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, President of the SACBC, began by acknowledging her contribution on behalf of both the bishops and the secretariat.

“On behalf of all the bishops and on behalf of the secretariat as well, I would like to thank very much indeed for the service that you’ve given to the bishop’s conference over the past few years.”

Sr Dominica was appointed Associate Secretary General in early 2023, following a period of discernment within her congregation, the Daughters of St Francis of Assisi. In this role, she worked closely with the Secretary General, sharing responsibility for the daily administration of the Conference and supporting the work of its structures and commissions.

Reflecting on her departure, Cardinal Brislin acknowledged the sense of loss felt by the Conference as she prepares to return to congregational ministry, and highlighted the personal qualities that marked her service within the secretariat.

“…you brought certain serenity I think into the secretariat through your personality or calmness … you have simply undertaken the tasks that you have been given very quietly and achieved what you’ve been asked to achieve,” said Cardinal Brislin.

Born in 1959 and raised largely by her grandmother after the early death of her mother, Sr Mkhize discerned her vocation at a young age and entered religious life in 1978. Over the years, she served in education, diocesan administration, and leadership within her congregation, including a decade as Superior General.

In his farewell message during the SACBC January Plenary Session, Cardinal Brislin offered a blessing on behalf of the entire Conference.

“…and so We thank you particularly for those qualities that you have brought to us and to the bishop’s conference and on behalf of everybody I would like to wish you every blessing and every success in whatever new ministry… May God bless you.”

Responding to the farewell, Sr Mkhize expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Church at conference level and reflected on the spiritual depth of the experience.

“I would also like to thank the conference particularly the bishops for the opportunity they have offered me to experience the working of the church and the discussion of the church, the praying of the church especially by the top leaders and to be part of this praying and worshiping community of the leaders of the church…”

Sr Mkhize’s time at the SACBC coincided with a significant period in the life of the Church, including the synodal journey, which deepened her sense of responsibility for the Church’s mission. Looking ahead, she spoke of how the experience has shaped her ongoing vocation.

“a lot I’m taking along with me and I feel very much enriched challenged in some aspects …. I feel mandated to pray more for my church…”

As she returns to her congregation, Sr Mkhize carries with her the prayers and gratitude of the bishops she served, leaving behind a legacy defined not by prominence, but by quiet fidelity, serenity, and a deep love for the Church.