Province of Pretoria
Patron: Our Lady of the Desert and St. Franc is of Assisi

Fr Gabriel Lionel Afagbegee SVD Apostolic Administrator

Postal Address:
PO Box 702, Francistown, Botswana
Residence: Bishop’s House, 364/5 Moffat Street, Francistown, Botswana.
Tel: 00267 241 0588,
Fax: 00267 241 7183.
E-mail: t.rebello@yahoo.com

Coat of Arms and Motto

Predecessors

 

1. The Right Reverend Bishop Frank Nubuasah, SVD. Appointed Vicar Apostolic of Francistown 27th June 1998 and then Bishop on 07th November 1998. Appointed Bishop of Francistown 02nd October 2017.
2. The Right Reverend Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello SVD
   Appointed Bishop of Francistown 05 July 2021, ordained Bishop on 04th September 2021. Died 04th May 2024

History of the Diocese

Created Vicariate of Francistown in 1998 with territory taken from the diocese of Gaborone that covered the whole country.  It was elevated to Diocese on 2 October 2017.The territory of the Diocese lies north of the Tropic of Capricorn. The Diocese of Francistown comprises of the following civil districts: Central, North East, North West, Chobe, Ngamiland and Ghanzi.
The Diocese of Francistown is bounded to the East by the Archdiocese of Bulawayo and the diocese of Hwange (Zimbabwe), to the North by Livingstone diocese (Zambia) and the Vicariate of Rundu (Namibia), to the West by the Archdiocese of Windhoek (Namibia), to the South by the Gaborone diocese and to the South East by the diocese of Polokwane (Pietersburg) in South Africa.

More Info: Here

Province of Pretoria
Patroness: Our Lady of Sorrows

Rt Rev Bishop Franklyn Nubuasah SVD, Bishop of Gaborone
Appointed  Vicar Apostolic of Francistown, Botswana 27th June 1998. Ordained Bishops 07th November 1998, Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Gaborone 09th August 2017, Appointed Bishop of Francistown 02nd October 2017, Appointed Bishop of Gaborone O6th June 2019, Installed Bishop of Gaborone 17th August 2019.

 

Tel: 09267 395 2928 (Cathedral House)
Tel: 00 267 391 2958 (office)
Fax: 00 267 395 6970
Cell: 00267 716 13932
E-mail: nubuasah@rcc.org.bw

Postal Address:
PO Box 218, Gaborone, Botswana.
Residence: Plot 161 Queen’s road

Coat of Arms and Motto

Servus Domini

Predecessors

1. Rt Rev Bishop U C J Murphy, CP, was ordained 14 September 1966 and died 27 February 1981
2. Rt Rev Bishop Boniface Tshosa Setlalekgosi was Appointed Bishop of Gaborone 15th December 1981 he was ordained Bishop 6 March 1982, in Gaborone, Republic of Botswana, Southern Africa. Retired 25th April 2009
3. Rt Rev Bishop Valentine Tsamma Seane was Appointed Bishop of Gaborone 05th February 2009. He was Ordained Bishop of Gaborone 25th April 2009. Resigned 09th August 2017

History of the Diocese

On 24 April 1959, Bechuanaland was constituted as a Prefecture Apostolic and confided to the care of the Passionist Congregation (St. Patrick’s Province, Ireland). On the August 1966 it became the Diocese of Gaborone.

More Info: Here

Name of Diocese: Polokwane Diocese

 

Province: Pretoria
PATRON:  St. Benedict

Rev Bishop Jeremiah M Masela, Bishop of Polokwane, Diocese of Polokwane
Ordained Bishop of Polokwane on 07 September  2013

Postal Address: P.O. Box 166, Polokwane 0700 Physical Address: 55 Voortrekker St.
Tel:  015 295 8152 / 56
Fax: 015 295 8152 / 56
Email: madimetjamasela@gmail.com info@polokwanediocese.org.za / dioceseofplk@gmail.com
Website

 

Communication officer:

Full names: Tshianeo Elizabeth Phathela,
Contact number Tel: 015 295 8152 / 56
Email Address: info@polokwanediocese.org.za / tshianeo.phathela@gmail.com
Mobile numbers: 0822560945/ 0736616550

Latest Biography: Rt. Rev Bishop. Jeremiah Masela was born on 28 th June 1958.  He began his priestly formation in 1978 at St. John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria .He was ordained as a catholic priest of the Diocese of Pietersburg on 16 th December 1984. His first appointment as a priest was at Sts. Peter & Paul Parish in Seshego (1985 – 1999) then the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Polokwane (2000-2004).  From 2005 to 2008 Rev. Father Masela was a formator at St. John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria; from 2009-2010 he was a parish priest at Mokopane Sts. Peter & Paul parish. He celebrated his priestly Silver Jubilee on 17 th April 2010.  From 2011 to 2012 he was a parish priest of Our Lady of Good Counsel. He served as the vicar-general for both Bishop Fulgence OSB and Bishop Nkhumishe.  On 09 th December 2011 Pope Benedict XVI appointed him the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Polokwane.

 

Appointment date: 10 th June 2013
Ordination date: 07 th September 2013
Coat of Arms and Motto: ( to be attached) “ Do this in Memory of me”

 

Coat of Arms:

Predecessors:
1. Rt. Rev Abbot/Bishop Frederic Osterrath OSB (1939-1952)
2. Rt. Rev Abbot/Bishop F C Van Hoeck, OSB (1954-1974)
3. Rt. Rev Bishop Fulgence Le Roy OSB (1975-2000)
4. Rt. Rev. Bishop Mogale Paul Nkhumishe (2000-2011)

 

History of the Diocese:
The Northern Transvaal was erected a Prefecture by Decree of The Sacred Congregation for Propagation of Faith on 22 nd December 1910. The Rev Fr D Ildefons Lanslots, OSB was appointed first Prefect Apostolic. He resigned in 1921, and was succeeded by the Rt. Rev D Salvator van Nuffel, OSB, who resigned in 1939. By further decree on 13 th June 1939, the Prefecture Apostolic of the Northern Transvaal was raised to the dignity of an Abbey Nullius, followed by the Decree of 14 th November 1939 that announced the appointment by the Holy Father of the Very Rev D Frederic Osterrath, OSB, as first Abbot and Titular Bishop of Tangiers in Mauritania. He resigned in 1952. Polokwane became a Diocese on 21 st December 1988.

 

Province of Pretoria
Patron: St. Alphonsus Maria de Ligouri

Rt Rev Bishop Robert Mphiwe CSsR, Bishop of Rustenburg
Ordained Bishop of Rustenburg on 27 February 2021

Coat of Arms and Motto

Predecessors

 

1. Rt Rev Kevin Patrick Dowling C.Ss.R. Appointed Bishop of Rustenburg on 02 December 1910. Ordained bishop on 27 January 1991. Retired 25 November 2020.
2. Rt Rev H L Paxton Hallett C.Ss.R. Appointed Prefect Apostolic of the new Prefecture Apostolic of Rustenburg on 29 September 1971. Appointed Bishop of the new Diocese of Rustenburg on 27 November 1987, and ordained Bishop of 30 January 1988. Died on 30 January 1990, the second anniversary of his consecration.

 

History of the Diocese

The former Prefecture was raised to the status of a Diocese by papal decree (dated 27 November 1987).
The Diocese comprises the Magisterial Districts of Rustenburg, Koster, Swartruggens, Marico, Thabazimbi, Phokeng, Mankwe, Madikwe, Lehurutse and a portion of Odi.
Previously, the territory formed part of the Archdiocese of Pretoria.

More Info: Here

Name of Diocese: Diocese of Tzaneen

Province: Pretoria
PATRONS:  Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and St. Joseph

Rt Rev Bishop Joaõ Rodrigues’, Bishop of Tzaneen
Ordained Bishop of Tzaneen on 18 April 2010

 

Postal Address: PO Box 261, Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, 0850
Address: 40 Boundary Street

Tel: 015 307 5244.
Fax: 015 307 3078.
Email: bishopjoao@mweb.co.za

Website: Here
Social media: Facebook

Communication officer: Fr. Joseph Archibong SPS
Cell: 066 584 4278
Email: tejoe1us@yahoo.com

 

Latest Biography:
Joāo Noé Rodrigues was born in Cape Town, South Africa on 8 March 1955. He did his formation for the priesthood at St John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria and was ordained a priest on 4 July 1982 for the Diocese of Witbank. He served as military chaplain (1983- 1984) and as assistant priest at Sacred Heart Parish in Witbank/Emalahleni (1985-1988). He earned a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, Italy (1988 – 1990) and was appointed as lecturer and vice rector of St John Vianney Seminary (1990 – 1993). He served as parish priest of Sacred Heart Parish in Witbank/Emalahleni (1994-1996) and as priest administrator of the Cathedral of Christ the King (1997 -2003). He also served as chaplain to the Witbank Hospital, spiritual adviser to the Sodality of the Women of St Anne, Diocesan coordinator for Catechetics and as a member of the College of Consultors for the bishop of Witbank Diocese (1994 – 2003). He earned a Master of Arts in Spirituality at the University of Santa Clara in California, USA (2003 -2005). He served again as parish priest of Sacred Heart Parish in Witbank/Emalahleni (2005-2009) until his appointment as bishop of the Diocese of Tzaneen on 28 January 2010. He was ordained bishop on 18 April 2010 and continues to serve as bishop of the Diocese of Tzaneen. Presently Bishop Joāo Rodrigues also serves in the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference as chairperson of the Department for Catholic Social Action. Bishop Rodrigues speaks Portuguese, Afrikaans, English, Italian and isiZulu and also reads seSotho sa Lebowa, xiTsonga and
TshiVenda which are three major African languages spoken in the Diocese of Tzaneen.

Appointment date: 28 January 2010
Ordination date: 18 April 2010

Coat of Arms and Motto:

“Caritas Numquam Excidit” – “Love Never Ends” (1 Cor 13:8)

 

• Predecessors:
• Bishop Hugh Patrick Slattery MSC
• Bishop John T Durkin MSC Ordained 30 September 1984 Ordained 4 March 1973 Retired 28 January 2010 Died 27 September 1990

History of the Diocese:
The Diocese was originally part of the Abbey Nullius of Pietersburg. The Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart took responsibility for it and sent the first four Priests in 1950. This area was constituted the Prefecture Apostolic of Louis Trichardt on 29 December 1962. It was established as the Diocese of Louis Trichardt-Tzaneen by Decree of Pope Paul VI on 16 November 1972. By special Decree from Rome on 29 July 1987 the name of the Diocese was changed to that of
the Diocese of Tzaneen. The boundaries are: Zimbabwe in the North, the Dioceses of Polokwane (Pietersburg) and Emalahleni (Witbank) in the South, the Kruger National Park and Mozambique in the East, and the Diocese of Polokwane and Botswana in the West. It comprises the District Municipalities of Vhembe and Mopani, and a portion of the District Municipality of Capricorn.

More Info: Here

Province of Johannesburg
Patron: St Joseph

Rt Rev Bishop José Luis Ponce de León IMC – Bishop of Manzini – Swaziland
Installed Bishop of Manzini on 26 January 2014 

Appointed Apostolic Administrator: 29 August 2012, Appointed Bishop of Manzini: 29 November 2013
Installed Bishop of the Diocese: 26 January 2014

Postal Address: Sandlane Street / PO Box 19, Manzini Swaziland.
Tel: 002682 505 2348,
Fax: 00 268 505 4876
Email: chancery@dioceseofmanzini.org

Coat of Arms and Motto

Livi Laba Yinyama

Predecessors

1. Rt Rev Msgr P. M. Bellezze OSM was appointed 27 April 1923 and resigned May 1933. He was followed by Rt Rev Msgr R.M. Migliorini OSM and was appointed 8 July 1933.
2. Rt Rev Bishop A.C.M. Barneschi OSM, OBE was appointed 15 March 1939, consecrated Titular Bishop of Thagaste on 30 April 1939 and enthroned Bishop of Bremersdorp(later Manzini) on 15 August 1951. Nominated Assistant at the Papal Throne, 11 May 1964, he died 21 May 1965 at Manzini.
3. Rt Rev Bishop Jerome Rio Maria Casalini, OSM, was appointed 18 December 1965 and ordained 12 February 1966. He resigned 29 January 1976 and died 28 August 1982.
4. Rt Rev Bishop Aloysius Mandlenkhosi Isaac Zwane, appointed 29 January 1976, was ordained 16 May 1976. He died 9 August 1980.
5. Rt Rev Louis Ncamiso Ndlovu, OSM, was appointed Apostolic Administrator 20 February 1981 and appointed Bishop of Manzini 31 July 1985. He was ordained Bishop of Manzini 12 October 1985 and died 27 August 2012.

History of the Diocese

The Swaziland Mission was confided the Order of the Servants of Mary (OSM), by the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of Faith on 4 April 1913. On 19 April 1923, it was separated from the Natal Vicariate and constituted the Prefecture Apostolic of Swaziland. On the 15th March 1939, it was elevated to the rank of Vicariate Apostolic. On the 11th January 1951, it became the Diocese of Bremersdorp, the name of the town later being changed to Manzini. The Diocese comprises the Kingdom of Swaziland.

More Info: Here

Name of Diocese: Witbank 

Province: Mpumlanga
PATRON: St. Peter Claver & St. Therese of the Child Jesus

Rt Rev Bishop Xolelo Thaddaeus Kumalo, Bishop of Witbank
Installed Bishop of Witbank on 20 March 2021

Postal Address: PO Box 651 – Witbank 1035
13 Elizabeth Ave
Tel: 013 656 6827
Fax: 086 685 5176
Email: admin@dioceseofemalahleni.org
Social media: Facebook
Communication officer: Kgomotso Direro
Mobile Number: 082 051 7320
Email: admin@dioceseofemalahleni.org

Latest Biography:

Bishop Kumalo was born on 2 July 1954 in Gogele in the Diocese of Kokstad, South Africa. He finished high school at St. Paul’s Minor Seminary in Hammanskraal. In 1976 he became a Franciscan postulant and in 1979 entered the Novitiate. After a year of philosophy studies at the Franciscan Study Centre in Wingate Park, he left the order of his own accord and was sent by the Bishop of Witbank to St. John Vianney National Seminary (affiliated with the Pontifical Urbaniana University) to continue his studies.
He was ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of Witbank in 1985. After some years working as a clerk in a steel factory, the Bishop of Bethlehem accepted him into his Diocese. As a Deacon he was sent to study at Boston College in the United States. Upon his return home, he was ordained a priest in 1991 and incardinated in the Diocese of Bethlehem. After ordination, he served as a Parochial vicar  from 1991 to 1993 and then as a Pastor until 1996, after which he served as Episcopal Vicar for Catechists from 1995 to 1995, Pastor and head of the John Paul II Formation Centre from 1996 to 1999, Vicar General from 2000 to 2006 and Financial Administrator of the Diocese of Bethlehem since 2007. He has been appointed Bishop of Eshowe on the 11 March 2008 and ordained bishop on the 7 June 2008.  He was appointed the Bishop of Witbank on the 25 th November 2020 and installed 20 March 2021.

Appointment date: 25 November 2020
Ordination date: 07 June 2008

Coat of Arms and Motto:

To Serve the Lord with one Accord

Predecessors:

• Prefect Apostolic Daniel Kauczor MFSC: 19231926
• Prefect Apostolic Aloysius Mohn MFSC: 19261939
• Bishop Johannes Riegler MFSC: 19391955
• Bishop Anton Reiterer MCCJ: 19561983
• Bishop Mogale Paul Nkhumishe: 19832000
• Bishop Paul Mandla Khumalo CMM: 2002 – 2009
• Bishop Giuseppe Sandri MCCJ: 2010 – 2019

History of the Diocese

By Papal Decree 12 June 1923, the Eastern Transvaal (Mpumalanga) was separated from the Transvaal Vicariate and entrusted to Missionaries, Sons of the Sacred Heart (MSFC). In 1979 the MFSC rejoined the Verona Fathers (FSCJ) and are now known as the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ).

The Lydenburg Prefecture was raised to the status of a Vicariate on 9 December 1948. Following the establishment of the hierarchy in South Africa, the Vicariate was raised to the status of a diocese on 11 January 1951. On the 23 June 1958, a number of magisterial districts on the southern boundary of the diocese were excised and incorporated in the Volksrust Prefecture. On the 13 September 1964 the name of the diocese changed to Lydenburg Witbank by papal decree and on the 10 November 1988 to Witbank.

The diocese comprises the magisterial districts of Barberton, Belfast, Carolina, Kamhlushwa, Lydenburg, Mapulaneng, Mhala, Middelburg, Nebo, Nelspruit, Nsikazi, Pilgrims Rest, Sekhukhune, WatervalBoven, White River, Witbank, and portions of
Eerstehoek and Groblersdal. Some of these districts are located in the province of Mpumlanga, others in Limpopo.

 

More Info: Here

Province of Durban
Patron: Our Lady of Lourdes

Rt Rev Bishop Stanislaw Jan Dziuba, o.s.p.p.e, Bishop of Umzimkulu
Ordained Bishop of UMzimkhulu on 14 March 2009 

 

Postal Address:
Diocese of Umzimkulu, Ballance Street / PO Box 250, Harding 4680
Residence: 19 Ballance Street, Harding
Tel: 039 433 1421
Fax: 039 433 1241
E-mail: stanley.dziuba@gmail.com / bishopsoffice@telkomsa.net

Coat of Arms and Motto

In Servitio Populi Dei

Predecessors

1. Rt. Rev Pius Bonaventure Dlamini FFJ ordained on 26 April 1954.
2. Very Rev Msgr. Peter J Butelezi, OMI was appointed Apostolic Administrator on 8 January 1968
3. Most Rev Denis E Hurley OMI, Archbishop of Durban was appointed Apostolic Administrator on 11 September 1972.
4. Rt. Rev Sithunywa Gerard Ndlovu was appointed second Bishop of Umzimkulu on 22 December 1986. He was ordained and canonically installed on 25 April 1987. He resigned in August 1994.
5. H.E. Wilfrid Cardinal F Napier OFM, appointed Apostolic Administrator on 1 August 1994 and took possession on 21 September 1994 until March 2009.

History of the Diocese

The Diocese of Umzimkulu was established in 1954 by the excision from the Diocese of Mariannhill, of the civil districts of Umzimkulu, Harding and portions of the districts of Port Shepstone, Bulwer and Himeville, south of the Umzimkulu River.

More Info: Here

Province of Durban
Patrons: The Good Shepherd, Our Lady of Sorrows

Rt. Rev. Bishop Vusimusi Mazibuko OMI , Bishop of Ingwavuma
Ordained Bishop of Ingwavuma  on  03 June 2023  

 

Postal Address: PO Box 23, Mtubatuba 3935
Residence:  Lot 51 Riverview Catholic Mission Mtubatuba
Tel: 035 550 1051,
Tel & Fax: 035 550 1062 (Mtubatuba office)
Tel & Fax: 035 838 1136 (Hlabisa office)
Fax: 086 608 8899
E-mail: vicariatemtuba@gmail.com

Coat of Arms and Motto

The truth will set you free

Predecessors

1. Rt Rev Bishop Thomas Spreiter, OSB, Titular Bishop of Thaenae. Consecrated 1 May 1906 as second Vicar Apostolic of Dar-es-Salaam; Prefect Apostolic of Zululand 27 August 1921; first Vicar Apostolic of Eshowe 11 December 1923; resigned 14 May 1943, died 27 January 1944 at Inkamana.
2. V. Rev Theodos Schall OSB, Administrator Apostolic from 14 May 1943 to 3 August 1947.
3. Rt Rev Bishop Aurelian Bilgeri OSB, appointed 12 June 1947. Consecrated Titular Bishop of Germanicopolos and second Vicar Apostolic of Eshowe 14 September 1947. First
   Bishop of Eshowe 11 January 1951. Died 24 July 1973 at Mtunzini.
4. Rt Rev Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase, appointed Bishop on 28th February 1975. He was ordained Bishop on 28 June 1975. He died on 1 July 2005.
5. Rt Rev Bishop Siegfried Mandla Jwara C.M.M, appointed Bishop on 30 April 2016, ordained Bishop 25 June 2016, Appointed Archbishop of Durban 09 June 2021.

History of the Diocese

The Prefecture was erected by the Bull “Quoniam Praecipuas” dated 12 November 1962 and entrusted to the United States of America Eastern Province of the Order of Servants of Mary. The Prefecture was raised to the status Vicariate Apostolic by the Bull “Alacri Profecto” dated 19 November 1990. The boundries of the territory are: Mozambique and Swaziland to the North; the Indian Ocean on the East; the Diocese of Eshowe to the West and South. The Vicariate is comprised of three magisterial districts: Ingwavuma, Ubombo and Hlabisa.

More Info: Here

Name of Diocese: Mariannhill
Province: KwaZulu-Natal

PATRON: Saints Mary and Anne

Rt. Rev,Bishop Neil Frank OMI,  Bishop of Mariannhill
Ordained Bishop of Mariannhill on 26 February 2022 

Latest Biography:

Bishop Neil Augustine Frank, O.M.I. was born in Pietermaritzburg in 1966. After High School he studied at the University of Natal (now, UKZN) and achieved a Masters degree in Physics in 1991. He joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and made his first profession on 6 February 1993. He began his studies at St Joseph’s Theological Institute (SJTI), Cedara and completed the philosophy theology studies at the Gregorian Pontifical University, Rome 1995-1998. He made his final vows as an Oblate in January 1998 and was ordained a priest on 21 August 1999.

Bishop Neil worked in parishes in the Archdiocese of Durban, 1999-2004. He pursued a Masters in Philosophy at the Jnana Deepa Vidya institute in Pune, India. From June 2006 to June 2010 he was lecturer in Philosophy at SJTI, being appointed Head of Department of Philosophy in 2008. Bishop Neil read for a PhD in Philosophy at UKZN, June 2010 to July 2012, graduating in 2014. He was appointed parish priest at St Mary’s in Pietermaritzburg, while continuing to lecture at SJTI. He was appointed Vice-President of SJTI in 2015 and in September that year was appointed President. When the 3 OMI Provinces of South Africa amalgamated in 2018, he was appointed Provincial Superior. On 17 December 2021 the Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed him as Coadjutor Bishop of Mariannhill. He was ordained bishop on 26 February 2022, and became the Bishop of the Diocese of Mariannhill on 13 October 2022, when the incumbent bishop, His Excellency Bishop Pius Dlungwane retired.

Appointment date: 17 December 2021
Ordination date: 26 February 2022

 

Coat of Arms and Motto:

 

Predecessors:

• Adalbero Joseph Fleischer, C.M.M. † (22 Mar 1922 Appointed – 14 Apr 1950 Retired)
• Alphonse Streit, C.M.M. † (23 Dec 1950 Appointed – 21 May 1970 Retired)
• Martin Elmar Schmid, C.M.M. † (21 May 1970 Appointed – 18 Jun 1980 Died)
• Paul Themba Mngoma † (12 Feb 1981 Appointed – 7 Feb 2005 Resigned)
• Pius Mlungisi Dlungwane (3 Jun 2006 Appointed – 13 Oct 2022 Retired)

 

History of the Diocese:

In 1880, at the request of Bishop James David Ricards of the Eastern Vicariate of the Cape of Good Hope, Trappist Franz Pfanner, abbot of Mariastern Abbey in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzogovina, established a monastery near Sundays River Valley, in Dunbrody South Africa. Due to drought and wind the site proved unsuitable. With the permission of Bishop Charles Jolivet, O.M.I., of the Vicariate of Natal, Pfanner and his companions relocated to a part of the Zeekoegat farm, near Pinetown. Abbot Pfanner named the monastery Mariannhill after his stepmother, Marianna. Since their missionary activity was not entirely compatible with the contemplative focus of the Trappists, in 1909 the Holy See separated the monks of Mariannhill from the Trappists, forming the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill (CMM). By then, in 1904 Bishop Henri Delalle O.M.I. replaced Bishop Jolivet as the Apostolic Vicar for Natal. On September 10, 1921 the Apostolic Vicariate of Mariannhill was established from the Apostolic Vicariate of Natal. Bishop Fleischer was appointed Apostolic Vicar in March 1922. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, built in 1908 was dedicated as the Cathedral on 24 April 1924 and is the seat of the Bishop of Mariannhill. Bishop Adalbert Fleischer founded the Daughters of St Francis of Assisi (FSF) in 1922 and the Franciscans Familiars of St. Joseph’s (FFJ) in 1923.  The FFJ amalgamated with the Franciscan Third Order Regular in 1982.

Bishop Fleischer was succeeded by Bishop Streit in 1950. This coincided with the erection of the Diocese of Mariannhill on 11 January 1951 as suffragan to the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Durban. The Diocese measures 12,612 square kilometres. As of 2017, the diocese had a population of about 329,575 Catholics. Bishop Streit was succeeded by Bishop Schmid in 1970. He in turn was succeeded by Bishop Paul Themba Mngoma in 1981, the first African Bishop of the Mariannhill Diocese. Bishop Mngoma worked to increase the number of indigenous clergy. In response to a request from Bishop Pius Dlungwane for an Apostolic Visitation, Pope Francis appointed the Archbishop Emeritus of Pretoria in South Africa, Archbishop William Slattery O.F.M., to conduct the visitation. As a result of the visitation, in September 2020, Arcbishop Slattery was named Apostolic Administrator of the diocese while Bishop Dlungwane remained its spiritual head. On 17 December 2021, Monsignor Neil Augustine Frank, Provincial Superior of OMI in South Africa, was appointed Coadjutor Bishop, with special faculties, effectively taking over the administrative responsibilities of the Apostolic Administrator. He succeeded Bishop Pius Mlungisi who retired on 13 October 2022.

Postal Address:
Mariannhill Diocese
P.O.Box 11001
Mariannhill
3624

Tel: 031 700 2704
Email: bishop@domhill.org.za;
Website: in construction
Social media: Facebook: Diocese of Mariannhill – South Africa

Communication officer: Fr. Similo Mngadi Contact details:
Mobile number: 072 110 8613
Email: similomngadi@gmail.com

 

More Info: Here

Province of Durban
Patroness: Our Lady Assumed into Heaven

Rt Rev Bishop Sithembele Anthony Sipuka, Bishop of Mthatha
Appointed Bishop of Mthatha on the 8th of February 2008 and ordained Bishop on the 3rd May 2008 at Mthatha.

 

 

Postal Address:
PO Box 85, Mthatha 5100.
Chancery: 19 Craister Street,
Tel: 047 532 2914
Fax: 047 532 6301
Email: ssipuka@worldonline.co.za/
bishop@mthathadiocese.co.za

Coat of Arms and Motto

To care and to work

Predecessors

1. Right Rev Bishop Emmanuel Hanisch (1930 – 1940), died 28 February 1940. Joseph Grueter (1941 – 1968), resigned November 1967, died 2 March 1976.
2. Right Rev Bishop Henry Karlen (1968 – 1974), transferred to episcopal see of
   Bulawayo on 15 August 1974.
3. Right Rev Bishop Peter Butelezi (1975 – 1978), transferred to Archepiscopal see of
   Bloemfontein on 6 August 1978.
4. Right Rev Bishop Andrew Z Brook (1979 – 1995) resigned 26 January 1995, died 05
   September 2011.
5. Right Rev Bishop Frederick Lobinger (appointed Apostolic Administrator) 26th January
   1995 to 28th June 1997.
6.  Rt Rev Bishop Oswald G Hirmer was appointed Bishop of Mthatha on 28
   April 1997 and was ordained Bishop on the 28th June 1997 at Ikwezi Lokusa Grounds.
   Retired 8th February 2008, died 04 March 2011.

History of the Diocese

Prior to 1922, the territory formed part of the Natal Vicariate and from 1922 to 1930 part of the Mariannhill Vicariate under Bishop Adalberto Fleischer. On 31 May 1930 it was made a Prefecture and in April 1937 a Vicariate.
The ecclesiastical territory of the Diocese of Mthatha (Umtata) comprises the following civil districts: Mthatha, Libode, Ngqeleni, Port St John’s (Mzimvubu), Mqanduli, Elliotdale (Xhora), Cala, Ngcobo (Engcobo), Tsolo, Qumbu, Mount Fletcher, part of Matatiele with the Kenera river as boundary Elliot and Maclear (Nqanqaru), Eastern Cape.

More Info: Here

Name of Diocese: Kokstad
Province: Durban

PATRON: ST. PATRICK

Rt. Rev, Bishop Victor Mbuyisa CMM Bishop of Kokstad
Ordained Bishop of Kokstad on 11 June 2022 

 

Latest Biography: Born on the 13 th Feb 1973, subsequently in 1992, became the Member of Congregation of Mariannhill Missionaries. He took his Perpetual Vows as a Member of Congregation of Mariannhill Missionaries on the 2 nd Feb 1997. Ordained Priest of Congregation of Mariannhill Missionaries on the 04 th March 2000. Studied philosophy
(1994-96) and theology (1996-99) at St. Joseph’s Theological Institute in Cedara, South Africa. Subsequent positions: Parish Vicar of St. Michael’s Mission, Chaplain of
Mangosuthu University of Technology and of St. Francis College of Mariannhill and Vice- Director of Novices (2001-2002); Licentiate in Canon Law from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada (2002-2004); Chaplain of Mangosuthu University of Technology and Vice- Director of Novices (2005-2007); Superior and formator at the Nivard House Formation House in Nairobi, Kenya (2007-2010); Provincial Superior of the Mariannhill Missionaries in East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya (2010); Councilor and Secretary General (2010-2012), Vicar
General and Procurator of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill (2012-2016). Superior General of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill (2016-2022). Appointed and Ordained Bishop of Kokstad (2022). Synod Delegate of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (2023 & 2024).

 

Appointment date: 06 APRIL 2022
Ordination date: 11 JUNE 2022

Coat of Arms and Motto:

Predecessors:

• Rt Rev Sigebald Kurz, OFM, Rt Rev Lucas Puerstinger, OFM (Apostolic Administrator), Rt Rev John Evangelist McBride, OFM, Rt Rev Wilfrid F Napier, OFM, Rt
• Rev William Slattery, Rt Rev Stanislaw Jan Dziuba OSPPE (Apostolic Administrator)
• Rt Rev Zolile P Mpambani S.C.J

 

History of the Diocese:

By Papal Decree of 8 April 1935, the Kokstad District of the Mariannhill Vicariate was constituted the Prefecture Apostolic of Mount Currie. The Prefecture Apostolic of Mount Currie became the Vicariate Apostolic of Kokstad on 11 July 1939 and was entrusted to the Franciscan Fathers (Order of Friars Minor, OFM). Rt Rev Sigebald Kurz, OFM became the first Bishop. He resigned in 1945 and Rt Rev Lucas Puerstinger, OFM was Apostolic Administrator until 1949 when Rt Rev John Evangelist McBride, OFM was appointed Bishop and remained in office until his resignation in 1978, when Rt Rev. Wilfrid F Napier, OFM was appointed Apostolic Administrator and later Bishop. In 1992, Rt Rev William Slattery OFM was appointed in 1992 until his transfer to Archdiocese of Pretoria in 2009 and Rt Rev Zolile P Mpambani S.C.I was appointed in 2013 until his transfer to Archdiocese of Bloemfontein in 2020. With the establishment of the hierarchy in 1951, the diocese of Kokstad came into existence and comprises the magisterial districts of Bizana, Flagstaff, Lusikisiki, Port St John on the left bank of the Umzimvubu River, Mount Ayliff, Mount Frere, Tabankulu, Mount Currie and Matatiele south of the Kenegha River.

Postal Address:
97 St John’s Street / PO Box 65, Kokstad 4700.
Tel: 039 727 2239
Fax: 039 727 1151
Email: chancellor@kokdiocese.org, bpa@kokdiocese.org
Social media: Diocese of Kokstad (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube), and Kostaddiocese (TikTok).
Communication officer: Fr. Napo Joseph Swayi,
Email: chancellor@kokdiocese.org
Cell: 0835140734

 

More Info: Here

Province of Cape Town
Patron: The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Rt Rev Bishop Joseph Kizito, Bishop of Aliwal North
Ordained Bishop of Aliwal North  on 15 February  2020

 

Postal Address:
53 Cathcart Street / PO Box 27, Aliwal North 5530
Residence: 53 Cathcart Street, Aliwal North.
Tel: 051 633 2342 / 633 2759
Fax: 051 633 3078.
E-mail:contact@catholic-aliwal.org.za/diocesedeaar@gmail.com

Coat of Arms and Motto

 

Love one another

Predecessors

1. Rt Rev Bishop FW Demont SCJ 1936-1944. Died 1964 in Germany.
2. Rt Rev Mgr PL Meyer SCJ Acting Administrator 1944-1946. Died 1965 in USA.
3. Rt Rev Bishop J Lueck SCJ 1947-1973. Died 2000 in Germany.
4. Rt Rev Bishop E Baaij SCJ 1974-1981. Resigned 30th October 1981. Nazareth
   House, 10 Park Lane, Port Elizabeth 6001. Tel: 041 373 1948. Died 31 January
   2012.
5. Rt Rev Bishop J De Palma SCJ, Apostolic Administrator 1981-1986. Retired 18 November 1987. Died 3rd February 2005.
6.  Rt Rev Bishop Fritz Lobinger. Retired 29 April 2004.
7. Rt Rev Bishop Oswald Hirmer, Apostolic Administrator 2004-2008, died 5.3.2011.
8. Rt Rev Bishop Michael Wüstenberg, Bishop 19 December 2007, Retired Day, Month, 2017

History of the Diocese

This ecclesiastical territory was entrusted to the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in 1923, and was formerly known as the Gariep Prefecture. The Rt Rev Mgr FW Demont, SCJ, was the first Prefect Apostolic. In 1936 the Prefecture was raised to the status of Vicariate and became known as the Aliwal Vicariate. It was erected as diocese in 1951. In 1953 the Western portion of the Diocese was detached and became the Prefecture of De Aar. The Diocese of Aliwal now comprises (parts of) the municipalities of Inkwanca, Gariep, Kopanong-Xhariep, Maletswai, Senqu and Ukhahlamba.

 

More Info: Here

Province of Cape Town
Patroness: Our Lady of Assumption

Rt Rev Bishop Adam Musialek SCJ, Bishop of De Aar.
Ordained Bishop of De Aaron on 24 September 2009 

 

Postal Address:
PO Box 73, De Aar 7000.
Residence: 1 Van Riebeeck Street.
Tel: 053 631 1149
Fax: 053 631 1043
E-mail: diocesedeaar@gmail.com

Coat of Arms and Motto

Ecce venio

Predecessors

1. Rt Rev. Joseph De Palma SCJ was consecrated first Bishop of De Aar on 19 July 1967. Died February 2, 2005.
2. Rt Rev. Frederick Lobinger was Apostolic Administrator from 13 March 1988 to 30 April 1992.
3. Rt Rev. Joseph Potocnak SCJ, appointed Bishop of De Aar on February 12, 1992, ordained Bishop May 1, 1992 and retired 23 September 2009.
4. Rt Rev Adam Musialek SCJ appointed Bishop of De Aar on 17 July 2009 and ordained Bishop on 24 September 2009.

History of the Diocese

On 24 March 1953, this Territory (formerly included in the Aliwal Diocese) was made a Prefecture and entrusted to the American Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. The Rt Rev Mgr AJ Dettmer SCJ was appointed the first Prefect Apostolic. By decree of the Holy See, dated 13 April 1967, the Prefecture was elevated to the status of a Diocese.
The boundaries of the Territory are: Aliwal Diocese to the East, Kimberley Diocese to the North, Keimoes Diocese to the Northwest, Oudtshoorn to the Southwest, and Port Elizabeth to the South. The diocese comprises Britstown, Colesberg, De Aar, Graaff- Reinet, Hanover, Hopetown, Jansenville, Middelburg, Murraysburg, Noupoort, Philipstown and Richmond districts.

Province of Cape Town
Patron: The Immaculate Heart of Mary

Rt Rev Bishop Noel Rucastle, Bishop of Oudtshoorn
Ordained Bishop of Oudtshoorn on 08 August 2020

Postal Address:
PO Box 97, Oudtshoorn, 6620.
Residence: 46 St. Saviour Street, Oudtshoorn, 6625.
Tel: 044 272 5054
Fax: 044 272 8908

Coat of Arms and Motto

Predecessors

1. Rev. Fr. Davenoille, Prefect Apostolic 1874
2. Rt Rev. Fr. Gaudeul, Prefect Apostolic 1882
3. The Vicars Apostolic of Cape Town, 1882 – 1922
4. Rt. Rev. Bishop F Hennemann, S.A.C., Titular Bishop of Coptus, Prefect Apostolic 1922 -1933;
5. Rt. Rev. Mgr T Koenig, S.A.C., Prefect Apostolic 1934 – 1948;
6. Rt. Rev. B Hippel, S.A.C., Titular Bishop of Abora, Vicar Apostolic of Oudtshoorn, 1948 – 1951, became Bishop of Oudtshoorn with the establishment of the Hierarchy on 11 January 1951. He retired on 29 September 1968 and died on 7 November 1970
7. Rev. Fr. J Rosner, S.A.C., Apostolic Administrator 1968 to June 1969
8. Rt. Rev. Bishop M Gottschalk, S.A.C., consecrated Bishop on 11 June 1969 and died on 20 April 1982;
9. Rt. Rev. Bishop E.R. Adams, consecrated bishop on 16 July 1983 and retired 28 May 2010.
10. Rt. Rev. Bishop Francisco de Gouveia, Consecrated bishop on the 17 July 2010 and Retired 02 July 2018.

History of the Diocese

The Diocese of Oudtshoorn was first established as the Central Prefecture by decree of the Holy See on 24 May 1872. Till then, it had been part of the Western Vicariate. On 13 July 1874 its care was entrusted to the “Missionaries for African Missions of Lyons”. When the Fathers of Lyons left the Central Prefecture in 1882, the Western part of the Prefecture was given to the Oblates of St. Francis of Sales and a new Prefecture was erected in 1884. The Eastern part again came under the jurisdiction of the Vicar Apostolic of the Western Vicariate as the Central Prefecture until 1922, when it was separated from the Western Vicariate and entrusted to the Pious Society of Missions, now called the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers).
On 13 June 1939, the Central Prefecture became the Prefecture of Oudtshoorn which in turn was raised to the status of Vicariate on 9 December 1948. The Diocese of Oudtshoorn was constituted on the establishment of the Catholic Hierarchy of Southern Africa on 11 January 1951. The Diocese has for its boundaries on the West, the eastern boundaries of Bredasdorp, Caledon, Paarl, Malmesbury, Clanwilliam, Van Rhynsdorp and Namaqualand districts; on the North, the southern boundaries of Kenhardt and Prieska districts; on the East, the western boundaries of Britstown, Richmond, Murraysburg, Aberdeen, Jansenville and Humansdorp districts; and on the South the Indian Ocean and the northern boundaries of Caledon and Bredasdorp districts. By decree of the Holy See the districts of Calvinia and Williston were separated from the Diocese of Oudtshoorn in 1979 and now fall under the jurisdiction of the Ordinary of the Diocese of Keimoes- Upington.

 

More Info: Here

Province of Cape Town

Name of Diocese: CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PORT ELIZABETH
Province: EASTERN CAPE(EC) (Politic Province)
Metropolitan Province: CAPE TOWN
PATRON: OUR LADY OF THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT; ST PATRICK

BISHOP Full Name: Rt. Rev Bishop Vincent Mduduzi Zungu Port Elizabeth
Appointment date: 2 February 2014
Ordination date: 28 JUNE 2014

Latest Biography:
Vincent Mduduzi Zungu was born on 28 April 1966 in Mbongolwane, in the Diocese of Eshowe, to Gervas Zungu and Anna Zungu, born Makhoba. He has 3 brothers and 5 sisters. He was baptised a few days later and put under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, a French saint who dedicated his life to the formation of the religious and Clergy and looked after the poor and sick in Paris. His education took place at Samungu Primary School and Ndluyesilo High School. Having shown some desire to discern a possible vocation to the religious life and priesthood, he was sent to the Catholic Boarding School at Mahlabathini, north of Ulundi. Here he attended several vocation workshops presented by the Benedictines and the Eshowe Diocese. After completing his Matric he joined the Franciscan Postulancy in 1987 at Holy Cross Mission. On 19 January 1989 he made his first religious vows at St. Joseph’s Mission. He pursued philosophical studies at the Franciscan Studium Philosophicum and completed his theological studies at St. John Vianney Seminary in 1994 where he also obtained his BST from the Pontifical University Urbaniana On 2 July 1994 he took his Perpetual vows in his home parish of St. Joseph’s at Mbongolwane. On 15 August 1994 he was ordained deacon at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Pretoria, by Archbishop William Slattery OFM.

On 8 July 1995 Deacon Vincent Zungu was ordained priest at Holy Cross Mission, Gingindlovu by Bishop Mansuet Dela Biyase of the Eshowe Diocese. He was appointed assistant priest at Hardenberg Mission and was also involved with vocational promotion and formation of Franciscan postulants. In the second half of 1999 he attended a formation course at the Antonianum in Rome and was appointed novice master of the Franciscans at the end of the same year. Fr. Zungu was sent to France for further studies between 2001 and 2003, where he lived with the local Franciscan community in Strasbourg. After his return he was appointed student master of St. Francis House and taught moral theology at St. John Vianney Seminary from 2004—2006. In 2007 he was transferred to the newly established Postulancy House in Grahamstown. There he was postulant master until the end of 2008. In December 2008 he was elected Minister Provincial of the Franciscans and 6 months later attended the General Chapter of the Order of Friars Minor in Assisi. There he was elected as General Definitor for the whole Order. He resided at the General Curia of the Order in Rome and served as link between the Franciscan leadership in Rome and the Franciscan Provinces in Africa spread out in 32 countries. Fr. Zungu speaks English, French, Italian, Zulu, Sotho and Xhosa. On 2nd February 2014 the Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed Fr. Vincent Mduduzi Zungu bishop for the Diocese of Port Elizabeth. The Episcopal Ordination took place on the 28th June 2014.

 

Coat of Arms and Motto: UT UNUM SINT

1. Right in the centre of the shield, the crest is dominated by the ‘Diaz cross’ or padrao as it is sometimes
   called. It represents the earliest known contact of Christianity with this Southern part of Africa. It recalls
   the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz who landed just east of Algoa Bay at Kwaaihoek in March 1488 and planted the padrao cross on African soil in honour of the Christian faith. The 1st Mass may have been celebrated as well.

2. In the upper right-hand quarter is the Star of the Sea representing the Blessed Virgin Mary, the principal Patroness of the Diocese, invoked under the title of ‘Our Lady of the Flight into Egypt’ which is
traditionally celebrated every year in February. We pay homage to God and honour the memory of many missionaries who came on our beautiful sea shores to bring Christ to local people and joy of the Gospel.

3. In the right-hand quarter below is a setting of an African home along the coast, surrounded by hills and green pastures, with a wide country road leading straight home. The home represents African values of family, such as, love, joy, celebration, compassion, respect, inter-generational solidarity, hospitality, warmth, identity, belonging, reconciliation etc. encapsulated in the belief system of “Ubuntu” ( ‘humane-
ness’). A home is a sacred place where our first encounter with God is realized in the heart of the family. The Catholic Church sees itself as ‘Family of God in Africa’ where people of different languages and cultures are made to ‘feel at home’ – all the more this year (2014) dedicated to the Family.

4. In the left-hand quarter bellow is a golden harp representative of the yful faith of Irish missionaries: both, Diocesan and Religious, as well as male and female. Their spiritual, human and material contribution in the life of the local Church is immense. It is by no coincidence that the second Patron of the Diocese after the Blessed Virgin Mary is St Patrick. They are a constant reminder that the Church is by nature missionary, that’s the purpose for which it was founded and the reason for which it continues to exist. It is there to evangelize.

5. In the upper left-hand quarter is a Bishop’s golden staff, the crosier, recalling his principal ministry as shepherd. He must know his sheep so well that he “has a smell of their odour” as Pope Francis said on one occasion. The open book represents the Word of God, which is the source of life and the highest authority of the Church and the diocese.

6. All these old and new Christian traditions and symbols representing the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of the territory of the Diocese find their meaning, integration and unity in the life of God revealed by Jesus as the Divine Family of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The interwoven ‘Celtic rings’ in the centre of the crest represent the Most Holy Trinity, the founding principle of our Christian faith.

7. The Bishop’s motto is “ut unum sint” (Latin), “may they be one in us” (English), “eenwees in ons” (Afrikaans) and “mababe banye kuthi” (Xhosa) is taken from what has become known as the priestly prayer of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John Chapter 17 verse 21. Jesus is filled and moved by the Holy Spirit and prays to God the Father for the unity of his disciples and all believers. The Bishop was informed of his pending appointment by the Holy Father during the last week of praying for Christian unity on the 22nd of January. It was officially made public on the 2nd of February, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple in Jerusalem.

8. The crest was designed by ‘Design at Bay’, presented as a gift to the new Bishop and to the Catholic Diocese of Port Elizabeth by Mrs Dipti Varghese, her family and their dedicated staff. The Bishop and the Diocese extend their most sincere gratitude to Mrs Varghese, the family and to the artists for this inspiring masterpiece.

 

Predecessors:

• BISHOP MICHAEL GOWER COLEMAN

History of the Diocese:

It was erected as the Vicariate Apostolic of PORT ELIZABETH, formerly known as the Vicariate Apostolic of the Eastern Cape Districts of the Eastern Cape of Good Hope.

Postal Address: 4 How Ave Port Elizabeth Central 6001 / PO Box 12194, Centrahil 6006
Tel: 041 373 6735
Fax: 041 374 3921
Email: Office: secretary@catholic-pe.co.za
Website: Website
Social media: Rebecca Huntly
Communication officer: Fr. Gabriel Muyenga
Contact details: 078 6931096, muygabkab89@gmail.com

 

More Info: Here

Name of Diocese: Diocese of Bethlehem

Province: Free State
PATRON: Immaculate Heart of Mary
BISHOP Full Name: Rt Rev Bishop Jan De Groef M. Afr, Bishop of Bethlehem

Latest Biography: Bishop Jan De Groef was born in Belgium on the 7 January 1948. He entered as candidate of the Missionaries of Africa in 1972 in Louvain and did his noviciate in Birkdale, Great Britain in 1974. He did his theology studies at the Missionary Institute London in London from 1974 till 1979. He was ordained priest on 7 July  1979 at his home parish in Belgium. He arrived in Africa on the 15 February 1980 and in Bethlehem on 6 March. He was a member of the Pastoral Animation Team and worked in Senekal, Qwaqwa and Bohlokong-Bethlehem until 1990. He turned back in Belgium for 5 years then went to Burkina Faso for five years before coming back to South Africa where he worked in Pretoria Archdiocese. His last appointment was in Merrivale, Cedara. In 2007 he was appointed as the sector superior of the Missionaries of Africa working in South Africa. On the 31 December 2008, he was appointed as bishop-elect of the Diocese of Bethlehem.

 

Appointment date: the 31 December 2008
Ordination date: 28 th March 2009

 

Coat of Arms and Motto:

“Alive in Christ” is taken from Gal 2: 20. Our life as Christians and still more as priests and bishops is to be a sharing in the death and resurrection of the Lord

Predecessors:

• Leo Klerlein CSSp Vicar Apostolic of Kroonstad 8 April 1935 – died 22 May 1950
• Bishop P Kelleter CSSp first bishop of the Diocese of Bethlehem 11 January 1951; died 7th January 1991.
• Bishop Hubert Bucher. Retired since March 2009

 

History of the Diocese:

Prior to 1924 this territory formed part of the Kimberly Vicariate. From 1924 it was known as the Kroonstad Vicariate. Msgr. Leo Klerlein CSSp was appointed Prefect Apostolic in 1924, Vicar Apostolic in 1935. By Papal Decree dated 12 February 1948, the Sacred Congregation of Propagation of the Faith partitioned the Kroonstad Vicariate into two separate Vicariates. The western part with Kroonstad was entrusted to the Dominican Fathers of the Dutch Province. The eastern part with Bethlehem was entrusted to the Holy Ghost Fathers (CSSp) of the German Province. Msgr. Klerlein retired in 1948, with the creation of the new Vicariate. He was succeeded in 1950 by Bishop Peter Kelleter CSSp, who resigned on 5 July 1975. He was succeeded by Bishop Hubert Bucher, who came to South Africa as a Fidei Donum Priest from Regensburg diocese in Germany; he retired in 2009.

Postal Address: 218 Cambridge Street; PO Box 366, Bethlehem 9700
Tel: (058) 303 5351
Email: diocese@bhm.dorea.co.za
Website: Here
Social media: Facebook
Communication officer: Fr Khahliso Bonaventure Mofokeng

Contact details:
Mobile number: 0722109124
Email: khahlibee@mail.com

More info on the Catholic Directory: Here

Province of Bloemfontein
Patron: St Patrick

Bishop: Rt Fr. Michael Rasello, Diocesan Administrator ofKroonstad Diocese

Postal Address:
The Peak, PO Box 129, Kroonstad 9500.
Tel: 056 212 6639
Fax: 056 212 7705.
Email: bishop.krd@act.co.za

Coat of Arms and Motto

 

 

Predecessors

1. Rt. Rev Leo Klerlein, CSSp was first Vicar Apostolic of Kroonstad 8 April 1935. He died 22nd May 1950.
2. Rt. Rev Bishop G van Velsen, OP, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Kroonstad (11 January 1951) retired 15 November 1975, He died on 3 March 1996 in Holland.
3. Rt. Rev. Bishop J.L Brenninkmeijer, OP, second Bishop of the Diocese of Kroonstad. (24th July 1977). He died 2nd July 2003.
4. Rt. Rev Bishop S. Brislin, third Bishop of the Diocese of Kroonstad. Ordained Bishop 28th January, 2007. Transferred to the Archdiocese of Cape Town on 7th February, 2010.
5. Rt. Rev Bishop PJ Holiday, fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Kroonstad, Ordained Bishop 25th June 2011, Resigned 12 December 2022.

History of the Diocese

Until 1924 this territory formed part of the Kimberley Vicariate. By a decree dated 26 November 1923, the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide erected the northern half of the Orange Free State into a Prefecture and entrusted its care to the German Province of the Holy Ghost Fathers. On 24 March 1924, the Very Rev Leo Klerlein, CSSp, was appointed first Prefect Apostolic. On 8 April 1935, Kroonstad was constituted a Vicariate and Mgr Klerlein appointed first Vicar Apostolic.
In February 1948 the Eastern part was separated and constituted as the Bethlehem Vicariate; the Western part kept the name of Kroonstad Vicariate. In March 1948, Rt. Rev Mgr G Van Velsen, OP was appointed Apostolic Administrator of this territory which was entrusted to the Dominican Fathers of the Dutch Province.
When the Ecclesiastical Hierarchy was established in South Africa on 11 January 1951, the Vicariate became known as the Diocese of Kroonstad.
The Diocese comprises the civil districts of Kroonstad, Virginia, Theunissen, Welkom, Odendaalsrus, Allanridge, Bothaville, Viljoenskroon, Parys, Vredefort, Koppies, Sasolburg, Heilbron, Hennenman, Ventersburg and parts of Winburg, and Hoopstad, Wesselsbron

 

More Info: Here

Province of Bloemfontein
Patron: The Immaculate Heart of Mary

 

Bishop: MRt. Rev Bishop Duncan Tsoke, Bishop of Kimberley

Postal Address: 

20 Dalham Road, Labram, Kimberley, 8300 Or
P.O. Box 309, Kimberley, 8300, South Africa

Tel: +27 53 8311861
Email: secretary@kimdiocese.co.za
Website: Here
Socials: Facebook

Communication Officer:
Ms. Motshelisi Molefe
liturgy@kimdiocese.co.za
0765648612

 

Born on 15 April 1964 in Daveyton, Johannesburg.  Ordained Priest of  Johannesburg on 2 December 1995.  Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Johannesburg on 6 February 2016. Appointed Titular Bishop of Horrea Coelia on 6 February 2016 and ordained Bishop on 30 April 2016.  Appointed Bishop of Kimberley on 3 March 2021 and  Installed Bishop of Kimberley on 17 April 2021.

Coat of Arms and Motto

Predecessors

1. Rt Rev Anthony Gaughren OMI was consecrated 8 June 1886, Titular Bishop of Prienne. He died 15 January 1901.
2. Rt Rev Matthew Gaughren OMI was consecrated 23 January 1902, Titular Bishop of Tentyra and died 1 June 1914.
3. Rt Rev Bishop Charles Cox OMI, Titular Bishop of Dioclea, Vicar Apostolate of the Transvaal Vicariate, acted as Administrator of the Kimberley Vicariate from September 1914 to 5 November 1924 when the Rt Rev Hermann Joseph Meysing OMI was appointed Administrator Apostolic, consecrated 19 March 1930, Titular Bishop of Mina and appointed Archbishop of Bloemfontein 11 January 1951 and acted as Administrator \apostolic of the Kimberley Diocese from 11 January 1951 to 27 August 1953. He died 21 October 1963.
4. Rt Rev Bishop John Bokenfohr OMI was consecrated 3 May 1953, resigned 1 July and died 9 August 1982 as Cornwall, Canada.
5. Rt Rev Erwin Hecht OMI Ordained Bishop of the Titular See of Obba 11 May 1972 as Auxiliary to Bishop Bokenfohr OMI, he was appointed Bishop of Kimberley on 1 July and installed on 24 November 1974. Resigned 2009.

History of the Diocese

Separated from the Vicariate of natal 1st June 1886, the Diocese of Kimberley, established 11 January 1951, is the North of Orange River and comprises territory in the northern part of the Cape Province. The civil districts in the Northern Cape are: Barkly West, hay, Herbert, Kuruman, Mafikeng, Taung, Vryburg. The section of Botswana which is south of the Tropic of Capricorn (comprising the civil districts of Lobatse, Gaborone, Molepolole, part of Serowe and Tsabong) was detached from Kimberley Diocese on 24 April 1959. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kimberly is a thriving and dynamic community of faith, encompassing 196 parishes across the region. Rooted in a rich tradition of Catholicism and inspired by the Holy Spirit, our diocese is a beacon of hope, love, and compassion for all who seek to grow in their faith and serve their fellow community members. Within our diocese, diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is a guiding principle. Every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, is warmly welcomed into our close-knit family of believers. Our commitment is to serve not only the spiritual needs of our parishioners but also their emotional and physical well-being, recognizing that each person's journey is unique.  Our vision for the future is one of unity and shared purpose. We aspire to foster a deep and personal relationship with God in the hearts of all our members,  encouraging them to live out the Gospel values in their daily lives. As we journey together, we extend our hands in service to those in need, both within our diocese and the wider community.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kimberly is dedicated to continuous growth and spiritual development, aiming to make a positive impact on the world around us. We are a community that embraces the challenges of our time with unwavering faith and the timeless values of love, acceptance, and respect. Through our collective efforts, we hope to inspire others and spread the message of Christ’s love to all corners of our region and beyond.

 

Our Mission

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kimberly, a diverse and vibrant community of faith, is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serving the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of our parishioners and the wider community. Rooted in our rich tradition and guided by the Holy Spirit, we strive to be a beacon of hope, love, and compassion, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where all are welcome.

 

Value Statement

In the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kimberly, our values are the bedrock of our identity and the compass guiding our actions. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and animated by the Holy Spirit, we hold these core values dear to our hearts: Faith Centered Living:  We embrace a life of faith, seeking to deepen our relationship with God and allowing His teachings to illuminate our path.

 

Inclusivity and Diversity: 

We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, fostering a community where all are welcomed, accepted, and valued for who they are.

 

Compassionate Service: 

Grounded in love, we are dedicated to serving the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of our community and beyond, extending a helping hand to those in need. Unity in Diversity:  We cherish the richness of our diverse community, recognizing that our unity is strengthened by the variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences within our diocese.

 

Continuous Growth:

Committed to lifelong learning and spiritual development, we actively seek opportunities for personal and collective growth, adapting to the evolving needs of our community and the world.

 

Stewardship: 

Acknowledging that all we have is a gift from God, we practice responsible stewardship of our resources, both material and spiritual, for the benefit of present and future generations.

 

Authenticity: 

We strive to live authentically, aligning our words and actions with the Gospel values, fostering an environment of trust, transparency, and integrity. In living out these values, we aspire to be a shining light in our community, reflecting the love of Christ and inspiring positive change in the world around us.