by Sheila Pires | Jun 9, 2026 | Featured, Bishop Statements
As anti-migrant protests continue to spread across South Africa, Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka has issued a pastoral letter urging Christians and all people of goodwill to reject violence, uphold human dignity, and respond to the growing humanitarian crisis with...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 4, 2026 | Featured, Justice and Peace
Representatives of the German Catholic development agency Misereor visited Khanya House, the headquarters of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), as part of a country visit from 17 May to 6 June to assess projects supported through its...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 3, 2026 | Featured, LCCL
In response to the growing need for ongoing formation among priests and religious, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has announced that its next Sabbatical Programme will take place from 25 January to 5 March 2027 at St Luke’s Retreat Centre in...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 3, 2026 | Featured, Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue
In a reflection on the shared devotion to Mary among Catholics and Muslims, the Coordinating Secretary of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Department of Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue and Dialogue with the Secular World, highlights...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 1, 2026 | Featured, synodality
Bishops from Africa and Europe gathered in Luxembourg from 25 to 28 May for a joint seminar organised by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, reflecting on the theme...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 1, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
As South Africa prepares for a future with reduced international support for HIV and tuberculosis (TB) programmes, health advocates are calling for a careful and compassionate transition that safeguards the country’s most vulnerable communities. According to the...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 1, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
As the Church marks the first year of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka of Cape Town has described the Holy Father as “a firm but steady Pope” whose leadership is helping the Church engage the challenges of the modern world while remaining...
by Sheila Pires | May 29, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
As the Church reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the Associate Secretary of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Department for Christian Formation, Liturgy and Culture, has emphasised the urgent need for the Church...
by Sheila Pires | May 27, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office
At a time when human trafficking, modern slavery and anti-migrant sentiment are increasing across parts of Africa, Catholic leaders, civil society organisations and law enforcement agencies are strengthening collaboration to protect the most vulnerable and restore...
by Sheila Pires | May 20, 2026 | Bishop Statements
As tensions and violence against migrants continue to spread across parts of South Africa, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has issued a pastoral letter condemning attacks on foreign nationals and warning political...
by Sheila Pires | May 18, 2026 | Featured, Communication and Media
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) says the theological and pastoral research process on the question of ubungoma (traditional healing) is expected to be completed by January 2027, as the Theological Advisory Committee (TAC) continues to seek a...
by Sheila Pires | May 18, 2026 | Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office
At the heart of the Catholic Church’s growing response to human trafficking in Southern Africa, young people are increasingly being recognised not only as beneficiaries of protection, but as protagonists of prevention, advocacy, and healing. This vision came into...
by Sheila Pires | May 13, 2026 | Featured, Dennis Hurley Peace Institute (DHPI)
A profound sense of gratitude, sorrow, and Christian hope marked the Funeral Mass of Johan Viljoen, celebrated on Wednesday, 13 May, at Khanya House, the headquarters of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) in Pretoria, where bishops,...
by Sheila Pires | May 13, 2026 | Featured, Dennis Hurley Peace Institute (DHPI)
The President of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM) has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Mr Johan Viljoen, a longtime humanitarian worker and former Director of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute, describing him as “a true brother and friend” whose...
by Sheila Pires | May 12, 2026 | Featured, Laity
At a time when the Catholic Church is intensifying its reflection on marriage and family life across the world, the Liaison Bishop for Marriage and Family Life Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has called for a renewed pastoral...
by Sheila Pires | May 12, 2026 | Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office
Participants in a webinar organised by the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Migrants, Refugees, and Human Trafficking Office and the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) have issued a strong appeal for faith-based leaders...
by Sheila Pires | May 7, 2026 | Featured, Dennis Hurley Peace Institute (DHPI)
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) announces with deep sorrow the passing of Mr Johan Viljoen, who was called to his eternal rest at his home on Wednesday night, 06 May 2026. We commend his soul to the loving mercy of God and extend our...
by Sheila Pires | May 6, 2026 | Featured
The Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) convened a regional workshop on Communication and Disability from 27 April to 1 May at the Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria. The meeting brought together bishops, priests, religious, and lay...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 29, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, Laity
Members of the leadership of St Anne’s Sodality from across Southern Africa gathered in Johannesburg Archdiocese for a three-day inter-diocesan council meeting focused on formation, leadership, and service within the Church. The gathering brought together newly...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 28, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
By Kati Dijane The faithful gathered at the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral on Saturday, 25 April 2026, for the annual Bishop Mandlenkhosi Zwane Memorial Lecture, an event that continues to honour the life, legacy and enduring vision of the first local bishop of...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 27, 2026 | Featured, Laity, Marriage and Family
The Church must continue to invest in the formation of the laity and support families as the backbone of both society and ecclesial life, according to the Chairperson of the Department for the Laity of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Speaking...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 26, 2026 | Featured
As South Africans commemorate Freedom Day, marking the birth of democracy and the end of apartheid, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) calls on citizens to give thanks for the country’s hard-won freedom and to work together to...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 14, 2026 | Featured
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Reverend Father Motlatsi Meshack Phomane, a priest of Mthatha Diocese, as the new Bishop of Bethlehem Diocese. He succeeds Bishop Jan de Groef M.Afr, who has shepherded the diocese since December 2008. At 50 years of age,...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 14, 2026 | Featured, Bishop Statements
The members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) have expressed deep sorrow and concern following comments and allegations directed at the Holy Father by United States President Donald Trump. In the Tuesday, 14 April 2026 statement signed by...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 14, 2026 | Featured
“It is a humbling reality to hear that one has been given such an overwhelming and challenging role.” With these words, Bishop-elect Lawrence Ofentse Pheto shared his first reaction following his appointment as Bishop of Francistown. In an interview with the...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 13, 2026 | Featured, Bishop Statements
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has issued a statement condemning the recent social media post by President Donald Trump that featured an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus Christ, describing...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 10, 2026 | Featured
Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Reverend Father Lawrence Ofentse Pheto, a priest of Gaborone Diocese, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Francistown, making Monsignor (Mons) Pheto the third bishop of the local Church in the second largest city in Botswana. The...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 2, 2026 | Featured, Bishops' Homilies
At the annual Chrism Mass celebrated on Thursday, 2 April 2026, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, thousands of faithful from across the Archdiocese of Johannesburg gathered in prayerful unity to witness the blessing of the sacred oils and the renewal of priestly...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 1, 2026 | Featured, cathca
The Catholic Health Care Association of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference notes that millions of people across South Africa continue to rely on the public health system with hope and resilience. Much effort has gone into strengthening health services,...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 31, 2026 | Featured, LCCL
At the conclusion of the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life in Southern Africa (LCCL-SA), the President, reflected on the conversations that shaped the gathering held at Lumko Institute and Conference Centre in Benoni....
by Sheila Pires | Mar 31, 2026 | Featured, Justice and Peace
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to “take decisive steps to restore public confidence and safeguard the credibility of the justice system, in the interest of social...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 29, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
As the Church enters Holy Week, Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier OFM has encouraged the people of God to remain focused on Jesus Christ and to renew their commitment to living the Gospel with sincerity and consistency. In his Palm Sunday reflection, the Archbishop Emeritus...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 28, 2026 | Justice and Peace, Ecumenism, Social Action
The Liaison Bishop for the Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has called for an end to the ongoing war in the Middle East, echoing the urgent appeals of Pope Leo XIV for an immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogue...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 28, 2026 | Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office, Social Action
The Catholic Church, together with ecumenical and humanitarian groups, continues to intensify efforts to address statelessness, migration challenges, and rising xenophobia in Southern Africa, following a strategic multi-religious meeting held in Johannesburg. In an...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 22, 2026 | Uncategorized, Local Congregations Sisters
At the heart of the mission of the Augustinian Sisters of the Mercy of Jesus in KwaZulu-Natal is a growing commitment to accompany, form, and empower young women facing the realities of poverty, unemployment, and social vulnerability. In an interview with the Southern...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 18, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
On the Solemnity of St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Local Ordinary of Kokstad Diocese has called for a renewed reflection on fatherhood, masculinity, and responsibility in the face of growing social challenges, particularly gender-based violence,...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 16, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office
Article by Sr Neide Lamperti, MSCS: SACBC Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking Office From 9 to 13 March 2026, a delegation from the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) visited the Diocese of Manzini in Eswatini to conduct a formation...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 16, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
Article by: Sr Margaret Mary SU – Mthatha Diocese 14 March 2026 was a day long-awaited by Catholics across South Africa, and particularly by the faithful of the Archdiocese of Cape Town. Before a gathering of more than 5,000 people at the Grand West Arena in...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 14, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
At his installation as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cape Town, Archbishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka outlined a pastoral vision centred on unity, synodality, and mission, urging the Church and society to confront divisions and work intentionally toward...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 14, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM, Bishop of Kokstad, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mthatha in South Africa. The announcement was made public by the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, Archbishop Henryk...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 5, 2026 | Uncategorized, Migrants and Refugees Office
More than 40 diocesan coordinators, Church leaders, and partners gathered online on 4 March for a high-level workshop addressing the growing challenge of statelessness and undocumented persons in Southern Africa. Organised by the Southern African Catholic...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 1, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, Laity
The Southern African Catholic Council for the Laity (SACCL) has concluded its Annual General Meeting, electing a new executive leadership to serve a three-year term following a rigorous five-round voting process for the five executive positions. The newly elected...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 28, 2026 | Featured, Laity
Metropolitan and diocesan members of the Southern African Catholic Council for the Laity (SACCL) are gathered at the Lumko Institute, Retreat and Conference Centre for its Annual General Meeting (AGM). In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 25, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
At the opening of the Academic and Formation Year at St Francis Xavier Seminary, the Auxiliary Bishop of Cape Town Archdiocese encouraged seminarians to understand their formation not simply as preparation for ministry, but as a deeply spiritual journey of conversion,...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 25, 2026 | Featured, Youth Department
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communication Office recently spoke with the SACBC Interdiocesan Youth and Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS) National Chaplain during the annual gathering of youth chaplains and coordinators...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 25, 2026 | Featured, Youth Department
Youth chaplains and diocesan coordinators from across Southern Africa have gathered at the Lumko Institute and Conference Centre in Benoni for the annual four-day conference of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth Department. The 23 to 26...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 23, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
Dioceses across the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) region celebrated the Rite of Election service on Sunday, 22 February 2026, marking a decisive moment in the journey of faith for catechumens and candidates preparing for full initiation into...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 22, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
In an interview with the Communications Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), the newly appointed Bishop of Kroonstad Diocese, Monsignor Amos Mabuti Masemola, offered a reflective and deeply spiritual account of his vocation, priestly...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 20, 2026 | Uncategorized, Lenten Appeal
The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has informed the Church of the Lenten Appeal contributions for the years 2024 and 2025 through a newsletter signed by the Secretary General, Fr Hugh O’Connor. The communication forms part of the Church’s...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 19, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
As he prepares to leave the Diocese of Mthatha, Archbishop-Elect of Cape Town and Administrator of Mthatha Sithembele Anton Sipuka has shared a pastoral reflection of thanksgiving, hope, and faith. After 18 years of service, the Archbishop-Elect shares on being...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 17, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rev. Fr Amos Mabuti Masemola as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Kroonstad. Until his appointment, Monsignor Masemola served as Second Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Pretoria and as Parish Priest of St Thomas More, Monavoni. Born on 6...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 9, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office
The Catholic Church annually marks the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita on 8 February, honouring her as the patron saint patron saint of Sudan and of victims of human trafficking. This year, the commemoration fell on Sunday, 8 February 2026, and was observed across...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 7, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
In a quiet but determined journey that began almost two decades ago, Catholic Sisters in Southern Africa have steadily built a powerful network of faith, resistance, and hope in the fight against human trafficking. What started in 2007 as a simple workshop in Cape...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 7, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Superior General of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill (CMM), Fr Michael Maβ, has called on consecrated men and women to be “signs of God’s hope, pilgrims of hope, and signs of reconciliation in today’s world,” highlighting the prophetic witness...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 5, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has paid tribute to Sr Dominica Mkhize FSF as she concludes her three-year service as Associate Secretary General at Khanya House in Pretoria. Speaking during a farewell gathering, Cardinal Stephen Brislin,...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 4, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, synodality
Amid ongoing discussions and questions within the Church about Synodality misconceptions, South African Canon Lawer offered important clarification on synodality, canon law, and the proper exercise of dialogue and authority in the Catholic Church. In an interview held...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 27, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishop Statements, Featured
PRESS STATEMENT 27 January 2026 Conclusion of the January 2026 Plenary Session The bishops of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) concluded their January Plenary Session...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 27, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
The Catholic Church in Southern Africa marked a historic milestone on Sunday with the opening Mass of the Jubilee Year celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Ecclesiastical Hierarchy, held at the Church of the Beatitudes in Zwavelpoort, Pretoria...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 27, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
On the Feast of Saints Timothy and Titus, the Local Ordinary of Rustenburg Diocese invited bishops to reflect on their shared vocation and ministry. Presiding at the Eucharist, Bishop Robert Mphiwe drew deeply from the relationship between St Paul and the young...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 24, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
As the Church in Southern Africa marks the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of the Southern African Hierarchy, the Archbishop Emeritus of Bloemfontein Archdiocese offered a deeply personal and prophetic reflection centred on the ongoing formation of the people of...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 24, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Catholic Bishops of South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini, who together form the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), continued their annual plenary session on Friday, 23 January 2026, at the SACBC headquarters, Khanya House, in the Archdiocese of...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 23, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
The call to truth, humility, and service lay at the heart of the homily delivered by Bishop Stanislau Dziuba OSPPE during the morning Mass on Friday, 23 January 2026, celebrated at the Chapel of St John Vianney Seminary. The Eucharist forms part of the ongoing January...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 23, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
The image of a small, fragile fishing boat became an invitation to humility, courage, and renewed trust in God during the morning Mass of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) January 2026 Plenary Session. In his homily, Fr Chris Chatteris SJ...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 22, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
Bishops and Apostolic Administrators of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) are gathered in Pretoria for their January 2026 Plenary Session, taking place from 20 to 27 January at Khanya House, the Conference’s headquarters. The eight-day...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 21, 2026 | Featured
The Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa took part in the opening session of the Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) underway at Khanya House in Pretoria, the Conference headquarters. In his address to the bishops gathered...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 21, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
At the morning Mass of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) January 2026 Plenary Session themed ‘Synodality and Mission’, Bishop Noel Andrew Rucastle of Oudtshoorn invited his brother bishops to embrace a leadership marked by fidelity, courage,...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 21, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishop Statements, Featured, News
The President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has called on the Church in South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini to enter its next chapter with renewed missionary zeal, fidelity to the Gospel and courage in the face of injustice, as the...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 21, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishop Statements, Featured
The Archbishop of Johannesburg has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic road accident near Vanderbijlpark in South Africa’s Vaal region, in which several schoolchildren lost their lives while travelling to school on 17 January 2026. In a message of condolence,...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 21, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
The Catholic Church in Southern Africa has been called to renewed discernment, deeper communion, and a more prophetic public witness as it marks 75 years since the establishment of the Catholic hierarchy in the region. The call came during the Opening Mass of the...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 17, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, News
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has officially unveiled the logo for the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Southern African Hierarchy, marking a significant milestone in the life and mission of the Catholic Church in South Africa,...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 9, 2026 | Uncategorized, Communication and Media, Featured
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka as the new Archbishop of Cape Town, marking a significant moment for the Catholic Church in Southern Africa. The appointment was announced in a communiqué issued by the Vatican Press Office on Friday, 9 January...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 9, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, synodality
The Chairperson of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Commission for Synodality has emphasised that synodality is rooted not in structures or strategies, but in the very life of God. In his homily on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, Archbishop Dabula...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 7, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, synodality
More than 60 participants from across the dioceses of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) have gathered at St John Vianney Seminary NPC in Pretoria for the Short Course: Leadership in a Synodal Church, taking place from 5 to 10 January 2026. The...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 5, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured
As the Church enters 2026, Cardinal Stephen Brislin has described the year as a “very special year for the Church in Southern Africa” as it marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Southern African hierarchy, an event that shaped the pastoral,...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 1, 2026 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
The Archbishop of Johannesburg celebrated the first Mass of 2026 on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, at Christ the King Cathedral, inviting the faithful to begin the New Year with gratitude, hope, and renewed trust in God’s abiding presence. In his homily,...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 31, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Pope
1st JANUARY 2026 Peace be with you all: Towards an “unarmed and disarming” peace “Peace be with you!” This ancient greeting, still in use today in many cultures, was infused with new life on the evening of Easter on the lips of the risen Jesus. “Peace be with you”...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 28, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
Hundreds of faithful gathered at Christ the King Cathedral in Johannesburg for the Closing Mass of the Jubilee Year of Hope, celebrated on the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Presiding at the liturgy, Cardinal Stephen Brislin reflected on the past...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 26, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
Celebrating Christmas at Christ the King Cathedral, Cardinal Stephen Brislin reflected on the Gospel of Luke, which situates the birth of Christ firmly within history and human vulnerability. With remarkable economy, Saint Luke names rulers and political motives,...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 25, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Holy See “URBI ET ORBI” MESSAGEOF POPE LEO XIV CHRISTMAS 2025 Central Loggia of Saint Peter’s BasilicaThursday, 25 December 2025 Dear brothers and sisters, “Let us all rejoice in the Lord, for our Savior has been born in the world. Today, true...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 23, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
As the Church approaches the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord, a Christmas gathering was held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria, beginning with the celebration of Holy Mass. The Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop Dabula Mpako of Pretoria, who also...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 22, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In his first interview since assuming responsibility for the Diocese of Keimoes–Upington, Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani SCJ has spoken openly about the mission entrusted to him as Apostolic Administrator, describing it as a call to service received in humility and...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 19, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
Thousands of faithful gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Pella for the Requiem Mass of Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi OMI, who served the Diocese of Keimoes-Upington for 25 years. Clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across the diocese and...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 18, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
The life and ministry of the late Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi OMI were recalled as a testimony of faithful service to the Church during the Memorial Mass celebrated at St Augustine’s Co-Cathedral in Upington. The Co-Cathedral was filled to capacity as clergy,...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 17, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Catholic community of the Diocese of Keimoes–Upington gathered at St Augustine’s Co-Cathedral in Upington for a Memorial Mass offered in suffrage for the late Most Reverend Edward Gabriel Risi OMI, who served as Bishop of Keimoes–Upington for 25 years. The Holy...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 16, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In his Christmas Message to the People of God in Southern Africa, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), invites the faithful to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation as a source of hope in a world marked...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 16, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Apostolic Nunciature to South Africa has announced the appointment of Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani S.C.I., Archbishop of Bloemfontein, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Keimoes–Upington, following the passing of Bishop Edward Gariel Risi OMI on 04...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 11, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishop Statements, Featured
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has issued a statement following the assassination of whistleblower Marius van der Merwe, expressing concern about the impact such incidents have on public trust, justice, and the country’s social fabric. The...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 9, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has lauded the enduring vision and prophetic witness of Abbot Francis Pfanner, calling his “legacy of non-racialism…a way to promote respectful intercultural living” and urged the Mariannhill...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 8, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Church in South Africa gathered at Mariannhill Monastery to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abbot Francis Pfanner, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood and the Missionaries of...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has announced with great sadness the death of Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi, OMI, Bishop of Keimoes-Upington, who passed away on 4 December 2025 after several months of illness. He had been in and out of the...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 4, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Church in Southern Africa is mourning the passing of Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi, Bishop of Keimoes–Upington, who died on the morning of Thursday, 4 December 2025, at the age of 76. His death came after several months of ill-health, during which he was repeatedly...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 4, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Church in Southern Africa is mourning the death of Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi, Bishop of Keimoes-Upington, who passed away on Thursday morning, 4 December 2025, at the age of 76. His death followed several months of ill-health; he had been in and out of hospital...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 3, 2025 | Uncategorized, 16 DAYS, Featured
As the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence unfold across the globe, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission has issued an urgent call for a renewed, family-centred strategy to confront violence against...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 3, 2025 | Uncategorized, 16 DAYS, Bishop Statements, Justice and Peace
A Call to a Family-Centred Response to the Violence Against Women and Children “Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace to this household.” (Luke 10:5) We offer this message with pastoral concern, inviting every parish within the SACBC to dedicate one Sunday...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 28, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
By Ryan Pillay – Port Elizabeth Diocese Communication Officer From November 24 to 26, 2025, the clergy of the Catholic Diocese of Port Elizabeth gathered at St. Luke’s Retreat Centre for the annual Clergy Plenary: three days of reflection, fraternity, shared...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 27, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria welcomed a delegation from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, led by Sr Jane Wakahiu LSOSF, during their official visit to South Africa aimed at strengthening support for consecrated life and fostering closer collaboration with the...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 27, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has highlighted the critical contribution of women religious to the life of the Church and society during a meeting with a delegation from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and Leadership...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 24, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has welcomed and commended the key resolutions emerging from the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit, recognising their alignment with long-standing calls for global justice,...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 22, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
World leaders are gathered at Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg for the first G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil under the theme “Solidarity, Sustainability and Equality.” In his opening address, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the responsibilities of...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 22, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The National Catholic Board of Education (NCBE) and the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission have issued a statement expressing concern over increasing levels of violence and criminal activity in schools across South...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 21, 2025 | Uncategorized, Caritas, Featured
https://turndebtintohope.caritas.org/g20-faith-leaders-around-globe-urge-heads-of-government-to-end-debt-crisis/ The letter, signed by 82 leaders of faith communities across 35 countries, notes that more than 50 governments “are spending more on servicing foreign...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 20, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
As world leaders prepare to gather in Johannesburg on 21 November 2025 for the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment Summit, the Catholic Health Care Association of Southern Africa (CATHCA) and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) are issuing urgent calls for investment in...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 20, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
By Kati Dijane As global leaders are gathering in South Africa for the G20 Summit – the first time the forum has taken place on African soil – a powerful faith-based response by the Catholic Church was taking shape on the sidelines. On Wednesday, 19 November 2025,...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 20, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
Leaders of faith communities from across the world have issued an appeal to G20 leaders, calling on them to confront the global debt crisis as a moral and humanitarian emergency ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg — the first G20 summit to be held on African soil....
by Sheila Pires | Nov 18, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) concluded its November Board Meeting in Pretoria, where bishops gathered to prepare for the upcoming January plenary and the landmark celebration of 75 years since the establishment of the Catholic hierarchy in...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 18, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Diocese of Eshowe devoted a full day to reflection on synodality as priests gathered for a presentation led by the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) vice chairperson of the Commission for Synodality, Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM of Kokstad...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 17, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini presented his book “The Story of Josip Stadler, the First Archbishop of Sarajevo” during a special gathering at St. Jerome’s Croatian Catholic Mission in Johannesburg. The presentation...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 11, 2025 | Featured
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), with the endorsement of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has extended an official invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit South Africa. The invitation, which emerged from discussions during the SACBC’s August plenary...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 9, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The recent pastoral statement issued by the Bishops of the Durban Metropolitan Province has generated significant discussion within the Church in Southern Africa. The decree, which calls on priests and religious to refrain from practising Ubungoma (traditional...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 8, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) has raised concern about what he calls “the spiritual displacement of our children” through the growing trend of schools holding classes every day of the week, including Sundays. In his address at the SACC...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 6, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
As the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Board Meeting comes to an end, Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa, in his homily during morning Mass, reflected on holiness. He began by recalling the Gospel story of the rich man who asked Jesus, “Master,...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) recently concluded a five-day workshop on mental health and self-care for priests at the Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria Archdiocese. https://youtu.be/GMa-aVBKgUU The workshop, held from 27 to 31...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
In his homily at the morning Mass for bishops gathered for the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Board Meeting at St John Vianney Seminary, Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani SCI invited his brother bishops to reflect deeply on the Gospel’s challenge...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 4, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has convened its Board Meeting at St John Vianney Seminary in the Archdiocese of Pretoria. The 4 to 6 November 2025 meeting serves as a key preparatory step for the upcoming First Plenary Session of 2026....
by Sheila Pires | Nov 3, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
As the world observes the 2025 Jubilee Year, faith leaders across South Africa have united in a bold call for debt cancellation and global financial reform. On Monday, November 3, 2025, a multi-faith delegation, led by the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 28, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
Clergy from Southern Africa are gathered in Pretoria Archdiocese for a four-day workshop on mental health. The week-long program brings together priests from across the six episcopal conferences (Angola and São Tomé -CEAST, Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa -SACBC,...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 27, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
At a time when the world looks to Africa for both moral and developmental leadership, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), through its Justice and Peace Commission, in collaboration with Caritas Africa, Jesuits Africa, and Catholic Sisters’...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 22, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, synodality
The Diocese of Mariannhill has taken a significant step forward in the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality, joining dioceses across the region in responding to Pope Francis’s call for a Church that journeys together in communion, participation, and...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 20, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
On World Mission Sunday, the Missionaries of Africa (M.Afr), commonly known as the White Fathers, celebrated 50 years of service in South Africa with a solemn and joyful Golden Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King, the mother church of the Archdiocese of...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 18, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Laity
Members of the Department for Formation, Life and Apostolate of the Laity of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) gathered at Lumko Institute Retreat Conference Centre in Benoni for the biannual meeting. The 17 to 19 October meeting held under the...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 13, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office
Over 30 religious sisters from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa have gathered at the Padre Pio Retreat and Conference Centre for a regional formation training on human trafficking, organized by Talitha Kum International. The five-day workshop, from...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 13, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The 14th Plenary Assembly and Golden Jubilee of the Interregional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) offered bishops from across the region an opportunity to reflect on the Church’s mission of communion, service, and renewal. Among them was Bishop Victor...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 12, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In an exclusive interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) Communication Office, the newly appointed Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature in South Africa shared his personal journey, calling to the priesthood, and vision for service to...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 12, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
On the Feast of Our Lady, Queen of Palestine, Patroness of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a solemn Investiture Ceremony of new members of the Order was celebrated at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Johannesburg, South Africa. Presiding over...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 8, 2025 | Uncategorized, Caritas, Caritas South Africa, Featured
On Monday, 6 October 2025, the President of Caritas Africa visited Khanya House, the headquarters of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), as part of his official mission to strengthen Caritas structures and collaboration across the continent....
by Sheila Pires | Oct 8, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
As part of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day, observed globally on September 9 each year, the SACBC Justice and Peace Commission, in partnership with the DG Murray Trust, hosted an awareness workshop at Khanya House on October 6. The...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 6, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Youth Department
By Kati Dijane The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Youth and Young Adults’ Ministry made history this month by hosting its first-ever Young Adults’ Conference, bringing together 61 young adults from across the 29 dioceses in South Africa,...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 6, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The 50th anniversary of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA), held in Matsapha, Eswatini, brought together Catholic leaders from across the region to celebrate five decades of faith, dialogue, and pastoral collaboration. Among the...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 6, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Commission has welcomed the recent report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) exposing the looting of more than R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital. In the statement signed by the Chairperson...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 4, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Archbishop of Johannesburg and President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has issued a strong condemnation of recent xenophobic incidents targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. Cardinal Stephen Brislin’s message comes amid...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 1, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In a statement shared with the SACBC Communications Office, an ecumenical group advocating for justice in Palestine addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent speech at the UN General Assembly. In the September 27 statement, signed by His Beatitude...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 28, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
During his first-ever visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, offered a reflection on what it means for the Church to “accompany” rather than “direct” the people of God —...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 25, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The 14th Plenary Assembly of the Interregional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) is taking place in Manzini, Eswatini, from 24–28 September, coinciding with IMBISA’s Golden Jubilee. Held under the theme “A Synodal Journey, nourished by compassion and...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 25, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Interregional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) opened its Golden Jubilee Plenary Session with a solemn Mass celebrated in Manzini Diocese, Eswatini, bringing together over 120 delegates from the six episcopal conferences that form IMBISA. In his...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 23, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
With joy and thanksgiving, the Archdiocese of Johannesburg celebrated the 65th anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral of Christ the King on Saturday, 20 September 2025. The solemn Mass was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa....
by Sheila Pires | Sep 23, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Jubilee Year of Hope “is not just a year on the calendar; it is a call to action. And the Cross is not just a historical event frozen into more than two millennia of Christian existence; it is a present reality.” With these striking words, the Auxiliary Bishop of...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 22, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria has congratulated the Archdiocese of Johannesburg on the 65th anniversary of the Cathedral of Christ the King and the 30th anniversary of Pope Saint John Paul II’s historic visit. In an interview with the Southern African Catholic...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 22, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg was the focus of three major celebrations on Saturday, September 20: the 65th anniversary of its consecration, the 30th anniversary of Pope Saint John Paul II’s visit, and the unveiling of a heritage plaque...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 18, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg is preparing for a momentous celebration on 20 September 2025, as the Cathedral of Christ the King commemorates both its 65th anniversary of consecration and the 30th anniversary of Pope Saint John Paul II’s historic visit in...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 16, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg has called on authorities to act decisively as communities in the city endure one of the harshest chapters of South Africa’s worsening water crisis. In a statement shared on social media, Cardinal Stephen...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 16, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
In this week’s reflection for the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Justice and Peace Series on the Season of Creation, Fr. Peter Knox SJ reflects on the theme of water insecurity and climate change. Drawing on his recent experiences in the...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 16, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Diocese of Dundee gathered in great numbers for its Annual Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows at Maria Ratschitz. In his first address in Dundee Diocese, the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 9, 2025 | Uncategorized, Justice and Peace
It is easy to adopt popular stereotypes about the roles of women and men in society, in the family, the workplace, and in politics. If we don’t reflect on what these are saying about both women and men, we tend to repeat what we have been taught from our childhood....
by Sheila Pires | Sep 9, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
Mariannhill St Joseph’s Cathedral was the scene of celebration and gratitude on Monday, 8 September 2025, as the congregation of the Precious Blood Sisters (CPS) marked 140 years since their foundation. The liturgy, on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 8, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Department for Formation, Life, and Apostolate of the Laity of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) hosted a workshop for treasurers of sodalities and lay associations at the Lumko Institute and Retreat Centre in Benoni. Rooted in the...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 8, 2025 | Featured, Uncategorized
Saint Thomas Catholic Parish in Lenasia was the setting of a profound witness to unity and compassion during the Interfaith Week of Prayer for Peace and Justice in the World, held from August 18 to 23, 2025. Organized in collaboration with the Southern African...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria has announced the arrival of its new Secretary, Monsignor Giacomo Antonicelli, who officially took up his duties on September 2, 2025. His appointment follows the reassignment of Monsignor Dario Paviša to the Apostolic Nunciature...
by danvdb | Aug 29, 2025 | Featured, Uncategorized
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Stephen Brislin as a member of the Dicastery for the Clergy. This marks the third appointment of a member of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) by Pope Leo to a Vatican dicastery in 2025. Earlier this year,...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 27, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office
The Padre Pio Retreat and Conference Centre in Pretoria hosted a two-day Annual General Meeting (AGM) on migration and human trafficking, bringing together 46 diocesan pastoral agents from South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini. Organized under the leadership of the...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 21, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, synodality
The Archdiocese of Durban held its annual Clergy Study Day under the theme of Synodality, led by the Vice Chairperson of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Commission for Synodality. Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa, who represented the SACBC at...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 21, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) concluded its Triennial Continental Congress in Accra, Ghana, on August 17, 2025, issuing a strong appeal for the responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism. The gathering, held from 10 to 17...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 17, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Interreligious Dialogue
Religious leaders from across the globe gathered in Cape Town from August 10 to 14 for the G20 Interfaith Forum, held under the theme Ubuntu in Action: Focus on Vulnerable Communities. The annual event brought together faith-based organizations, civil society actors,...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 15, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishop Statements, Featured
Religious leaders from across the globe gathered in Cape Town for the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20) under the theme Ubuntu in Action: Focus on Vulnerable Communities. In a statement shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Bishop Sithembele...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 11, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishop Statements, Featured
In their Friday, August 8 statement, the bishops of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) reflected on the Church’s pastoral priorities and social challenges following their August 4–8 Plenary Session at Khanya House, Pretoria. According to the...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 7, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Bishop Thomas Graham Rose offered a reflection on the theme of true light versus false light, drawing from Scripture, Church tradition, and current society. Reflecting on the Gospel account of the Transfiguration,...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 6, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
Speaking on the sidelines of the second plenary assembly of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Bishop Siphiwo Paul Vanqa SAC delivered a heartfelt appeal to the Church to prioritize youth accompaniment in the face of serious...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 6, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In a moving and dignified ceremony held at the Apostolic Nunciature in Pretoria, ambassadors, clergy, religious, and members of the diplomatic and Church community gathered to bid farewell to Monsignor Dario Paviša, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., as he concludes over five...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Chairperson of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Commission for Synodality has called on all dioceses in the region to finalise the appointment and registration of their respective synodal teams. In a letter dated 25 July 2025, Archbishop...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
At the start of the August 2025 plenary session of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka of the Diocese of Mthatha presided over the first morning Mass, marking the Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
Members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) have convened at Khanya House, the conference headquarters in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, for their August plenary session. The gathering brings together bishops from across Botswana, Eswatini, and...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Catholic Church in Southern Africa joined in heartfelt thanksgiving on Sunday, August 3, 2025, as Archbishop Emeritus George Francis Daniel celebrated the 50th anniversary of his episcopal ordination. To honour the golden jubilee, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV issued...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In a pastoral appeal marking the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Chairperson of the Department for Social Action of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), urged pastoral agents and civil society organizations to intensify their...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka, President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), addressed fellow church leaders at the National Church Leaders Anti-Corruption Conference in Johannesburg with a call for both moral clarity and practical commitment in the...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 19, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has condemned the July 17, 2025, Israeli military assault on the Holy Family Catholic Church compound in Gaza, which left three civilians dead, including two members of the Christian Palestinian community, and...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 14, 2025 | Uncategorized, Communication and Media, Featured
As South Africa grapples with multiple overlapping crises, ranging from allegations of high-level corruption to persistent xenophobia and the fallout of climate disasters, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has urged both...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 14, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, synodality
“The priest is a pilgrim, journeying to salvation with the People of God—not above them, but among them.” With these words, the Local Ordinary of Mariannhill Diocese, opened his homily during the Ordination Mass of nine priests and four deacons on Saturday, 12 July...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 11, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Catholic Health Care Association (CATHCA) has condemned the recent surge in xenophobic incidents targeting foreign nationals at public health facilities in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. This comes in the wake of disturbing reports that anti-migrant vigilante groups...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 10, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishop Statements, Featured
Allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on July 6, 2025, implicating senior political figures and members of the South African Police Service, have prompted the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) to call for...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 10, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishop Statements, Featured
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has issued a statement condemning the recent xenophobic protests blocking foreign nationals from accessing public healthcare facilities in South Africa. In the July 10 statement signed by the SACBC President,...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 9, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has issued a statement expressing “profound concern” over allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, implicating Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, Deputy National Commissioner...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
On Thursday, July 3, 2025, the Vatican announced the appointment of 21 new members to the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, a body tasked with fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the Catholic Church and other faiths. Among those appointed is...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, synodality
As the Catholic Church journeys through the Synod on Synodality and the Jubilee Year, the Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria Archdiocese has urged priests to embrace pastoral renewal. In an interview about the weeklong workshop on change management organized by the...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 4, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In a significant moment for the Catholic Church in Southern Africa, Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka of Mthatha Diocese has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, a key body that fosters understanding and cooperation...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 1, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
At the conclusion of the G20 International Symposium on Global Justice and Solidarity held at the University of Cape Town, participants from across Africa and the world endorsed the Cape Town Declaration on Global Justice and Solidarity, a policy-focused statement...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 1, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In a spirit of pastoral care and fidelity to Church teaching, the Archdiocese of Johannesburg opened the doors of the Cathedral of Christ the King to host a memorial Mass for the late former President of Zambia, Edgar Lungu, following a request from the family amidst...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 1, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Catholic Church in Southern Africa is witnessing a remarkable moment in its history, as Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa, CMM, of the Diocese of Kokstad, assumes a significant role in the global Church. Recently appointed by Pope Leo XIV as a member of the Dicastery...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 30, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishop Statements, Featured
Cardinal Stephen Brislin, President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), has issued a statement on behalf of the Catholic Church in Southern Africa following the severe flooding in Mthatha and surrounding areas. Quoting the words of Jesus in...
by danvdb | Jun 26, 2025 | Uncategorized, cathca
CATHCA Updates – June 2025: Serving with Compassion and Commitment Welcome to the June 2025 edition of CATHCA Updates. This month’s newsletter offers a heartfelt look into the Church’s healing mission, spotlighting the tireless work of Catholic healthcare and pastoral...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 24, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa CMM of Kokstad Diocese as a member of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life. This appointment places Bishop Mbuyisa among a distinguished...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 24, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
In a reflective address, Bishop Sylvester David, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cape Town, officially welcomed delegates to the International Symposium on Global Justice and Solidarity, underway at the University of Cape Town. Representing the Apostolic...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 24, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
At a time when global systems are faltering under the weight of deepening inequality, ecological collapse, and spiritual fatigue, the International Symposium on Global Justice and Solidarity gathered voices of conscience from across the world at the University of Cape...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 23, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office
A week-long regional workshop on human trafficking, hosted at Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria from 16 to 20 June 2025, brought together Church representatives, frontline responders, regional authorities, and civil society to address the growing scourge of...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 23, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee convened in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 18 to 24 June 2025, under the South African Council of Churches (SACC) hospitality. Opening the week-long gathering with a homily both theological and urgent, SACC...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 20, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
As preparations continue for the upcoming International Symposium on Global Justice and Solidarity, Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, has extended his support through a special video message to participants....
by Sheila Pires | Jun 18, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Migrants and Refugees Office
The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking Office, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Talitha Kum Network, has launched an intensive training programme to address the...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 16, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Youth Department
June is a significant time across the African continent—marking both Youth Month in South Africa and the day of the African Child on June 16. It is a period of remembrance, hope, and responsibility. In South Africa, June 16 commemorates the courageous Soweto Uprising...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 12, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has issued a statement in support of South Africa’s upcoming National Dialogue, calling on all citizens to embrace this moment as an opportunity to “strengthen the...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 12, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Laudato SI’, Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical on care for our common home, a dynamic and deeply engaging workshop was convened under the theme of ecological conversion and Church action. The event gathered clergy, lay...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
On the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Local Ordinary of Johannesburg celebrated Mass with the Zimbabwean Catholic community at the Cathedral of Christ the King, calling for deeper unity, humility, and full participation in the life of the local Church. Addressing members...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 5, 2025 | Featured
On the occasion of the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM) Symposium, held at St Dominic’s School for Girls in Johannesburg from May 23 to 25, the President of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), addressed...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 5, 2025 | Featured, Uncategorized
In his first pastoral visit as the Archbishop of Johannesburg, Cardinal Stephen Brislin celebrated the Solemnity of the Ascension with the Croatian Catholic community at St Jerome Croatian Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. It was a moment of profound...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 5, 2025 | Featured, Justice and Peace
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has issued a statement expressing cautious support for certain aspects of South Africa’s 2025 national budget, while highlighting significant concerns regarding its...
by danvdb | May 27, 2025 | Uncategorized
14th Bishop Hans Brenninkmeijer Memorial Lecture presented by renowned educationalist & Catholic alumnus Mr Sizwe Nxasana followed by a Thanksgiving Mass & a Cocktail Party Holy Family College, 40 Oxford Road, Parktown 23 June 2025 from 15:00 onwards RSVP by...
by Sheila Pires | May 26, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In an address to members of the Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM), the Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life offered a stirring reflection on consecrated life as...
by Sheila Pires | May 26, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Catholic Health Care Association (CATHCA) has acknowledged the South African government’s 2025/26 health budget allocation of R275.5 billion. While this reflects an overall increase in health expenditure, CATHCA warns that targeted reductions within specific...
by Sheila Pires | May 17, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In an interview with the communication office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC), Fr Emmanuel Mvomo, Secretary General of the Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM), spoke about the significance of...
by Sheila Pires | May 17, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
Celebration of Faith, Community, and Service Marks the Jubilee Year The Annual Catholic Schools Mass for Grade 11 learners in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg took place over two days, May 14 and 15, 2025, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, uniting hundreds of...
by Sheila Pires | May 14, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The Marriage and Family Life Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Lumko Institute and Conference Centre in Benoni, Johannesburg, from May 10 to 11, 2025. The meeting brought together...
by Sheila Pires | May 13, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In this exclusive post-conclave interview, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg, shares a deeply personal and spiritual reflection on his experience during the recent conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. It was his first time participating in a papal...
by Sheila Pires | May 12, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has welcomed the long-overdue decision by Tiger Brands to submit a settlement offer in the listeriosis class action lawsuit—a case that has dragged on for more than seven...
by Sheila Pires | May 12, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
The election of Pope Leo XIV has brought joy, pride, and a renewed sense of hope to many across the globe, but perhaps none more so than the Augustinian family. In an exclusive interview with the Communication Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’...
by Sheila Pires | May 8, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
by Sheila Pires | May 6, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
In a video recording in honour of the late Pope Francis, Archbishop Emeritus Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI of Johannesburg offers a heartfelt tribute to the Holy Father, describing the late Pope Francis as “a special leader” whose influence transcended religious boundaries...
by Sheila Pires | May 3, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, synodality
For the first time in its history, South Africa will host the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM) for its 2025 Symposium and 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM), from May 23 to 30 in Johannesburg and Pretoria. This milestone event brings...
by Sheila Pires | May 2, 2025 | Featured
Thousands gathered at Regina Mundi Catholic Church on Thursday, May 1, for the National Ecumenical Memorial Service honouring Pope Francis, a spiritual leader remembered as a global figure of justice, humility, and love for all humanity. The event was jointly hosted...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 25, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | 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...
by danvdb | Apr 21, 2025 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 20, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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,...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 19, 2025 | Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 18, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 17, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 17, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 12, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 10, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 1, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 31, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 25, 2025 | Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 24, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 24, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 14, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 10, 2025 | Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 6, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 24, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Feb 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
African Church Leaders praying for Pope Francis In 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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 10, 2025 | Featured
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)...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 5, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, Justice and Peace
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 3, 2025 | Uncategorized, Bishops' Homilies, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 28, 2025 | Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 27, 2025 | Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 24, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 23, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured, synodality
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 20, 2025 | Featured
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,...
by danvdb | Jan 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 12, 2025 | Uncategorized, Featured
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 3, 2025 | Featured
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...
by danvdb | Dec 23, 2024 | Featured, Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Dec 10, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Nov 21, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Nov 18, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Nov 9, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Oct 28, 2024 | Uncategorized
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,...
by danvdb | Oct 16, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Oct 11, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Oct 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
by danvdb | Oct 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Oct 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Sep 18, 2024 | Featured, News, synodality, Uncategorized
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....
by danvdb | Sep 13, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by danvdb | Sep 13, 2024 | Uncategorized
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)...
by danvdb | Sep 1, 2024 | Featured, Uncategorized
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)...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 9, 2024 | Bishop Statements
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 8, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 6, 2024 | Featured, News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 6, 2024 | Bishop Statements, News, Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 5, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 5, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 29, 2024 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 24, 2024 | Interreligious Dialogue
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 23, 2024 | News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 18, 2024 | News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 17, 2024 | News, Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 3, 2024 | News
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) communication office, newly ordained bishops...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 28, 2024 | News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 14, 2024 | Migrants and Refugees Office, News
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,...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 12, 2024 | News, 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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 6, 2024 | Social Action
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 6, 2024 | News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 6, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 3, 2024 | Bishop Statements
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 16, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 15, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 8, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 8, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 6, 2024 | Clergy, synodality
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 6, 2024 | Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue
“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...
by Sheila Pires | May 4, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 29, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 29, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 24, 2024 | synodality, Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 22, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 22, 2024 | Laity
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 17, 2024 | Migrants and Refugees Office
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 16, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 10, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 3, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 2, 2024 | News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 2, 2024 | Bishops' Homilies
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 30, 2024 | Bishops' Homilies
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 29, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 29, 2024 | Bishops' Homilies
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 21, 2024 | Justice and Peace
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 21, 2024 | News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 19, 2024 | Uncategorized
‘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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 15, 2024 | Interreligious Dialogue
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 15, 2024 | Laity
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 15, 2024 | Ecumenism
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....
by Sheila Pires | Mar 8, 2024 | Christian Formation
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 7, 2024 | Social Action
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...
by Sheila Pires | Mar 4, 2024 | Laity, Marriage and Family
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 29, 2024 | Lenten Reflections
I-Nkathi yokuHlawula isinika lelithuba lomkhuleko nempenduko; lokhu esingakubizangokuzilungiselela ukhetho ngokomoya. Amaqembu ezepolitiki nabantu nje banendlelayabo yokulungiselela ukhetho. Thina, njengamakholwa, sizilungiselela ngokomoya. Sicela amaKhatholika...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 29, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 20, 2024 | Christian Formation, Laity, synodality
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 20, 2024 | Social Action
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 15, 2024 | Communication and Media, News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 15, 2024 | Lenten Reflections, Reflection
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 14, 2024 | Lenten Reflections, Reflection
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 9, 2024 | Social Action
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 9, 2024 | Communication and Media, News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 8, 2024 | Lenten Reflections, Reflection
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...
by Sheila Pires | Feb 2, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 30, 2024 | Communication and Media, News
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 28, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 25, 2024 | Bishop Statements, 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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 25, 2024 | Bishops' Homilies
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 24, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jan 10, 2024 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 23, 2023 | Bishop Statements
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...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 21, 2023 | Bishop Statements
“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...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 21, 2023 | Bishop Statements
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...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 18, 2023 | 16 DAYS, Justice and Peace
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...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 15, 2023 | Migrants and Refugees Office
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...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 14, 2023 | Justice and Peace
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...
by Sheila Pires | Dec 13, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 18, 2023 | Caritas South Africa
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...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 16, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 13, 2023 | Bishop Statements
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...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
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)...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 8, 2023 | Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue
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...
by Sheila Pires | Nov 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 25, 2023 | Justice and Peace
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...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 17, 2023 | Bishop Statements
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’...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 14, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Oct 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 27, 2023 | Clergy
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...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 26, 2023 | Migrants and Refugees Office
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...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 13, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
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....
by Sheila Pires | Sep 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Sep 1, 2023 | Bishop Statements
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 22, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 16, 2023 | Justice and Peace
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 16, 2023 | Bishops' Homilies
“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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 15, 2023 | Bishop Statements
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Aug 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 26, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 12, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jul 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 29, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 29, 2023 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 26, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 16, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 13, 2023 | Uncategorized
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)...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 12, 2023 | Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 8, 2023 | Featured, Uncategorized
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....
by Sheila Pires | Jun 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Sheila Pires | May 29, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 29, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 29, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 28, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Sheila Pires | May 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
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....
by Sheila Pires | May 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 12, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 10, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Sheila Pires | May 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | May 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 28, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Sheila Pires | Apr 7, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 6, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 2, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
“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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 31, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 29, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 28, 2023 | Uncategorized
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;...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 26, 2023 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 22, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 21, 2023 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 16, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 15, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 14, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 13, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 12, 2023 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 10, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 9, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 7, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 7, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 7, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 6, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 3, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 2, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 28, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 28, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 26, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 23, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 22, 2023 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 21, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
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. In a recent interview with Radio Veritas about his diplomatic mission in Southern...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 8, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 2, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 22, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 22, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 21, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 11, 2023 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 11, 2023 | Pope
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 3, 2023 | Pope Benedict XVI
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 2, 2023 | Pope Benedict XVI
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 1, 2023 | Pope 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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 31, 2022 | Pope Benedict XVI, SACBC President, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 24, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 23, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 12, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 9, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 5, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 24, 2022 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 22, 2022 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 22, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 21, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 19, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 18, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 31, 2022 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 25, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 20, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 19, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 17, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 12, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 5, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 26, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 22, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 20, 2022 | Dennis Hurley Peace Institute (DHPI), Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 14, 2022 | Justice and Peace, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 9, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 9, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 5, 2022 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 31, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 24, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 23, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 18, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 18, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 16, 2022 | Justice and Peace, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 12, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 4, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 28, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 27, 2022 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 26, 2022 | Justice and Peace, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 21, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 20, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 16, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 13, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 28, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 27, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 24, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 20, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 12, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 8, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 8, 2022 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 2, 2022 | Migrants and Refugees Office, Uncategorized
SACBC’s Response to the Plight of Migrants and...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 31, 2022 | Dennis Hurley Peace Institute (DHPI), Migrants and Refugees Office, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 30, 2022 | News, Pope
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 25, 2022 | Migrants and Refugees Office, Social Action
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 19, 2022 | Justice and Peace, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 16, 2022 | Caritas, Caritas South Africa, News, Pope, Social Action
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 16, 2022 | Caritas, Migrants and Refugees Office, Social Action
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,”...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 13, 2022 | Migrants and Refugees Office, News, Pope
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 10, 2022 | Migrants and Refugees Office, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 3, 2022 | Migrants and Refugees Office, Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 26, 2022 | Caritas
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 22, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 18, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 14, 2022 | Bishop Statements
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 14, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 13, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 13, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 12, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 9, 2022 | Featured
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 9, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 8, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 7, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 5, 2022 | LCCL
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 5, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 4, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 3, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 31, 2022 | News
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 31, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 30, 2022 | LCCL
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 30, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 29, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 28, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 27, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 27, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 26, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 25, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 25, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 24, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 23, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 23, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 21, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 19, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 19, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 18, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 17, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 17, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 16, 2022 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 16, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 14, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 13, 2022 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 12, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 10, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections, Reflection, Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 9, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections, Reflection, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 8, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections, Reflection
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 7, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 7, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections, Reflection
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 6, 2022 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections, Reflection
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 5, 2022 | Lenten Reflections, Reflection
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 4, 2022 | Lenten Reflections, Reflection, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 3, 2022 | Lenten Reflections, Reflection, Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 2, 2022 | Reflection, Uncategorized
“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.” A Lenten Appeal Message from the National Director of the Bishops’...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 28, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 26, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 24, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 24, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 24, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 17, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 9, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 8, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 8, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 26, 2022 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 25, 2022 | Uncategorized
The following are bishops responsible for various departments, offices and bodies within the SACBC. Responsible-Bishops-for-Departments-Office-and-Bodies_UpdatedDownload
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 22, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 21, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 20, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 19, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 18, 2022 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 28, 2021 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 26, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 17, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 14, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Dec 1, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 29, 2021 | Featured
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 29, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 28, 2021 | 16 DAYS
A-RESOURCE-FOR-16-DAYS-OF-ACTIVISM-TO-END-VIOLENCE-AGAINST-WOMENDownload
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 25, 2021 | Uncategorized
The role of SANEF (South African National Editors Forum) and its benefit to the people of faith
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 25, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 24, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 20, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 18, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 13, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Nov 3, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 25, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 20, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 15, 2021 | Bishop Statements
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 14, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 13, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 11, 2021 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 8, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 7, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 4, 2021 | Liturgy
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Oct 1, 2021 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 30, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 28, 2021 | Uncategorized
“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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 28, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 17, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 15, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 14, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 12, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 12, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 10, 2021 | Marriage and Family, Marriage Encounter (ME), Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 9, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 3, 2021 | Marriage and Family, Marriage Encounter (ME), Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Sep 2, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 31, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 30, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 27, 2021 | Uncategorized
[embeddoc url=”https://sacbc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Statement-on-Teenage-Pregnancy-and-Rape-26-Aug-21.pdf”]
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 27, 2021 | Marriage and Family, Marriage Encounter (ME), Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 24, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 23, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 13, 2021 | Featured, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 11, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 10, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 10, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 8, 2021 | News, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 5, 2021 | News, Pope
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 5, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 3, 2021 | News, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Aug 2, 2021 | News, Social Action
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 30, 2021 | Marriage and Family, News, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 24, 2021 | News, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 21, 2021 | Uncategorized
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?...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 21, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 18, 2021 | Justice and Peace, News, Pope
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 16, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 16, 2021 | Uncategorized
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 16, 2021 | News, Social Action
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”...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 14, 2021 | Uncategorized
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 13, 2021 | Bishop Statements, Justice and Peace
[embeddoc url=”https://sacbc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SACBC-Statement-on-violent-protests-and-looting.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”browser”]
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 6, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 2, 2021 | News, Social Action
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jul 2, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 22, 2021 | Laity, Marriage and Family, News
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:...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 18, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 16, 2021 | Bishop Statements, Justice and Peace, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 9, 2021 | News, Uncategorized
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”...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
[embeddoc url=”https://sacbc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SACBC-Statement-on-Vaccines.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”browser”]
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 2, 2021 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Jun 1, 2021 | Liturgy
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 31, 2021 | News, Pope, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 31, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 26, 2021 | News, Social Action
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 25, 2021 | Culture, Liturgy
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 24, 2021 | Culture, Liturgy
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 24, 2021 | Uncategorized
“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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 21, 2021 | News, Pope
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 20, 2021 | Bishop Statements, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 20, 2021 | Uncategorized
[embeddoc url=”https://sacbc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/I-choose-Vaccine-3-Bulletin-19-May.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”browser”]
by Phuti Makgabo | May 17, 2021 | Bishops Foundation Newsletter
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 17, 2021 | Bishops Foundation Newsletter
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 17, 2021 | Bishops Foundation Newsletter
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 17, 2021 | Bishops Foundation Newsletter
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 17, 2021 | Bishop Statements, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 12, 2021 | CPLO
Join us for a #webinar on Transgenerational #Trauma and #GenderBasedViolence with speakers @Mashobane61 and Marguerite Holtzhausen Register here: https://t.co/bfdtCrsL8q #nursesday2021 pic.twitter.com/DqffczgmGz— CPLO (@CPLO_SA) May 12,...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 11, 2021 | Marriage and Family
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 8, 2021 | Uncategorized
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
by Phuti Makgabo | May 8, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 6, 2021 | Laity, News, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 5, 2021 | Social Action
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | May 4, 2021 | News, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 30, 2021 | Liturgy, MAY ROSARY MARATHON, News
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 30, 2021 | News, Reflection
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 29, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 29, 2021 | Bishop Statements, News, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 26, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 21, 2021 | Dennis Hurley Peace Institute (DHPI), News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 21, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 20, 2021 | Migrants and Refugees Office, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 20, 2021 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 17, 2021 | Bishops' Homilies, News, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 15, 2021 | Justice and Peace
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 15, 2021 | Interreligious Dialogue, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 13, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 13, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 6, 2021 | CPLO, News
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 6, 2021 | Marriage and Family, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 1, 2021 | News, SACBC President, Social Action
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 1, 2021 | Marriage and Family, News, Social Action
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Apr 1, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 31, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 30, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 29, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 28, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 27, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 26, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 25, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 24, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 23, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 22, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 21, 2021 | Bishops' Homilies, Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 20, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 19, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 18, 2021 | Liturgy
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 18, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 17, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 16, 2021 | Liturgy, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 16, 2021 | Marriage and Family
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 16, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 15, 2021 | Bishop Statements, Marriage Encounter (ME), News, Pope
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 15, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 15, 2021 | Bishop Statements, Justice and Peace, News, Social Action
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 15, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 14, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 13, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 12, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 11, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 10, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 10, 2021 | Liturgy
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 10, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 9, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 8, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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.
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 7, 2021 | Bishops' Homilies, Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 6, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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.
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 5, 2021 | News, Pope
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 5, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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....
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 4, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 3, 2021 | Bishop Statements, Clergy, News, Pope
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 3, 2021 | News, Pope
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 3, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 2, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 2, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Mar 1, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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…
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 28, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 27, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections
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…
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 26, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 25, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 24, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 23, 2021 | Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 22, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 22, 2021 | Liturgy, News, Uncategorized
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 20, 2021 | Lenten Reflections
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…
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 19, 2021 | Lenten Reflections
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 17, 2021 | Clergy, News, Pope, SACBC President
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 17, 2021 | Lenten Appeal, Lenten Reflections, Reflection
Lenten Reflection by Bishop Jose Luis Download the reflection For more Lenten reflections click...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 15, 2021 | Justice and Peace, News, Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 4, 2021 | Culture, News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 3, 2021 | Liturgy, News, Pope
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 2, 2021 | Uncategorized
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Feb 2, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 27, 2021 | Bishop Statements, News, SACBC President
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 22, 2021 | News
It will start at 11am today (Friday). https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HdQ4oNlvRlQ&feature=youtu.be
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 21, 2021 | Reflection
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 21, 2021 | News
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,...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 19, 2021 | News
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...
by Phuti Makgabo | Jan 14, 2021 | News
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...
by danvdb | Jun 9, 2026 | Bishops Foundation Newsletter
On Sunday June the 7th, Pope Leo XIV presided over a historic, open-air Eucharistic celebration and Corpus Christi procession in Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid. The Mass was a cornerstone event of the pontiff’s week-long apostolic journey to Spain. Over a million...
by Sheila Pires | Jun 1, 2026 | Uncategorized, Featured, Reflection
As awareness of mental health continues to grow within society and the Church, the figure of Mary, offers an example of compassion, resilience and hope for those experiencing emotional and psychological struggles. In his reflection Mary and Mental Health, Melese...
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