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 Southern Africa.

In the Saturday, January 11 address Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński said it was both “a privilege and an honor” to represent the Holy Father, Pope Francis, at the “solemn and joyous occasion” to bid “farewell to Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, OMI, as the Emeritus Archbishop of Johannesburg.”

The Papal representative acknowledged the historical significance of Archbishop Tlhagale OMI ministry, both as the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Bloemfontein and as the first Archbishop of Johannesburg since 2003.

“On behalf of the Holy Father, I express heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to the Church as a true shepherd after the heart of Christ,” said the Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa.

He added, “Your decades of dedicated service, first as Bishop of Bloemfontein and, since 2003, as the first Archbishop of Johannesburg, have left an indelible mark on the life of the Church in South Africa. You have guided the faithful with wisdom and love, always attentive to the needs of your people, embodying the spirit of a pastor who lays down his life for his flock.”

In his address the Polish-born Vatican diplomat acknowledged the historical
significance of Archbishop Tlhagale OMI ministry “not only for the Church in South
Africa but for the Church in the whole of Africa.”

Archbishop Tlhagale OMI holding Pope Francis message

For Archbishop Jagodziński, the 25 th Episcopal Anniversary of Archbishop Tlhagale OMI celebrated in April 2024 was a milestone that speaks of the Archbishop
“enduring fidelity and zeal in service to the Lord and His Church.”

The Papal representative to South Africa commended the member of the Oblates of
Mary Immaculate (OMI) for his “devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary” and for the
establishment of the Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesberg which he said, serves as a “source of inspiration to many.”

Official opening of Mother of Mercy Shrine

“This devotion found a beautiful expression in your visionary project of the Mother of
Mercy Shrine in Magaliesberg. This shrine stands as a testament to your faith and will continue to draw countless faithful closer to our Lord through the loving intercession of His Blessed Mother,” said Archbishop Jagodziński.

As Archbishop Tlhagale OMI steps back from active governance, Archbishop
Jagodziński emphasized that retirement marks not an end but a continuation of
Archbishop Tlhagale’s journey as a priest forever.

He said, “Today, as you begin a new chapter in your life, stepping back from the
responsibilities of governance to embrace the grace-filled years of retirement, we
recognize that this transition is not an end but a continuation of your journey as a
successor of the Apostles.”

“As you have often reminded us through your words and actions, the priesthood is not merely a function but an indelible character—Tu es sacerdos in aeternum. Dear Archbishop Buti, you are a priest forever,” he added,

In his concluding remarks, the Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa thanked Archbishop
Tlhagale OMI for the living history he has “embodied—a history interwoven with the
story of South Africa and the vibrant tapestry of the Church in Africa.”

“May Our Blessed Mother, to whom you have always entrusted your ministry, guide
you in this new season of life. May the Lord bless you with peace, health, and joy in
abundance as you continue to serve Him in new ways,” he concluded.