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY
Peace and Racial tolerance in Schools and the larger Society On the National Youth Day, we reach out to all the young people in the country in a message of solidarity and hope, realizing the burdens that many of you carry, especially those burdens that came as a...
The new Archbishop of Durban is appointed
His Holiness, Pope Francis, has appointed Bishop Siegfried Mandla Jwara, till now the Apostolic Vicar of Ingwavuma, as the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Durban. [embeddoc url="https://sacbc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Durban_Appointment.pdf"...
SACBC Statement on Vaccines
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Bishop Arrieta: How Book VI of Canon Law has changed
The changes to Book IV of Canon Law, which are penal sanctions in the church, are detailed in an Apostolic Constitution called Pascite Gregem Dei (Tend the Flock of God). "The main criteria for the revision of the penal law can be summarized in three points. First,...
The Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest, 03 June 2021
In other places the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest is celebrated on Thursday after Pentecost. In the Dioceses of the SACBC this feast is celebrated on a Thursday after the Holy Trinity Sunday. Other celebrations are not permitted with the...
Blessed Benedict Daswa: One important step forward
On Pentecost Sunday, 23rd May 2021, the Bishop of Tzaneen, Bishop Joao Rodrigues released a letter announcing the next phase in the Cause of Canonisation of Blessed Benedict Daswa. It is a fact that a many people have been wondering what is happening with the cause...
The Queenstown Diocese now has a new shepherd
On Holy Trinity Sunday Bishop Siphiwo Paul Vanqa celebrated his first Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Queenstown (Komani). Bishop Vanqa was accompanied by 6 of his brother bishops, the priests of the diocese, the religious...
President Vella: I would rather resign than sign abortion bill
"Vella, who is a doctor by profession, has frequently spoken out against abortion and spoke at an anti-abortion rally last year, prompting criticism from the pro-choice Voice for Choice coalition. Asked whether there were any exceptions where one might consider...
Corpus Christi Novena
As part of animating the Eucharistic revival in the month of June the Department of Christian Formation, Liturgy and Culture encourages the faithful of the region to pray the Novena for Corpus Christi. The faithful may also join the Corpus Christi novena on Radio...
June 2021: Celebrating the Year of the Eucharist in the Parishes
The Department of Christian Formation, Liturgy and Culture encourages all Catholics in the region of Southern Africa, Botswana and Swaziland in their parishes and religious communities. We ask priests to arrange periods of adoration as well as catechesis for the...
Pentecost Message, 2021 from SECAM
“Remember it is those who had endurance that we say are the blessed ones. You have heard of the patience of Job, and understand the Lord’s purpose, realizing that the Lord is kind and compassionate” (JM 5:11) The above text from St. James is one of the Epistles...
The 26th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
On the 21 May 2021 at Midday, the Press Office of the Holy See in the Bollettino released the documents which announced the upcoming Synod of Bishops and elaborated how it is going to take place. The celebration of the Synod of Bishops will take place in Rome in...
The Archbishop of Cape Town’s statement on the current violence in the Holy Land
Archbishop Stephen Brislin, in his capacity as the Catholic Archbishop of Cape Town has released a statement regarding the current violence in Israel and Palestine. Although Archbishop Brislin is releasing this statement in his capacity as the bishop of Cape Town he...
Vaccination Active Sites
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Newsletter, May 2021
May 13, as I write this newsletter is the official Feast day of the Ascension. However here in South Africa we will celebrate the Ascension on Sunday. That leaves us free to celebrate as best we can the other feast day which is so important for this day, that of Our...
Newsletter, April 2021
Greetings every one. Lent has come and gone and so has Easter. I trust everyone survived the different stages of lockdown, the long weekend and managed to meet with family and friends and perhaps managed to get to some of the Easter ceremonies. But now it is all...
Newsletter, March 2021
Here we are in the month of March, autumn is round the corner. We are half way through Lent and half way to Easter. But before all that there are a few important days to remember in March. To begin, March 17, the feast of St. Patrick, a sacred day for all the Irish...
Newsletter, February 2021
This sounds like a Clearance Sales promotion. But it’s not. It’s a reminder. February 28 is the last day of the 20/21 tax year. That means that any donation received before the 28th qualifies for a Section 18A tax rebate certificate for SARS. Any contribution received...
SACBC JUSTICE AND PEACE COMMISSION STATEMENT ON ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
As disciples of Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace, we cannot remain silent on the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the subsequent injuries and loss of life. We are aware that the recent crisis has been fuelled by a complexity of...
CPLO Webinar on: “Transgenerational Trauma and Gender Based Violence”
https://twitter.com/CPLO_SA/status/1392410918718476288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1392410918718476288%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Fquery%3Dhttps3A2F2Ftwitter.com2FCPLO_SA2Fstatus2F139241091871847...
The opening of the new Marriage & Family Life Office (MFLO) in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.
The new Marriage & Family Life Office (MFLO) in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. The MFLO begins this great mission right in the midst of the “Amoris Laetitia Family” Year, instituted by Pope Francis, which started on the 19th of March and ends on the 26th of June...
Catholic Institute of Education annual report 2020
The Catholic Institute of Education the service arm of the Catholic Board of Education and which serves schools across our nation. https://www.cie.org.za/pages/partners-annual-report Choose the 2020 Annual Report it will download
Reminder: SACC STATEMENT ON THE DESTABILISATION OF THE COUNTRY
26 February 2021 STATEMENT From the desk of the General Secretary, Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana SACC STATEMENT OF THE DESTABILISATION OF THE COUNTRY The heads of churches of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) met on Thursday, 25 February 2021, and expressed alarm...
Meet the Teen Who Could Be Named a Saint
Given all that we face in the world today, do you believe it’s possible to live a saintly life? Meet Blessed Carlo Acutis. Born in 1991, he is the first Millennial to be named “Blessed” in the Church.We invite you to watch I Am With You – an EWTN Original Documentary...
SACBC and Mzuzu Diocese confront human trafficking
The CTIP (Counter Trafficking in Persons) of the SACBC conducted a workshop for the people of the Diocese of Mzuzu in the District of Mzimba, Malawi. The aim of the workshop was to train the people who could then go back home to train others in raising awareness about...
World Communication Day: “Come and See”
Each year the Holy Father writes a special message for the World Communication Day. This year on 23rd January Pope Francis released a World Communication Day message titled, “‘Come and See’ (Jn 1:46). Communicating by Encountering People Where and as They Are”. The...
SACBC’s first Board Meeting of 2021
The SACBC board is having a Board Meeting from the 4th to 7th May 2021. The board meetings are important for the follow up in implementation and review of the resolutions that had been taken by the bishops especially in their bi-annual Plenary Meetings. The board...
A List of Sanctuaries for the Holy Rosary to ask for the end of the pandemic
In its press release the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization said "in response to the Holy Father's heartfelt wish, the month of May will be dedicated to a "marathon" of prayer, to ask for the end of the pandemic, which has afflicted the...
SACBC CONVERSATIONS – FRATELLI TUTTI: POPE FRANCIS’ CHALLENGES AND ENCOURAGEMENTS FOR THE CHURCH
Live of SACBC Facebook Page or (14) Khanya House | Facebook Guest speaker: Fr Peter Henriot SJ Topic: "Fratelli Tutti: Pope Francis' Challenges and Encouragements for the Church" Date: 30th April 2021 Time: 7.00 pm –...
St. John Vianney Seminary bids farewell to the final year students
The SACBC National Seminary, St. John Vianney Seminary, in Pretoria celebrated a farewell Mass for their final year theology students who are leaving the seminary in the next few days. The Mass took place on Wednesday the 28th April 2021 at 16h00 at the seminary. This...
Imbisa Statement on the socio-political and ecclesial situation in Southern Africa
On the 27th April 2021 the IMBISA (Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa) met in Johannesburg to assess and reflect on the socio-political and ecclesial situation in Southern Africa. The Bishops reflected on the unfortunate developments in the Cabo...
The burial of His Eminence Sebastian Cardinal Khoarai
The Lesotho Catholic Bishops' Conference through its Secretary General, Fr Hosea Chale, has released the following information regarding the burial of the late Cardinal Khoarai: His Eminence Cardinal Khoarai who passed away on the 17th of April 2021, will be laid to...
Catholic Leaders in Uganda Reveal Chilling Human Rights Violations in COVID-19 Report
Past demonstrations on the streets in Uganda/ Credit: Public domain Sharing the new report with ACI Africa, Johan Viljoen, the DHPI Director said that when COVID-19 lockdowns were imposed between March and April last year, the institute of the Southern African...
The death of his Eminence Sebastian Cardinal Khoarai OMI
The SACBC would like to convey its heart-felt condolences to the Lesotho Catholic Bishops’ Conference and all its faithful on the passing away of His Eminence Sebastian Cardinal Khoarai OMI Cardinal Khoarai left this world on Saturday 17th April 2021 around 13h00 at...
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale now a member of UN’s Multi-Religious Council of Leaders
By: Sr Maria de Lurdes Lodi RissiniSACBC Migrants and Refugees Office – Co-ordinator The SACBC Liaison Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale OMI of Archdiocese of Johannesburg, attended the virtual inaugural meeting of the Multi-Religious Council...
The Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 2021 World Day of Vocations
The 4th Sunday of Easter is the Good Shepherd Sunday and a day in which vocations are especially remembered and prayed for. It is for this reason it will be good to remember the message written by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, on the 19 March 2021, the Feast of St....
The Installation of the Bishop of Kimberly Rt. Rev, Bishop Duncan Tsoke
The installation of the new and seventh Bishop of Kimberly, Bishop Duncan Theodore Tsoke took place on the 17 April 2021 as was anticipated. In attendance were the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Peter Wells, the President of SACBC Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the First...
A SPECIAL DAY FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS
JUSTICE AND PEACE IN SEVERAL DIOCESES ORGANIZED A SPECIAL DAY FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR SELFLESS SERVICES DURING THE PANDEMIC From 5th-11th April, the world celebrated the World Health Worker Week. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the heroic...
A MESSAGE FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADAN AND ‘ID Al-FITR
Echoing the message from the Vatican by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue the SACBC wishes our Muslim brothers and sisters, especially in Southern Africa, a prayerful and fruitful month of Ramadan. In South Africa Ramadan started on Wednesday 14 April...
Details of the Installation of Bishop Duncan in Kimberley
The installation of Bishop Duncan Tsoke as the new bishop of Kimberly will take place on Saturday, 17 April 2021, at St. Patrick's CBC, Kimberly at 10am. In order to respect the Covid-19 restrictions only those who have been invited are expected to attend. The...
A Theological Symposium on the ordained priesthood and the priesthood of the baptized
The Theological Symposium tagged “Toward a Fundamental Theology of the Priesthood” will explore the relationship between vocations, the ordained priesthood and the priesthood of the baptized. Presenting the Symposium in the Vatican were Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Prefect...
CPLO Webinar Invitation 07 April 2021- South Africa’s Underlying Water Infrastructure Challenges
The socio-economic impact of the shortfall in water infrastructure and supply is already severe, and most likely to increase as exacerbated by the effects of climate change. The government has to move beyond the approach of conscientising water users to value water,...
Death Notification: Mrs Ntsako Iggy Motiang
We wish to inform you of the untimely death of Mrs Ntsako Ignatia Julia Motiang who was one of the SACBC Marriage and Family Life Office working group member. Mrs Motiang passed away on 01 April 2021. Mrs Ntsako Motiang and Mr Ali Motiang have been active in the...
The argument for the opening of churches is not only about the “right to worship”
By Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the President of the SACBC. The Easter season, particularly the Triduum — the three days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday — is the most important period in the Christian calendar. This is because the Easter event is the...
Another overdue victory for human dignity
Would-be parents have right to bury remains of dead foetus: high court Judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi declared sections of the Births and Deaths Registration Act (BDRA) — which effectively deems a foetus less than 26 weeks to be “medical waste” that must be incinerated...
Today we hear what perfect love is
A reflection by Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ, on Thursday of Holy Week. Not only has Jesus given himself in this meal with his disciples, but he goes the extra mile and washes the feet of his disciples. Jesus is ready to give up his life for those he would send to serve....
The Judas in us
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Fannie Msiza of the Archdiocese of Pretoria Why would Judas want to betray Jesus? The bible does not give us an answer why Judas would want to betray Jesus. What is it that makes us to betray Jesus, our fellow brothers and sisters? What...
The way of a believer is the way of Christ
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Xolani Ndaba of the Diocese of Eshowe on Tuesday of the Holy Week. We are invited to be aware of our strengths and weaknesses. We are called to be honest and genuine in following Christ. We should be aware of our weaknesses. Our weaknesses...
Pray to the Lord to give us a lively faith
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Ncamiso Vilakati of the Diocese of Manzini on Monday of the Holy Week. She took no thought for what others would think but what would please her Lord. This is a challenge for me and you. How do we anoint the Lord’s feet and show him love and...
We reflect on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus
A Palm Sunday reflection by Bishop Joao Rodrigues, the Bishop of Tzaneen. Have we ever thought of the amount of time, pain, talent, effort, research, technology, all the work that goes around developing the vaccine? Have you ever thought about that? Or do we simply...
We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Stan Muyebe OP, on Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent. During Holy Week during and indeed during this pandemic we should allow Jesus Christ to disrupt our comfort zone. In particular, we should allow the risen Christ to disrupt the things...
Jesus is stripped of his clothes
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Hugh O’Connor, the Secretary General of SACBC. One of the most basic needs is the need to feel safe and secure. This search for security can sometimes push us to look for stability and security in things that do not properly satisfy us. Do I...
In Jesus God becomes with us
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ on Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent. God desires communion with us and will do what it takes for that to be realised. Jesus calmly continues to speak the truth no matter how much opposition he gets and remains faithful...
Long Lent, long lockdown, long covid
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Chris Townsend of the Archdiocese of Pretoria on Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Where is your faith? How have you deepened your faith? Have you used this Lent as a time to deepen your sense of “Well, here is God, and here is what God...
Many came to believe in Him
A Lenten reflection from Fr. Zane Godwin of the Archdiocese of Cape Town on Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent. Jesus says faith in Him as the Son of God assures us of true life. This Lent we have been reflecting on the reality of sin in our lives. We realise that we...
The Lord offers compassion and mercy
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Deneys Williamson of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. God puts life where there was none, where life had been taken away and lost. He is the source of life because He is the Father. In the face of our own mistakes and our failures we are...
God is also seeking us
A Lenten reflection by Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, the Bishop of Mthatha While we have been seeking God, God is also seeking us. God is struggling with you, journeying with you to overcome whatever it is that makes you to fail to be the best you are created to be. God...
We too are meant to be of God and for God
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Tumelo Mohlaping of the Diocese of Bethlehem. As Christians we are supposed to be in alignment with Jesus and the prophets. We need to confront those areas of our lives that are in negation towards Christ, in negation towards the teachings...
Solemnity of St. Joseph
Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin, Mary. Although not much is said of him in scripture, he seems larger than life. Often, we only think of Saint Joseph when there is a nativity play and some child plays his part....
Jesus falls!
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Hugh O’Connor, the Secretary General of the SACBC For us a fall represent a failure, a misstep, a loss of strength and an inability to carry on. We have all experience moments or times of real or imagined failure. It is not how many times we...
The Installation of Bishop Kumalo of Witbank
The installation of Bishop Xolile Thaddaeus Kumalo as the Bishop of witbank will take place on Saturday 20 March 2021, at Maria Trost Pastoral Center in Lydenburg (Mashishing) at 10am. Bishop Kumalo took possession of the Diocese in January 2021 but due to the...
God is waiting for us to make a move
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ, on Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent. We might learn to bargain effectively. The diplomacy of Moses pays off as he convinces God to relent. So, the Lord relented. Our readiness to admit that we’ve often got it wrong and...
Jesus listened to the Father first
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Karabo Baloyi of the Archdiocese of Pretoria. Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Very often we plan our projects, what to do and what to say, to the last detail. Only after we had finished planning then we pray, Lord bless my work, Lord...
The Solemnity of St Joseph Celebrations
Please note that there will be a live-streaming of the following liturgical celebrations of the Feast Day of St. Joseph. Below please find the links. Solemnity of St Joseph - Solemn Vespers 18th March 2021 St Joseph’s Oblate Scholasticate – Cedara Archdiocese of...
Amoris Leatitia Family Year
On March 19, 2021, the Church celebrates five years since the publication of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia on the beauty and joy of love in the family. On the same day, Pope Francis launches the Year Amoris Laetitia Family, which will conclude on June 26,...
Jesus knows our situations, our needs, our fears
A Lenten reflections by Fr. Zane Godwin of the Archdiocese of Cape Town, on Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent. Perhaps we in some ways sometimes also give up hope. Perhaps we become paralyzed with fear or just stuck in a rut, not being able to see past our present...
Blessing of unions of persons of the same sex illicit: Declares the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Article of Commentary on the Responsum ad dubium The new statement of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is a response to a question – in classical terms, to a dubium – occasioned, as is normally the case, by pastors and faithful who require clarification...
New Secretary-General at Namibia Bishops’ Conference
Sr. Helena Amwaandangi, MSC has been appointed as the new Secretary-General for the Namibian Catholic Bishops Conference (NCBC). The 63-year-old replaces Fr. Linus Ngenomesho, O.M.I. who was appointed as the apostolic administrator Sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae...
SACBC Justice and Peace statement on the senseless killing of Mthokozisi Ntumba
Mthokozisi Ntumba The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference Justice and Peace Commission is deeply shocked by the tragic event and loss of life that took place in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 10 March 2021, during the students demonstration at Wits...
If we are faithful to the Lord we shall never be disappointed
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Solly Mphela OFM The Lord wants to remind us that in Him there is hope and light beyond all those sufferings and pain. But there were still those who refused to believe in Him, including those from his own hometown. Listen more...
His light shows up darkness in us
A Lenten reflection by Bishop Victor Phalana, the Bishop of the Diocese of Klerksdorp.Fourth Sunday of Lent. There is darkness in each of us. We need to let the light of Christ shine into that darkness. But there is goodness in us too. We are also attracted to that...
This is true prayer
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Peter Williams OFM, on Saturday of the Third Week of Lent True prayer draws us closer to others. The only true attitude before God is that of the tax collector. Jesus wants us to reflect upon our attitudes towards God and towards others. We...
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Hugh O’Connor, the Secretary General of SACBC. Women remain the backbone of families, of our communities and the wider society. Despite being considered a backbone of our society and of our family life they are still considered to be...
Listen to my voice
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ, on Thursday of the Third Week of Lent. People with hardened hearts simply don’t listen. We follow the dictates of our evil hearts and refuse to follow God. God waits, whispering words which very often we might not hear...
A New Associate Secretary General for the SACBC
Sr Phuthunywa Catherine Siyali HC belongs to the Congregation of the Sister of the Holy Cross, Southern African Province. She was born in 1970 in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape Province and joined the Holy Cross Sisters in 1989. She made her First Profession in 1994 and...
The Year of St. Joseph
Novena in preparation for the Feast of St. Joseph Last year in December Pope Francis announced a Year of St. Joseph, in honour of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church.The Church observes the passage of time through the...
Many people look at the law from a negative point of view
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Smilo Mngadi of the Diocese of Mariannhill on a Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent. Look at the law more as a guide. A law is like a manual. While a burglar bar or gate is prevents you from inside to go outside its aim is not to...
We are the servant whom the king forgives much
A Lenten reflection from Fr. Zane Godwin of the Archdiocese of Cape Town. The king has mercy on us and cancels our huge debt. We have short memories concerning the forgiveness we have received from God in the past…and yet we are acutely aware of the hurts others have...
The idolatry of physical appearance
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Kirba Kifle MCCJ His egoism, his vanity, and his self-importance all get in the way of his healing, he desperately wants it. Only after he confessed his faith in God of Israel does he experience his true self-worth.
Commandments and the Temple Purification a new relationship
A Lenten reflection by Bishop Joseph Mary Kizito, the Bishop of Aliwal North Diocese Exodus 20:1-17 The Exodus from Egypt and the covenant of Sinai are the main events that made the Israel the people of God. The Covenant or the treaty brings about a New Relationship....
Be reconciled to God
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Linda Zwane of the Diocese of Witbank. Saturday of the Second Week of Lent. The elder son who remained at home – He did not leave physically but his spirit was not with the father.
Why is Pope Francis visiting Iraq?
Fr. Ricardo Da Silva SJ of America Media interviews Fr. Christopher Clohessy, the Lecturer of Shi'i Islam at the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies about the significance of Pope Francis' visit to Iraq given the risks involved....
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Hugh O’Connor, the Secretary General of the SACBC. The Lord expects great things from you. Today let us reach out to someone who is at the margins, someone who we know is suffering, someone who feels rejected, someone who feels outcast....
It’s never too late with God
A Lenten reflection on Thursday of the second week of Lent by Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ. When we choose life we live and grow like a tree which is green and bears fruit by the waterside. When we choose death and trust in our abilities and powers we die....
Bishops of Kimberley and Queenstown
The SACBC is happy to announce that His Holiness, Pope Francis, has appointed Rev. Fr. Paul Siphiwo Vanqa, SAC, as the Bishop of Queenstown. Bishop Duncan Tsoke The Holy Father has also appointed Bishop Duncan Tsoke, Auxiliary of Johannesburg, as the Bishop of the...
Pope Francis’ Apostolic Visit to Iraq
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, will carry out his Apostolic Visit to Iraq from the 5th to the 8th of March. According to the programme of the visit the Pope will leave Rome at 7:30 in the morning and arrive in Baghdad at 14:00 in the afternoon. In Iraq among other...
Jesus’ suffering becomes our own suffering
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Thembelani Ngcobo of the Archdiocese of Durban. A concern of a parent; what will become of my children when they die? It is a concern of most of us; we worry so much about our children, about our parents, about our loved ones. What will...
Conversion in real concrete terms
A Lenten reflection from Fr. Zane Godwin of the Archdiocese of Cape Town. Our turning back to God must have practical, direct, consequences for the way that we act in the world. The people of our time have lost the sense of sin. Even the great saints were acutely...
Many people have many burdens to bear
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Brett Williams of the Archdiocese of Durban. Part of the mission of the Church, to preach the gospel and proclaim the Kingdom, is to help lift the burdens from the shoulders of those who suffer. Together with Jesus Christ the world can be...
We need to encounter God in our lives
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Pheto Matlala of the Archdiocese of Pretoria. A faith that ought to lead us to humility to acknowledge that we have sinned and so we may be shown compassion and forgiveness. Listen to more...
It’s our time to climb the mountain of Transfiguration
A Lenten reflection by Archbishop Zolile Mpambani, the Archbishop of Bloemfontein. That sight was something very precious and assuring, they had been shuttered by Jesus’ statement that He’s going to Jerusalem to die. Lent is a special time where we also have to climb...
We are still brothers and sisters
A reflections by Fr. Sebina Komane of the Diocese of Witbank. We are not only fasting food or the things we love, we have a conversion of heart. We renew ourselves in spirit, we renew ourselves internally. Listen more...
The Messiah is among you
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Hugh O'Connor As they began to contemplate the saying they began to treat each other with a lot more respect because maybe the other person is the Messiah. https://youtu.be/9GmGs8wCKYI
Learn to trust God more deeply
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ We are reminded of our need to learn how to trust God more deeply. Notice the trust Ester displays at the end of the prayer. Listen to more... https://youtu.be/bCd3ykSAtrg
Come back to the Lord
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Thulani J. Skhosana They were so sorry for their sins that the whole city immediately repented and engaged in serious prayer and fasting. Listen for more... https://youtu.be/y8TZ_TgQ9tM
Prayer – Not just a matter of words
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Zane Godwin from the Archdiocese of Cape Town. Tuesday of the First Week of Lent. Prayer is not just a matter of saying words and is not primarily about asking for things. Listen for more... https://youtu.be/fxHBPx0_zuU
Be holy – Be perfect
A Lenten reflection by Fr. Barney McAleer "It's nothing else than the fruits of the Holy Spirit being active in your life." Listen more below... https://youtu.be/NOSPikOtfME
The words Repent and Believe set the agenda
A Lenten reflection by Bishop Peter Holiday We welcome Jesus proclamation in the Gospel on this first Sunday of Lent ‘Repent and Believe the Good News for the kingdom of God is close at hand. The words Repent and Believe set the agenda, the path we are invited to take...
Lent – a Spiritual Spring Cleaning
We must remember that our Lenten disciplines are supposed to ultimately transform our person; body, soul and spirit. On this Saturday after the Ash Wednesday the Gospel presents us with a model of human repentance. Listen more...
Grateful for Lenten Contributions
Missionvale Care Centre is one of the beneficiaries of the generous givers of Lenten contribution and they are grateful for the help they receive from the Bishops' Lenten Appeal contributions. https://youtu.be/J5P9W_JsMWw
Cardinal Napier – The Apostolic Administrator of Eshowe
His Eminence Wilfred Cardinal Napier is now the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Eshowe following the appointment by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, whose decision was communicated to the President of SACBC, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka through the Nunciature on...
A Lenten Reflection from Bishop José Luis Ponce de León
https://soundcloud.com/user-337260299/ash-wednesday-2021-reflection Lenten Reflection by Bishop Jose Luis Download the reflection For more Lenten reflections click here
Bishop Phalana and Justice and Peace invite Deputy Director General in Health Department, Dr Pillay, to a webinar
Deputy Director General of Health Department, Dr. Pillay Photo: TimesLive WEBINAR CONVERSATION WITH DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL IN HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR PILLAY. There are a lot of policy issues and public interest issues emerging from the Covid-19 vaccine. These...
Award-winning Capetonian Fr. Christopher Clohessy
Fr. Christopher Clohessy 1. You are a priest from Cape Town, and you are a lecturer at the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies. How did a priest from Cape Town end up teaching Arabic and Islamic studies of all things, in Rome? Years ago, while...
A new Memorial of Mary, Martha and Lazarus
Sts. Lazarus, Mary and Martha with Jesus Christ News like these don't travel fast in the secular media, if they do travel at all, so you cannot be blamed if you have not yet heard that Pope Francis has added the memorial of Sts. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to the...
INTERNATIONAL RADIO CONTEST – YOUTH COMPETITION ON PODCAST 2021
The SIGNIS Asia Radio Desk in conjunction with the SIGNIS World Radio desk is planning to host the first-ever SIGNIS Catholic International Radio Encounter in February 2022, in Sri Lanka, under the theme, “Engaging the Youth for a Dynamic Radio Uniting Asia and the...
SACBC Counter Trafficking reaches Malawi
Fr. Isaiah and co delighted with safe arrival of material sent in December/January The Counter Trafficking in Persons Office (CTIP) has been collaborating with the Diocese of Mzuzu in Northern Malawi in the establishing of four centres where re-integration...
The Nuncio and President’s Address at Plenary Meeting: 26-29 January, 2021
The SACBC Virtual Plenary Session was supposed to have taken placed from the 19th to 22nd January 2021, but due to the untimely death of Archbishop Abel Gabuza, who was buried on the 22nd January, the Plenary was postponed. Now the Plenary runs from the 26th to 29th...
Link for Archbishop Abel’s Requiem (Funeral) Mass
It will start at 11am today (Friday). https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HdQ4oNlvRlQ&feature=youtu.be
Eulogy of Archbishop Abel Gabuza at the Memorial Service
By: Bishop S. Sipuka, President of SACBC Among all Christian vocations which are equally important, episcopal vocation is a unique one. Unlike marriage and priesthood vocations where you participate in embracing them and follow a programme in preparation for them,...
The Apostolic Nuncio and SACBC bishops comment at the memorial service of Archbishop Abel Gabuza
In the morning of Thursday 21st January 2021 the bishops of Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference held an online memorial service of the late Archbishop Abel Gabuza. The liturgy of the memorial service was presided over by His Grace Archbishop Dabula Mphako,...
The Funeral of Archbishop Abel Gabuza
Archbishop Abel Gabuza The funeral of the late Archbishop Abel Gabuza will take place as follows: Date: 22 January 2021Time: 11 am Place: Emmanuel Cathedral, Durban Because it is a Covid-19 case the Order of Service will be adjusted to fit in with the safety...
SACBC Online Plenary Meeting and postponement of some events
January 2020 Plenary at St. John Vianney Seminary In the light of the current Covid-19 surge and the restrictions imposed by the State President, as well as uncertainty of what will happen later this month the Bishops of the SACBC have decided to hold a virtual...
TEASA’s Message of Solidarity on the Passing of Pope Francis
TEASA’s Message of Solidarity on the Passing of Pope Francis The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA) extends heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church upon the passing of Pope Francis. In this letter, TEASA acknowledges his influence beyond the Roman...
United in Grief and Hope – UCCSA’s Tribute to Pope Francis
United in Grief and Hope – UCCSA’s Tribute to Pope Francis The South Africa Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) expresses deep sympathy to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference following the death of Pope Francis. Their...
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“Pope Francis Belonged to All of Us,” said Cardinal Brislin during the Memorial Mass
Apr 25, 2025
In a heartfelt homily delivered during the Memorial Mass for Pope Francis held at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg, Cardinal Stephen Brislin offered a powerful tribute to a Pope who transcended borders, divisions, and institutions. “Pope Francis...
Pope Francis Remembered as Humble Disciple and Voice for the Marginalized
Apr 24, 2025
The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has released a heartfelt statement mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully on Easter Monday. In the Wednesday, April 23 statement, Bishops in Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa praised the...
Tributes to Pope Francis
1936 – 2025
TEASA’s Message of Solidarity on the Passing of Pope Francis
Apr 24, 2025 | Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
TEASA’s Message of Solidarity on the Passing of Pope Francis The Evangelical Alliance of South Africa (TEASA) extends heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church upon the passing of Pope Francis. In this letter, TEASA acknowledges his influence beyond the Roman...
United in Grief and Hope – UCCSA’s Tribute to Pope Francis
Apr 24, 2025 | Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
United in Grief and Hope – UCCSA’s Tribute to Pope Francis The South Africa Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) expresses deep sympathy to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference following the death of Pope Francis. Their...
Diocese of Mzansi Offers Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis
Apr 24, 2025 | Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
Diocese of Mzansi Offers Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis The Diocese of Mzansi shares in the deep sorrow felt by the universal Church at the passing of Pope Francis, a shepherd of compassion and a voice for the voiceless. In this official message, the...
Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis – St. Pius X, Brooklyn
Apr 24, 2025 | Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis – St. Pius X, Brooklyn A Solemn Requiem Mass in honour of His Holiness Pope Francis will be celebrated by His Excellency Most Reverend Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa, on Saturday, 26 April 2025 at...
Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis – Archdiocese of Pretoria
Apr 24, 2025 | Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis – Archdiocese of Pretoria The Archdiocese of Pretoria will host a Solemn Requiem Mass in honour of Pope Francis (Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio) on Friday, 25 April 2025 at 10:00 AM, during the Easter Octave. The Mass will be held at...
Holy Mass for the Repose of Pope Francis – Seshego Zone 1
Apr 24, 2025 | Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
Holy Mass for the Repose of Pope Francis – Seshego Zone 1 Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Parish in Seshego Zone 1 invites all the faithful to join in prayerful remembrance at a special Mass for the repose of the soul of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Mass will take...
Oudtshoorn Diocese Pays Tribute to Pope Francis
Apr 24, 2025 | Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
Oudtshoorn Diocese Pays Tribute to Pope Francis The Diocese of Oudtshoorn joins the global Catholic family in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this message of condolence, the diocesan community reflects on the Holy Father’s legacy of humility,...
Memorial Mass for Pope Francis Main Celebrant Bishop Mduduzi ZunguVenue Mater Dei Parish, NewtonParkDate 25 April 2025Time 17h30 530pmDiocese of Port Elizabeth 17 DECEMBER 1936 – 21 APRIL 2025
Apr 24, 2025 | Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
Memorial Mass in Honour of Pope Francis – Diocese of Port Elizabeth The Diocese of Port Elizabeth invites the faithful to a solemn Memorial Mass in honour of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April 2025. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Mduduzi...
A Tribute of Faith and Fidelity: Knights of da Gama Honour Pope Francis
Apr 24, 2025 | Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
A Tribute of Faith and Fidelity: Knights of da Gama Honour Pope Francis In this letter of condolence addressed to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Catholic Order of the Knights of da Gama expresses heartfelt sorrow at the passing of His Holiness...
Pope Francis Remembered as Humble Disciple and Voice for the Marginalized
Apr 24, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Tributes to Pope Francis - 1936 - 2025
The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has released a heartfelt statement mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died peacefully on Easter Monday. In the Wednesday, April 23 statement, Bishops in Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa praised the...
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