In his reflection during the solemn vespers on the eve of the Episcopal consecration of the Right Reverend Vusumuzi Francis Mazibuku as Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of Ingwavuma, the

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

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

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

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 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

“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 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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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

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.

Backlog experience in processing visa applications at the department of Home Affairs is a “cause for concern” for religious orders, says the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Associate Secretary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fr. Stan Muyebe – SACBC Justice and Peace Commission Humans Rights Day in South Africa is commemorated annually on 21 March in remembrance of the 69 people protesting against apartheid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: SACBC Justice and Peace Commission The 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

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

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

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

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

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;

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

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

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.

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

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

By Sheila Pires The 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.

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

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

“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

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

“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

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 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

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 Ministry of the Clergy to

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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 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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

“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

“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

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

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

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.

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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,

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:

“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.

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

“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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

“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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

“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

The following are bishops responsible for various departments, offices and bodies within the SACBC.

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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 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

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

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

The role of SANEF (South African National Editors Forum) and its benefit to the people of faith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

“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

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

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