“Listen, listen, listen.” These are the words Bishop-elect Enrico Valentino Parry hopes will guide him as he prepares to take up his new ministry in the Diocese of Keimoes-Upington, following his appointment by Pope Leo XIV on 12 November 2026.

Drawing on his experience of the Synod on Synodality and formation programmes organised by the Interregional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA), he says he is approaching his new responsibility with an openness to the people and pastoral realities of the diocese.

In an interview with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communications Office, Bishop-elect Parry reflected on his priestly journey, his passion for theology and the experiences that have shaped his ministry.

Another mission in a priestly journey

Bishop-elect Parry received news of his appointment from the Apostolic Nuncio while attending an IMBISA workshop on inculturation in Pretoria.

Recalling the telephone call, he said he initially considered asking the nuncio to call back because he was attending the workshop. He soon realised the importance of the conversation and subsequently met the nuncio to receive further details.

He described his response to the appointment in the context of a priestly life shaped by obedience and a willingness to serve where the Church calls him.

He recalled how Bishop Edward Robert Adams had sent him to St John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria, despite his initial reluctance. He subsequently spent about 11 years in seminary formation and teaching before taking up assignments in parish ministry and diocesan administration.

“When the nuncio said that about the Holy Father, I couldn’t really say no,” he said, acknowledging his mixed feelings while recognising the appointment as another mission in the service of the Church.

A love for theology and priestly formation

Born in Oudtshoorn on 28 December 1968, Bishop-elect Parry was ordained a priest on 17 April 1995 at St Saviour’s Cathedral in Oudtshoorn by Bishop Adams.

His ministry has included pastoral service in Mossel Bay and Swellendam, as well as extensive involvement in the formation of future priests at St John Vianney Seminary. Between 2000 and 2011, he served as formator, lecturer, Dean of Students and Rector. He also lectured at St Augustine College of South Africa in Johannesburg.

He described his years at the seminary as particularly enriching, highlighting the opportunity to work alongside Jesuits and priests from different countries while accompanying young men in formation.

His academic qualifications include a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome in 2000 and a doctorate in Systematic Theology from the University of South Africa in 2006. His doctoral thesis examined collegiality within the SACBC and the development of a local model of episcopal collegiality.

His theological interests include ecclesiology, ecumenism, the Trinity and the teachings on the Holy Spirit. He explained that theology was not simply an academic pursuit but something he sought to integrate into his life, character and prayer.

From diocesan service to regional leadership

Bishop-elect Parry’s contribution to the Church has also included service in various SACBC structures dealing with seminary formation, ongoing formation for priests, ecumenism and interreligious dialogue. He participated in dialogue with the Dutch Reformed Church and the Anglican Communion of Southern Africa.

In the Diocese of Oudtshoorn, he served as parish priest, financial administrator, Chancellor and Administrator of St Saviour’s Cathedral.

His involvement with IMBISA began in November 2022 as a member of its Theological Committee. In October 2023, he joined the Secretariat in Harare as Coordinator of the Pastoral Department and was appointed Director in October 2025.

His work involved facilitating theological reflection through regional workshops and meetings. Following his appointment as Director, he assumed broader administrative responsibilities while continuing to contribute to the organisation’s theological work.

Among his contributions were reflections on synodality, ecumenism and human fraternity, as well as a 2025 paper on sensus fidei and ubungoma, presented to the SACBC Theological Advisory Commission.

Preparing to serve the people of Keimoes-Upington

Bishop-elect Parry acknowledged that he would be following in the footsteps of the late Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi OMI, who died in December 2025, describing the responsibility as stepping into “big shoes”.

He already has some familiarity with the diocese through previous pastoral encounters and discussions with Bishop Risi, particularly concerning its Afrikaans-speaking communities.

Afrikaans is his mother tongue, although he recognises that the language spoken in the region has its own particular expressions. “I am ready to learn,” he said.

As he prepares for the transition, he intends to meet the clergy, religious and lay leaders to gain a better understanding of their experiences and pastoral priorities. He has already begun discussions with Archbishop Zolile Peter Mpambani SCJ of Bloemfontein, who is serving as Apostolic Administrator.

Reflecting on the lessons of the Synod on Synodality and his involvement in IMBISA, Bishop-elect Parry returned to the importance of listening as he prepares for episcopal ministry.

“Listen, listen, listen,” he said, identifying this as an essential starting point for his new mission.

For him, the first task will be to encounter the people of Keimoes-Upington, understand their realities, and discern with them the way forward for the local Church.