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 January Plenary Session of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), celebrated on Tuesday, 20 January 2027, at St John Vianney Seminary. The Mass of the Holy Spirit presided over by the SACBC president, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, together with the vice presidents and the homilist, drew the participation of priests, religious men and women, lay faithful, as well as the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, Archbishop Henryk M. Jagodziński.

In his homily, Bishop Victor Phalana of the Diocese of Klerksdorp invited the Church to see the jubilee not merely as a moment of celebration, but as an opportunity for honest self-examination and renewed openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit as Advocate and Comforter

Reflecting on the Gospel of John, Bishop Phalana described the Holy Spirit as Paraclete—the Advocate who stands by the Church in times of trial, consoles in moments of suffering, and speaks on behalf of believers when they are accused or misunderstood.

“The Church exists because of the Holy Spirit,” he said, noting that the 75-year journey of the Catholic hierarchy in Southern Africa is the fruit of God’s enduring presence rather than human effort alone.

Bishop Phalana reminded the faithful that to dwell in Christ is also to share in Christ’s rejection by the world, whether through direct persecution or through the daily sacrifices of faithful Christian living.

A call to discernment at 75 years

Marking the jubilee, Bishop Phalana encouraged the Church to reflect honestly on its present path, asking whether it is moving forward, standing still, or losing direction. While acknowledging the many achievements of the past decades, he also raised concerns about challenges within the Church, including liturgical abuses, scandals, and practices that weaken ecclesial witness.

He stressed that the liturgy is the work of the Holy Spirit and warned that when it is disconnected from authentic faith and reverence, it risks becoming empty ritual.

Rebuilding communion within Church communities

The Local Ordinary of Klerksdorp Diocese went on to express particular concern about divisions within parish communities, lamenting situations where conflict and hostility—often amplified through social media, undermining communion among the faithful. Bishop Phalana recalled painful pastoral experiences where disputes erupted even after the celebration of the Eucharist, describing such moments as a serious scandal to the Church’s mission.

He urged the Church to reclaim its identity as a community of koinonia, rooted in reconciliation, forgiveness, and mutual respect.

Servant leadership and synodality

Turning to Church leadership, Bishop Phalana called for a renewed commitment to diakonia, or servant leadership. He cautioned against the temptation to exercise authority in ways that resemble domination rather than service and emphasised the importance of synodality as a path of shared discernment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“The people are waiting to hear your voice”

Situating the homily within the wider social context of Southern Africa, Bishop Phalana acknowledged the expectation that the Church must speak with clarity and courage in the face of social, moral, and political challenges.

“The people are waiting to hear the voice of the bishops,” he said, affirming that the plenary assembly is a space of prayer, open dialogue, and attentive listening to what the Spirit is saying to the Church and to society.